Does the thought of buying a new lawn mower make your wallet feel lighter? For many homeowners, a perfectly manicured lawn is a dream, but the price tag of a brand-new mower can feel like a nightmare. You’re not alone if you’re wondering if a used lawn mower is the answer, but then a whole new set of worries creeps in. What if it breaks down right away? How do you know if you’re getting a good deal?
Choosing a used lawn mower can feel like a gamble. You want to save money, but you also need a reliable machine that will actually get the job done season after season. It’s tough to know where to start, and the fear of buying a lemon can stop you in your tracks. But what if there was a way to make this decision with more confidence and less stress?
In this post, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of buying a used lawn mower. We’ll break down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to spot potential problems before you hand over your hard-earned cash. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge you need to find a great deal and a mower that will keep your grass looking its best without breaking the bank.
Our Top 5 Used Lawn Mowers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Used Lawn Mowers Detailed Reviews
1. PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of wrestling with a tough lawn? The PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is here to make yard work a breeze. This mower packs a punch with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, making it a powerhouse for any mowing task. Its wide cutting deck means you’ll finish faster, and the self-propelled feature takes the effort out of pushing. Get ready for a beautifully manicured lawn with less sweat.
What We Like:
- The powerful 140cc B&S engine starts easily and runs smoothly. It’s built to last.
- The 21-inch cutting width covers a lot of ground quickly. This saves you time.
- You can easily switch between bagging, mulching, or rear discharging grass clippings.
- The 6-position height adjustment lets you choose the perfect grass length. It’s a simple, single-lever system.
- The self-propelled rear-wheel drive makes mowing on hills and bumpy ground much easier.
- The durable steel deck is built tough for years of use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While self-propelled, some users might find the overall weight a bit much for very tight spaces.
- The 1.4-bushel bag fills up quickly on larger lawns, requiring frequent emptying.
This mower offers a great balance of power, ease of use, and versatility for most homeowners. It’s a solid investment for a healthier, better-looking lawn.
2. Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of dealing with gas, oil, and loud engines? The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower offers a refreshing change. This ultra-light push mower is designed to make lawn care easy and enjoyable. It gives you gas-like power without the mess, perfect for keeping your yard looking neat and tidy.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, making it easy to push around your yard.
- You get about 35 minutes of mowing time on one charge, which is enough for a half-acre lawn.
- Starting it is as simple as pushing a button.
- You can adjust the cutting height easily with one lever.
- It can either mulch your grass clippings or bag them for you.
- No more buying gas or doing engine tune-ups – it’s maintenance-free!
- It’s much quieter than a gas mower, so you won’t bother the neighbors.
- It comes with a battery, charger, and grass bag, so you have everything you need to start.
- The battery works with over 75 other Greenworks tools, which is a great bonus.
- It has a 3-year warranty for the tool and the battery.
What Could Be Improved:
- A full charge takes about 2 hours, which might be a bit long if you need to mow more than once a day.
- While it’s great for half-acre yards, larger properties might need more runtime or a second battery.
This mower is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a simpler, quieter, and more eco-friendly way to maintain their lawn. It truly simplifies yard work.
3. Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of wrestling with gas-powered mowers? The Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ is here to make lawn care a breeze. This 20V electric mower is designed for gardens, yards, and even small farms, offering a convenient and powerful way to maintain your outdoor space. Its lightweight design and portable battery mean you can move around freely without being tied to an outlet.
What We Like:
- Mows up to 1,300 sq. ft. on a single charge with its 13-inch cutting width and 3400RPM motor.
- Offers five adjustable cutting heights, from 1 to 2.5 inches, for a customized lawn look.
- Features a high-performance, low-maintenance, and quiet motor for efficient operation.
- Folds easily for compact storage and has an adjustable handle for comfortable use.
- The 4.0Ah battery is part of a universal Litheli series, meaning it works with other tools and can charge other devices.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty on the machine and a 2-year warranty on the battery.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4.0Ah battery provides approximately 15 minutes of continuous runtime, which might be short for larger lawns.
- The 8-gallon grass collection bag may need frequent emptying for larger mowing jobs.
This Litheli cordless mower offers a user-friendly and eco-friendly solution for maintaining your lawn. Its portability and strong performance make it a valuable tool for efficient yard work.
4. LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP
Rating: 9.1/10
The LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower is a fantastic tool for keeping your lawn looking neat and tidy. This mower offers a powerful and eco-friendly way to maintain your grass.
What We Like:
- It packs a punch with 3,300 RPM, making quick work of your yard.
- The 14-inch cutting width helps you cover ground efficiently.
- Since it’s electric, you don’t need gas or batteries, which is great for the environment.
- You can easily adjust the cutting height to five different levels, from 1.4 inches to 3 inches.
- Its 7.75-inch rear wheels let you move around your lawn smoothly.
- The 7-gallon collection bag catches grass clippings, keeping your yard clean.
- It’s super light at only 28 pounds, and the handles fold down for easy storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The corded design means you need to be mindful of the power cord’s reach.
