How I See The Future Of Small Engine Repair Shops

Links to products I have in my tool bag.
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Lithium Grease amzn.to/3BAMsnX
Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links.
Thanks for watching. It won't belong before these go away along with the industry that helped to keep them going.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.
Model numer:

[@BlueHaze7024]

In my rather rural area there is a man that always has a couple of lawn mowers or snowblowers in front of his house for sale. I assume he gets broken ones for free or for a small amount, fixes them and then resells. This seems like the best way to make a side gig unofficial lawn mower repair business work. No worries about unhappy customers if you cannot fix their machines in a timely manner plus you can take a break from repairing with no consequence if you want to.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@joew5862]

In my opinion buying stuff at auction or getting it for free then reselling it is the best way. No time line to deal with. That’s what I do most of the time.

[@donaldbronikowski2859]

This is the route I am considering. I'll be able to pick what I want to work on and when. Most likely still do customer repair but not really call it a business. Limit my risk and liability as much as I can.

[@lieut.griffin6904]

Honestly, it's probably better to just join a shop. Starting your own shop is always hard, and the insurance is expensive. I've talked to my dad about opening up an automotive shop but the insurance, equipment, building, and customer base are going to make it tough. Not to mention, there's going to be that one customer looking for a free repair and they don't care if they ruin somebody's business to get it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right

[@xiexie5300]

Could always try it out as a mobile mechanic. Much lower overhead and gets the ball rolling with minimal initial investment

[@NomadMechanic]

Being a Mobile Small Engine Equipment Repair business owner. It's completely different than being in a shop. I don't need the insurance that's required at a shop and I don't have power bill or inventory stocked. I can charge more than the shop but don't because my overhead is lower than his. Sure the shop gets more repair orders than I do but that shop only pays $12-$18 an hour and I'm charging $60 and up depending on where I go for the repair. I can do anything a shop can do and more because of the van set up with air, crane and other power source. Business has surely taken a nose dive but I think it will still be relevant for years to come. A good mechanic is hard to find but there's a lot of crackheads running around that claim to be but fail miserably which makes it hard on me because of people getting robbed by these crooks. B4 Cobid I was working on an application for a network of mobile small engine mechanics to join and get leads from. I'm still interested in fulfilling the dream for serious motivated technicians.

[@watermanone7567]

In my area, the Amish have multiple engines that they use on their washing machines, water pumps, shops, wood cutting, mower washing, cement mixers, and many more. Don't know what they will do when gasoline engines are no longer available, or parts are not available. They are a large part of my business, and I am sad for them. Terrible that the Gov't. thinks they know what is good for people! They have no idea about middle America. Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for sharing

[@TheOutdoorPowerGuy]

I'll try and explain since I own a small engine shop, been in the industry 24+ years, i bought a commercial property in 2020 and opened a legit business turning a hobby into a full time business, small engine repair IS NOT a disappearing industry - in three years i have seen more growth than i ever anticipated, with the costs of new equipment being outrageously expensive, repair industries are booming, now with out getting into too much personal details - insurance is not that much, i have 300K coverage and 30K inventory and it costs me less than 50/mo, i have the brains, knowledge and skills to run a business, most people do not. I also do a ton of warranty work for many mfg's, as for retail side of things i only sell parts and i sell a TON of parts, i DO NOT sell new equipment, it's too much hassle, having to spend 25K on a floorplan pay as sold and hope it sells or pay loads of interest, that's not for me. i service both residential and commercial. i REFUSE to work on battery stuff, it's a safety and fire hazard and my insurance won't cover losses due to battery fires, you don't need alot of insurance, general liability and theft/inventory is all anyone would need, for me building insurance is irrelevant plus MOST insurance providers won't cover commercial buildings. Also i disagree with needing an attorney, that's what insurance is for! Only time i needed an attorney was for when i bought my shop and when i had a survey done for future construction and found issues pertaining to real estate (i'm also a real estate investor) Bottom line is unless you know what your doing, have years of experience, know HOW to run a business, then go for it, be prepared to shell out 300K or more for me it was 200K to buy a building and 100K for inventory and other things, along with hiring employees, i didn't start making good profit until this year which is my 3rd, 1st year i actually lost profit, second year i made some, this year i can already tell i've made more than the following year. My shop is 1,800 sq.ft heated & cooled, has two 12ft overhead doors and over an acre of commercial grounds, property taxes aren't cheap (5K a year) and my utilities rarely go over 300, only thing thats expensive is the parts bills each month and paying my employee. One other thing you have to have VERY GOOD PERSONAL CREDIT to do ANYTHING in the repair industry, why? ALL the part's companies (distributors & vendors, people you buy stuff from at dealer cost) REQUIRE sales to be on a NET 25 - 30 basis, when i first started i had only NET 30 terms meaning you buy a 200$ parts order you HAVE to pay it the following month, 30 days from purchase - SAME as a credit card, and ALWAYS pay your bills (especially sales tax to your state) on time and STEER CLEAR of financing unless you have to, and by the way most people won't rent commercial space to people in repair industries why? liability and property damage, trust me on that one, i was open to renting but opted for buying as i had the money available, my shop is my shop 100% best feeling ever is to own something outright . With that said i hope this answers anyone's questions.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks for sharing

[@mlab203]

Do you mind sharing who you use for insurance? It seems that recently, no insurance company is touching small engine repair.

