FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions? Let’s get ’em answered!!
Jump to:About/General Questions:
Matt’s Small Engine Repair is a Twin Cities small engine repair business focused on community and customer relationships.
Located in St. Anthony, MN, Matt’s is dedicated to helping people with their small engine equipment and providing honest, fair, and straight forward service and repair. Check out Matt’s story here.
Nope! Matt’s is a full service small engine shop in St Anthony, MN. I do however have some awesome personal projects that I work on in my garage. 😉
Hi! This is Matt. My goal and vision is to provide you awesome service and to build a relationship with you and the community. That means going further than my competitors. Being honest and fair. Being a good person and earning your trust. Small engines can be very frustrating, and I want to be the one you reach out to for help when they start giving you trouble.
Because the experience of getting your equipment fixed shouldn’t be terrible. I’ve been there, mid mowing and I can’t start it again, and wanting to be able to reach out to someone who is going to help me and make me feel good about it.
Public / Shop Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10am – 3pm. Sunday and Monday closed.
Why are you only open until 3pm??!! – It’s because from 3-6pm Matt is on the road visiting customers for his pick ups and deliveries.
Equipment Drop Off Hours: By appointment during shop hours (to make sure that I am there and ready to help you unload!). To schedule a drop off appointment, call Matt at 612-386-9911.
Pick Up & Delivery Hours: Before and After shop hours and sometimes in between.
Matt’s Small Engine Repair is located 2 miles west of 35W and County Road D in St. Anthony, MN.
Our address is:
3901 Foss Rd. Unit A
St Anthony, MN 55421
Yes! Matt’s offers free pick up and delivery within a 5 mile driving distance from Matt’s shop. From 5 – 15 driving miles it is $85 round trip. After 15 driving miles it is an additional $15 per 5 mile increment. Learn more here.
Yes! We are always at the shop during our business hours, but it’s smart to make an appointment online or by calling Matt’s at 612-386-9911.
Matt’s offers limited mobile repair service depending on the fix and tools needed for the job. For the best repair, its best to have your equipment at Matt’s shop with all the tools and supplies available. Matt’s understands that sometimes mobile repairs are more convenient and can try to accommodate, depending. Give Matt’s a call to see if this is an option for you.
Currently Matt’s Small Engine Repair takes cash and checks only. Payment for repairs, service and maintenance is due upon completion of work. Equipment storage payments are due up front for the package term, and any additional term will be billed monthly.
Yes and No. Matt’s Small Engine Repair does not hold a large inventory of parts. However, common parts like spark plugs, air filters, blades, and other common things are in stock. Anything else that you might need can be ordered through Matt’s parts distributors. If you need something today, call Matt’s. If I don’t have it, I can point you to other shops that might or order it for you.
Yes! Bring in your blades and get them sharpened while you wait. Blade sharpening is $10 a blade. Matt’s will not sharpen any blades that are bent, unbalanced, heavily worn, or severely damaged though. If you think that is the case, best to just replace them.
Small Engine Repair Questions:
Matt’s Small Engine Repair fixes all types of residential and commercial small engine power equipment. Lawn mowers, snow blowers, riding mowers and equipment, commercial equipment, pressure washers, generators, tillers, and more.
We NO LONGER take in hand held equipment such as chain saws, weed whackers, etc. Reason being is that they are becoming so cheep that it is more economical to purchase new.
Other things that Matt’s doesn’t work on right now are motorized vehicles (ATVs, Snowmobiles, Scooters, etc.) and marine equipment. Call Matt to ask if you have questions.
Matt’s Small Engine Repair only works on handheld equipment that originally cost $450 or more. Why you ask? Well unfortunately, most repairs on this type of equipment gets close to the value or exceeds the value of the equipment when it was new. A typical no start repair for a chainsaw for example would cost $125+. So unfortunately we have had to create this policy.
Yes. Matt’s provides a 15 day warranty on all maintenance, repairs, and installation.
Matt’s is happy to come and diagnose your problem, whether at your place or in his shop. If it’s at your place, there is an $85 diagnostic fee plus travel fee (if outside 5 mile driving distance). The $85 diagnostic fee will be applied towards the repair if you decide you would like to have your equipment fixed. Otherwise payment is due that day and Matt’s only takes cash or check.
Yes! Did you know that a lot of the small engine manufacturers recommend at least an oil change after 25 hours of use??! It’s true! Bigger engines can go longer, but having a quality tune up is the key to longevity of your machine.
If you are looking for tune ups, carburetor cleaning and more for your equipment, click here.
Yes indeed! Proper winterization of your summer equipment is essential for having it start up in the spring. It is often messy, and can be confusing. So let Matt’s take care of it for you!
Matt’s also provides “summerization” of your snow blower and other winter equipment. Having this service will best ensure that your snow blower starts up for you next winter.
No. Matt’s is not contracted by any manufacturers to do warranty repair. If your equipment is still covered under warranty from the manufacturer, you will need to contact the manufacturer to find out which repair centers are authorized to give warranty repair.
Right now, Matt’s does not service or repair small engines that are on motorized equipment. His lawyers are working on it though. 😉
Unfortunately, Matt’s shop is not equipped to repair or provide maintenance to any marine equipment. He is looking for a fishing boat though if you are looking to give away yours.
Pick Up and Delivery Questions:
Matt’s is happy to come pick up and delivery your equipment. He provides free pick up and delivery within a 5 mile driving radius of his shop, and a reasonable round trip charge outside of that radius too! Click here to learn more about all of that!
