During the spring, homeowners begin searching for the tools and appliances needed to keep their yard in tip-top shape for the summer months — but how can you get the best deal on a lawnmower?
Lawnmowers go on sale multiple times a year, but October is the best time to buy. Spring offers decent deals due to higher competition, and summer sales typically occur during Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and Independence Day. In fall, you’ll find the steepest discounts during closeout sales.
The rest of this article discusses when lawnmower sales occur and when you’re most likely to snag a good deal. It also covers the best and worst months to buy, along with tips for purchasing a lawnmower. Read on to learn more.
When Do Lawnmower Sales Start?
Lawnmower sales start in spring, kicking off right at the beginning of lawn care season. While these early-bird sales offer decent savings, the deals that take place later in the year tend to offer steeper discounts. However, these later deals usually offer a smaller selection to choose from.
Let’s talk about what each season offers in terms of savings and product availability.
Spring
The competition for lawn mowers and other lawn care equipment is highest during the spring months because there’s a wider selection. Good deals are possible during this time due to the competitive nature of the lawn care business, but getting in early for the best selection is a hassle that most people would rather avoid.
While there are some savings available during this time, they don’t compare to the savings often seen in the later months.
Summer
Once summer rolls around, most people are all set for garden parties and potlucks. They have their lawnmower and all the other tools they need to keep their turf looking vibrantly green and perfectly manicured.
People on the market for a new lawnmower during this particular season might be in a rush to upgrade a broken one, or to purchase a brand new one if they didn’t get a chance to in the spring. This means that getting one on time is typically the priority during summer months, so customers can make the proper preparations for their favorite summer events.
If your current lawn mower performs just fine, it’s best to wait until the fall for the best savings. However, if you currently don’t have one or need to make a necessary replacement, summer might be your only option if you want to purchase one on time for seasonal gatherings.
So if you’ll be making your purchase in the summer, keep in mind that most restocks happen around specific holidays, including:
- Memorial Day: Many people look forward to the last Monday in May as the unofficial start of summer. Pools open, signaling homeowners that it’s time to start their regular lawn maintenance. Retailers host Memorial Day sales, restocking store inventory with more lawnmowers. These sales last for three days, but discounts are typically pretty low.
- Father’s Day: What better way to make Dad smile on Father’s Day than by gifting him with a brand new lawnmower? Many retailers capitalize on this holiday by offering promotions on lawn care equipment, including lawnmowers. Again, summer competition among lawn mower brands isn’t as high as in the spring, so discounts aren’t as good.
- Independence Day: The selection of lawnmowers may be lower during this time, as the inventory has been picked through during Memorial Day and Father’s Day. However, if you look hard enough, you may be able to steal a deal on a lawnmower during a Fourth of July sale.
Fall
When fall arrives, most retailers start to get rid of their lawnmower stock due to low demand — and when demand is low, prices drop.
Additionally, retailers need to get rid of the display model lawnmowers, as they have limited space. They must get the appliances off the sales floor to make way for snowblowers, shovels, and other winter equipment.
This is largely considered the best time to purchase a lawnmower in terms of savings. You may find a good lawn mower deal during Labor Day — the first Monday of September — when summer draws to a close and the demand for summer gardening equipment drops significantly.
However, one thing to keep in mind about purchasing a lawnmower in the fall is that inventory is often low. As such, you’re unlikely to find that model you’ve been eyeing since April. You may have to compromise in the name of saving money and purchase whatever model they have available.
Winter
While lawnmowers are typically used during the warmer months of the year, some savvy shoppers take advantage of holiday deals to snag new equipment.
There are “Cyber Deal Days” and holiday sales where you may find unbeatable prices on lawn care equipment to slide under your Christmas tree for the lawn care enthusiast in your life.
Additionally, you can occasionally find some discounted mowers during end-of-the-year closeouts.
Lawnmowers also go on sale during Black Friday, but the inventory isn’t as high as the earlier months. Find the best deals by browsing local Black Friday ads or visiting online retailer websites and viewing their Black Friday ads a few weeks before Thanksgiving.
The Best Month to Buy a Lawnmower
Some might think that summer is the best season to purchase a lawnmower, but that’s not the case. The newer models tend to drive prices up — but May and July sometimes offer up some decent deals. With that said, you’re not going to get the same value that you would if you purchased the same model in October.
If you’re looking for the best deal on the newest models, then it’s wise to start your search early — as early as March. New lawn models arrive in stores around this time, so browse around if you’re looking for a specific mower. For extra savings, ask dealers or brands if they have any special offers or promotions available.
If you’re looking for the best prices and aren’t picky about whether or not it’s the newest model on the market, then begin your search in August or September. This marks the end of the mowing season and is when most manufacturers begin putting older models on clearance.
For the absolute best deals, shop in October. This is when you’ll find closeout sales, end-of-the-year clearance events, and other savings.
When Is the Worst Time to Buy a Lawnmower?
The worst time to buy a lawnmower is in the winter, especially if you’re looking for a specific brand or model. While you may find the occasional holiday deal, the selection isn’t that great and inventory will be much lower.
Most buyers aren’t looking for lawn mowers in the winter — they’re opting for snowblowers, snow shovels, and rock salt. While this does drive down demand and lower prices, the inventory is so low that it’s hardly worth the search, especially if you’re loyal to a specific brand. The lawnmower that you wanted back in April? It’s probably no longer in stock come winter.
