Lawn mower home bargains. Best time to buy a lawn mower: tips on when to invest in a new buy

Best time to buy a lawn mower: tips on when to invest in a new buy

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Finding the best time to buy a lawn mower could mean getting yourself a new design before the growing season resumes in spring. Or maybe you want to invest in a new model so you can ensure the garden’s tidy at the end of a busy summer.

Perhaps you have an eye for a deal, though. In which case you’ll want to know when you can pick up a bargain to keep grass looking neat and healthy.

But whether you like the idea of shopping for the best lawn mower when there’s maximum choice or you want to maximize savings instead, we’ve got the lowdown on the best time to buy a lawn mower together with advice from the experts.

The best time to buy a lawn mower

In many climate zones, the best time to buy a lawn mower will be so it’s ready for the first mow of the year when temperatures have risen sufficiently for grass to leave its state of dormancy and begin growing again.

‘The grass cutting season in the UK usually starts at the beginning of March, though this can be weather dependent,’ says Stephen Irvine, Husqvarna UK dealer sales manager.

‘Therefore, in terms of buying a lawn mower, you need to be thinking about your purchase a few months before this, preferably at the beginning of the year to give yourself enough time to review products and make sure you have the correct mower for your needs.

‘A traditional walk-behind mower might be right for you, or one of the best robot lawn mowers that can be controlled remotely may be a better choice for your lifestyle. A stockist/dealer will always recommend the best product for your garden size and complexity. Robotic mowers can be purchased and set up at any time of the year.

‘In terms of stock levels of lawn mowers, particularly at Husqvarna dealers, they tend to be the highest between January and April.’

Gary Whitney, managing director of STIGA UK advises: ‘New lawn mower models will be in store and available online in the UK from March. This gives ample time for garden owners to familiarize themselves with any new equipment before the lawn mowing season opens up with some warmer spring weather.’

At Gardeningetc, we know that gardeners start their lawn mower buying research from late February with peak interest between April and the end of May although it’s April that sees the most people actually snapping up a new mower as they get ready to tackle their spring lawn care. Our advice? ‘Think about timing your buy around March 7th,’ says Beth Murton, editor of Gardeningetc. ‘You can be sure there’s plenty of stock, and you’ll get in before the crowds so they don’t beat you to your favorite model.’

When to buy a riding or zero turn mower?

Wondering about the best time to buy a riding mower? Again, spring means stores will be well stocked with the best riding mowers, offering plenty of choice. And if you’ve fallen for a design that will turn on a dime, the best time to buy a zero turn mower is also spring so you can be confident of availability.

Save on a lawn mower

If you’re more interested in grabbing one of the top lawn mower deals, it could be worthwhile shopping in the summer. ‘Lowe’s offers special values in-store and online every day, but during the warmer months, customers can find deals on products from brands customers know and trust like Weber and Char-Broil smokers and grills, patio sets, outdoor décor, tools and outdoor power equipment from top brands like EGO, Craftsman and Honda,’ says Colette Gelman of Lowe’s.

Alternatively, you might want to follow the lead of the buyers we at Gardeningetc see looking for a new lawn mower at the end of August. The grass-cutting season is starting to come to an end for many, so this month and September are when you’ll want to tidy up the yard.

But aside from letting you tackle your autumn lawn care and preparing for winter, this could be the best time to buy a lawn mower because there are bargains to be had as stores begin to create space for the items that are going to be necessary to keep the yard clear in winter. You might not see the large lawn mower range that spring offered, but grabbing a bargain is definitely possible.

And if saving is the goal, bear in mind, too, that while many won’t be using a mower by the time it comes around, Black Friday garden deals are a fabulous opportunity to get a great offer on a lawn mower. Make sure you get in quickly, though, because we at Gardeningetc know that there are plenty of like-minded gardeners on the hunt at the same time.

Ready to invest in a new lawn mower now? Whether you want a hi-tech robot mower, a budget buy or one of the latest cordless designs. You can find the top deals at the best below.

Our best–rated lawn mowers at their best prices:

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.

When is the best time to buy a lawn mower?

Everything you need to know about the best time to buy a lawn mower, including how to get a great mower for your money.

It’s peak lawn mowing season, but does that also make it the best time to buy a lawn mower? We’ve broken down the timings so that you can get a new garden appliance for the best possible price, without sacrificing any essential features in your trimmer. That’s because even though mowers are available all year round, there are definitely better times than others to pick one up.

