Used Riding Lawn Mowers Near Me Under $1000 (2024)

FAQs

What time of year are riding mowers cheapest? ›

The very best time of year to buy a lawn mower for a great price is in the early fall, when the cooler temperatures stall the growth of grass until the following spring.

The correct budget is dependent on everyone's needs, however, on average, riding lawnmowers will cost between $1,500 and $4,000.

Our experts estimate every used mower sale saves the buyer thousands of dollars – according to TheSpruce.com, this translates into 60-70% going back in your pocket! More Power, Less Price: With the huge cost savings from the point above, you can afford a newer, more powerful mower while still remaining in your budget.

How Many Hours Should A Riding Mower Last? Most riding mowers last between 500-700 hours, although some can run for as much as 1,000 hours if cared for and maintained properly.

Standard riding mowers and lawn tractors are recommended for property of 1/2 to 3 or more acres. They have a cutting deck size of 38 to 54-inches. Multiple speeds allow you to adjust for different terrain in the yard.

Determine Mower Deck Size

With a larger mower, you'll spend a lot of time maneuvering into position and around tight corners. For homeowners with one and a half to three acres to mow, a mower with a cutting deck between 42” to 48” is a good size. Over three acres, you'll want something larger.

Knowing you can expect your residential lawn mower to last you around 450-500 hours is helpful in the decision-making process. The closer you are to the end of the expected lifespan, the more you should consider replacing it if a large issue occurs.

Kubota is the only brand to earn top scores across the board in Consumer Reports' new riding-mower predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings for 2024.

Best Heavy Duty

The best heavy-duty riding mower is Toro Titan's Max 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower, which is suitable for yards up to 7 acres. This mower packs 26 horsepower, the most powerful mower on our list.

The John Deere L111 was the quietest gas powered riding mower we tested, even quieter than several walk behind models at 25 feet (operator levels are still higher than walk-behind models because the operator's ear is closer to the engine and deck).

Is it better to buy a new or used riding lawn mower? ›

With a brand-new mower, all the miles are yours. In other words, new equipment generally has a longer lifespan than used equipment, giving you more opportunities to use it for years to come. Investing in a new riding mower can pay off through the years, especially with regular maintenance and upkeep.

Don't mow things that aren't grass

It's pretty obvious lawn mowers are designed for cutting lawn grass. They can also cut weeds growing in the lawn, but don't do well mowing over fallen tree branches and twigs or going over tree stumps.

So, When is the Best Time? While it can take more than just intuition to decide the best time on shopping for mowers, there are resources to help us find the way. Consumer Reports says that the best months for consumers to make a lawn mower purchase are April, May, August, September and October.

Demand is low and you could potentially score great closeout deals. On the other hand, shopping for a lawn mower in the late winter or early spring can offer you better inventory and newer models. There are a few more seasons to consider, too! In the spring, you'll have access to new models and spring savings sales.

Early Spring

By March, vendors will be fully stocked with their new supplies. This means that older models on the floor will be more likely to feature discounts. But some manufacturers offer seasonal discounts between March and May to intentionally capture your attention.

Overall, for this category, the average first year depreciation is 31%. After this first-year drop the depreciation continues at an annual rate less likely to induce vertigo — in the 6% to 4% range.