Additionally, most people who purchase a lawnmower in the winter don’t actually use it until spring. If there are missing, damaged, or defective parts, the return policy has likely expired by this point. Of course, you can remedy that problem by examining and testing the lawnmower immediately after purchase, but some buyers forget.
If you must shop for a lawnmower during the winter, pay close attention to the discount and clearance sections of the store. This is where you’ll find models leftover from the previous months.
Lawn Mower Buying Tips
Now that you know the best and worst times to buy a lawnmower, here are some lawn mower buying tips to help you make the best possible purchase:
- Decide whether you want a new or old model
- Decide between fuel or battery-powered lawn mowers
- Purchase from reputable brands
- Consider price and value
- Be smart about your purchase — think of price and functionality together
New or Old Model
You’ll need to decide whether you’re looking to purchase a new or old model. Manufacturers typically release new models once every two years. Once these new models hit the floor, older models are removed from display areas. Old models are then discounted to get them out of the store — and while they may be outdated, they’re still functional.
To find out when these types of sales occur, sign up for email newsletters from both the retailer and manufacturer.
Fuel or Battery-Powered
With time, consumers continue to show an interest in electric and battery-powered lawn care equipment. These devices continue to improve and offer high performance and functionality. Today, they’re competing with fuel-powered lawnmowers, as they’re more advanced, eco-friendly, lighter, and not nearly as loud. Additionally, you totally do away with fuel costs.
Before purchasing a lawnmower, look at the pros and cons of fuel versus battery-powered lawnmowers to make the best decision for you.
Reputable Lawn Mower Brands
Some brands are more popular than others when it comes to lawnmowers. Some of the world’s top trusted brands include:
- Honda
- Husqvarna
- Black+Decker
- Toro Company
- John Deere
- GreenWorks (for electric lawn mowers)
It’s wise to look at these brands first when searching for a lawnmower — but know that they’re not the only reputable brands. Do research to find one that’s best for you.
Price and Value
While price is pretty important to most people when it comes to a lawnmower, some people forget about value — and no, they’re not the same thing. What are you receiving for the price that you’re paying?
Ensure that you have an adequate selection of mowers to choose from — don’t settle. Make sure that you’re receiving accurate, useful buying advice from the dealer. Check that the lawnmower is suitable for the jobs you need it to do. Finally, make sure that the retailer offers support, including servicing and warranties.
Buy Smart
You don’t need the latest and greatest lawn mower on the market — you need a mower that can complete the job. In fact, the best lawn mower is reasonably priced, functional, and high-performing. It’s durable, long-lasting, and easy to use.
With that said, you also don’t want to sacrifice quality over price. A lawnmower that needs regular repairs can end up costing you more in the long run.
Is It Worth It to Buy a Used Lawnmower?
It’s worth it to buy a used lawnmower. To maximize your savings, consider purchasing a used lawnmower instead of a brand new model. A used mower in good condition can last just as long as a new mower if you’re smart about the purchase.
Before purchasing a used mower, do your research. Write down trusted brands and preferred models, then look up customer reviews.
You can purchase a used mower from a dealer or a previous owner. Keep in mind that by purchasing from a previous owner, you’ll save more money, as dealers tend to charge up to 70 percent of the original retail tag, even if the mower is two or three years old.
When buying from a private seller, opt for lawn mowers listed as “barely used” or “like new” to reduce potential repair costs — but don’t just take the seller’s word for it. Examine the lawnmower first.
Ask questions about the appliance, including:
- Why are you selling the lawnmower?
- Is there anything wrong with it?
- Do you have paperwork on the lawnmower (i.e., original receipt, service records, etc.)?
- When was the last time the mower was serviced?
- Have any parts been replaced?
Take a look at the blade to see if it’s dull, broken, or chipped. If possible, start the lawnmower up and see how it runs. If there are any strange sounds, smells, or obvious problems, look for a different lawnmower.
If you’re purchasing from a lawnmower dealer, ask the same questions above, but also discuss the type of warranty offered.
Avoid buying a lawnmower that is dirty with excessive buildup, grass clippings, or obvious defects. The last thing you want is to end up with a lawnmower that requires costly repairs. By following these tips, you’ll save time, labor, and cash.
See also: Can You Rent a Lawnmower?
Lawnmower Maintenance
Avoid unnecessary and often costly repairs by making time to perform regular maintenance on your lawnmower. Do regular check-ups, oil changes (if you’re using a fuel-powered mower), air filter replacements, and blade sharpening. Keep the undercarriage clean and free of debris.
Never let the lawnmower sit outdoors in the rain or snow. During the colder months, store the lawnmower safely in your garage or shed.
By doing this, you’ll keep your lawnmower in good condition, and it should last for many years to come.
Conclusion
Lawnmowers aren’t cheap — but they’re a necessary purchase for homeowners who want to keep their lawns in top shape and stay safe from the ticks that love tall grass.
October is the best month to buy a lawnmower if savings is a priority over selection. However, you can also get some good deals during summer holidays and spring sales.
Saving money on a reliable lawn mower may seem like a difficult feat, but if you play your cards right, you can get an incredible deal.
