Figuring out when is the best time to buy a lawn mower is not easy. For over 170 years, the Western world has depended on the modern lawn mower to maintain and manicure front lawns, sports grounds, and public outdoor gathering places. The first modern lawnmower was basically designed to be a superior version of the scythe and was patented in 1830 in Gloucestershire, England.
Initially, it was used to maintain English sporting grounds and gardens. Through the years, lawn mower designs and features have been fine tuned to produce the more sophisticated versions with which we are familiar today, including walk behind, self-propelled, electric, hover, and riding mowers.
Purchasing a new lawn mower is a milestone that most Americans will encounter after becoming homeowners. Being aware of the types of mowers available, as well as the best time to buy a lawn mower enables consumers to make the best and most informed selection.
Buying Lawn Mowers – Lawn Mower Types
Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
Push mowers are one of the most common types of lawn mowers on the market. These rotary mowers can be electric (corded or cordless battery powered) or gas-powered. Small, electric mowers may have cords and some cordless mowers feature rechargeable batteries.
Rotary mowers are typically less expensive, while also highly effective, containing the ability to cut through tall grass and weeds quite easily.
Riding Lawn Mowers
The demand for convenient riding lawn mowers has increased through the years as the size of the typical American lawn has also enlarged. Riding mowers make maintaining acres of yard space comfortable, allowing an operator to sit on a cushioned seat and use controls to maneuver the machine.
Most riding lawnmowers feature manual transmissions, although some more expensive models contain hydrostatic transmissions. This type of transmission is usually more expensive, but is also a little easier to operate, as it allows greater torque to reach the wheels.
Hover Mowers
A newer variation of the lawn mower, hover mowers are essentially just rotary push mowers with an impeller located above the blades that push air down to create a type of air cushion that lifts the heavy part of the machine off the ground. This mower is easier to push and is usually lightweight since the body consists of plastic materials outside of the electric motor.
These mowers are not ideal for rough terrain but may be excellent options for sloped lawns and waterfronts. They are often used by commercial landscapers on golf courses.
Robotic Mowers
Robotic mowers are the latest high-tech mowers available. They feature a robotic mower and a wire border around the lawn which creates a boundary for the mower to wander around the yard while cutting the grass.
This hands-free option is growing in popularity as busy Americans have less time to spend maintaining their lawns.
Best Time to Buy a Lawn Mower
As a rule of thumb, seasonal items such as lawn mowers are less expensive during the off-season months when the products are in low demand. This is the most important factor when looking for the best time to buy a lawn mower.
Typically, the best time to purchase a mower is in September and October. After Labor Day, most big-box and online retailers start rolling back prices on lawn care items to clear out leftover summer stock and make room for fall and winter products.
Some homeowners may find themselves in need of a mower in the summertime when the lawn can prove harder to manage, or after an old mower breaks unexpectedly.
The good news is that it will probably be easy to find a lawn mower in the summertime; the bad news is that it may not be available at a discounted price.
If possible, it is best to plan ahead and select the right lawn mower before the summer months are upon us.
Shopping in the fall can offer a wider variety of models and a greater discount – sometimes up to $500 on pricier riding mowers or robotic mowers.
During the late winter and early spring months of February and March, some retailers may offer spring sale events. For consumers who missed the fall closeout sales, this may be the next best option.
Keep in mind, however, that retailers will not be as motivated to push stock early in the mowing season as they will be towards the end. So save money with significant discounts, big sales when mowing season ends early fall or by buying a used mower.
The same rules apply to all kinds of lawn mowers including reel mowers and lawn sweepers.
Conclusion and Buyers Advice
There are more variations of lawnmowers now than ever before. Online shopping (check out these deals on Amazon) and big-box retailers make it easy to purchase whichever mower meets the consumer’s needs best.
Understanding the seasonal pricing cycles, therefore being aware of the best time to buy a lawn mower, or other seasonal gardening tools, will help homeowners find the most cost-effective option, as well.
