How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

[JDgreen227]

Just ordered $65 worth of new parts for my '91 vintage Craftsman 21" single stage blower, it has always started and run flawlessly and in all the time I have owned it, it has only required new plugs, new fuel hoses, one drive belt, and a new fuel tank...maybe $50 total to date....paid $420 for it brand new. Now, if I had to spend $200+ for parts to renew my blower, I would probably buy a new one instead. At what point do you feel it makes more sense to replace an item like this, rather than repairing?

 

[mikim]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

Are the new ones better than the old? - Many times they are NOT. Are parts still available for the old? Takes the decision away right there. Is the repair going to cost more than the item is worth (to you)? Will the repair bring it back to optimum operation?

 

[JDgreen227]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

Are the new ones better than the old? - Many times they are NOT. Are parts still available for the old? Takes the decision away right there. Is the repair going to cost more than the item is worth (to you)? Will the repair bring it back to optimum operation?

All good points and I thank you for the opinion...I really like my older blower as much of the frame is metal rather than plastic like the new ones. Parts are still available...and what I need are regular replacement parts like the scraper bar, chute retainer clips, a starter rope, and a new drive belt. Compression is still strong and the auger rubber is good. And to me, being able to repair an older machine is something I enjoy...and contrary to the "toss it and buy new" which is becoming too common in modern society.

 

[jaotguy]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

If cost of repair > actual value of unit ( used price ) today , then replace and sell the old unit to off set upgrade cost...
unless you have "other value" placed on it ( belongs in family, want to pass on , owned by XXXXX, etc ) , or has some special feature not available today.


if cost of repairs < value of unit ... then repair.

 

[PILOON]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

Problem is today the great majority are all made by the same factory with different badges and paint jobs and generally sporting Chicom motors.
I think that only Honda and Toro are 'pure' with the balance related to MTD (part ofToro)

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

I think there is more to it than just the cost of the repair vs the value of the unit currently. A new unit maybe be 10x what the value of the used unit is and not comparable value wise i.e. plastic vs metal, lighter duty,.... This has to factor into the decision somewhere!

 

[kevin37b]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

All good points and I thank you for the opinion...I really like my older blower as much of the frame is metal rather than plastic like the new ones. Parts are still available...and what I need are regular replacement parts like the scraper bar, chute retainer clips, a starter rope, and a new drive belt. Compression is still strong and the auger rubber is good. And to me, being able to repair an older machine is something I enjoy...and contrary to the "toss it and buy new" which is becoming too common in modern society.

I think you said it all right there . You are familiar with the blower , can get parts and it starts and runs good . Where can you find a Sears with a person capable of getting these parts ? Or is it online ?

 

[buickanddeere]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

Maybe the same factory but each "manufacture" does build to spec. Metal thickness and other details do vary.

 

[JDgreen227]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

I think you said it all right there . You are familiar with the blower , can get parts and it starts and runs good . Where can you find a Sears with a person capable of getting these parts ? Or is it online ?

Always get parts online....

 

[deerseeker001]

Re: How do you calculate the "repair or replace" option for powered equipment?

I was given a Wheel Horse trailblazer 7 last year I took it to my Small Engine repair guy,told him the Woman that gave it to me she went and bought a new one.This Wheel horse was made in the 1970s and was excellent shape other than carb was dirty from sitting.He said the Women was not going to find one as good as this.