Fixing and Flipping Lawn Mowers - How Much Money Did I Make?

[@davidstill754]

Good job. One thing I might suggest is give the mower every opportunity to start and run good....New plug, air filter, oil change Clean carburetor if necessary. The easier it starts and mows the easier the sell and the bigger the profit. The $19 blade hurt your return but it helped your reputation for selling a good dependable mower and that my friend will pay off like crazy when word spreads around that you do a good job. Keep up the good work and Welcome to the club!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Wise words man, thanks for the comment!

[@jasonwalker6481]

I started flipping 2 weeks ago with 9 mowers but I sold them all and can’t find any more of them

[@RussellHoughton]

Blades and carbs. are killers. I flip about 20-30 mowers each year and I have to buy a few of each every year. I'll share a little trick I use with you. I offer a $20 credit if the buyer gives me there old mower. Most people try to haggle with the price and this seams to stop that and gives me a supply of mowers and parts. I also have my buddy's pick up free mowers at spring and fall cleanup.

[@doughaber3330]

I do the same thing. I had a mower and fixed it. Sold it to neighbor and after 1 mow, the piston rod snapped. I fixed up another mower to trade. I spent 20 bucks on a carb and kept the broken one. I used many of the parts from that already for other flips.

[@TheDopalgangr]

So you only made $43 but think of the stuff you learned from the flip. Now you know what to look for when you go to buy your next mower and have an idea going in on how much some of the parts costs. And as long as the person doesn't come back for little issues that pop up you did them a favor on the price and now they have a decent mower.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I have been doing this for awhile, I even do a little paid work on the side for other people on their personal stuff. I’ve got a landscaper who is going to start giving me his stuff to repair. So it’s turning into a decent little side hustle. Everything from flipping them to fixing them for people I know. It’s not my dream or anything but a good side hustle.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

But I’ll definitely agree the the lessons learned were great!

[@alexandersteines290]

Sweet Storage Garage Set Up though, that is awesome.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I lived there and managed the property when I was in this shop. It was a pretty nice little garage for the time being.

[@ericpigg2689]

I do this with riding mowers a lot. I do it as a hobby only, because normally the time I spend on them does not add up to the money I make. I have had a few homeruns, but they are rare. Normally they require a battery to the tune of about $40, and a carb or carb kit to the tune of around $20. Often belts/blades are bad, so you are in another $50 or so. Most often I pay around $100 for a rider and sell it for $350-$500, so I make a little side money on paper, but the labor time usually kills it. I do pressure washers too, but normally avoid push mowers. Keep up the great work. Love the video!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Hey man I’m right there with you! For me it’s a hobby, keeping this stuff out of the junk yard, and sort of the first step in starting a small engine repair business. I don’t intend on ever doing it full time, but I already have gained a lot of experience with it and have a couple of yearly customers who pay me to get their mowers up and going each spring. Anyway thanks for watching man!

[@sockherman]

I’m the opposite. Prefer push mowers, can snag them for $20-$30. Can usually make $60-100 for about an hour of work. Much better return for me than riders

[@jwayne777]

Yes. It's a hobby . The labor is mostly the true loss but sometimes it's buying a new carb, throttle cable, or ignition coil. The most important thing at the end is CLEAN THE MOWER. People care more about appearances than you think. Spray paint or touch up any rusty surfaces with cheap spraypaint. People hate rust. Use tire shine on the gas tank and the plastic cowl to remove the faded look.

[@mdsoto3893]

I do the same thing New spark plug Fresh oil New air filter I check the valve I check the blade Belts Clean the carburetor or replace it . That way you have a happy customers and you get more customers if you’re doing the right thing !!! 😊

[@waholoopesorry74]

Yup same - I like doing a quality job even if I'm just flipping. Some people will sell it right away if it runs but I feel good giving a buyer a mower that will last. New spark plug, oil change, clean/new oil filter, sharpen blade, clean carb for me. I don't usually both checking the valve lash unless I need to.

[@philliphall5198]

Stens has really good pull rope and I like the blue

[@FazzixOfc]

I am really late to the party, but I would recommend drilling out the brake handle holes rather than grinding down the end of the handle

[@dorsey1966]

Nice video 👍I flip lawn mowers too I find them on Craig's list free section as long as the engine not locked up then I check for spark then I check for fuel usually clean the carb and check for good compression give it a good washing most times I get $125 or $150 in Baltimore but not really about making a ton of money just something to do and a little pocket money ... New subscriber

[@waltertur9731]

I usually look for free stuff. Clean the carb and flip it. Not going to getvrich but gives me something to do to make some extra cash

[@Disdained_talent1]

For $100.00 someone will be getting a reliable back up or ditch mower. Better made than the cheapest new one from a box store with a Chinese clone engine. I respect your machinest skills, wish I had some!!!!

[@Zombiereaper1]

I could have picked up a few mowers for free this spring, lots of decent looking ones were on Craigslist in the free section. It was an especially good time for free stuff because of the thrift stores being closed due to the lock down. I saw a sailboat and trailer the other day, and I got my Shopsmith as well.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Nice, but I guess if there was lots of free stuff you may have had a hard time selling it. I don’t do this constantly but I usually make a small chunk of money every summer on it. My junk yard has been lacking this summer and the owners been stingy too, so it’s been harder to find stuff to take and fix.

