As a leading home improvement retailer, Lowes offers a wide range of products and services to help homeowners maintain their property, including outdoor power equipment like lawn mowers. If your trusty mower is on the fritz, you may be wondering: does Lowes repair lawn mowers? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore Lowes‘ lawn mower repair services, policies, and expert tips to help you make informed decisions as a savvy consumer.
Understanding Common Lawn Mower Issues
Before we dive into Lowes‘ repair services, it‘s helpful to understand the most common issues that plague lawn mowers. According to a survey by Consumer Reports, the top problems reported by lawn mower owners are:
| Problem | % of Owners Reporting |
|---|---|
| Difficult to start | 25% |
| Runs roughly | 13% |
| Leaks oil | 7% |
| Stalls | 6% |
| Won‘t self-propel | 5% |
Source: Consumer Reports Lawn Mower & Tractor Survey 2020
Many of these issues can be prevented or resolved with regular maintenance, like changing the oil, spark plugs, and air filter. However, more serious problems like a damaged engine or transmission may require professional repair.
The cost of professional lawn mower repair varies widely depending on the issue and type of mower, but here are some average prices from HomeGuide:
- Tune-up: $75-$100
- Carburetor cleaning/rebuild: $75-$100
- Recoil starter repair: $60-$135
- Blade sharpening/replacement: $20-$70
- Engine replacement: $300-$600
With these potential costs in mind, it‘s important to weigh your repair options carefully. Let‘s take a closer look at how Lowes can help.
Lowes‘ Lawn Mower Repair Services
Lowes does not have in-house technicians who repair lawn mowers within their stores. However, they do provide several options to assist customers with mower repairs:
- Manufacturer warranty repairs
- Lowes protection plans
- Referrals to local repair services
- DIY repair resources and parts
Manufacturer Warranty Repairs
If you purchased your mower from Lowes and it‘s still under the manufacturer‘s warranty (typically 2-3 years), Lowes can help facilitate repairs. Simply bring your mower to the customer service desk along with your receipt and warranty information.
Lowes will then coordinate with the manufacturer to either:
a) Ship the mower to a manufacturer-authorized repair center
b) Schedule an in-home repair visit from a certified technician
c) Provide instructions for you to work directly with the manufacturer
The exact process and timeline will vary depending on the mower brand and warranty terms. Some manufacturers, like John Deere and Husqvarna, have extensive networks of authorized service centers that can complete repairs quickly. Others may require shipping the mower back to a central facility, which can take several weeks.
Here‘s an overview of the warranty repair process for a few top mower brands sold at Lowes:
| Brand | Warranty Period | Repair Process |
|---|---|---|
| John Deere | 2-4 years | Take to authorized John Deere dealer, free pickup for riding mowers |
| Craftsman | 2 years | Contact Craftsman support to schedule repair at authorized center |
| Husqvarna | 2-5 years | 3 service options: in-home repair, service center drop-off, or ship to Husqvarna |
| Kobalt | 5 years | Contact Kobalt support for repair instructions, 30-day return policy |
While Lowes can help streamline warranty repairs, it‘s important to note that the repair work itself will be completed by the manufacturer or an authorized third-party, not Lowes associates. This is an industry-standard practice for most large retailers.
Lowes Protection Plans
For added peace of mind and convenience, Lowes offers its own protection plans on riding and walk-behind mowers purchased in-store or online. These plans extend the manufacturer‘s warranty for an additional 2-3 years, with 2 tiers of coverage:
- Standard Plan: Covers mechanical and electrical failures, routine maintenance $54.99+
- Advance Plan: Also covers tire/wheel damage and cosmetic defects, $254.99+
The cost of the plans varies depending on the original price of the mower:
| Mower Price | Standard 2-Year Plan | Advance 3-Year Plan |
|–|–|–|–|
| Up to $1,999 | $54.99 | $254.99 |
| $2,000-$6,999 | $174.99 | $374.99 |
| $7,000+ | $399.99 | $699.99 |
Under a Lowes protection plan, you can easily file a claim online or by phone 24/7. There are no deductibles or hidden fees. Covered repairs are completed through Lowes‘ network of licensed repair providers.
Lowes guarantees "Repair Quick" service for riding mowers, with an in-home technician visit within 7 business days of your claim. For cheaper walk-behind mowers, Lowes will pay for round-trip shipping to their affiliated repair center.
Compared to other extended mower warranties on the market, Lowes‘ protection plans offer competitive coverage and pricing with the added convenience of working through your local store. However, some premium mower brands like John Deere and Toro offer their own extended warranties with perks like annual service inspections that may provide better value for some customers.
Referrals to Local Repair Services
For out-of-warranty mower repairs, Lowes maintains partnerships with many reliable independent repair services specializing in outdoor power equipment. While the exact offerings vary by location, most stores can recommend 2-3 vetted shops in the area.
The benefits of working with a local shop recommended by Lowes include:
- Mower safety/maintenance inspection included with repairs
- Guaranteed work and competitive pricing
- Possible discounts for Lowes customers
- Service records tracked for future reference
- Conveniently located in your community
To take advantage of this service, simply explain your repair needs to a Lowes associate in the lawn and garden center. They can share contact info for recommended providers and help you compare options.
