P&P Small Engines
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About This Repair Shop
Fifty Years of Keeping Des Moines Moving
For half a century, P&P Small Engines has been a cornerstone of the Des Moines community. What started as a local repair shop has grown into a premier two-location operation under the leadership of Jeffrey Nicholson. Celebrating 50 years in business isn’t just a milestone; it’s a testament to the decades of trust we’ve built with Iowa homeowners and professionals. We believe that a well-maintained yard is a source of pride, and our mission is to ensure your equipment is always up to the task.
Our approach is grounded in informed confidence. With five decades of history, we don't just "fix" machines—we understand the mechanical evolution of outdoor power. Whether you’re maintaining a suburban lawn or managing a large rural property, our certified technicians bring a level of seasoned expertise that you simply won't find at a big-box retailer.
Des Moines’ Largest Parts and Service Hub
We pride ourselves on having the largest parts inventory in the area, which means less time waiting for a shipment and more time getting your work done. Our service department is equipped to handle everything from a routine seasonal tune-up to the most complicated engine overhauls. We are certified to sell and service the industry’s heavy hitters, including Toro, Cub Cadet, Hustler, Ferris, STIHL, and Husqvarna.
Our Comprehensive Maintenance and Repair Services:
- Full service for riding mowers and zero-turns to keep your large-scale mowing efficient.
- Expert carburetor cleaning and engine diagnostics for walk-behind mowers and handheld gear.
- Seasonal snow blower service to ensure you're ready before the first Iowa blizzard hits.
- Specialized repairs for chainsaws, leaf blowers, and outdoor boilers.
- Professional oil changes and air filter maintenance to extend the life of your engine.
The P&P Edge
What truly sets us apart is our versatility and scale. Beyond being a top-tier repair center, we are a full-service dealership and an equipment rental hub. This means we can support your project from start to finish—whether you need to rent a specific tool for a weekend project or purchase a professional-grade Ferris mower. Because we carry niche brands like BCS America, Central Boiler, and Country Clipper, we offer solutions for specialized property needs that other shops might overlook.
A Neighborly Legacy
The vibe at P&P Small Engines is professional, reliable, and deeply rooted in the East Side community. We know that getting a tractor or a heavy zero-turn to the shop can be a challenge, which is why we offer a convenient pickup and delivery service to take the logistics off your plate. Whether you’re stopping by on a Saturday morning or calling in for a quick diagnostic question, you’ll find a team that values your time and your budget. We’ve spent 50 years perfecting our craft, and we look forward to serving the Treasure Valley for the next fifty.
Location & Hours
Services Offered
Oil Change
Carburetor Cleaning
Leaf Blower Repair
Equipment Rental
Snow Blower Repair
Air Filter Maintenance
Riding Mower
Walk-Behind Mowers
Engine Diagnostics
Brands & Models Serviced
Get quotes from lawn mowing services while your lawnmower is being repaired
Photos of this Lawnmower Repair Shop (20)
Meet the Owner
Jeff Nicholson
Business Owner • 50+ years in business
"Since 1976, we've been the go-to source for homeowners and lawn care professionals across Central Iowa — sales, service, and everything in between."
— Jeff Nicholson
Videos from the Owner
What People Say About This Shop
If you are looking for expert lawn equipment repair in Des Moines, the team at P&P Small Engines truly delivers when the pressure is on. I brought my snowblower in on the morning of November 28th at 9:30 AM, and I was absolutely blown away when they had it completely finished and back to me by 11:30 AM the very same day. This kind of fast turnaround time is a lifesaver in Iowa, especially since it put my equipment back in my hands just in time for the heavy snow that hit that weekend. This level of efficiency is exactly why they are highly recommended for lawn mower repair in Des Moines, IA.
Professional mower repair shop in Des Moines, IA — P & P recently repaired my craftsman snowblower that I thought was a lost cause due to someone's mistake of not winterizing it. They could have pushed me to buy new but instead we made some major repairs and now it's like a brand new machine!! But, most importantly, they provided advice on gas and winterizing that will help me forever. Everyone there is so knowledgeable, respectful and always patient. Shop local!! It's worth it. Thank you to everyone at P & P for making my winter much easier!! Top choice for mower repair in the Des Moines area.
If you are looking for expert lawnmower repair in Des Moines, you can't beat a shop with 50 years of history. I brought my zero-turn mower to P&P Small Engines for a full engine overhaul, and the results were outstanding. It is clear that Jeffrey and his team operate with informed confidence, providing a level of seasoned expertise that you just won't find at a big-box retailer. For anyone in the East Side community needing professional lawn equipment service, this is the premier choice for keeping your gear running like new.
I was in a bind with a broken drive belt on my Cub Cadet, but because P&P has the largest parts inventory in the area, I didn't have to wait weeks for a shipment. Their certified technicians handled the repair quickly, and I was back to mowing by the weekend. This is a top-rated small engine service in Des Moines that truly understands how to get work done efficiently. Whether you need carburetor cleaning or a routine oil change, their service department is top-tier and highly reliable.
Trusted lawnmower service in Des Moines, IA — Quick and easy transaction, staff very helpful. Professional lawn equipment service in Des Moines, IA.
P&P Small Engines is a lifesaver for anyone managing a large property. I used their pickup and delivery service for my riding mower, which made the whole process incredibly easy.
If you are searching for "lawnmower repair near me" that offers comprehensive maintenance and rentals, this is the most versatile and professional shop in Iowa. High-quality work at a fair price
Professional mower repair shop in Des Moines, IA — Called and they found the exact part I needed. Quick easy shipping. Top choice for mower repair in the Des Moines area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about lawn mower repair services
Most lawn mowers need annual maintenance including oil changes, blade sharpening, and air filter replacement. In Des Moines, IA, we recommend servicing before the spring mowing season.
Common signs include difficulty starting, uneven cuts, excessive vibration, strange noises, or smoke coming from the engine. Don't ignore these warning signs.
Basic repairs like blade sharpening typically cost $15-$30, while more complex repairs like carburetor rebuilds can range from $50-$150. Get a quote before authorizing work.
If repair costs exceed 50% of a new mower's price, replacement is usually smarter. However, quality mowers are often worth repairing even after many years.
Simple repairs take 1-2 days. More complex engine work may take 3-5 days, especially during peak season in Des Moines, IA when shops are busiest.
Yes. Most repair shops in Des Moines, IA service riding mowers, zero-turns, and tractors in addition to push mowers.
Drain the fuel or run the tank empty, disconnect the spark plug, and clean off excess grass and debris. This helps the technician diagnose issues faster.
Many shops offer pickup and delivery services for an additional fee, especially for riding mowers that are difficult to transport.
Look for shops with good reviews, certified technicians, and transparent pricing. Ask about warranties on parts and labor.
Regularly change the oil, clean or replace air filters, sharpen blades, and use fresh fuel with stabilizer. These simple tasks prevent most common problems.
Keep Your Lawn Cut While You Wait
If your mower is down, you don't have to fall behind on lawn care. Get connected with local lawn professionals who can keep your yard looking great while your equipment is being repaired.
Starting from
$35-$50 per visit
Available pros
120+ nearby in your area
Response time
Under 24 hours typical