[@jamess.putman1779]

I had people tell me I should start a small engine repair business. TO MUCH RED TAPE. I like to tinker in my garage at my speed. I enjoy repairing mowers. I want to keep it that way. 👍 Enjoy your videos.. Great job

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

Moreover, you can say "no" to potential "customer" as it's not your 1st source of income, and finally it remain pleasant and gives you some money that don't necessarily need to go under tax scrutiny...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great point!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're absolutely right about that

[@romogo86]

thank you so much for this video i have started my own small engine repair shop a year and a half ago. This job is very stressing but it feels rewarding helping people out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, all I can say is, know when to say pass.

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

I talked to a gentleman that had a repair shop, when I asked him if his business was doing good, he said, “look up @ the rafters & I saw @ least 50-75 weed trimmers hanging, he said all these trimmers have been repaired & waiting for pickup & some he said had been hanging over 2 years. I took from that business not doing well.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that is interesting, it meant they didn't want to pay to for the repair because the price for a new trimmer is fairly cheap in comparison to a mower theses days

[@grominwithrob1339]

My next door neighbor bought a new battery powered push mower to mow his small front yard. His backyard has been replaced with a huge pool with concrete so he doesn’t have to mow it. His battery has degraded in half a season to the point that he can’t mow his yard. He borrows my gas mower to finish it. 😂 My mower is a freebie husq with the Honda Gx 160. Swapped gas with recreational fuel and now it’s a one pull machine from a no run curb find. I was a small engine mechanic at a shop for years. I loved the job. I love diagnosing and fixing things.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow , that's a great story about electric mowers thank you

[@garofalo1707]

😂

[@jayoman4453]

You are so right about opening a small engine. I always said small engine small profit. To do correctly after paying the bills there's nothing left. You are better off working for someone else, sure your not going to get rich but it's better then working 80 hours a week to keep a float. A good side hustle would be to sharpen chain saw blades and mower blades.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed, small profits, requires you to make a lot of repairs every week to stay afloat.

[@MikesGarage96]

I’m sticking with just working on friends and family equipment. And cut out the people that aren’t really my friends but just using me.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good choice

[@Lets_Get_Into_It]

Sorry in advance for the long comment. Your answer to the question is almost exactly what I expected it to be. I have been watching a lot of your videos lately after I started getting interested in small engines and they have been extremely helpful in getting my own mowers working. It seems like when people get rid of a mower that won’t start, 90-95% of the time, the carburetor just needs a good cleaning or replaced. I may be exaggerating on the percentage, but most videos I’ve watched of yours and others, the carburetor is the main issue. Watching your videos and working on my own has got me thinking about finding free or cheap mowers that people are getting rid of and fixing them to turn a small, but decent profit. However, for the same reasons you mentioned, I don’t think I would do it full time, just for extra money on the side. I enjoy my day job and that’s how I got interested in small engines in the first place. At this point I am a novice when it comes to repairs; anything past the carburetor and a few other minor things, I am ignorant to, but thanks to your videos and some others, I’m learning quite a bit and I enjoy it, so at this point it’s just a small learning hobby that I do when I have time. However, the project I’m currently working on I think may be a little more complicated than just a carburetor clean or replacement. It’s an old toro personal pace that belonged to my girlfriends dad. It starts rough and doesn’t rev up and only runs for a few minutes before it dies. It also clanks while it’s running, so I think I have my work cut out for me especially not knowing what I’m doing. The only reason I want to keep working on it is not only to learn and for that satisfactory feeling of fixing something, is that her dad passed away about 5 years ago, so this mower holds some sentimental value to her and she doesn’t want to just get rid of it. So to make her happy, I really want to get this mower up and running again. Unfortunately, I never got to meet her dad, but she tells me all the time he would absolutely love me for my dedication to repairs and would be very proud of me just for trying. So I’m using her happiness and her dad’s memory as motivation to keep plugging away and not give up. Your videos have helped me a lot, so thank you. Any help on this project would be appreciated.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow.. thank you for sharing your experience with small engines. I hope you can get it working well enough to use.

[@jaye2865]

Skip the big box stores while you still can. Find a local dealer and support them as much as you can. My neighbor owns a small equipment shop and I buy everything I can from them. They are an Echo dealer along with Husqvarna and Toro. Nice people and when you walk in and talk to someone they know exactly what they're talking about, unlike the big box stores. My Echo SRM225 was the same price there as Home Depot as is the trimmer line, heads and tune up kits. I'd just rather give my money to my neighbor than a large corporation.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said!

[@mjg263]

Never turn a hobby into a business or you’ll be miserable and learn to hate what once brought you joy.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Great advice thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You are so welcome!

[@johnnycash5456]

Great video thanks 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem 👍

[@revelationhomestead1776]

Thank you for sharing this. Very informative. That mower looks familiar 😉

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! you can recognized it!

