A new lawn mower is an investment. You want to get the most bang for your buck. Timing your purchase right can save you serious money, and understanding seasonal trends is key. Here are the best times to buy, plus some models to consider.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Greenworks 40V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower: Best overall, cordless convenience with decent power.
- Craftsman M105 140cc Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower: Best gas-powered, reliable and affordable for smaller yards.
- Sun Joe MJ401E Electric Lawn Mower: Best budget option, lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Ryobi 40V Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Best self-propelled, makes mowing large areas easier.
- EGO Power+ LM2135SP Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Best premium option, powerful and feature-rich for demanding lawns.
Top 5 Best Time of the Year to Buy a Lawn Mower Reviews
1. Greenworks 40V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 40V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower offers a great balance of power and convenience. It’s battery-powered, so you don’t have to worry about gas or cords. Plus, it’s relatively quiet compared to gas mowers.
Pros:
- ✅ Cordless convenience
- ✅ Easy to start and operate
- ✅ Relatively quiet operation
Cons:
- ❌ Battery life may be limited for larger yards
- ❌ Not as powerful as some gas mowers
- ❌ Battery and charger sold separately in some cases
Verdict: A solid choice for small to medium-sized yards where cordless convenience is a priority.
2. Craftsman M105 140cc Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower
The Craftsman M105 is a classic gas-powered push mower. It’s reliable, affordable, and gets the job done. This is a great mower for those who prefer the power of gas.
Pros:
- ✅ Reliable gas-powered performance
- ✅ Affordable price point
- ✅ Easy to start (usually)
Cons:
- ❌ Requires gas and oil
- ❌ Can be louder than electric mowers
- ❌ Requires more maintenance than electric mowers
Verdict: A dependable and budget-friendly option for smaller yards that need a bit more power.
3. Sun Joe MJ401E Electric Lawn Mower
The Sun Joe MJ401E is a lightweight and budget-friendly electric mower. It’s perfect for small yards and those who want something easy to maneuver. I had a similar one in my first apartment, and it was perfect for my tiny patch of grass.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✅ No gas or oil required
Cons:
- ❌ Corded, which can be limiting
- ❌ Not ideal for larger yards
- ❌ Less powerful than gas or higher-end electric mowers
Verdict: An excellent choice for small yards and budget-conscious buyers who don’t mind a cord.
4. Ryobi 40V Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The Ryobi 40V Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is a game-changer if you have a larger yard or hills. The self-propelled feature makes mowing so much easier, and the brushless motor provides good power.
Pros:
- ✅ Self-propelled for easier mowing
- ✅ Brushless motor for increased power and efficiency
- ✅ Cordless convenience
Cons:
- ❌ Can be more expensive than push mowers
- ❌ Battery life is a factor for very large yards
- ❌ May be heavier than non-self-propelled models
Verdict: A great option for medium to large yards where self-propulsion is a must-have.
5. EGO Power+ LM2135SP Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The EGO Power+ LM2135SP is a top-of-the-line electric mower that rivals gas mowers in terms of power and performance. It’s packed with features and built to last. If you are serious about lawn care, this might be the mower for you.
Pros:
- ✅ Powerful performance comparable to gas mowers
- ✅ Self-propelled with variable speed control
- ✅ Long battery life
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Can be heavier than other electric mowers
- ❌ Some users find the handle adjustment awkward
Verdict: A premium option for those who want the best electric mower experience and are willing to pay for it.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right lawn mower can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to think about before you buy:
1. Yard Size: Small yards (under 1/4 acre) are perfect for corded electric or battery-powered mowers. Medium yards (1/4 to 1/2 acre) can benefit from cordless or gas-powered push mowers. Large yards (over 1/2 acre) often require self-propelled or riding mowers.
2. Type of Mower:
- Corded Electric: Lightweight, quiet, and budget-friendly. Limited by the cord.
- Cordless Electric: Convenient, quiet, and easy to start. Battery life is a consideration.
- Gas-Powered: Powerful and suitable for larger yards. Requires more maintenance and can be noisy.
- Self-Propelled: Makes mowing easier, especially on hills or large areas.
- Riding Mowers: Best for very large yards.
3. Budget: Lawn mowers range from under $150 to over $1000. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize features accordingly.
4. Features: Consider features like mulching, bagging, side discharge, adjustable cutting height, and self-propulsion. Think about what matters most to you.
5. Time of Year: The best time to buy a lawn mower is typically in the late fall or early winter when retailers are trying to clear out their inventory. You can also find good deals at the end of the mowing season (late summer) or during holiday sales events.
6. Read Reviews: Check out what other customers are saying about the mowers you’re considering. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback.
7. Consider Maintenance: Gas mowers require regular maintenance like oil changes and spark plug replacements. Electric mowers generally require less maintenance, but you may need to replace the battery after a few years.
8. Storage: Think about where you’ll store your mower when it’s not in use. Some mowers fold up for compact storage.
Specific Times to Buy for Best Deals:
- Late Summer/Early Fall (August-September): Retailers start clearing out summer inventory to make room for fall and winter items. Look for discounts on current-year models.
- Black Friday (November): Many retailers offer significant discounts on lawn mowers during Black Friday sales.
- Winter (December-February): This is generally the off-season for lawn care, so you can often find clearance prices on mowers.
- End-of-Season Sales: Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales events at your local home improvement stores.
- Before New Models Arrive: Retailers often discount older models to make room for the latest versions. Find out when new models typically arrive and shop a few weeks before that time.
FAQs
1. Is it better to buy a gas or electric lawn mower?
It depends on your yard size and preferences. Gas mowers are more powerful and suitable for larger yards, but they require more maintenance. Electric mowers are quieter, easier to start, and better for smaller yards.
2. How long do lawn mowers typically last?
With proper care, a gas mower can last 8-10 years, while an electric mower might last 5-7 years. Battery life for cordless models can vary.
3. What’s the difference between mulching, bagging, and side discharge?
Mulching chops grass clippings into fine pieces and returns them to the lawn as fertilizer. Bagging collects the clippings in a bag for disposal. Side discharge shoots the clippings out the side of the mower.
4. Should I get a self-propelled lawn mower?
If you have a large yard, hills, or difficulty pushing a mower, a self-propelled model is definitely worth considering.
5. How important is the voltage of a battery-powered mower?
Higher voltage generally means more power. For most yards, 40V is sufficient, but larger yards might benefit from 60V or higher.
Conclusion
Buying a lawn mower doesn’t have to be a chore. Thinking about your needs and doing some research can save you money and ensure you get the right mower for your lawn. Timing your purchase around seasonal sales or closeout events can also lead to significant savings. Happy mowing!
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