Should I Buy a Used Lawn Mower? (A Full Guide)

Everyone dreams of a shiny new lawn mower, but is buying a used one a smarter move? After all, you could save money and still get the perfect cut. Learn why getting a used lawn mower is the way to go in this article!

When buying a lawn mower, there are only a few factors to consider - after all, you just need an automated tool that cuts your grass to the desired length. For most people, there isn't much advantage in buying a brand-new lawn mower. If anything, they come at a very high price and usually have the same features as a used lawn mower. So, should you buy a used lawn mower? Absolutely yes! But don't just pick up any used lawn mower you find.

Picking a faulty lawn mower may leave you with more problems than it's worth. Read on to learn why picking up a used lawn mower is the way to go and gain insights into the key factors to look for before sealing the deal.

Table Of Contents

Factors to Consider When Buying A Used Lawn Mower

Before buying a lawn mower, consider the following factors to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Check the mower deck for rust and ensure that it is rust-free.
Test the deck level adjusters to make sure they work smoothly without binding.
Inspect the self-drive system to ensure it operates without any issues.
Verify that the blade assembly is in good condition.
Start the engine and check for any smoke while ensuring it runs well.
Verify the engine oil level and quality. Be cautious of low oil levels and highly black, thin, or grey oil, as these could indicate underlying issues.
Inspect for any leaks, such as engine oil or gas leaks, which typically leave visible marks.
Check the gas by opening the cap. If the gas is old, it may turn yellow and give off a stale odor. This is a common cause of no-starts and should be addressed.
Check the pull start by attempting to start the engine. The pull cord should pull the mover over smoothly without recoiling sharply. If it recoils sharply, it's a sign of a damaged engine.
Check the drive by applying the drive bail lever and pulling the mower backward. The rear wheels should lock. If they don't, it suggests that the drive needs adjusting or is faulty.

The lawn mower is good to go if all the above checks out!

What Type Of Lawn Mower Should You Buy?

Different types of lawnmowers are available in the market, each built for different types of users and yards. Therefore, you must choose the lawn mower that best suits your needs. This section will delve into the various types of lawnmowers, highlighting their primary features and which users and yard tasks they are most suitable for.

Battery-Powered Mower (Cordless)

Cordless lawnmowers are a favorite among gardeners, homeowners, and landscapers alike. This is because they offer a convenient and efficient way to mow your lawn without the hassle of dragging a cord around. Using batteries also means you can mow for longer without worrying about running out of power. Another great advantage of a battery-powered lawnmower — there is no need for oil, gas or maintenance!

This makes them a great choice for easy and hassle-free lawn maintenance. This type of lawnmower is ideal for small to medium lawns. While battery-powered lawn mowers offer numerous benefits, there is a drawback to consider. Specifically, the lithium-ion batteries that power them have a limited lifespan. As such, you will eventually need to replace the battery, and this cost should be factored into your decision-making process.

Electric Mower (Corded)

If you don't want to worry about replacing the batteries in a battery-powered lawn mower, consider opting for an electric mower. Using an electric mower means you have to constantly have it plugged in, which is not that big of a deal if you are only mowing a small area. If you can get around the cord, an electric mower is the perfect solution for your lawn care needs.

It eliminates the need to buy and store gasoline, is more environmentally friendly, and is very easy to start. While there is no battery to replace after a few years, most owners of electric lawnmowers accidentally cut the cord at least once during the life of the mower. This is not a big deal, though, as replacing cords isn't as expensive as replacing a battery.

Gas-Powered Mower

A gas-powered mower is ideal for mowing a large piece of land with tough grass and weeds. These mowers typically feature a powerful engine that can easily cut through thick grass.

They are powered with gas, which means you can easily mow the whole day without stopping and recharging or being limited by the length of a cord. While this is great, it also means you must take maintenance on the mower, such as changing the oil and spark plugs and ensuring the fuel tank is always full. You should also take note of the type of gas-powered mower you need — they come in two variants:

Push mower: These are the most common type of gas-powered mower. The distinctive feature of this mower is that you will have to push it to make it work. They are ideal for people with small lawns who don't want to spend much money on a mower.
Self-propelled mower: As you may have guessed, this type of mower is self-propelled, meaning you don't have to push it to make it work. They are excellent for larger lawns and are usually more expensive than the push mower. They also come in two variants:
Rear-drive: The ideal option if your yard is hilly or uneven.
Front-drive: The ideal choice if your yard has many obstacles as it is easier to manoeuvre around them.

The Best Place To Buy A Used Lawnmower

Don't trust every lawnmower you find at the local hardware store because you could end up with a lemon. To avoid being duped, it’s best to purchase a used lawnmower from a reputable source. We recommend buying it from a garage sale as it allows you to see the lawnmower in person and test it. You also get to talk with the owner, which will give you more insight into the condition of the lawnmower.

Best Lawnmower Brands

When buying a used lawnmower, it is best that you go for a reputable and reliable brand. The following are our top picks of brands that offer the highest-quality lawnmowers.

Husqvarna
Toro
John Deere
Honda mowers
Craftsman
Troy-Bilt
Cub Cadet

Bottom Line

Yes, buying a used lawnmower is more economical than buying a new one. Provided you do your research and inspect the lawnmower thoroughly, you can find a great deal on a used lawnmower that will meet all your needs. Be sure to perform the checks we mentioned in the article, and you should be able to find a great second-hand lawnmower at a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. Lastly, only trust a reputable seller.