Whether you are maintaining your personal equipment, caring for company tools, or running a mechanic’s business, the importance of small engine repair cannot be underestimated. By understanding just how vital the maintenance and repair of small engines is, you can invest in your equipment properly to keep every engine running smoothly.

Types of Small Engines

Small, gas-powered engines are far more widespread in tools, home equipment, and recreational vehicles than many people realize. Small engines are found in…

• Tillers and cultivators
• Lawn mowers, trimmers, and edgers
• Air compressors
• Concrete mixers
• Chain saws and wood chippers
• Snowblowers
• Snowmobiles, ATVs, and outboard motors
• Motorcycles, go karts, and scooters
• Generators
• Pumps
• Power wheelchairs

Many homes have at least a few small engines in different equipment, and different companies may have a wide variety of small engines as part of their tools, vehicles, and other gear.

Why Small Engine Repair Matters

When a small engine fails, it can cost from $100 to $10,000 or higher to replace the equipment completely, depending on the engine model and the type of tool or vehicle. Repairs, however, can be much less expensive, and repairing the engine yourself is the best savings of all. Proper repairs can keep equipment operating efficiently and safely, while a damaged engine could quickly become a fire hazard, may cause the equipment to malfunction, could cause injuries, and will eventually fail completely.

In addition to the monetary savings of knowing how to repair small engines, there are other benefits that make small engine repair especially critical.

• As you repair the engines, you will remain more familiar and confident with the equipment so you can always operate it safely and efficiently. You will also be better able to instruct others on how to use the equipment.
• If you’re familiar with smaller repairs and the subtleties of each engine, you will more quickly notice additional problems that could be even more troublesome. The sooner small problems are fixed, the less likely they are to become larger, more expensive problems.
• If you choose to sell the equipment at any time or plan to trade it in on an upgrade, you will be able to reassure buyers about its condition in order to secure a better price and more profitable deal.

Who Should Learn Small Engine Repair?

Anyone who owns various small engines can benefit from learning the basics of small engine repair. Furthermore, employees who regularly operate small engines as part of their work ought to learn repair basics, not only as an additional employment skill, but also to ensure they can do their work best. This could include employees such as…

• Park rangers or wildlife officials who may use ATVs on different properties
• Ranchers or farmers who have gas-powered equipment and tools
• Auto mechanics who can also offer services for small engine vehicles
• Contractors who use small engine equipment on different job sites
• Boaters, snowmobilers, and other hobbyists who enjoy small engine vehicles
• Maintenance personnel for schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, etc.
• Business owners who may offer tool rentals or loaning
• Anyone interested in starting their own small engine repair business

How to Learn Small Engine Repair

There are several ways to learn small engine repair. Different books, manuals, and videos are available for self-study, or trade schools often offer different levels of small engine repair classes that can lead to certifications and licensure. Both generalized and specialized programs are available, and many states offer several types of certifications depending on an individual’s qualifications.

If you are considering training for small engine repair, check with your employer about available classes or scholarship options. Discount programs may also be available for veterans, high school students, or individuals who already have similar training certifications. Depending on the level of training, classes could last just a few weeks or make take a few months to complete. Once you are trained, however, you will feel confident with all types of small engine repair and will be well on your way to ensure all your tools and equipment function at their best.