Important Updates and FAQ

Important Updates November 2024:

Effective Immediately:

1-I am now able to accept all major credit cards as well as local debit cards.  The card must be physically present at  the time of payment and have a working chip in order to be accepted.  All credit card and debit card transactions will incur a 3% processing fee on the pre tax total.

2-I am now able to offer pickup and delivery service for riding mowers with a 42" or less deck width.  This will only apply to traditional riding mowers, I am not offering pickup and delivery on zero turn mowers at this time.  The rates will be as follows: $25 round trip for the northside of La Crosse, $30 round trip for Onalaska, French Island, and the south side of La Crosse, $35 round trip for Holmen and Shelby, and $40 round trip for West Salem.

3-I am now able to offer a loaner push mower if needed during repairs of your mower.  A loaner snowblower is also in the works and I expect it to be available by Thanksgiving.  These loaners are available free of charge to anyone who has current work in my shop.  

4-I am no longer able to take in the following equipment due to an updated insurance coverage: ATVs, UTVs, ORVs, golf carts,  and other ride on type vehicles, any kind of watercraft or aircraft, any car, truck, motorcycle, dirt bike and similar, construction equipment such as dozers and excavators.

5-The following equipment will not be accepted without prior approval: mowers older than 25 years, snowblowers older than 20 years, two stroke equipment (hedge trimmers, string trimmers, chainsaws, and similar) older than 10 years, all other equipment not listed here older than 20 years.  This is due to dwindling parts availability and service information for older equipment.  This only applies to non-maintenance items, I will still accept older equipment for basic tune ups and maintenance such as blades, chains, air filters, spark plugs, pull cords, and oil changes.

Effective January 1st 2025:

1-Pickup and delivery rates will increase to $20 round trip for non-ride on equipment from the following locations: La Crosse (north and south sides), Onalaska, Holmen, Shelby, French Island.  It will increase to $25 round trip for West Salem.  This is to account for increased fuel and insurance costs.

2-I am in the process of setting up the ability to rent equipment by the day.  More information to come as the holidays get closer.

3-All flat priced items other than pickup and delivery will increase by $3 each

FAQ:

1-Do you offer a warranty?

Yes, I stand behind my work and offer a standard 30 day warranty on most normal repairs and maintenance.  Any variation from the 30 days will be discussed in advance before work begins.  All warranties are void if you provide your own parts.

2-How does scheduling work?

I currently operate by appointment only, I do not offer any kind of open drop off hours.  When you make an appointment, it is only a locked down drop off or pick up time.  Not any guarantee on completion of repairs.  While it isn't always possible due to parts availability, I strive for a turnaround time of 2-3 weeks.  I recommend texting me at 608-860-3708 or emailing heinzsmallenginerepair@gmail.com to set up an appointment.  

3-Why should I repair?  Why not just buy new?

Please see my Why Repair page for more in depth information.  In short, repairing is normally less expensive, allows you to use equipment you already are comfortable with, and is better for the environment. 

4-Do you work on electric equipment?

Other than routine maintenance such as blade sharpening, no.  Most electric equipment does not have serviceable parts inside.  With that said, electric equipment often needs repair less often as there are fewer moving parts.

5-Will you do repairs at my house/place of business?

My preference is usually to work on equipment at my shop.  For those instances where it just isn't possible, I will work on equipment on site.  On site work will be charged the normal pickup fee for that area plus $65 per hour including travel time.

6-Will you pick up and deliver?

Yes, please see my Pricing page for pricing information.

7-Do you sell equipment?

Occasionally.  I sometimes have used equipment cross my hands.  I will fix it up and either resell it or use it as a loaner unit.  Any used equipment comes with a 30 day warranty.

8-Do you have any tips or recommendations to make my equipment last longer or to help avoid having to get it fixed?

Yes, please see the following:

Change your oil every year at the start of the season.  Even if your engine says the oil never needs to be changed, still change it.  Using a full synthetic oil can provide better wear protection and easier cold weather starting.  Oil is cheap, engines aren't.

Most of the issues I repair are fuel related, either caused by old fuel breaking down or contamination in the fuel.  Make sure to use fresh fuel every season.  Only use premium non-ethanol fuel.  Use a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-bil in all the fuel that goes through your equipment, it is available at all auto and hardware stores.  Keep fuel containers stored in a cool dark place whenever possible and keep the lids on tight to prevent moisture contamination.  Keep the lid on your fuel tank tightly installed and if it shows damage or wear, replace it.

Whenever possible, store your equipment indoors to prevent corrosion and moisture damage.

When storing your equipment at the end of the season, do one of the following:

A-At the end of the season, clean off your equipment of grass, dirt, grime, and mud.  Keep the fuel tank full of fresh fuel and start your equipment once every one to two weeks for the duration of the storage.  Let it run for at least 10 minutes.  This will allow fresh fuel to circulate through the engine and prevent gum buildup in the fuel system.  Once done running, top off the fuel tank again.

B-At the end of the season, clean off your equipment of grass, dirt, grime, and mud.  Drain the fuel tank completely.  Start and run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.  Remove the spark plug and pour an eye dropper of engine oil into the cylinder.  Reinstall the spark plug.  Slowly pull the cord once.  This will ensure there is no old gas in the fuel system to gum it up and will ensure the cylinder is lubricated with oil.

Regardless of your chosen option, make sure your fuel is fresh, premium, non-ethanol, stabilized fuel regardless of if you are storing or using the equipment.