DIY Repair Resources
If you‘re mechanically inclined, Lowes offers a wealth of resources to help you diagnose and fix common mower problems yourself:
- Extensive selection of replacement parts, including air filters, spark plugs, blades, tires, and batteries for popular mower brands
- Instructional guides and videos on mower maintenance and troubleshooting
- Access to owner‘s manuals for mowers purchased at Lowes
- Knowledgeable associates to help you find the right parts and tools
By tackling basic maintenance and repairs yourself, you can save money and extend the life of your mower. Some beginner-friendly DIY mower repairs include:
- Changing the oil
- Replacing the air filter
- Sharpening or replacing blades
- Cleaning the carburetor
- Replacing the spark plug
- Charging/replacing the battery (electric start models)
However, more complex repairs like fixing the self-propel drive or rebuilding the transmission are best left to professionals.
Lowes Lawn Mower Repair vs. Other Options
Repairing your mower through Lowes is just one of several options available, each with its own pros and cons. Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Repair Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lowes Protection Plan | Guaranteed service, covers shipping or in-home repair | Only for mowers purchased from Lowes, potential overlap with factory warranty |
| Manufacturer Warranty Service | Free repairs, access to authorized technicians and OEM parts | Limited to defects in materials and workmanship, not wear and tear |
| Independent Local Shops | Flexible scheduling, lower prices, familiarity with all mower types | Quality and experience level can vary widely, no shipping options |
| Mobile Repair Services | Ultimate convenience with on-site repair at your home | Higher rates, not available in all areas |
| DIY Repairs | Lowest cost, learn valuable skills, satisfaction of fixing it yourself | Requires tools and mechanical knowledge, can void warranty, safety risks |
Your ideal choice will depend on factors like the age and brand of your mower, your budget, your DIY comfort level, and your local repair options. For many consumers, using Lowes‘ assistance for warranty repairs or purchasing a Lowes‘ protection plan offers an effective balance of convenience, reliable service, and long-term value.
Expert Tips for Preventing Mower Breakdowns
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By following these expert tips, you can avoid many common mower problems and extend the life of your machine:
-
Read your owner‘s manual. Familiarize yourself with your mower‘s specific maintenance needs and operating instructions.
-
Clean your mower after each use. Brush off grass clippings, dirt, and debris to prevent rust and clogs.
-
Sharpen blades regularly. Dull blades tear grass and put excess strain on the engine. Sharpen or replace blades at least once per season.
-
Change the oil. Follow the manual‘s recommendations for oil type and change frequency, usually every 50 hours of use or once per season.
-
Replace the air filter. A clean air filter improves engine efficiency and prevents overheating. Replace paper filters annually and clean foam filters with soap and water.
-
Store your mower properly. Clean the mower and empty the gas tank before storing it in a dry place for winter. Avoid leaving it outside exposed to the elements.
-
Use fresh fuel. Gasoline breaks down over time, causing hard starting and poor performance. Use fuel stabilizer and don‘t leave old gas in the tank for more than 30 days.
The Environmental & Economic Impact of Mower Repair
Repairing your lawn mower instead of replacing it prematurely isn‘t just good for your wallet – it‘s good for the planet too. The EPA estimates that over 17 million lawn mowers and trimmers end up in landfills each year, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and wasting valuable resources.
By maintaining and repairing your mower, you can:
- Reduce waste and keep materials out of landfills
- Conserve the energy and resources needed to manufacture a new mower
- Support local repair businesses and technician jobs
- Save money on replacement costs and enjoy a high-quality lawn for less
In fact, if every American household repaired instead of replaced just one minor appliance per year, it would prevent 350,000 tons of waste and save $330 million in landfill costs.
A Brief History of Lowes‘ Lawn & Garden Services
Did you know that Lowes first started as a single general store in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina in 1921? Founded by Lucius Lowe, the company initially sold everything from overalls to wash tubs, serving a community of cotton farmers.
It wasn‘t until the 1960s housing boom that Lowes shifted to a home improvement focus and began expanding. The modern Lawn & Garden department debuted in 1980, stocked with newly available consumer lawn mowers and accessories.
Today, Lowes operates over 2,000 stores across North America, each with an average of 40,000 sq ft of retail space. The typical Lawn & Garden department stocks 400+ items, from manual push mowers to commercial zero-turn models. In 2019, the company reported over $72 billion in total sales.
Throughout its history, Lowes has prioritized customer education, problem solving, and expert service as core brand values. The lawn mower repair assistance program is just one example of how Lowes continues to help homeowners enjoy an immaculate lawn within their budget.
Conclusion
As we‘ve explored in this comprehensive guide, Lowes offers several options to help customers repair their lawn mowers, including:
- Facilitating warranty repairs with manufacturers
- Offering extended protection plans with expedited service guarantees
- Providing referrals to vetted local repair shops
- Stocking mower parts and maintenance resources for DIY fixes
While Lowes may not directly complete the repairs in-house, their knowledgeable associates and comprehensive services make them a go-to resource for lawn mower owners.
By taking advantage of Lowes‘ repair assistance when needed and following expert maintenance tips, you can keep your mower running smoothly season after season while minimizing waste and saving money in the long run.
Happy mowing!
