MamaHog said:
I'm picking up a battery for BBG's mower on Friday. What would the blade sharpening run? or is it based on how dull the blades are?
Not so much how dull the blades are, but mostly if they are bent. If they're not bent then they can usually be sharpened. Also, if they are the split end blades, then they probably need replacing. In all honesty, Parker Sales can usually sell you NEW blades for around $10 per blade- VERY GOOD PRICE! Also, is it a riding mower or push mower? Replacing or reconditioning the blade on a push mower is $15. If it's a riding mower, then it's $20 per blade because we have to bring it in and raise it up to access the blades and inspect the mandrel ends....(the mounting surface that the blades mount to). The best way to get an idea on prices would be to visit my website and go to the RATES page. The prices I show are based on the machine being brought in. House calls are basically how I operate now, but the price is a little higher since they are ONSITE repairs. If you ever have any questions and can give me more specific information I can give you a more accurate price. I wish it were more simple than that, but there's too many different brands out there, some easy to service and some are much more difficult. If you email me the info or call me, then I can almost always give you an accurate price. But people do need to understand that about 20% of the mowers I change blades on were changed previously by someone who did not mount them right and messed up the mounting surface- this means a new spindle on riding mowers or a new blade adapter on push mowers. In the past week alone we have seen the following:
-Blades put on backwards by the customer
-Carburetors (brand new) that were assembled wrong at the factory
-Belts put on by the owner incorrectly (causing LOTS of damage)
-people pouring last year's gasoline into their mowers and clogging the carburetors with "jelly"
As you can see, the only REAL way to price something is to see it. Having said that, if EVERYTHING is correct when we get there, then prices are pretty basic & simple. In my 5 years of business, I would have to say that about HALF of all equipment comes with problems that arise from the owner trying their hand at their own repairs. I really stress going to my website, because it not only gives you rates, but it also gives you a lot of valuable information that can keep you from needing repairs as often. REALLY good information, folks!! ;D
But from 11 a.m. until about 9 p.m. you guys are welcome to call me or email me at glennjiles@comcast.net with any questions you have. My policy has always been the same- to make everything as affordable as possible, and in doing that I can't put a permanent price on some things unless I go the route that all other shops take- (listing the worst case scenario price). Doing that would put me in the same boat as everyone else, while the fact is, we want to save YOU all we can. Therefore, easy things with no problems cost you much less, while problematic things can cost you more. I see no integrity in charging people a high price, assuming everything will be problematic. Make sense?
One more example of this past week- took in a riding mower that had been properly stored, looked like NEW. Well, while it all looked great, as soon as we poured gas in the tank, the gas poured out because the tank had gotten brittle and broke. We had to order a new tank (which wasn't cheap) and the labor was $75 on just replacing this particular tank. So, it's a kind of "I call you as I go" kind of thing with us to let you know what's up and save you some sticker shock in some cases. I hope this clears up some questions you folks have, and again- the website is something I work on every other day to help people know our rates and offer a lot more information to better educate you (the consumer) about your equipment.
Glenn
678-315-8794
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