How far will he go? Matt will go as far as someone is willing to pay. 😉
Matt’s offers FREE pick up and delivery within a 5 mile driving radius of his shop. Outside of the free 5 mile driving radius, Matt’s charges an affordable round trip delivery charge. Click here to learn more about delivery and charges.
Awesome question! Matt’s provides pick up and delivery through out the Twin Cities metro area and surrounding. He’s been known to go pretty far as long as the customer is ok with the round trip fee. Click here to learn all about Matt’s pick up and delivery services and fees.
Yes! Either yourself or another adult needs to be present to sign paperwork and to ensure a safe drop off on return. Last thing we need is for someone to think that your lawn mower is free for the taking.
Matt’s is all about safety and security of your equipment. If however, there was damage or loss of your equipment, Matt’s is fully insured and will do what is necessary to right the situation.
Yes! Let’s talk.
Matt’s tries to ensure that your equipment is safe when picked up, in transit, and being delivered. That is why we may need to reschedule your pick up / delivery appointment for a better day if we are experiencing inclement weather. Mostly winter storms, but sometimes summer rain and storms too.
Matt’s transports equipment with an open bed trailer. Most equipment is fine to transport during rain to the shop, but the return is a different story. Reason being is that if water gets into your gas tank or engine, it will make for a lot of issues.
Matt’s stores your equipment inside his shop, where it is warm and dry and will be able to dry off.
Customer Drop Off / Pick Up Questions:
Matt’s accepts customer drop offs and pick ups during normal shop hours and he’d prefer that you set up an appointment by phone or on the website. He can also try to work with you on times before and after normal shop hours too. Matt’s understands that your schedule might not work with shop hours. So don’t be afraid to ask.
You don’t have to, but it’d be cooler if you did! 😉
We are always at the shop during business hours but setting up an appointment speeds up the appointment and creates a work order for your equipment.
When you get to the shop, pull on up to the garage door on the left front side of the building. If you have scheduled an appointment, We will be ready to help you unload. If you are dropping off without an appointment, come walk in or ring the door bell on the counter if someone isn’t at the front desk!
No! Do not drop off your equipment outside of business hours. It will get stolen and Matt’s is not responsible for this.
Matt’s will also refuse service and call you to come pick up your equipment.
(This actually happens, unfortunately)
Small Engine Equipment Rental / Loaners Questions:
Matt’s does have push lawn mowers and snow blowers for rent based on availability. Give Matt’s a call to inquire more.
That’s right! Matt’s offers loaners for customers. Matt’s understands that sometimes you just HAVE TO get that lawn mowed. It is based on availability though, so just ask if it might be available to you!
Small Engine Equipment Storage Questions:
Matt’s offers climate controlled storage at a great price for all your small engine equipment and will guarantee it starts when you get it back!
Having Matt’s store your equipment will ensure that they are ready for you when you need them and also provides you that extra space in your garage! No more tripping over your snow blower in the summer! Click here to learn more and sign up!
Matt’s stores snow blowers, riding lawn mowers, push mowers, generators, tillers, and more. The more you store, the more you save with discounts on multiple equipment. You can get them tuned up while they are being stored too! All at super reasonable rates. Go check out the details here!
Yes! Matt’s offers basic storage, storage and tune ups, repairs and ala cart services too! There are several different types of packages to chose from and you can learn more about them here.
Yes! Matt’s offers basic storage, storage and tune ups, repairs and ala cart services too! There are several different types of packages to chose from and you can learn more about them here.
Yes indeed! If it has a small engine on it, Matt’s will store it and make sure it is ready for you when you need it! There are several different types of packages to chose from and you can learn more about them here.
Your equipment is safe at Matt’s! Storage is video surveilled, armed, manned, warm, pest controlled and also fully insured. You can stay at ease knowing that Matt’s is taking great care of your equipment while you are away.
Small Engine Tips / Advice:
Getting your equipment ready for storage can be tricky (and messy), but the key is to make sure that it is getting the proper storage maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.
Don’t worry though, Matt’s is happy to help you! We offer storage prep services as well!
Honda! Just kidding. It is best to do your research and read reviews. Most of the time it’s not about brand, but the engine on the equipment, or your intended use. If you got a small drive way, you don’t have to get the 29″ commercial grade 3 stage snow blower when a compact single stage will do!
Every manufacturer and engine manufacturer has their own common problems and issues. Even Honda! The best advice is to make sure you are getting regular maintenance for your equipment so that we can catch the major problems before they happen and keep that engine running in tip top shape.
Other Questions:
Nope! Absolutely not.
Safety switches and mechanisms for your equipment are for your safety and Matt’s will never bypass any safety measure that has been installed by the manufacturer. If your equipment has a bypassed safety switch that is part of the repair that Matt’s is doing, he will restore the safety switch to its original intended function and will charge you for that work. Matt’s takes safety seriously and strongly encourages customers not to bypass any safety switch or make modifications to equipment.
We also get equipment that is past its intended life span. If we have equipment come in that is deemed too unsafe for intended use, unfortunately we will have to turn you away.
Matt’s only works on the engine side of generators. If your generator has an issue with the electrical panel, power output, etc. it is best to contact the manufacturer to find out who services the electrical side of your equipment.
Matt’s will on occasion buy people’s used equipment depending on condition and value. If you have equipment that you are looking to sell, please give Matt a call.
Matt does occasionally have used equipment to sell as well, and comes with a 30 day warranty. If you are interested in what equipment Matt’s is currently selling, please give us a call.
Unfortunately Matt’s does not help sell people’s equipment but there are some great places for you to sell your equipment. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great resources for selling your equipment, plus many other sites!