Is thirty years too long to keep a lawn mower?

[bigtiller]

CalG​

You're more patient than me, I would have replaced it at least 3 times by now. In fact, there were about a dozen years or so in my past, that I traded my riding mower every year.

 

[big bubba]

​

You're more patient than me, I would have replaced it at least 3 times by now. In fact, there were about a dozen years or so in my past, that I traded my riding mower every year.

seems to me if one has a solid machine, replacing just for the sake of yearly intervals is overkill, esp with poor box store quality, & very pricey commercial grade machines. i feel the same way about vehicles.

 

[mjonesnh]

Do not have a mower that is 30 years old but do have one from 1998 that was my dad's. Still gets used and very dependable. Replaced starter and carb., after that just belts and blades. Also, have a Cub Cadet Z Force ZTR from 2005, 680hours. Replaced both coils and seat. Rest just belts and normal maintenance items. Probably will keep running them till they stop. Hopefully both make it past 30 years

 

[big bubba]

goes w/o saying, but will say anyway: mower longevity also includes exclusive use of non ethanol fuel. plus avoid carburetors from China, but tariffs may take care of that anyway

 

[RayIN]

Would $43.22 ea. for belts be better? https://www.jackssmallengines.com/Products/GIANT-VAC/Belts

 

[MossRoad]

goes w/o saying, but will say anyway: mower longevity also includes exclusive use of non ethanol fuel. plus avoid carburetors from China, but tariffs may take care of that anyway

I've run e10 in everything I own since the 80s with the exception of a 2 year old chainsaw that required higher octane. That lawnmower that wouldn't die? e10. Never drained the tank, let it set all winter half full.

 

[big bubba]

could be, i'd bet for every success story like yours there are 5 less favorable ones, esp sitting over the winter season. (not to speak of possible carb problems along the way)... if your fuel gives no problem, then by all means continue, regards

 

[RayIN]

Giant VAC belts:

 

[yanmars]

I have lived at my house fora 50 years. First mower lasted 20 years of so, this one is right at 30 years. Walk behind but not a push mower except the drive is so weak now it pretty much is a push mower. Now that I am 77 years old it is more work although the yard is not too big but I generally mow twice a week so I do not have a week/dandelion problem as I do not fertilize etc. but every 7 years or so.
I think I will be needing/getting a different one also soon.

 

[Williy]

For my weed wacker I have never replaced the belt just
modified it because the cable broke

willy