Lawn Mower Crankshaft Repair Cost [Pricing Breakdown]

Although a lawnmower is not likely the most expensive machine you have, it can be relatively costly to repair it. One of the priciest repairs is a broken or bent crankshaft. Unfortunately, it may be better to replace the whole mower instead of fixing it if that does happen.

On average, the cost to repair a lawnmower crankshaft is between $500 and $900, depending on the extent of the damage and the mower’s complexity. In many cases, a new machine may be just as affordable (or cheaper). Although there can be some low-cost options available, they come with risks, so you have to be careful.

In this article, we’re going to break down the various elements that go into this cost so you can make an informed decision.

One of the problems with this kind of repair project is that many variables can affect the price. For example, a bent crankshaft may be correctable, but a cracked one has to be replaced. Also, the type of mower you have can increase or decrease the cost.

We’ll get into a more detailed breakdown in the next section, but you can expect to pay between $500 and $900 for this repair, parts and labor included. However, in some cases, if the mower’s engine needs additional work, a professional will simply tell you to buy a new lawnmower instead.

As a rule, three types of lawnmowers use a crankshaft. The first is a push mower, which uses a motor to spin the blades but doesn’t move by itself. Second, you can buy a self-propelled mower, which will move on its own. All you have to do is stand behind and guide the machine where you want it to go. The most expensive option is a riding lawnmower, and repairs on these machines can be similar to what you would pay for your car.

Most lawnmower repair shops charge an hourly rate depending on the type of mower you have, and they have a minimum cost of each kind of job. Here are some examples from a few shops:

Typically, a lawnmower crankshaft will either bend slightly or crack. If the piece is bent, there is a chance that it can be bent back to its original shape. However, because this metal is extra tough, trying to do that can be risky, as you could damage other parts of the engine. A cracked crankshaft will have to be replaced, as there is no way to patch the breakage and have the piece work correctly.

In most cases, a repair shop will want to replace the crankshaft instead of repairing it, since doing so will likely cause further damage. This process can take several hours, which is why the total price is so high.

Some lawnmower repair locations specialize in smaller projects like carburetor cleaning and blade sharpening. If you take your mower to one of these places, you will likely have to pay more because it will take longer for the workers to get the job done. Also, shops that don’t do this kind of work may turn you down altogether.

If you can’t bring the lawnmower in, you will have to pay a service fee for a technician to come to your house. On average, service fees are between $45 and $70, depending on the distance. This cost is also often non-refundable, even if you decide to scrap the mower.

As a rule, if your mower is less than seven years old and in excellent condition, it will be worth at least as much as you paid for it. However, if it is run-down or worn, it can be worth up to half the original cost (or less). So, if you have an older model with a broken crankshaft, it’s likely better to buy a new mower. However, if your machine is relatively new and in good condition, it might be valuable enough to repair it.

If you’re torn about the idea of replacing your lawnmower, we suggest looking up the model number online to see both the new retail price as well as used models. This will give you an idea of the cost-to-value ratio of the machine.