POLO – Got an ailin' grass muncher? Need a new one?

Jared Dambman, second-generation owner of Dambman Lawn Mower Hospital in Polo has a new building, with more than 22,000 square feet for his showroom and repair operation.

A fire in October 2018 forced him to move his shop into a temporary location until recently. No one was hurt, but two buildings, several lawn tractors and other equipment, and supplies were destroyed.

With the new building, Dambman has expanded his operations, which is needed with his busy-year round schedule. He's also created more space for his showroom where customers can find Simplicity and Massport mowers as well as portable generators, log splitters and pressure washers. He plans to add home generators to his inventory soon.

The original business was established in 1955 by Harry Folk, who decided to use the word "hospital" in the name in honor of his wife, who worked as a school nurse in Polo. Gene Dambman bought the business in 1977, and in 2016 he passed it along to his son, Jared.

Through the years business has remained strong, serving residential and commercial customers who can find new and refurbished mowers.

Spring is a busy time, with many customers returning for their mowers' annual spring tune-up. In the winter months he switches inventory from lawn equipment to snow throwers and snow blowers.

At the heart of the business is the service: Jared diagnoses mechanical problems and relishes the challenge of fixing them, be it a broken belt or a worn-out engine. He aims to keep his loyal customers’ equipment working through each season.

Find Dambman Lawn Mower Hospital at its new location, 902 S. Division Ave., and on Facebook: call 815-946-2014 for more information.