If your heavy equipment’s cab is shaking like crazy, or you’re hearing some weird, off-putting noises coming from the machine, a worn-out engine mount is probably to blame. Don’t brush this problem off. It’ll just lead to tons of downtime, make the operator way less comfortable, and could even cause some seriously costly damage to other parts. In this guide, we’re gonna break down engine mount replacement cost, so you can budget right and get your machine back up and running on the job site in no time.
What Is An Engine Mount?
An engine mount, sometimes called a motor mount, is the key connection between your machine’s beefy engine and its main frame. And it’s way more than just a simple bracket. It has two big jobs: first, to hold that heavy, torque-generating engine firmly in place, and second, to soak up all the intense vibrations the engine kicks out. Without it, the whole machine would shake like crazy nonstop, and the engine’s movement could wreck all the parts around it.
On heavy equipment, these mounts aren’t tiny little rubber pieces either. They’re tough, heavy-duty components built to handle massive amounts of force. The most common design is like a “sandwich”: layers of high-strength steel with a thick block of hard rubber or polyurethane in the middle.
- The metal part: It’s what gives the mount its rigid structure, plus the mounting points you need to bolt the engine to the frame solidly.
- The rubber/polyurethane part: This is the real workhorse of the mount. It bends and squishes to absorb vibrations and jolts—both from the engine running and from the rough, bumpy terrain your machine works on day in and day out.
Getting the installation right is super important for how well the machine runs. On a big excavator or dozer, there are usually three or four mounts placed strategically. Their job is to spread out the engine’s weight evenly and counteract its torque. If just one mount goes bad, it puts extra strain on all the others, and that starts a domino effect of wear and tear that only gets worse over time.
How Much Does an Engine Mount Replacement Cost?
Replacing an engine mount on heavy equipment costs anywhere from $450 to more than $2,500 per mount. And if you need to swap out a full set, which is usually what the pros recommend, the total cost can easily hit $3,000 to over $8,000, depending on what kind of machine you’re working on. This big price range boils down to two main things: parts and labor.
Engine Mount Part Cost
The cost of the mount itself can vary a ton. Unlike the basic, no-fuss mounts you’d find on older or smaller machines, today’s heavy equipment usually uses way more complex designs.
- Standard rubber mounts: These are the most common kind out there. For construction or farm gear, a single good-quality aftermarket mount will typically run you between $150 and $400.
- Hydraulic (fluid-filled) mounts: Some high-end machines use these—they have fluid inside that does a way better job of soaking up vibrations. But since they’re more complicated, they’re pricier too. If you buy one straight from an OEM dealer, you’re looking at $500 to $800 per mount, sometimes even more.
Labor Cost
Labor’s usually the biggest chunk of your final bill. Swapping out an engine mount on heavy machinery is hardly ever a quick fix—and how easy the mount is to get to is the number one factor here. Mechanics who work on heavy equipment typically charge between $120 and $200 an hour.
- Easy access: If the mount’s right out in the open, the job might take 2–3 hours. That’d put your labor costs somewhere between $240 and $600.
- Tough access: Most of the time, though, these mounts are tucked way deep in the engine bay. The mechanic might have to yank out other big parts like hydraulic pumps, counterweights, belly pans, or even tilt the whole cab just to get to it. That can turn a simple job into a 6–10 hour headache, and suddenly you’re looking at $720 to over $2,000 in labor just for one mount.
And one more thing, if you notice your engine mount’s acting up, fix it as soon as possible. Letting the engine wiggle around too much can tear through hydraulic lines, the radiator fan, or even crack the exhaust manifold.
Potential Costs for Replacing a Single Engine Mount
| Cost Component | Low-End Estimate | High-End Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part Cost | $150 (Standard Aftermarket) | $800+ (Hydraulic OEM) | Price depends on mount type and source (OEM vs. Aftermarket). |
| Labor Hours | 2 Hours | 10+ Hours | The primary driver is the accessibility of the mount. |
| Labor Rate | $120 / hour | $200+ / hou | Varies by region and type of repair shop (dealer vs. independent). |
| Total Estimated Cost (Per Mount) | ~$390 | ~$2,800+ | This does not include taxes, shop fees, or the cost of replacing other parts damaged by the failure. |
Factors Affecting Engine Mount Replacement Cost
As you can tell, the price can jump all over the place. Knowing why will help you get a more accurate quote and make a probable decision. Here are the factors that affect the cost.
- Machine type and size: The heavy equipment type is a necessary factor. Larger machines have heavier components and more complex systems around the engine, which can significantly increase the time required for repairs.
- How easy the mounts are to get to: This is the biggest wild card. On some wheel loaders, a side mount might be right behind a panel, super easy to reach. But on an excavator, a rear mount could be squeezed tight between the engine and the main hydraulic pump assembly. That means you’ve got to tear a bunch of stuff apart just to get at it.
- Type of engine mount: As we talked about earlier, a basic rubber mount is way cheaper than those fancy hydraulic or electronically controlled active mounts you’ll find on some newer, high-end machines.
- OEM parts vs. aftermarket parts: OEM parts are generally the most expensive because they are purchased directly from the dealer. But many reliable aftermarket parts perform just as well, and are much cheaper.
- How many mounts you replace: If one mount goes bad from age and wear, the others are probably not far behind. Mechanics will almost always tell you to replace them all as a set. Yeah, it’ll cost more for parts upfront, but it saves you from paying for the same tedious labor work again a few months down the line.
Where you live and what the shop charges: Hourly rates for certified heavy equipment techs vary depending on where you are. Plus, dealer shops usually charge more than trusted independent repair shops.
Signs of A Bad Engine Mount
Your machine will usually give a clear warning before it fails completely. Finding these signs can be dealt with early.
- Excessive Vibration: The vibration in the seat or cab is more severe than usual, indicating that the bracket is no longer able to absorb the vibration of the engine well. Especially at idle or heavy load. This can affect operator comfort and may also cause other components to wear out more quickly.
- Impact Noises (Clunking or Banging): Do you get a loud clunk when the engine starts or stops? Or when you move the boom, drop the bucket, or work the machine hard? This noise is the sound of the engine shifting and hitting the frame or other components because the mount is no longer holding it securely.
- Visible Damage or Sagging: Take a look at the engine mount while you do your daily inspection. Common problems like cracking of the rubber, peeling of the rubber and metal base, or oil leakage from the hydraulic supports. And engine may be positioned lower or incorrectly in the engine compartment.
- Secondary Component Damage: If an engine mount breaks completely, the engine’s shaking will cause all sorts of trouble. A common issue is the fan hitting the shroud and damaging both parts. What’s more, wiring harnesses, fuel lines, and hydraulic hoses can get stretched and damaged, too. This will lead to all kinds of other problems, and your repair bill will shoot up.
Final Thoughts
The average engine mount replacement cost to replace an engine mount ranges from $300 to $1,200+. For more complex and larger equipment, the price of engine mounts may be even higher. Engine mounts wear out over time. Choose guaranteed compatible parts from FridayParts and replace them regularly. All our products come with a low-price guarantee, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