[@Zombiereaper1]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects I've definitely been tempted to get into some projects, I've seen a few utility trailers I've been temptet to try and flip.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I’ve never thought of that... maybe I should consider that. Seeing as how we run a mini storage, Ive wanted to buy one of those cheap tractor supply trailers to rent out for like $30 a day to people. I’d have to rent it out quite a few times to pay it off but ones it’s paid off it would almost be free money.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Also, if you flip any utility trailers, send me pictures and tell me about it on Instagram. I’ve not really seen any that I thought were cheap enough to make some decent money on where I live.

[@Zombiereaper1]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects I probably won't do it, I don't really have the time or space here to do that, more likely I will do some woodworking projects for people as I have the space for that, but I've seen some cheap trailers around here which looked like they'd be decent with a little love. Even some on the aforementioned Craigslist free section. Thought about doing some power tool flips too, fixing up table saws and selling them, seen some with dead motors for free.

[@norge696]

Looks like this whole mower was abused... Seems they just jerry rigged everything. Not sure why you drilled the out the rivets when you could of took the shroud off and fixed the pull starter.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Because I originally thought I was just going to replace it instead of just replacing the pull rope. And ya, that’s typical of lawn mower owners.

[@norge696]

@@DereksWorkshopAndProjects I put ads out there that I pickup non running small engine equipment. So many free projects and lot's of money to make.

[@doughaber3330]

Usually 4 bolts gets that metal casing off and no rivet drilling. I once did the.same thing thinking I was going to replace it and just fixed it instead. Lessons learned. I enjoy drilling out rivets so it's all good. Feels like you're beating the system. Just like drilling a hole in an Allen wrench to get those old construction barricade lights off. Lol!

[@norge696]

@@doughaber3330 The only time I drilled out the rivets was when the spring was shot in the recoil. I would of swapped over a whole shroud but it was notched differently. M5 bolts and blue loctite did the trick.

[@tomycodd]

Nice Job!

[@weekendhomeprojects]

Nicely done!!!

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Thanks man!

[@codyswilley]

Dont drill the damn rivets. They're not made to be drilled out. Take the engine shroud off and do it right

[@D4x4Bronc]

this the 1/2" bolts are in the front and rear under the gas tank.

[@doughaber3330]

He was going to replace that part originally, which would require drilling but fixed it in the end. So I understand why he did it. The bottom line is to always take them 4.bolts.and metal cover off and see if the winder is in need of replacement or repair, saving the drilling. After watching his weld job and guts to rethread the muffler, he's no idiot.

[@codyswilley]

@@doughaber3330 no it wouldn't.

[@316woodworks9]

@@codyswilley What wouldn't? Don't understand.

[@codyswilley]

@@316woodworks9 wouldn't require drilling

[@larrycroft470]

Derek this was a great video!! New Subscriber.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Awesome, thank you!

[@sheriwillhite2697]

Tim here, go to Lowes/Home Depot/hardware store and but a spool of rope and for cheap have a life time supply.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Got some, thanks!

[@pattayperformance]

$100 is good money for a push mower with no bag. You need to start buying things in bulk like rope and blades. I was able to get blades in bulk $8 a piece for your standard MTD! Not ever machine you fix n flip is a home run but progress is progress! Keep it up! 🇺🇸🔧🤙🏻🦅

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Yup, and its a good way to learn things about different engines and equipment without the stress of it being a customer mower. Its been good for me!

[@danthegreat7590]

What size replacement screws do you think will fit in the red plastic cover im trying to find a suitible replacement but cant i have the same model mower

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Honestly I haven't seen this mower in almost a year and a half. I don't even have a clue.

[@philliphall5198]

I need a fuel tank for one I fixed up but new tank very very high price

[@erikback3144]

Should have sold it for at least 150

[@philliphall5198]

Some times it’s a break even and zero for labor 😊

[@ratherfilmproductions872]

How in the world did that sell for $100 😂😂 where I live you’d be lucky to get $30 honestly

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Well when a brand new lawn mower costs $300 (cheap one) people are happy to pay 1/3 around here for a decent working one. I have sold self propelled mowers for $200. I can get $400-$600 for even the roughest looking garden tractors. But yeah I know In other areas they don’t go for nearly as much. I could be wrong but I’m guessing you live either east of Colorado, or in the Pacific Northwest? I live in the mountains of northern AZ and grass only grows where you plant and water it, even up here. So most lawns are small and about all anyone needs is a push mower.

[@doughaber3330]

I use a figure 8 knot on the pull string.holds great and comes off much easier if needed. Saw a lawn mower chuck do it and never turned back. Tell me if anyone else uses figure 8s. I'm new to flipping but have 10 years of mx racing and did 99% of all the repairs. Mowers are even easier with some knowledge and experience.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I haven’t thought of the figure 8 method, that’s a good idea.

[@RichardSmith-nj4pn]

Thank you for the video , but if you add labor costs you probably be in negative cost not profit.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Ya it’s not a significant amount of money to be made.

[@natureboy123]

Great job on making use of what you had on hand. Also, maybe explain the recoil rope process a little more in depth as this is a common problem. Thumbs up and a new subscriber.

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

You know what, I actually just made another video just like this and completely did a recoil cord on camera and I didn’t even record it! I tried to film it this time! Still missed it!

[@adrianrojas6100]

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATET

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

Northern Arizona

[@paulettacox6893]

I flip and repair mowers and our door equipment in Ohio. Dan

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

I bet you have a lot better luck there. That stuff is all over the place. It’s uncommon to find them here.

[@ratherfilmproductions872]

Good video tho 👍