[@Mr9501]

I’ve had my own automotive and small engine repair shop for 22 years now, and just like everything else, things change...on the small engine side, I work on very few small engine powered pieces of equipment....with parts & labor becoming more expensive I have to do a quick assessment of each piece that comes in....many times the cost of the repair is more than replacing with a new item....the majority of big repair work is done on larger equipment where it’s cheaper to repair than to replace

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said!

[@mowtoegee7049]

Ultimately this is just a great way of railroading people into purchasing new (and disposable) equipment which is often of lesser quality that the "old" machines that get scrapped for economic reasons. a ridiculous situation. For this reason I have learned to service and repair all my own 2 stroke engines. Because they are much better than anything available new on the market today

[@Mr9501]

@@mowtoegee7049 yeah, pretty much...my own personal lawnmowers are 2 John Deere garden tractors that are over 40 years old....I do have a few customers that also do the same. But the majority of people if you quote them a $400-500 repair, they’ll just say they will go buy a new mower.

[@threeriversforge1997]

Yep. As a blacksmith, I can tell you all about the horrors of trying to run your own small business. A lot of people will say that it's my fault for trying to do something so "antiquated", but they miss the point entirely because, like most people, they don't actually think beyond the surface level. Blacksmithing, like the other Traditional Trades, isn't exactly "antiquated" because there is demand for the service. However, people have long since stopped thinking about what are called 2nd Order Effects. In other words, when you support "minimum wage laws" because you think it's awesome and will help decrease poverty, what you really accomplish is to increase poverty because you drive up the cost of doing business. It's easy to say that the mean ol' business owners should just pay their employees more, but that's not actually possible. Even if it was, labor costs are always a factor in the price of the goods and services a company offers.... just like the company's electric bill or sewer service. When I go to the metal supplier to get a single bar of steel to forge into something amazing, a small fraction of the price for that bar of steel goes to pay for the employee's wages. Okay, but that bar had to be trucked to the re-seller, and that driver had to be paid, too. And don't forget that the guys who smelted the iron need to get paid, just like the guys who dug the ore. All along the manufacturing process, the "minimum wage laws" were in effect and that drove up the cost of the bar I bought. Then I have to try and pass some of that cost on to my customers.... and they absolutely will not pay $100 for a single hook to hang their hat on. Because customers will only pay so much, demanding value for their money, there's a cap to what a small business can charge. The more you charge, the smaller the demographic who can afford your product, which means you have to really spend time wheeling and dealing, building your brand, so that small demographic of wealthier clientele see your work as something that they have to have in their homes. Guess how that usually goes? And wages are just one factor. Did you know that a company is taxed by the government for every employee they have? CNN Money Magazine did a real nice piece a bit ago where they showed how a company that pays you $30k/yr has to also pay the government $14k/yr as an "employee tax". The 2nd Order Effect of one simple thing can have huge and catastrophic ramifications down the road. People often complain about how it was once possible to buy a house and raise a family on just one income, but they forget that the Taxes and Regulations back in the 1960's were almost a triviality compared to what they are today. That's how much has changed in just one lifetime, mine. And how did it change? Well, everyone got out there to vote in favor of their personal wants and needs without ever thinking about the long-term consequences. No consideration for the 2nd Order Effects.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you given us a lot to think about, thank you!

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@HomeGaragechannel Just remember, this happened in just one lifetime. That means it can also be fixed in pretty short order, but that would mean making some very tough calls and educating people about how Actions have Consequences. Most people have no clue that they have to work 4 months out of the year just to earn enough money to pay all the taxes the government says they are owed. That's one-third of a year spent in service to the government, and yet people wonder why it's so hard to make ends meet. Unfortunately, I don't know how to fix the problem since it's the appeal to individual greed and tugging on heartstrings that got us here. People honestly think they're doing the right thing, the good thing, even though they're doing the exact opposite. In the end, I point them to the Rust Belt as the Effect and tell them to start digging into the Causes. The Rust Belt was once a powerhouse of American manufacturing, but it was destroyed over a few short decades as people voted themselves into unemployment and misery. Today, the factories are shuttered but the products once made there are still being manufactured in other parts of the world. When you start looking into why it's more economical to make something on the other side of the globe and then ship it all the way to America where it can be sold for a relative pittance, you have to wonder how it could be so much cheaper than simply making the thing right down the street. What have we done to make building in the US so non-competitive? What has England done? What has Canada done? Everyone wants to blame the employers, trained to see them as nothing but "greedy capitalists", but the truth is right there in the mirror. What you support matters because there will be consequences.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

this is a very great comment!

[@marshmower]

All regressive somewhat hidden figures in a large moving wheel that we all are a part of. Most simply aren't even concerned and if you talk much about it, you can lose friends.

