MyME
The 50% Rule: Your Equipment Decision Framework
The go-to rule for deciding between repair or replacement is simple:
If the repair costs more than 50% of the cost of a comparable new machine, replacement usually makes better sense.
Why? Because even after a costly fix, you’re still left with older equipment—likely with wear on other components. In contrast, new equipment brings full warranty coverage, zero hours, modern safety features, and longer lifespan.
Example:
- A $200 repair on a $2,500 compact tractor = ✅ worth it (8%)
- A $200 repair on a $350 mower = ❌ likely not worth it (57%)
Lawn Mower Lifespan: How Long Should a Lawn Mower Last?
For gas-powered residential mowers:
- 10–15 years of life is common with proper maintenance
- Lower-end models: 450–500 hours
- Premium models (e.g. John Deere): 1,000+ hours
- Electric models: 5–7 years, battery is usually the limiting factor
Repair Your Mower If:
- It’s fairly new or from a high-quality brand
- The issue is minor: spark plug, blade sharpening, air filter, pull cord
- Repair cost is under 50% of the cost of new
- Parts are available and affordable
- It runs well otherwise with no major issues
Replace Your Mower If:
- It’s 10+ years old or near hour limits
- Engine, battery, or deck damage makes repairs costly
- Parts are discontinued
- You’re seeing frequent $100+ repairs
- It lacks safety features like guards or shields
Compact Tractors: Lifespan and Repair Thresholds
Compact tractors are built to last:
- 4,000–5,000 hours for standard compacts
- 8,000–10,000+ hours for premium brands
- Many homeowners get decades of use
New compact tractors range from $15,000 to $40,000+ with loader and attachments, so the repair threshold is much higher.
Repair Your Tractor If:
- It’s under 2,000 hours and well-maintained
- You’re dealing with minor or moderate repairs (hydraulics, tires, belts)
- Parts and service are available
- It still meets your needs
- It’s under warranty or covered by dealer support
Replace Your Tractor If:
- It’s past 4,000–5,000 hours and showing wear across multiple systems
- A single repair (like an engine or transmission) nears 50% of value
- It’s missing key safety features like ROPS
- You need more power or modern tech for current attachments
- Repair delays are constant due to parts issues
String Trimmers and Weed Whippers
Lifespan:
- Gas trimmers: 5–10 years
- Battery-powered: 3–7 years
Repair Your Trimmer If:
- It’s under 3 years old and the issue is small (plug, fuel line, starter rope)
- Repair costs are low (under 25% of new cost)
- It’s a high-end or favorite model
Replace Your Trimmer If:
- The engine or motor is failing
- Battery systems are discontinued
- The unit runs poorly, frequently stalls, or is 7+ years old
- Repairs exceed half the cost of a new trimmer
Brush Cutters and Walk-Behind Mowers
Lifespan:
- Handheld brush cutters: 5–10+ years
- Walk-behind brush mowers: 8–10+ years
- Battery units: 3–5 years
Repair If:
- It needs blade replacement, plug change, or filter cleaning
- The machine is in good shape and parts are easy to get
- Repairs are well under 50% of replacement cost
Replace If:
- You’re dealing with major engine failure, gearbox damage, or shaft cracks
- It’s old, unreliable, or lacks parts availability
- You want to upgrade to a different size, format, or battery platform
Chainsaws: Lifespan and Replacement Triggers
Lifespan:
- Gas chainsaws: 10+ years (with limited seasonal use)
- Battery models: 5–8 years
Repair Your Chainsaw If:
- It needs routine items: bar, chain, plug, filter, starter
- It’s a newer model with minor carburetor issues
- Parts are still available
Replace Your Chainsaw If:
- It has major internal failure (scored piston, seized engine)
- Safety features are broken (chain brake, throttle lock, chain catcher)
- It’s hard to start, unreliable, or nearing 10+ years of age
- You want safer, quieter, or cleaner technology (many battery saws now rival gas performance)
Beyond the 50% Rule: Other Key Factors
- Parts Availability – If parts are discontinued, even small issues become terminal
- Warranty Coverage – Use your warranty if you’re still within the window
- Safety – If it’s missing critical safety features and you can’t replace them, the equipment should go
- Technology Obsolescence – Some battery platforms get phased out—replacement becomes smart
- DIY Skill – Handy folks stretch equipment longer; others may spend more on labor
- Climate Considerations – Minnesota winters are tough on poorly stored gear. Rust, fuel gumming, and cracked components often push older equipment past the tipping point.
Quick Checklist: Should I Repair or Replace?
- Is the equipment near the end of its expected lifespan?
- Will the repair cost 50% or more of replacement?
- Are parts still available?
- Is the equipment still safe to use?
- Have you had frequent breakdowns recently?
- Has your equipment outgrown your needs?
If you answer yes to more than one, replacement is probably the better move.
Talk to a Local Expert Before You Decide
Still unsure? Our team will give you an honest, no-pressure assessment. We can help you decide whether a repair makes sense, or whether it’s time to explore new equipment options.
- Schedule In-Shop Service for diagnostics
- Order genuine parts for your repair
- Browse new lawn mowers, tractors, and handheld tools
- Find a Minnesota Equipment location near you for help
FAQs: Repair vs Replace
What’s the 50% rule?
If a repair costs more than half of what a new unit costs, replacement typically makes more financial sense.
How long should a lawn mower last?
Gas mowers last 10–15 years with maintenance; battery mowers last 5–7 years depending on use and charge cycles.
Is battery replacement worth it?
Compare battery price to a new tool kit. If it’s close, upgrading might be smarter.
When is a tractor not worth repairing?
If hours are high, repairs are frequent or costly, or safety features are lacking—it may be time to trade up.
Is it okay to keep old equipment if it still runs?
Yes, as long as it’s safe, performs well, and doesn’t cost more in repairs than it’s worth.
