What is the best time to buy a lawn mower or when is the cheapest time to buy a mower? We analyzed our sales data over the year and surveyed lawn mower experts at retailers for their insights. The consensus was the best months to buy a mower at a lower price are February, March, October and December.
The Best Time to Buy a Mower
Savvy shoppers can time their purchases according to the cycle of supply and demand. Mammotion's official data shows that lawn mower sales spike between April and September, when homeowners are in need of outdoor yard work, and disappear in October.
When the supply of lawn mowers is high before the peak season, but demand remains relatively low, you can pick your favorite mower to seal the deal. However, when demand surges and top models sell out quickly, the discounts will disappear. Similarly, once demand drops, you're likely to buy an older mower at a significant discount as dealers need to clear out their inventory. So what time of year is it cheapest to buy a mower?
February: Clearance Sales and Inventory Management
February is a prime time for scoring deep discounts on lawn mowers. Retailers aim to clear out inventory from the previous season to make room for new models arriving in the spring. Buyers can find clearance sales with significant markdowns, making it an excellent opportunity for those who plan ahead.
March: Pre-Season Deals
March marks the lead-up to the high-demand spring season. While prices haven’t yet peaked, many retailers offer pre-season promotions to attract early buyers. This month strikes a balance between good selection and lower prices, ideal for proactive homeowners looking to purchase before prices rise.
October: End-of-Season Discounts
October is when the mowing season winds down and demand significantly decreases. Retailers often discount remaining stock to clear space before winter. This end-of-season timing allows buyers to find excellent deals, especially on models that may not return the following year.
December: Holiday and Year-End Sales
December combines the appeal of holiday promotions with year-end clearance events. Retailers are motivated to sell remaining inventory to close out the fiscal year, leading to competitive prices. For those seeking a mower at a bargain price, December can offer both substantial savings and occasional bundled promotions.
The Worst Time to Buy
High-Demand Seasons (Late Spring and Summer)
Spring and early summer are peak times for mower purchases due to the start of the mowing season. Homeowners often rush to buy new equipment as grass starts growing rapidly. This surge in demand typically drives up prices, making it the least cost-effective period to buy a mower. Besides, summer sales with discounts are few and far between, with the exception of the occasional sale during Independence Day or Father's Day, but discounts are few and far between. It's best to buy your lawn mower after the peak season.
Spring: New Models Are Released
Each spring, many manufacturers release their newest mower models, especially electric and robotic mowers. These new models typically feature advanced technology, such as longer battery life, more powerful motors, or smarter navigation systems. However, these advancements usually come with a premium price tag. Consumer interest in new features and technologies also drives demand, resulting in higher prices for newly launched products.
For those looking to get the best deal, it’s wise to avoid purchasing during this period unless absolutely necessary.
Factors That Influence Mower Prices
We've summarized a few reasons that affect the price of lawn mowers:
New Model Releases
Manufacturers often release their latest models to coincide with the start of the mowing season, taking advantage of the high demand. When new models hit the market, older models tend to see price reductions as retailers aim to clear out inventory and make room for the latest products. For those looking to save money, this is the ideal time to buy a mower at a reduced price, especially if the latest features are not a priority.
Retailer Sales Strategy
Retailers adjust their pricing strategies based on a variety of factors, including competition, seasonal demand, and inventory levels. During peak mowing season, typically in the spring and early summer, retailers can often maintain higher prices due to strong demand. However, during off-peak seasons, like late fall or winter, many retailers offer significant discounts to clear out inventory before the next season begins.
Brand Reputation and Popularity
Well-known brands, such as Honda, John Deere, or Husqvarna, often charge a premium for their products due to their established reputation for quality, durability, and performance. These brands may also offer extended warranties or customer support, which can make their mowers more expensive than lesser-known brands.
Consumer Behavior and Economic Conditions
Economic factors such as inflation or a recession can significantly impact consumer spending habits. During times of economic uncertainty, consumers are generally more cautious with their spending, which can lead to reduced demand for higher-priced mowers.
Tips for Buying the Mower
Shop Around and Compare Prices
Different stores often offer varying prices for the same mower, especially during sales events or seasonal promotions. Online platforms, such as Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, can have price differences, so checking a few sites before committing to a purchase is a good strategy.
Go for a Name Brand
Trusted brands, such as Honda, Mammotion, or Husqvarna, may cost more upfront, but they are known for their durability, performance, and customer service. These mowers often come with longer warranties, which can save you money on repairs or replacements down the line.
Consider Used or Refurbished Mowers
Many retailers and online platforms sell refurbished mowers that have been repaired and restored to like-new condition. These mowers are typically much cheaper than new models, and many come with a warranty, so you still have some peace of mind with your purchase.
Special Considerations for Robot Mower Buyers
For homeowners interested in robotic mowers, several unique factors can influence both the timing and pricing of these innovative tools. Understanding these nuances can help ensure you get the best value for your investment.
New Model Releases: As with many technological products, robotic mowers experience a surge of new model releases in spring. These launches often bring advanced features like improved GPS navigation, enhanced battery performance, or boundary-free mowing systems. While the introduction of new models may push prices higher for the latest versions, it also creates opportunities to purchase older models at discounted rates.
Winter Deals: Since robotic mowers are not necessarily dependent on the peak mowing season, they can often be found at a discount during the winter months. Retailers may offer promotions or discounts in preparation for the next season, and you might be able to find last year’s models at a reduced price.
Older Robot Mower Depreciation: Because robotic mowers are packed with cutting-edge technology, they follow trends similar to other tech products, where newer models often make older ones less expensive. However, this doesn’t mean older models lack value—many of these machines are durable and capable of performing essential mowing tasks effectively. Buyers who prioritize functionality over the latest features can take advantage of this depreciation to save money.
Extended ROI and Long-Term Savings: Although robotic mowers can represent a significant upfront investment, they often pay for themselves over time through lower maintenance and operating costs. This is particularly true for electric-powered mowers, which eliminate the need for fuel and oil changes common with traditional gas mowers. When combined with the potential savings from off-season purchases, buyers can maximize both value and convenience in the long run.