- A wider cutting deck might speed up mowing for larger yards.
Overall, the LawnMaster MEB1114K is a convenient and effective mower for smaller to medium-sized yards. Its user-friendly design and eco-friendly operation make it a solid choice.
5. PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21-Inch 144cc OHV Engine 3-in-1 Push Mower with Bagging
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of a messy lawn? The PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21-Inch 144cc OHV Engine 3-in-1 Push Mower with Bagging makes lawn care a breeze. This mower packs a punch with its powerful engine and smart features, helping you achieve a perfectly manicured yard with less effort.
What We Like:
- The 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine starts easily thanks to its recoil starter and auto choke. It provides plenty of power to cut through grass.
- The durable all-steel deck offers three ways to handle grass clippings: mulch, bag, or side-discharge.
- A 21-inch cutting blade tackles your lawn efficiently, letting you finish mowing faster.
- You can easily adjust the cutting height with a dual-lever system. Choose from six different heights, from 1.5 inches to 3.9 inches, for the perfect look.
- The foldable design saves up to 70% of storage space. It’s also quick to unfold and get ready for use.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a push mower, it requires manual effort to move, which might be tiring for very large yards.
- The starting mechanism, while automatic, is still a recoil starter, which can sometimes be stiff for some users.
This PowerSmart mower simplifies lawn maintenance with its strong performance and user-friendly design. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to keep their yard looking its best.
Get a Great Deal: Your Guide to Buying a Used Lawn Mower
Buying a used lawn mower can save you a lot of money. You can get a good mower for less than a new one. This guide helps you find the best used mower for your yard.
Why Buy Used?
Used mowers are cheaper. Many are still in great shape. You can often find high-quality brands for a good price.
Key Features to Look For
Engine Power
More power means it cuts thicker grass easier. Look for engines with at least 140cc for most yards. Smaller engines work for small, flat lawns.
Cutting Deck Size
The cutting deck is the part that spins the blade. Bigger decks cut more grass at once. A 20-22 inch deck is good for most average-sized yards. Smaller yards need smaller decks.
Adjustable Cutting Height
This lets you choose how tall you want your grass. It’s important for different grass types and seasons. Look for mowers with easy-to-use height adjusters.
Self-Propelled Feature
This makes mowing easier. The mower pulls itself forward. It is great for hills or if you have a large yard.
Grass Bag or Mulching Option
Some mowers collect grass clippings in a bag. Others chop them up and return them to the lawn as fertilizer (mulching). Decide which you prefer.
Important Materials
Deck Material
Most mower decks are made of steel. Some are aluminum. Steel is strong but can rust. Aluminum is lighter and won’t rust.
Wheel Material
Wheels can be plastic or rubber. Rubber tires offer better grip. They last longer too.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Maintenance History
A mower that was cared for will last longer. Ask about oil changes and blade sharpening. A well-maintained mower is a good buy.
Rust and Damage
Check the deck for rust. Look for dents or cracks. These can mean the mower was used roughly or damaged.
Engine Condition
The engine is the heart of the mower. It should start easily. It should run smoothly without strange noises. No smoke is a good sign.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Small Lawns
A basic push mower with a smaller deck works well. You don’t need a self-propelled model.
For Medium to Large Lawns
A self-propelled mower with a wider deck is helpful. More engine power is also good.
For Hills
A self-propelled mower is a must. It makes climbing hills much easier.
Where to Buy Used Mowers
- Online marketplaces (like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace)
- Local hardware stores
- Yard sales
- Estate sales
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I check if the engine is good?
A: Try to start the mower. It should start quickly. It should run without making loud or strange noises. There should be no blue or black smoke coming from the engine.
Q: What if the mower is a little rusty?
A: A little surface rust on the deck might be okay. If there are holes or the rust is deep, it could be a problem. It means the mower might not last as long.
Q: Should I buy a gas or electric mower?
A: Gas mowers are more powerful. They are good for larger yards. Electric mowers are quieter and easier to start. They are better for small yards.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a used mower?
A: Prices vary a lot. A good used mower can cost from $100 to $300. It depends on the brand, age, and condition.
Q: What if I can’t test the mower before buying?
A: Try to see it run. If you can’t, ask for a video of it working. Be careful buying without seeing it in action.
Q: How do I know if the cutting height adjustment works?
A: Move the lever or buttons for height adjustment. They should move easily. Make sure all wheels adjust together if it’s a single-point system.
Q: Are older mowers bad?
A: Not always. Older mowers from good brands can be very durable. Check the parts and engine condition. Many older mowers were built to last.
Q: What is a good brand for used mowers?
A: Brands like Honda, Toro, and John Deere are known for making reliable mowers. You can often find good deals on these.
Q: How important is the blade condition?
A: The blade needs to be sharp. A dull blade tears grass. It makes your lawn look bad. You can get blades sharpened or buy new ones.
Q: What should I do after buying a used mower?
A: It’s a good idea to change the oil. Check the spark plug. Sharpen or replace the blade. This will help it run its best.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.