[@auskip07]

alot of places near me are out of a home garage. Ive only seen the places because i work on my own equipment and am happy doing that and maybe helping a neighbor out but most people in my neighborhood have a service that does their lawn. Seems like this generation of home owners doesn't really care to do their own lawn but i enjoy it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right

[@dennis524ish]

One idea I had was to buy a good sharpener for chain saws, lawn mowers and such. You can work out of your garage and not have to worry about gas or electric engines. If it's a yard tool it's probably going to have a blade on it. Our local TrueValue store had a 3-week waiting period just to sharpen a chain saw.

[@threeriversforge1997]

It sounds nice, but it gets old fast. You end up spending so much time advertising and trying to get people to choose your that you don't get much of the fun stuff done. And when you have to do it for hours on end, being sure to get the product out in a timely fashion, it can be aggravating. As a hobby you use to kill some time and just be active, it can be great. Just be sure to charge enough that your hobby pays for itself.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? I had no idea it was that long.

[@JoseDiaz-if1pq]

Same out here and they charge an arm and a leg

[@bertgrau3934]

Everything you're saying is true. Fortunately for me, I drove trucks for 44 years . Worked on small equipment for just a couple of years. I did ok, but I'm ready to call it quits . You do very good work, and enjoy your videos. I have learned a lot from several others as well as you. 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for all your years of work, it's helped out businesses and industry.

[@bertgrau3934]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thank you Sir. One thing that surprised me, was I told my customers about 3 weeks before I retired that I wouldn't be back because I was retiring. I had a lot of people wish me a happy retirement. And many even told e they would miss me. A few told me I was the best truck driver they knew. On time, worked with my customers. I felt good that my customers liked the service that I provided. I seen most of my customers at least once or twice a week.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it seems were are well liked and it shows.

[@Mrcrowley1967]

I am retired also I have a small engine business a LLC but it is only to support the shop and pocket money I limit myself to three machines a day so it will still remain enjoyable for me s. I do not have the pressure of paying mortgage on shop or leases I make enough for the extra tax’s of my shop ,electricity,heat and supply’s . Are you still going to work on machines on the side?

[@bertgrau3934]

@@Mrcrowley1967 Yes, but from now on , only for friends, and relatives. I was out of commission for 3 months because of medical problems. I'm feeling good now. Still I don't need the pressure. I'm happy for you, glad you found a way to do what you like, and not have a lot of pressure. I understand about no mortgage and not needing the money, just want some extra cash that is a good feeling. Good luck to you and have a wonderful week Sir.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I've not thought about starting a small engine repair shop, as I'm already retired. I do this mostly for a hobby, & when my own equipment is due for maintenance.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice thank you

[@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987]

Best thing to do to get started IMO is to get free mowers or any lawn equipment repair and sell till you fill comfortable about taking customers equipment to repair. Facebook and Craigslist people give them away for free. Or if you see it on a curb pick them up because most people give up fast and buy new and people that can't afford new are the ones that buy your free machines with little to no money invested

[@HomeGaragechannel]

great advice

[@rickthelian2215]

I do like your answer😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate it.

[@mikespain8655]

As for the future of outdoor power equipment. There are literally millions of pieces of gas equipment that not only run, but have many years of life left in them. There will always be a market for gas equipment, although the market share may change. The jury is still out on battery equipment and the next 2-3 years will reveal more. Personally, I will NOT be working on ant battery equipment period. Gas engines and equipment built this country and that is where I stand. I do zero advertising, and am currently 3 weeks out on repairs (1 person shop). I stay busy year around. There is not enough money to be made to even hire a "helper" and I am maxed out. Don't think you will get rich doing this (or many other businesses for that matter). I am passionate about my business and it shows through in my work and results. I will be going to Louisville, Kentucky again in October to the GIE Expo (outdoor power equipment). Largest OPE trade show in America and 7th largest trade show in the world. Will know more about trends, future outlook, etc. after the show. I enjoy your channel and try to remain as motivated, positive, and optimistic as possible. Time will tell...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice thank you for sharing that

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

Like I said before it isn’t like the electric equipment is any better for the environment. In fact it may be even worse than fossil fuels because not only are we damaging the environment by mining for batteries, but actual slave labor is being used to obtain those materials. And to top it all off of the mines are located in countries that will become our enemies the moment World War 3 breaks out. So expect to see a lithium battery shortage in this country once that happens.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I can imagine a lithium shortage will before then, unless something changes it will be the next oil

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@GuysPlayingWithTools And natural gas since all the coal plants are switching over or being wrecked. Just so much of it too. We are all lied to every second. Go 'green' till it's gone??? THEN what!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel 10-4!

[@marshmower]

Chuck Schumer (D) actually mentioned lithium battery charging safety regarding e bikes. Wait for bans on lithium tech coming soon. There's definitely some safety issues but pound for pound, it's still the most energy dense battery tech. But sanyo made NiCds that lasted for decades without dendrites. Later tech did have issues with crystals or dendrites. So far, every one of my smart phone batteries have grown or puffed up and were still a fire hazard a year later. So I'm concerned about tech that we didn't ask for but isn't safe although there's no alternative. I mean who's going to lug around a 3 lb NiCad cell phone battery?

