The cost of owning a mower
Fuel, batteries, blades, and upkeep, without numbers.
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What the price tag leaves out
A mower keeps costing after you buy it. A gas mower uses fuel and oil. A battery mower depends on its battery and charger. A rotary blade dulls with use.
How long does a mower last?
We have no source for a lifespan in years, so we do not give one. Ohio State says proper maintenance will increase the life of the equipment and lower the chance of safety risks from equipment malfunction.
The manual sets the schedule
Ohio State says to use the maintenance schedule in the operator's manual. Keep the manual with the mower.
Blades
University of Maryland Extension says to sharpen mower blades at the beginning of each mowing season or replace them once a year.
Fuel that sits
LSU AgCenter says old gasoline will make an engine difficult or impossible to start in spring. Our storage guide covers the two ways LSU describes to avoid it.
Batteries
The CPSC says to use only the battery and charger provided by the manufacturer with battery-powered tools. EPA says lithium-ion batteries should go to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points, not household garbage or recycling bins.
Sources: Ohio State University Extension, Power Lawn Mowers; University of Maryland Extension, Maintaining an Established Lawn; LSU AgCenter, Preparing Small Engines for Storage; CPSC, Home Safe Yard Care (PDF); EPA, Used Lithium-Ion Batteries; AAOS OrthoInfo, Lawn Mower Safety.
FAQ
General information only. Read the operator's manual before you mow. Keep children and pets indoors or well away from the area you mow, and never let a child ride on a mower as a passenger. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that, in general, children should be at least 12 years old to operate a walk-behind power mower safely and at least 16 to operate a riding mower safely. Before you clear, adjust, or service the blade area, turn the mower off, wait for the blade to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire; on a battery or corded electric mower, follow the manual to disconnect its power. Refuel outdoors, only with the engine off and cool. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and eye and hearing protection. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: maintenance basics
Oil, plug, filter, manual.
