Lawn mowers can be expensive, but if you time your purchase right, you can save a good chunk of money. The best time to buy a mower is at the end of the mowing season when demand drops, or during big sale days.
The next best time is during holiday sales events, when dealers offer good sales, but the deals won’t be as sweet as they are in fall.
Best time: Fall
Mower prices drop early to mid-fall when the air takes on a chill, grass grows more slowly, and demand for mowers drops. This is when dealers offer steep discounts to clear out inventory.
The only downside is that as inventory runs low, you might be stuck with older models or the mowers that didn’t sell because they don’t have desirable features. There’s also a chance that all the regular models are out of stock. It’s a bit of a gamble when you’re making a big purchase.
When purchasing a lawn mower during this time, you should make sure to test it before putting it in your storage shed so you’re not hit with an unpleasant surprise in spring. If you can’t test it on a patch of grass, at least make sure the mower starts properly.
Another good time: Holiday sale events
Big summer holidays are a great time to purchase a lawn mower, especially if you don’t want to wait until fall. Prices won’t drop as low as they do in fall, but dealers usually have plenty of inventory.
Keep an eye out for deals around Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Memorial Day and Father’s Day generally offer the smallest discounts compared to the other holidays.
And if you wait until late fall, you can get some really good deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as prices often drop even further during these sales. Just remember, Cyber Monday discounts are usually only available online.
The worst time to buy a mower: Spring through summer
If you must buy a mower in spring or summer, go ahead, but know that demand is highest during these times as homeowners rush to replace old, failing mowers during peak mowing seasons. High demand equals high prices.
The non-profit Home Improvement Research Institute, in its 2022 Product Purchase Tracking Study, found that mowers and other lawn care equipment is purchased overwhelmingly in the second quarter of the year as homeowners ramp up routine lawn care and tackle outdoor projects.
You should also avoid buying in winter. The selections are small, and most dealers are placing orders during this time to stock up for their spring inventory. Even if they have a few models in stock or can order a specific one for you, you’ll usually have to pay the full price.
FAQ about the best time to buy a lawn mower
Yes, prices peak in spring and drop as the season winds down. The main benefit of buying online is that you can find models that aren’t available at your local store.
It depends on the condition of your mower. If it’s still working and you can manage with it until summer, I suggest waiting so you can save some money. But if it’s completely broken and you’re in the middle of the growing season, you need to get a new one.
Get professional lawn care
Mowing can be a tiring and time-consuming task. And if you’re a beginner, getting those perfect lines isn’t as easy as it looks. If you want to spend the weekend with your family or simply want a lawn that stands out in your neighborhood, we can help. Lawn Love’s local lawn care pros can turn your yard from boring to beautiful.
Main Image: Couple examining a lawn mower for purchase. Maria Vitkovska | Adobe Stock
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