[@chadfield376]

My plan is to just stick with fixing small engines as a hobby at my home garage; if I do any charging for my work, it will be for residential stuff only, no commercial.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I like that idea

[@philliphall5198]

No way would I even think about opening a business in America let along a small engine repair shop that government is doing everything possible to destroy this industry Do what you can on the side and be happy with it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and you make a good point

[@johnnicastro5931]

I've thought more so about starting a sort of used equipment shop where I buy, fix, and resell machines

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice idea, but you might need to try and find a second or third revenue stream as well.

[@covishen]

The local John Deere dealer's shop rate is $113 an hour. But that rate pays an employee, building, utilities, etc... Not a cheap thing to get into.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true.

[@mikespain8655]

The local John Deere dealer here is an incredibly high $195/ hour.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ouch

[@terry987654]

There is money to be made still but you are right gas lawnmowers are becoming a thing of the past and in the not too distant future there will be no gas mowers. I would say if starting a business you need to have trade contacts like a few lawn care guys who have a few machines and they often break as being used daily. That's how i started i already had the contacts from my previous job so i was lucky but it will be harder if you don't have contacts.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and it's a real shame for sure

[@seriksson9721]

Made to last is replaced with made to break. The development is not so good.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@MazichMusic]

A neighborhood shop which I frequented over many years closed down about 5 years ago. The owners were just hitting retirement age and decided to close the doors. The shop is still there, locked up and vacant. I wouldn't start a small engine repair business at this time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good choice

[@Redawesomeoby]

How about something mobile like what some do with bicycles? Keeps overhead down and makes it easier on the customer.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that would certainly help out.

[@johngassett1946]

I do it at my adult day program alongside my nano business for Cash

[@JohannZ100]

Heres the problem about electric equipment kids are mining lithium cobalt in third world countries. The petrolum to make the plastics for the housings of the batteries the copper for the wires and the iron to make steel the coal to mine for electricity the natural gas for power uranium for nuclear all the resourcrs i mentioned are non renewable most can be recycled the most envromentally freindly lawn mower is a cow horse or goat. If small engines disapear which i feel will still be around But will be a Niche market like Farming forestry large property owners meaning (they arent disapearing all together) I have other interest besides mowers and weed eaters its. Guitars and Basses i have a couple Ibanez guitars a Blue RG450DX and a Acoustic a few other brands Squire (Fender) and Epiphone.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, and yes there's a lot going on here.

[@caseybszombiemowers2569]

I'm just a hobbiest/collector. There's no way to survive in a new business, even if you think you'll have the work. Something will always trip you up.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@cantgetright742]

Pretty tempting. I already have a shop and an accountant by trade. I’m just not that mechanically sound lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! at least you know your limits

[@cantgetright742]

@@HomeGaragechannel i wouldn’t go that far

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I found out about even trying to keep what I had going, much less taking anything else on and it wasn't good and we all will get there sooner or later BUT it's just like you said. You can work off a tailgate or dive in as deep as you think you can stand BUT remember you are dealing with people that do less and less and and could care less and less. The battery industry will be expanding and more and more fixable equipment will be going to china. I went on MTD's website and an electric motor of which our zero turn has four of is $500 each. That's not batteries of which it has 2. No touch circuit boards but a spare magnetic key is $26 shipping and all. 110 volt battery warmers to keep from having to take the batteries out in winter to maximise their life are around $145 a piece which is the way I'm looking to go because I'm not regressing in age either. My pal with his own shop is covered up BUT he doesn't charge five prices to fix stuff and that makes a big difference. As the old saying goes,' Let your conscience be your guide' as far as starting a repair business. I'll try and keep ours going or I'll take it to my pal. Thanks nd Blessings.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow there's a lot going on there

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@HomeGaragechannel Just trying to keep up the usual and appearances. He stays covered up because he's a good fixer and reasonable. Tries to repair what's there. Mowed today and found out I can actually get on and off that thing by myself. Took both of us to get the seat back though. More leg room. She says it's mine. As long as the grass is short enough to wade through to the front door I'll be happy!

[@anindividual3889]

I went in to Home Depot today with the intention of buying another Echo trimmer. All they had were battery powered options.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really!! dang.

[@anindividual3889]

The girl behind the service desk blamed it on end of season. I found one on Ebay though so at least I have a new one to hold in reserve for next year.

[@steadfastlawncare]

Owning a small business is not easy. So dad most people don’t know all the cost the owner has to pay just to keep the doors open.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct

[@jay7264]

You forget one of the jets in that carb. The white plastic piece comes out and it's in there

[@HomeGaragechannel]

results speaks well tho thanks

[@jay7264]

@@HomeGaragechannel I ran good I'm just pointing it in case you didn't know that plastic piece came out

[@CarterEvans.14]

I put a huge oil filter on my riding lawn tractor it has the same threads and seal diameter as the old small one. Will a bigger oil filter hurt the engine? Ive had it on there for three months now and no issues yet or never.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that I don't know, maybe someone else can chime in and answer that one.

[@gvi341984]

Electric is better mostly because they are simple to use and e10 ruining plastic carburetors after one season.its extremely easy to tear down an electric mower because it's only 3 major parts. Good thing that this will press harder for battery R&D for power tools.

