Lawn mower prices fluctuate based on demand, inventory levels, and model releases. From March to mid-May, demand peaks as homeowners prepare for the growing season. This is usually not the best time to buy a lawn mower. You could get a variety of models, but they are usually rather expensive at this time of year.
Retailers stock fresh inventory at full prices, knowing customers need mowers immediately. Discounts during this period are minimal, typically 0-10% off, even on basic models.
Late Summer: Lower Prices, Less Variety
As the season progresses into late summer and fall, the pattern reverses. Retailers clear inventory to make room for winter equipment like snow blowers and holiday merchandise, which triggers aggressive clearance pricing - often 30-40% off - on current-year models.
There is a trade-off, though. The selection narrows as popular models sell out, leaving mainly last year's stock or less desirable configurations. Overall, Consumer Reports says that April, May, August, September, and October are the best months for buying a lawn mower.
What is the Best Time of Year to Buy a Lawn Mower?
The best time of year to buy a lawn mower is either during the Fall( September-October), or during early Spring (March-April). Each of these seasons is regarded as the best time of year for different reasons:
1. Best Time of Year For Pricing: Fall (September-October)
The fall period offers the steepest discounts of the year - typically 30-40% off on both gas and electric models, and is the best time of year to buy a lawn mower if you are on a budget.
Retailers aggressively clear floor space before winter, and new models for the following season arrive, forcing older inventory to move quickly. A $4,000 riding mower in May might drop to $2,800-3,200 in October.
Advantages of Buying Your Lawn Mower in the Fall
- Deepest discounts (30-40% off retail)
- Less competition from other buyers
- Time to prepare for next spring
- Still a reasonable selection available
Disadvantages
- Limited stock on the most popular models
- Older models may lack the latest features
- Mower sits idle for months before use
- Testing before storage requires effort
2. Best Time of Year for selection: Early Spring (March-April)
When it comes to having access to a variety of lawn mower types and brands, early spring is the best time of year to buy a lawn mower. Dealers stock full inventories with new models, offering maximum choice across brands, configurations, and features, and you can choose the latest models with the latest and most advanced technological features.
You'll find the latest technology - improved engines, better fuel efficiency, updated cutting systems. Discounts run 10-20% off during early spring promotions, less than fall but still meaningful on expensive equipment.
Worst time to Buy a Lawn Mower: Late Spring/Summer (May-August)
Demand peaks, inventory moves fast, and retailers have zero incentive to discount. You'll pay full price - typically $100-400 more than fall pricing on identical models. Stock shortages occur on popular configurations.
More Tips on the Best Times to Buy a Lawn Mower
- Buy previous year's models: When new models are released in March-April, last year's versions get clearance pricing even though they're functionally identical.
- Compare online vs in-store pricing: Online retailers run flash sales and Prime Day deals that brick-and-mortar stores don't match. However, in-store shopping lets you inspect the mower physically and potentially negotiate floor model discounts. Many stores price-match online competitors if you bring proof.
- Look for package deals: Retailers bundle mowers with accessories during promotional periods. These bundles appear most frequently during Memorial Day and Father's Day sales.
- Consider trade-in programs: Some dealers offer $100-300 trade-in credits for old mowers toward new purchases. This option works best during the spring when dealers want to boost sales numbers.
Buying Patterns for Different Lawn Mower Types
Sometimes the best time of year to buy a lawn mower varies depending on the type of lawn mower in question. From push lawn mowers to riding lawn mowers to robot lawn mowers, the prices of different lawn mower types change differently during the year.
- Push mowers: Most dramatic seasonal swings (40%+ difference peak to valley)
- Riding mowers: More stable pricing year-round, clearance typically saves only $100-200
- Robot mowers: Deep discounts during "tech" holidays like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, rather than traditional seasonal sales
How to Buy a Lawn Mower (What to Look For)
Once you've identified the best time to buy a lawn mower, selecting the right model requires evaluating specific features and specifications.
Match mower to yard size:
- Small yards (under 1/4 acre): Push mowers with 14-20 inch cutting width. Battery-powered options work well for areas under 5,000 square feet.
- Medium yards (1/4 to 1/2 acre): Self-propelled mowers with 20-28 inch cutting decks reduce fatigue.
- Large yards (1/2 to 2 acres): Riding mowers or lawn tractors with 42-48 inch cutting decks.
- Very large properties (2+ acres): Zero-turn mowers with 48-60 inch decks cover ground fastest.
Evaluate the terrain:
Flat, open lawns allow wider cutting decks and faster mowing speeds. Hilly terrain requires self-propelled or riding mowers with sufficient engine power.
Properties with many trees, flower beds, and landscaping features benefit from smaller, more maneuverable mowers. Slopes exceeding 15 degrees need mowers specifically rated for hill climbing.
Power source:
- Gas-powered: More power for thick grass, longer runtime, suitable for large areas. Requires fuel, oil changes, and engine maintenance.
- Battery-powered: Quieter operation, zero emissions, less maintenance. Runtime limited to 40-90 minutes per charge. Higher voltage (40V-80V) provides more power.
- Electric corded: Unlimited runtime, lightweight, budget-friendly. Limited by cord length (typically 100-150 feet from outlet).
Affordable Lawn Mowers From AHM
1. AHM X80 - $3,799.99
The X80 scales up to commercial-grade performance with a hybrid 13.6 HP gasoline engine plus dual 650W brushless motors delivering 1,034 lbf of total power - 170% more than standard mowers.
The 31.5-inch cutting width covers 1 acre per hour, while the 6.9-quart fuel tank provides 5 hours of runtime, handling up to 5 acres on a single fill.
2. AHM T500 - $2,999.99
The T500 delivers year-round functionality with dual-purpose mowing and snow removal capability. The 19.7-inch blade handles both summer grass cutting and winter snow pushing with 337 lbf driving force.
At $2,999.99, it offers the most affordable entry into remote-controlled mowing while saving 80% storage space by eliminating the need for separate snow equipment.
The Bottom Line
The best time to buy a lawn mower for maximum savings is September through October, when retailers offer 30-40% clearance discounts to make room for winter inventory. When is the best time to buy a lawn mower also depends on the mower type.
Push mowers see the most dramatic seasonal price swings. Riding mowers and zero-turns maintain more stable pricing with smaller clearance discounts. Robotic mowers discount heavily during tech-focused sales like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.
Plan your purchase strategically - if your current mower still works, wait for fall savings. If you need a mower immediately during peak season, focus on holiday sales and price-matching rather than paying full retail.
You might also be interested in self-propelled vs push lawn mowers.
