Don’s Small Engine Service Inc: A Controversial Name in Small Engine Repairs ⚙️🛠️
Overview
Located at 1449 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Don’s Small Engine Service Inc has served the community for years by offering repair services for snowblowers, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and generators. While the shop once held a solid reputation in the small engine industry, recent reviews suggest that the business may be facing internal challenges. From claims of delayed service and overcharging to praise for new staff members like Amanda, Don’s has become a polarizing name in the local repair scene. Before trusting your equipment to this shop, it’s important to understand both sides of the customer experience.
Services
🔧 Diagnostics – Offered for a flat fee (often $70–$85), required before any repairs are quoted.
🌬️ Snowblower Repairs – Fixing carburetors, belts, engines, and start-up issues.
🌿 Lawnmower & Trimmer Repairs – Including blade sharpening, fuel system servicing, and part replacements.
🔌 Generator Repairs – From complete rebuilds to small adjustments, though turnaround times vary.
🪓 Chainsaw & Small Tools – Carb adjustments, spark plug replacements, and tuning, especially for EGO and Ryobi models.
📦 Part Sales – Customers can purchase parts directly, though some report challenges with returns and accuracy.
Pros
✅ Authorized Warranty Center – The shop is listed as a repair center for brands like EGO, Husqvarna, and Ryobi.
✅ Improved Communication with Amanda – Recent positive reviews highlight Amanda’s helpful and honest phone support, setting better expectations.
✅ Convenient Location – Situated on a major boulevard, making drop-offs easy for local residents.
✅ Loyal Long-Term Customers – Some clients have had repeated success, particularly when purchasing parts.
✅ Repair Variety – Handles a wide range of engine-powered tools, including specialty equipment.
Cons
❌ Inconsistent Pricing & Estimating – Many customers report wildly varying quotes, hidden fees, or charges without approval.
❌ Poor Turnaround Time – Equipment reportedly sits for weeks or even months without attention, especially during peak seasons.
❌ Customer Service Complaints – Multiple mentions of unprofessional conduct, including yelling, rudeness, and refusal to explain repairs or issue refunds.
❌ Warranty Headaches – Several clients were misinformed or misled about what was covered and how much it would cost.
❌ Neglected Equipment – A few alarming stories claim machines were never touched—or worse, thrown out.
Reviews
Review 1 – “Deceptive Pricing and Rude Conduct 💸🚫”
“I was quoted $90, then suddenly told it would be $450. When I declined, they wanted $120 just for diagnostics. Totally inconsistent pricing, and I no longer trusted the place. Took my snowblower elsewhere.”
Review 2 – “Long Wait, No Results… Just a Lost Deposit 😡🕑”
“My snowblower sat untouched for 2 months. They finally diagnosed it when I called to complain, but still hadn’t worked on it. Ended up picking it up with nothing done. Refused to refund my $70 deposit.”
Review 3 – “Amanda Gives Hope 🌟📞”
“I was skeptical due to bad reviews, but Amanda was upfront about the wait time. Surprisingly, they made real progress. The new staff seem to be improving things. Might be worth giving another chance.”
Review 4 – “Charged $160 to Replace a $3 Pull Rope 😤💵”
“My trimmer needed a basic fix. No call with an estimate, just a bill of $163.85. Outrageous pricing for something so minor. And warranty support? Non-existent.”
Review 5 – “Told to Buy a New Machine After They Broke It 😤🚫”
“Dropped off a working snowblower. They tore it down, then told me to go buy a new one. Said parts weren’t available—but they didn’t check until after disassembly. Unacceptable. Avoid at all costs!”
Conclusion
Don’s Small Engine Service Inc is a business with a complicated reputation. While some customers praise the work of individual team members and convenient access to brand-authorized services, many more express deep dissatisfaction with delays, inconsistent pricing, and customer treatment. If you’re considering a repair here, it may be wise to call ahead, get written quotes, and ask specific warranty questions. For those who find Amanda or another helpful tech, the experience may be salvaged—but for others, the risk of frustration is real.
🛠️ Caution advised: Read reviews carefully, get second opinions, and always ask for clarity before paying.