[@redwolf230]

Ever and things will be good again once he and the half breed are gone

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@jesusdrummer21]

I started my side hustle in Spring 2022. 2023 has been very good triple what I made last year. But I am 1 man, I'm really honest about prices on parts and install. But yes electric is coming fast. So what will I do? Not sure....but I work at a full time job

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, and yes having a full time job helps out.

[@robertmailhos8159]

The repair shop I dealt with was not working on the engine s that used the e.f.i fuel system but the battery powered equipment is not a great idea for those repair shops ability to do work on because of the electrical system that can be a little testing of your own ability to work on

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@HomeGaragechannel you got that right young man 👍😎

[@marshmower]

EFI is essentially a black mystery box unless you have a sophisticated lab with an electron microscope and multi-million dollar dye making process.

[@raresr4092]

Hi had a question about an old video you made 2 years ago. I know you mentioned in your videos if you had any questions to just ask. it was a toro commercial with a Kawasaki engine on it. I was looking to buy one and i cannot find one to next year. I know you had one and i was curious did and if you did have the single bail brake that engages the drive and the mowers blades. Will the mower let you start it without holding the blade brake like the honda hrx217hya mowers? I asked my toro dealer and he did not even know the answer to that one which was odd. I know the double bbc it does but was curious if you could start the engine and let it run without holding the bar back. Want to go with that model with the Honda commercial engine due to less things to go wrong with it. The BBC has a lot more items an extra belt and a few other things Id rather not have to deal with. If you could let me know when you get a chance would appreciate it. thanks. As for starting a shop i dont blame you i wouldn't id stay a hobby due to all the crap you'd have to deal with and in my opinion its just not worth the time hassle and customers complaints and such and right now you can do it on your own time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you have to hold down the bail handle which also doubles on the self propel bar. If for some reason you had the transmission in gear, you had to remember to not squeeze the handle down, all the way, just most of the way, otherwise the mower would try and run away from you.

[@justasmallenginemechanic_furry]

I buy, fix ,and sell push mowers to make money. After seeing this video, I'm probably just going to join a small engine shop. Also, what lubricant do you use for the wheels?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks and that's a good idea, as far as the lube, I typically use Plastic safe lithium but almost anything will work.

[@giadinhutnhaque]

Like 343, cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ rất tuyệt vời chúc bạn và gia đình ngày mới vui vẻ và luôn luôn thành công trong công việc ❤👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Cảm ơn

[@gearhead366]

I'm getting to my "golden years", and I've considered doing some small engine repair as a "side hustle", and to keep me busy. I would still want to make money at it, and that's where the problem comes in. IMO, there's just not enough money in such a business, and the future projections are not good. To make it worth it to me, I'd have to charge more than people would be willing to pay. So I'm just going to keep my equipment in good condition, and spend my time doing yardwork, gardening, and traveling.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are correct

[@crisprtalk6963]

Thats what I do, I am retired and buy broken ones or mowers nobody wants and resell them. Not high volume at all, but am easily to 2x-5x my money on nearly every item. Pays for the groceries and much more. And I keep busy, meet some really cool peopke and have a good time doing it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

glad to see you're enjoying your retirement.

[@ZombieDaveAZ]

This is just me thinking out loud you guys: So I dont think too many guys just wake up and say that they want to start a small engine biz. I think there are different types of men and women that like a challenge and think like i do. "You cant break broken". With a few tools cheaply aquired dissembly is easy,reassembly may require some reseach like what home garage provides so expertly. The worst thing that can happen is if you make a repair and are successful and sell that repaired item and actually gained experience AND made a few bucks! Now you're hooked. Those harbor freight tools are beneath you so you start to aquire more tools. Why not? You're using profits from repairs and items you sold. It makes total sense to me too. Word spreads you guarantee or warranty your work and charge a fair price. It only seems fair that you should grow to accommodate everyone. BUT because you started out with lawn mowers and you have a good reputation here come the weed whippers and the blowers and the hedgers and the pole saws and the occasional tractor. Your tools that were 1/4 drive have moved to 3/8 drive and 1/2 drive. You yourself need to study up on 2 strokes and 4mix engines. I guess what im saying is this is how it happened to me. Ive kept it simple by choice, support the work that i do with a warranty, and get a fair or below average price. The work never stops, the texts never stop, and i generally have bigger guys with more than 1 piece of the same equipment and will sometimes wait weeks for me to work on their machines. Shade tree mechanics are getting fewer and fewer. Side hustle your passion and you'll do just fine. But if you suck at it forget everything I just said.😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's always nice to hear from you and on a great topic! Thank you for sharing this.

[@BrucesShop]

Well I am with both of you. Just move forward @@HomeGaragechannel

[@greenmachine55]

To be honest I hate to agree with some of this video but I plan and making a repairs and maintenance service small business doing both bicycles and small engines. In my area I've seen a couple places that has gotten away with just running from there garage at home still and a couple that started thar way until they grew enough to need a dedicated shop to work in or turn it into a mobile service on the small engine service.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

as long as you can get away with it, go for it.

