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Yes, you can tip a lawn mower on its side as long as you turn it with the carburetor side upwards. This prevents oil from leaking into the carburetor and reducing performance. You can also tip the mower backward as long as it's stable while you're working on the deck or blades for safety.

Lawnmowers require seasonal maintenance to continue working correctly. With routine maintenance, you can extend its life to the fullest, which is around 10 years for push mowers and 5-8 years for riding mowers. To keep your lawn mower working correctly, you’ll want to take the following steps at least once a year:

• Replace the spark plug

• Change the oil

• Drain the fuel tank

• Clean the mowing deck (ideally, after every mow)

• Replace the air filter

• Check the carburetor

• Sharpen the blades

• Fog the engine

• Check the tires

If you are a skilled DIYer with experience, you can do certain lawn mower repairs yourself. However, if you’ve never worked on a lawn mower before or if your mower needs extensive repairs, it’s best to let a skilled lawn mower technician work on your machine. While it might be a little more expensive due to the cost of labor, nothing beats knowing that the job was done successfully (and often with warranties). 

Whether it is cheaper to repair or replace your lawn mower depends on the specific issue, the mower's age, and the potential costs. The cost to replace a lawn mower can range from $60 for basic models to over $15,000 for high-end ones. In contrast, small repairs like a spark plug replacement can be as little as $20. However, more significant repairs, such as a damaged crankshaft ($500-$900) or a blown engine, can cost hundreds of dollars. Some people follow a 'three-year rule,' opting to replace mowers older than three years rather than repair them. For a clear decision, it's best to consult a lawn mower repair technician who can assess the damage and provide an accurate quote.