How much does a lawn mower tune-up cost?
How much does a lawn mower tune-up cost?
$50 – $200 basic tune-up cost
$150 – $300+ full engine tune-up cost
Average lawn mower tune-up cost
A lawn mower tune-up costs $50 to $200 for a basic service to clean the air filter, change the spark plugs, and top off the oil levels. A full engine lawn mower tune-up costs $150 to $300 or more and includes fluid changes, blade sharpening, and filter and belt replacements.
| Tune-up type | Average cost | Services included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic tune-up | $50 – $200 | Cleaning air filter, replacing spark plugs, checking tire pressure, and topping off oil |
| Full engine tune-up | $150 – $300+ | Basic services + blade sharpening, fluid changes, replacing worn belts or other parts |
Cost of lawn mower tune-up by type
The cost of a lawn mower tune-up varies depending on the type of mower you own. Simpler machines like push mowers are less expensive to maintain, costing $50 to $100 for a basic tune up. Services for more complex equipment such as riding mowers and zero-turn models have higher costs.
| Mower type | Average tune-up cost* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Push mower | $50 – $80 | Manual mowers for small lawns are the simplest and cheapest mower type to maintain. |
| Self-propelled mower | $80 – $100 | Self-propelled mowers reduce user effort for medium-sized lawns but have slightly higher maintenance costs. |
| Lawn tractor / riding mower | $150 – $200 | Suitable for larger lawns, these riding mowers have more costly maintenance than average. |
| Zero-turn (commercial-type mower) |
$200 – $350 | Designed for expansive areas, these mowers offer superior maneuverability but require more intensive maintenance. |
*Cost for a basic tune-up service
Lawn mower service cost
Lawn mower maintenance costs depend on the specific services needed, with individual tasks being less costly than a full tune-up. An oil change typically costs $25 to $50, while an engine tune-up ranges from $150 to $300+. Smaller services like tire pressure checks and air filter cleaning are more affordable.
| Service type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Oil change | $25 – $50 |
| Engine tune-up | $150 – $300+ |
| Tire pressure check | $15 – $20 |
| Air filter cleaning | $20 – $25 |
| Spark plug replacement | $10 – $20 |
| Belt replacement | $15 – $65 |
| Blade sharpening | $5 – $15 per blade |
| Blade replacement | $35 – $50 |
*Includes parts and labor where applicable.
Lawn mower tune-up cost factors
Several factors can influence the cost of a lawn mower tune-up:
Mower type: Riding mowers generally cost more to service than push mowers due to their complexity and larger size.
Age and condition: Older or poorly maintained mowers may require more extensive work, increasing costs.
Service type: Basic tune-ups are less expensive than full tune-ups, which include more comprehensive services.
Parts replacement: The need for new parts, such as spark plugs or air filters, can add to the overall cost.
Location: Service costs can vary based on your region and local labor rates.
Pickup and delivery fees: Some companies charge extra for picking up or delivering your mower, which can add to the total cost.
Service provider: Dealerships often charge more than independent repair shops, while mobile services may charge higher rates for the added convenience.
Regular tune-ups are crucial as they can prevent more expensive repairs over time by identifying and addressing issues early. Schedule an annual o seasonal tune-up to ensure your lawn mower operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Lawn mower tune-up alternatives
Tune-up expenses may seem significant, but they're only a fraction of the purchase price for a lawn mower, which can reach $1,600 for a self-propelled model and $2,000 to $5,000 for a riding mower. Regular maintenance is cost-effective, extending the mower's life and avoiding premature replacement. This approach saves money compared to buying new.
For those who prefer not to own a lawn mower, hiring a professional lawn service is a convenient alternative. Lawn mowing costs $30 to $85 per visit for recurring services, eliminating lawn mower maintenance costs while providing consistent results for a healthy, beautiful lawn.
Lawn mower tune-up FAQs
What is a lawn mower tune-up?
A lawn mower tune-up is a planned maintenance service that can include tasks like oil changes, air filter replacements, and blade sharpening to ensure optimal performance and extend the mower's lifespan.
What does a lawn mower tune-up consist of?
A lawn mower tune-up often consists of the following steps:
Change the air filter
Top up or change the oil
Replace the spark plugs
Check the air and fuel filters
Add fuel stabilizer
Sharpen or replace the blades
How often should you tune up your lawn mower?
You should tune up your lawn mower annually or after every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. Regular tune-ups help prevent costly repairs and keep your mower in good shape throughout the mowing season.
Where do I get a lawn mower tune-up?
You can get a lawn mower tune-up from authorized dealerships, small engine repair shops, or home improvement stores like Home Depot. Additionally, many local repair services offer in-home repairs or free pick-up and delivery for added convenience.
Should I do my own lawn mower tune-up?
While you can perform some basic maintenance tasks at home, lawn care experts recommend a professional tune-up for comprehensive care and to address complex issues. DIY tune-ups can save money but require time, tools, and expertise, and improper maintenance can lead to potential damage or safety hazards.
Getting estimates from mower repair services
When choosing a lawn mower repair service, look for the following:
Experience and expertise: Ensure the service provider has experience with your mower type and brand.
Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for referrals to gauge the service's reliability and quality.
Certifications: Look for certifications from manufacturers or professional organizations.
Cost and transparency: Get clear estimates and understand what is included in the service.
Convenience: Consider services that offer pick-up, drop-off, or on-site repairs for added convenience.
Questions to ask a lawn mower technician
Ask your lawn mower repair service these questions when scheduling a tune up service:
What services are included in a basic mower tune-up?
What additional services are offered in a comprehensive tune-up?
How often do you recommend getting a tune-up for my type of lawn mower?
What are the most common issues you encounter during tune-ups?
Do you provide any maintenance tips to extend the life of my mower?
Do you offer pick-up or on-site service options?
What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer for your tune-up services?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.