[@tnrodgers]

Follow the money is right. Politicians win when consumers don’t.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@mikespain8655]

After watching your video and reading some of the comments, here is my take. I have run my small engine repair shop now for 5 years. It is a very tough business, like most businesses are. If you have never been an entrepreneur and run a business, I would say outdoor power equipment is not much different than many other businesses from this standpoint. Most people do NOT know how to run a business, have no business running a business, and will fail at that business. Why? For many reasons some of which are: no money, no organization skills, no customer service skills, no actual job skills for needed business, poor follow up, not honest, the list goes on. People have no idea what business owners go through on a daily basis, nor do many even care. Bottom line is that is tough. You better be good at it, learn quickly, and love it if you are going to stay with it long term.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said

[@borod5571]

Outdoor Power Equipment Dealerships '' Small Repair Shop '' '' We are a dying Breed '' I have been in the Industry since 1985 and owning since 1990. The last 2 yrs has been very bad , we had a extreme drought in the gulf south area. that did not help us any. I am in the New Orleans area . The rising cost of goods and insurance is killing us. I will say this Don't sell New Equipment, Just Focus of Service and Repairs and you can make it. Stay small. Good Help is hard to find.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and I really appreciate you sharing that

[@Turningwrenches85]

Right now mine is just side work i do because i work a full time job

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good thing.

[@shahshakib5234]

Where are you located?

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@shahshakib5234 I live on Nashville Tennessee

[@clintstevenson1214]

You are spot on. Try opening up one in California with all the hazmat and epa licenses. I actually just stopped my home hobby business. I made a nice living at it. parts are getting to be an issue as you stated and we won’t talk about how most lawnmowers are pretty much throw away. Seriously, a plastic carburetor? Reminds me of the Chrysler thermoquads that caught fire. How cheaply can you make this junk? Also, gas will probably be $10 a gallon when the electric movement is finished. Fewer satiations mean gouging from the rest.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, I like this comment a lot, thank you.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

I am seriously considering parting ways with my vette in favor of a dual motor Tesla... i don't love the quiet acceleration the way i love the vette noise but it's...(i hate saying this) faster.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Keep the vette. Tesla's will be knee deep before too long. And you can't go but so fast for so long till the lights get flashed upon you! Law of averages still applies.

[@roseymalino9855]

There were faster cars than the 'vette when you bought it so you must have had a better reason(s) for its purchase.

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

@@roseymalino9855 ​ @roseymalino9855 That is 100% true. There is always a faster car out there somewhere. The Chevy is more fun but times change.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@roseymalino9855 Because it was what it WAS............and IS! Nothing changed in that department yet.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I feel your pain

[@liljoeii6091]

No I would never start a business Too much red tape I have a small engine repair place out here We took our snowblower to him last year. We didn't get it back to the following year. I was saying I wanted it back sooner. They had too much work. I couldn't have it back sooner. I will not go back to him. I cant work on it cause I had my knees done Thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes, it's almost not worth it to be honest

[@weswest8666]

Anyone else stock piling gas equipment like mowers, blowers and weed wackers?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'm sure you're not alone

[@marshmower]

After seeing how people abuse this stuff, the answer is yes. However the lowballers can keep walking. They can find deals with someone else. Or buy the clearance mower for $219 at Lowe's. 😂😂😂

[@XxDeltaProneXx]

I see the lawnmower side of it yes however in the colder climates there will still be a demand for gas snowblowers. The electric ones just will not cut it. Being left outside as well as not producing any heat while running to heat up cables/belts is just a disaster waiting to happen. Lawnmowers as well will also be way more expensive due to having to replace batteries as well as other critical components. Sadly this is what the world is coming to.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@williamsnow1531]

I just work out of my garage at home. No business name just reputation.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice

[@brianandrews7099]

Ever since when I was a little kid the the 1970s, I have been hearing that electric cars were the way of the future and just a few short years away. Now, here we are in late 2023 and after the closest we’ve ever gotten to “standardizing” electric cars seems to be turning sour and being canceled, as battery technology has still not evolved enough to replace fossil fuels in convenience, cost, and cheap materials. Granted, lawn equipment is a lot different than automobiles. If your electric mower battery dies, you push your mower back into the garage and either recharge it or purchase a new battery and finish mowing the next day whereas a dead electric car leaves you stranded and late for wherever your traveling to; quiet a bit more than the irritation of not being able finish mowing your lawn! That being said, lawn equipment isn’t cheap and the idea of having to purchase a $500.00 plus electric mower every 3-5 years won’t sit well with most consumers given that a well cared for and serviced gas mower can last over a decade. In my mind, the question would be is it the short sided greed of the lawn care equipment industry looking to force consumers into inferior, high priced electric equipment for a quick buck now with no consideration of the damage to their reputation in the coming years or is a political push to end self home lawn care completely in the near future to support the fast growing professional lawn care service industry and the home lawn care equipment industry can see the handwriting on the wall, know they have no future, so they are just providing what the current consumer movement seems to want, at the lowest investment and highest retail profit possible, knowing their days are numbered and there will be no future for their products, anyway! Everything seems to be fast moving away from homeowner diy to paying for professional services but I have my serious doubt that future economic conditions can sustain it. I do not see the oil industry scrambling to stop the replacement of ICE engines with battery power or even any advertisements from them to try to change consumers minds back to fossil fuels. If they are not concerned, neither will I be. Although I am not totally against alternative sources of power for both cars and power equipment, I am also a big advocate for consumer’s freedom of choice. All that being said and knowing how fickle the market and consumers can be, I am not planning to toss out my gasoline powered machines anytime soon.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

this is a very well laid out comment

[@barneyfyfe8313]

