Top Signs That Your Mower or Tractor Needs an Upgrade
5/8/2025
Your equipment doesn’t last forever, and eventually, when parts wear out or your machine doesn’t run as well as it used to, you’ll need to upgrade. Sometimes, it’s easy to tell if it’s time to upgrade your mower or tractor, like a repair that costs more than it’s worth. Other times, it’s harder to tell. That’s why we’re here to help you identify the top signs that your mower or tractor needs an upgrade.
Let’s take a closer look at some common signs it’s time to upgrade your machine.
The first and most obvious sign that your equipment needs an upgrade is how often you’re taking it in for repairs. A machine that requires constant maintenance or breaks again soon after a repair indicates that it might be nearing the end of its life. If you’re constantly fixing or replacing parts like blades, belts, or the engine, it’s probably time for an upgrade.
How difficult is it to start up your tractor or lawnmower? Cold starts—attempts to start a tractor's engine when it’s been sitting for a while or when the outside temperatures are colder than the engine’s normal operating temperature—are a good indicator of how hard your machine has to work to get started (and how much it might be struggling). A machine that starts up fairly quickly even after sitting idle for weeks or months is still in good shape. If your machine cannot handle a cold start or doesn’t start at all, it’s time for an upgrade.
Have you noticed your mower leaving patches of uncut grass or scalping your lawn? This can be an indication of a bent or broken mower blade. That should be the first thing you should check. However, if it’s not the mower blade or the mower deck causing an issue, it may be time to upgrade your mower to a more advanced model. Modern John Deere lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers are built to last for many years and provide an even cut every time. Check out which new mower models are available at your local Belkorp Ag dealership.
Excessive engine smoke or grating (loud noises) are clear signs that something is wrong with your equipment. Smoke colors indicate different issues, and blue or white billowing smoke or unusual engine noises can indicate big problems. If you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure your engine oil and other fluids are fresh and clean, and you’re still seeing excessive smoke, it’s probably time to get a new tractor or lawnmower.
Every piece of equipment has an operating lifespan, measured in total operating hours. For residential lawnmowers, they typically last anywhere from 300 to 500 hours. For tractors and other larger machines, that can be upwards of 12,000 hours of operating time. After a certain number of hours, these machines start to noticeably slow down, and their performance decreases. Like a reliable farm animal, a machine that’s maxed out on its operating hours is better off being put out to pasture.
Technology moves fast, and machines that are just five or ten years old can quickly become outdated compared to the latest models. Upgrading to newer technology can improve your operating efficiency and performance. The latest models also come with more advanced features, like AutoTrac precision ag technology, GPS capabilities, advanced connectivity features, and more. If you want to keep up with technology trends, boost your operation’s efficiency, or stay ahead of the competition, it might be time to invest in a new model tractor or mower.
If you need a trusted dealership for your next equipment upgrade, visit Belkorp Ag, the California Central Valley’s top John Deere dealership. We carry a large selection of lawnmowers, compact tractors, Gators, attachments, specialty ag machines, and more. We would love to help you upgrade your aging machine to a more advanced, and reliable model.
Contact us at 209-205-3793 or email our sales team at sales@belkorpag.com.