Before you start making major decisions about when to purchase your lawn mower, make sure you’ve established which model is best for you. If you have a smaller to medium-sized yard, then one of the best electric lawn mowers is bound to be a good fit, with cordless models that allow you to get as far into your garden as you need.

Even if you have a larger garden, and fancy one of the best riding lawn mowers, then sustainable options are available in the form of battery-powered mowers that can easily get your garden looking pristine. And if you’re set on continuing with one of the best gas lawn mowers, then there are plenty of choices to choose from for difficult-to-manage yards too.

While the time of year is crucial to snapping up the best possible lawn mower, it’s also worth factoring in price to make sure you’re not left out of

When is the best time of year to buy a new lawn mower?

The central question when it comes to the best time of year to buy a lawn mower is whether you’re after the newest and most innovative model, or whether you want the biggest discount. The hotspots throughout the year for lawn mowers are definitely in spring and fall, but times for you will vary depending on what your priorities are.

Which month is best for cheap lawn mowers?

Each season has a different range of factors to take into consideration when it comes to purchasing a new lawn mower. Directly after the summer months, it’s likely that you’ll be able to find a good deal, as stockists try to sell their last models, as well as when new mowers are being discounted before peak season hits. This off-season lull is the perfect time to swoop in on an affordable lawn mower if you want to save some cash. We’d recommend checking our guide to cheap lawn mower deals to find the latest price cuts.

On the other hand, in the spring there tends to be a greater range of makes and models available to choose from but limited discounts available. That’s because springtime is when most interest tends to build around lawn and garden equipment, and when new models of lawn mowers are released. So, if you’re a real lawn enthusiast, and have a specific make and model in mind, then this will be the best time to buy, as stocks will be nicely replenished.

However, if you’re looking for a cheap mower, it’s important to note that the newer the model, the higher the price tag. This makes spring a great time for plenty of choice, but not the best time to bag a bargain.

That being said, just before summer starts, most lawn mower manufacturers will run spring-summer sales, offering a small amount of discount on their lawn mowers but these deals won’t rival the bargains you’ll find after the summer season.

If you need a new lawn mower immediately, the bad news is that the summer months tend not to be a great time to purchase one. In peak mowing season, models tend to be more limited and remain high due to increased demand.

If you’re after a high-quality mower at a more affordable price but aren’t fussy about the exact make and model, fall tends to be the best season to make a purchase. Once September arrives, you’ll find that most of the current year’s lawn mower models are available with good deals, as retailers are making room for the upcoming season’s stock.

While fall savings are tempting, we’d recommend you don’t buy a lawn mower in the middle of the winter either. Due to the grass being too short, you won’t be able to test out your lawn mower properly and by the time spring comes along your warranty might have expired.

So, to recap on when is the best time to buy a lawn mower: during the spring there’ll be lots of choice when it comes to choosing a new model, but bear in mind that when demand for a product is high, the price will also be high. If you’re keen to keep costs low and bag a bargain, aim to shop for a new lawn mower at the end of the season as the fall comes in.

The summer months don’t tend to be a great time to purchase a new mower; this is because there’s a limited selection of models available and tend to remain high. However, since your old lawn mower might have been stored away throughout the winter and early spring, late spring is normally the first time many people realize their old lawn mower is no longer working.

If you’re after a high-quality mower at a more affordable price but aren’t fussy about the exact make and model, fall tends to be the best season to make a purchase. Once September arrives, you’ll find that most of the current year’s lawn mower models are available with good deals so that retailers can make room for the incoming new season stock.

While fall savings are tempting, we’d recommend you don’t buy a lawn mower in the middle of the winter. Due to the grass being too short, you won’t be able to test out your lawn mower properly and by the time spring comes along, your warranty might have expired.

So, when is the best time to buy a lawn mower? During the spring there’ll be lots of choice when it comes to choosing a new lawn mower, however, bear in mind that when demand for a product is high, the price will also be high. If you’re keen to keep costs low and bag a bargain, aim to shop for a new lawn mower at the end of the season.

How to care for your lawn

If you want a lawn that rivals your neighbors, then check out our article on how to cut your lawn to the best height. Alternatively, get a picture-perfect yard with our advice on how to create lawn stripes.

Article written by Beth Mahoney

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