Battery mowers are underpowered. The batteries are not sustainable. Lithium is not nearly abundant enough to work out long term. Also.... the batteries crap out and can become obsolete. Then you can throw away the entire mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agree

[@williamstraughan2949]

70,s 80,s 90,s were the best years i don,t see how the electric riding mowers cut thick grass

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's certainly a mystery how they think they'll last more Than 3 or 4 seasons

[@phildelgiudice3448]

Awesome vid man. Sad but true. No more tribal knowledge needed. Just throw away the part and replace and call it progress.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, how knows what it's going to be like in the future

[@captainlarrynosleepfishing5350]

It’s a dying business ☹️. All battery operated equipment is the future. The big box stores only have three gas lawnmowers to choose from? It tells you something doesn’t it? 😳

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it's dying but only because they want it to die. Most consumers still want gasoline, and that's why you see the 3 left in the stores. If they only had electric, they would notice a fall in sales.

[@DIY_Small_Engine_GUY]

It makes no sense that everyone is going electric if gas mowers are easier to fix and cost less money than buying a new electric mower every year that costs more. A lot of small engine repair shops have more experience with gas equipment that can be fixed easier and very cost effective than getting an electric mower every year that the mother board gets broken all the time you spend more money on than you do with your gas push mower. And has engines have been around longer than I can remember and we switch to electric mower that people are still not familiar with and is less likely to be fixed. I would think people would want to go the cheaper with a gas lawn mower that can be repaired easier than a electric lawn mower. I would want to have something that is more efficient and easier to fix I think it's common sense to people who understand what they are doing and don't want to go down the expensive route. It's sad to see gas mowers are being banned after years of efficiency and something being more repairable. I plann to stick with gas mowers as long as I can.

[@DIY_Small_Engine_GUY]

It's not always better to go electric and ditch gas equipment.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct and to be honest they're switching because it makes more money

[@DIY_Small_Engine_GUY]

@@HomeGaragechannel your absolutely right.

[@Imsaved777]

Battery operated lawnmowers are phasing out the gasoline lawnmowers.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I wish that was true.

[@bser3973]

I started my business in1986 out of my garage. Learn how basic engines work. Start out with neighbors, go to a neighborhood class. Read Think and grow rich Napoleon Hill 1937. Its helps

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the tip

[@dougbaker9473]

They have tried it for classic cars and they didn't succeed so I believe gas mowers are here to stay .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope so

[@dougbaker9473]

@HomeGaragechannel unless the government gives me a battery operated mower I won't ever own one . Same for battery operated cars not gonna happen . Love your channel. Thanks for posting the videos .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

anytime

[@EthanAdey]

I became Aircraft mechanic because small engines won’t be a thing soon 😭

[@robertbaysinger1309]

I started down that road and like you I also work a full time job. Didn't take too long to decide I'd rather just take care of family and friends equipment and repair and resell items I pick up rather than the pressure of getting a customers equipment back to them ASAP.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice choice

[@marttrev4279]

Open a shop? Heck no!! Too much money stress and B.S. Insurance license unhappy customers etc. You want that? Ha I don't, no thank you. Stay where you are, less stress. Trust me on that one.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said

[@rolfgrosseholz1311]

No one gets their toasters repaired. Small mowers will be the same soon.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! well said!

[@marshmower]

Proctorlogist -Smilex

[@frankbill9172]

There ain't gonna be no small engine repair shops to long only electronic repair shops.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if the parts for the electrics are even available

[@georgepruitt637]

There will be gas engines, oil, plastic, construction machinery, farm equipment, etc, etc, and the need for repair shops/men.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hope so.

[@marshmower]

TV repair went through all of this decades ago. The more consolidated the device, the worse it is. We called the boards on lcd TV's "gotcha" items. These boards cost up to half the cost of a new TV and there's at least 3-4 of these boards inside. You can easily exceed the cost of a new TV by 2x. This is the first thing I learned 12 years ago. Very annoying.

[@truckercalvin2508]

Your carb is dirty

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it is.

[@KeepPrayingCA]

Vote Trump step one otherwise kiss goodbye says someone living in California and third gen farmer

[@KeepPrayingCA]

Btw batteries SUCK!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

they definitely have their drawbacks

[@peskypeet]

Better off learning to how work on batteries and reproducing parts with a printer.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@DaBossk]

you are literally spreading dangerous misinformations about the almighty battery powered machines!!!!!!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!!!!