| Key Takeaways |
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| • The cheapest time to buy a lawn mower is the fall and winter off-season (September through February), when clearance discounts are deepest. • Early spring offers the widest model selection, while late spring and early summer bring the highest prices and the fewest deals. • The best timing also depends on your mower type, where you shop, and your local growing season. |
Timing your lawn mower purchase is one of the easiest ways to save money. Buy at the right moment and you can pay far less for the very same machine.
The best savings show up in the off-season, when retailers clear inventory, while the widest selection arrives just before mowing season. This guide covers the best and worst times to buy, how timing shifts by mower type, and where to shop.
Of course, timing a deal takes patience, and an overgrown lawn will not wait. If you need your grass cut while you shop around, LawnStarter connects you with local lawn mowing pros.
Best Times to Buy a Lawn Mower
The best time to buy a lawn mower is during the fall and winter off-season, from September through February, when retailers cut prices to clear inventory. Early spring offers the widest selection, while late spring and early summer bring the highest prices.
Retailers tend to follow predictable cycles based on demand, inventory management, and seasonal transitions. These cycles create optimal buying opportunities throughout the year.
Fall and Winter (September-February): Prime Savings Season
As mowing season starts winding down, and shortly after it ends, is the golden opportunity for savings. Retailers are eager to clear their inventory to make room for snow blowers, holiday merchandise, and new models.
Because of this, shoppers who plan ahead see meaningful price reductions, as retailers roll out the first markdowns of the season.
As you head into the winter months, you will often see additional markdowns as retailers get more aggressive about moving inventory. Selection becomes more limited, but the remaining stock typically features the deepest discounts of the year, especially in January and February.
Select models often see some of the steepest markdowns of the year during post-holiday clearance events.
This timing is great if you are not in immediate need of a new mower. You can research what you want and purchase without the pressure of an overgrown lawn.
See Related: 11 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Lawn Mower
Early Spring (March-April): Prime Selection
Early spring is a good time to buy if you want a balance between selection and pricing. As the days start warming up, manufacturers release their newest models with the latest features and technology.
Retailers stock their showrooms to capacity, giving you access to everything from budget-friendly push mowers to premium zero-turn models.
While discounts are typically smaller than winter clearance sales, many retailers offer early-bird promotions that might include modest markdowns, free accessories, or extended warranties.
I spoke with Deagan King, a manager at East Idaho Power Equipment, and he recommended buying at the beginning of the season when there are more mowers available. They offer sales and discounts often, but the most popular, well-liked models sell out quickly.
The used mower market is also hopping during early spring, as homeowners upgrade equipment and dispose of their old mowers. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp see increased listings, giving budget-conscious buyers more pre-owned options.
Worst Times to Buy a Lawn Mower
Knowing when not to buy is equally important to maximizing your savings and finding the best selection for your needs.
Late Spring and Early Summer (May-July): Peak Demand, Peak Prices
Late spring to early summer is the worst time to buy a new mower. You will see the highest prices, with little negotiating power and few deals outside the major holiday sales.
Retailers know that customers buying now are often in a bind, replacing a mower after equipment failure. They have a captive market willing to pay premium prices.
Limited inventory is also a problem during peak season. Popular models sell quickly in the spring, leaving you with fewer choices and potentially forcing you to settle on a model that does not perfectly fit your needs.
Pro Tip: If you are in a bind, hire a LawnStarter pro to take mowing off your back for this growing season.
Best Time to Buy a Lawn Mower by Type
Not every mower goes on sale at the same time. Matching your timing to the kind of mower you want can save you real money.
| Mower Type | Best Time to Buy | What to Watch For |
| Push and self-propelled | September to October | Shelf-clearance prices, open-box units, previous-year models |
| Riding and zero-turn | August to October | Dealer markdowns, delivery offers, financing |
| Robot | Major online sale events and new-model launches | Brand-direct discounts, accessory bundles, warranty coverage |
Push and Self-Propelled Mowers
Push and self-propelled mowers are widely stocked and in highest demand in spring. That means the deepest discounts usually land in early fall, when stores clear the shelves and mark down open-box and previous-year units.
Riding and Zero-Turn Mowers
Riding and zero-turn mowers are big-ticket machines that take up valuable floor space. Dealers often hold their markdowns until late summer through fall, so that window tends to bring the biggest individual price drops on remaining models.
Robot Mowers
Robot mowers follow online sales cycles more than the lawn season. The best offers typically show up around major online shopping events and brand-direct promotions, often paired with accessory bundles or extended warranties.
Where to Buy: Online vs In Store
Where you shop can matter as much as when. Each option has trade-offs worth weighing before you commit.
Here is how the two options compare:
In store: You can see the mower in person and get a local dealer’s hands-on buying advice and service.
Online: It is easier to compare prices across retailers and tap promotions, bundles, and free shipping tied to big online sale events.
The smart move is to compare both, then factor in delivery, assembly, and return terms before deciding. For a heavy riding mower, ask for the full out-the-door cost, including any delivery or setup fees.
Factors to Consider Beyond Seasonal Timing
While seasonal patterns are a good guideline to follow when buying a new mower, several additional factors can influence purchase decisions.
Regional Climate
Your local climate will significantly impact the timing of optimal pricing and selection.
Northern regions with shorter growing seasons may see different patterns than areas where grass is cut year-round. Southern states might maintain higher demand longer into fall, so their clearance sales will not start as early as northern retailers.
Sales Days (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, etc.)
Major holidays often come with lawn and garden sales, especially Memorial Day weekend, which kicks off peak lawn care season. Labor Day can bring mower discounts of up to 30% off at major retailers, and Black Friday deals sometimes include power equipment.
Pro Tip: Even though you may not pay full price for a lawn mower during holiday sales events, holiday sales during peak season rarely match clearance pricing in the off-season.
FAQs
They can be, especially if you need a mower during the season and cannot wait for fall. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day promotions bring reliable discounts and a broad selection. Just keep in mind that off-season clearance usually beats holiday sales on the depth of the discount.
If your mower is still functional, waiting until the off-season, or at least the next big holiday sale, is highly recommended. The money saved can be substantial, often hundreds of dollars on quality equipment. Use the waiting period to research models, read reviews, and plan your purchase carefully.
On most mowers, the manufacturer warranty begins on the purchase date, not the first time you mow. That matters if you buy in fall or winter and store the mower until spring. Keep your receipt, and check whether batteries and other wear parts carry separate coverage from the mower itself.
Need Lawn Mowing Help Now?
Equipment failure never seems to happen at the optimum time, and when you are in the middle of peak season, you need to act quickly. If you are in this situation, focus on finding the best deal rather than waiting for perfect timing and the lowest price.
Hire one of LawnStarter’s local lawn mowing pros to get you through until off-season sales bring mower prices down. We will warn you, though, after hiring a pro, you may not want to cut your own grass again.
Main Image: A man looks at lawn mowers. Photo Credit: Serhii / Adobe Stock
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