When a lawn mower breaks, finding replacement parts can get expensive. Used mower parts offer an affordable alternative. Let’s explore where to access secondhand components and how reused parts can save money over new.
Why Buy Used Lawn Mower Parts?
Used parts provide helpful advantages compared to purchasing new:
Significant Cost Savings
Gently utilized OEM parts cost a fraction of list prices, with savings of 50% or more. Aftermarket used parts save even more.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Reusing working components keeps functional material out of landfills and reduces manufacturing wastage and emissions – it’s recycling!
Options for Older and Vintage Models
New replacement parts often aren’t manufactured anymore for outdated or classic mowers. Used vendors specialize in hard-to-find inventory.
Small Repairs Stay Economical
Worn parts like blades, bearings, wheels and pulleys are inexpensive to replace using secondhand items versus new. Extends useful mower lifespan.
Where to Check for Used Parts
With some digging, used components for most mower brands and models can be located at:
Online Parts Resale Sites
Websites like PartsWarehouse.com and LawnMowerPartsStore.com sell preowned mower components through online marketplaces at huge discounts.
Local Swap Meets
Outdoor swap events frequently have individuals selling bins full of assorted parts and accessories pulled from old mowers. A virtual treasure chest awaits!
Repair Shop Part Outs
When commercial shops replace destroyed decks, engines or interiors, the other components often get parted out. Call to ask what’s available.
Classified Listings
Check local classifieds under farm equipment or tools sections for mowers being sold just for parts. These provide the cheapest way to source components.
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Evaluating Quality & Compatibility
Inspecting used parts helps match items still serviceable for continued duty:
Check Condition
Look for signs of wear like discoloration, rust spots, heavy dents on metal areas, and cracked plastic pieces which compromise durability.
Confirm Measurement Specs
Size format standards change. Review technical dimensional detail on shafts, splines and gear teeth spacing to ensure correct mating with existing components.
Identify Part Numbers
Etched model numbers confirm compatibility across brands and product generations so updated components still correctly integrate.
Review Operating Condition
When possible, test items for intended functionality by looking for smooth spins, spring recoils and snaps, locking pin engagement, etc. depending on the part type.
Best Used Lawn Mower Parts to Buy
Some components make the most sense to purchase reused rather than new:
Engines
Complete used engines offer huge savings. Internal parts readily interchange when rebuilt or swapped into different brand casings during repairs.
Cutting Decks
Dented commercial metal decks or cracked vintage plastic shells still serve fine. Check the underside blade housing area condition where true wear weakness shows first.
Drive Trains
Reels, rods, cables and pulley mechanisms see minimal stress and therefore last many mower lifetimes if protected from debris and moisture damage during use and storage.
Body Panels
Although dings reduce resale value, scratched side panels or cracked hoods pose no operational consequences unless sharp enough to cut skin. Easy money saving used buys!
FAQs
Do used mower part sellers offer return policies?
Limited return acceptance windows vary by seller. Carefully notate included accessories in unboxings. Parts usually can’t get returned once installing begins.
Can components be matched across electric and gas mowers?
No – engines, exhaust, fuel and ignition systems differ completely. But shared aspects like deck shells, wheels and handlebars often crossover between power delivery methods.
Is it safe to buy older used electric parts?
Exercise caution when sourcing vintage electric items if safety modernizations occurred since. Consult manufacturers to compare new standards versus old to identify any intolerable risks.
How do I identify mower part numbers?
Model stickers appear under seats or hoods detailing brand, product line and serial numbers. Search these online to pull parts diagrams and component identifiers for exact replacement matching.
Conclusion
Sourcing secondhand used lawn mower hardware breathes extended life into aging equipment at ultra affordable price points thanks to steep discounts. Scout local and online investigative channels to uncover parts hoards so refreshing maintenance repairs make financial sense over costly new replacements. Just be diligent confirming acceptable condition and spec compatibility during discoveries!