What Time of Year Are Riding Mowers Cheapest? | 4 Best Time Periods

Riding mowers are essential for homeowners with large lawns, but they can be expensive. If you’re looking to buy one without breaking the bank, timing your purchase strategically can save you hundreds of dollars. So, when is the best time to buy a riding mower at the lowest price?. What time of year are riding mowers cheapest?

The cheapest time to buy a riding mower is late summer to early fall (August – October) during end-of-season clearance sales. Retailers offer discounts of 20-50% to clear inventory. Black Friday (November), early spring (March – April), and major holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) also offer good deals, but fall has the lowest prices.

In this article, we explore further about best timing for buy a riding lawn mower.

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Why Riding Mowers Go on Sale

Riding mowers are seasonal products, meaning demand and prices fluctuate throughout the year. Most homeowners buy mowers in spring and early summer when the grass starts growing. Retailers price them higher during this period because demand is at its peak.

However, by late summer and fall, fewer people are looking for mowers. This is when retailers start discounting older models to clear inventory for winter equipment, such as snow blowers. Knowing this trend can help you buy a riding mower at the lowest possible price.

What Time of Year Are Riding Mowers Cheapest? | Best Times of the Year to Buy a Riding Mower

Here are the list of best times of the year to buy a riding lawn mower.

1. End of Mowing Season (August – October) – The Best Time to Buy
2. Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November – December)
3. Early Spring Sales (March – April, Sometimes May)
4. Major Holiday Sales (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day)

1. End of Mowing Season (August – October) – The Best Time to Buy

If you want the biggest discounts, late summer and early fall are the best times to buy a riding mower. Here’s why:

Retailers are clearing out inventory to make space for winter products.
Demand drops significantly, leading to lower prices.
You can find discounts of 20-40% on older models.

By September and October, many stores mark down riding mowers drastically to ensure they don’t carry over inventory into the next year. Some clearance sales can even offer up to 50% off!

💡 Pro Tip: Check home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply for the best clearance deals during this time.

2. Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November – December)

If you miss the fall clearance sales, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) are the next best opportunities to get a deal.

Some stores offer huge discounts on lawn equipment during Black Friday.
Cyber Monday deals (especially from online retailers like Amazon and eBay) can provide exclusive savings on mowers.

While discounts during Black Friday may not be as steep as end-of-season sales, you can still save a good amount if you buy from the right retailer.

🔥 Tip: Keep an eye on open-box or refurbished models from major online retailers, as they are often sold at a fraction of the original price.

3. Early Spring Sales (March – April, Sometimes May)

If you need a new mower before the mowing season starts, early spring is another good time to buy.

Some stores run “Spring Lawn & Garden Sales” in March and April.
Manufacturers often introduce new models during spring, leading to discounts on last year’s models.

While these discounts may not be as deep as fall clearance sales, you can still save around 10-20% if you buy in early spring rather than waiting for peak summer prices.

4. Major Holiday Sales (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day)

Many stores offer special discounts on riding mowers during major holidays, including:

Memorial Day (Late May)
4th of July (Early July)
Labor Day (Early September)

Holiday discounts usually range from 5-25%, depending on the store and brand. However, the best deals on riding mowers still come after summer, so if you can wait, you’ll likely save more.

💡 Pro Tip: Sign up for store newsletters and email alerts to get exclusive coupons and early sale notifications.

Best Places to Find Riding Mower Discounts

If you’re looking for big discounts, here are some of the best places to shop:

Home Depot & Lowe’s – Regular clearance sales and seasonal discounts.
Tractor Supply Company – Often offers deals on farm and garden equipment.
Walmart & Amazon – Great for finding online discounts and refurbished models.
Local Dealerships & Hardware Stores – Sometimes offer price-matching deals.

🚜 Tip: Don’t forget to check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local auction sites for used riding mowers at steep discounts.

New vs. Used Riding Mowers – Which One Saves More Money?

If you’re on a tight budget, buying a used riding mower might be a great alternative. Here’s a comparison:

Factor	New Riding Mower	Used Riding Mower
Price	$1,500 – $4,000+	$500 – $2,000
Warranty	Yes (1-3 years)	No (or limited)
Condition	Brand new	May have wear & tear
Longevity	10-15 years	Varies (depends on maintenance)

If you decide to buy used, check for rust, oil leaks, and blade condition to avoid costly repairs later.

Additional Tips to Get the Best Deal on a Riding Mower

Compare prices online before going to a store.
Wait for price drops at the end of the season.
Consider buying an older model (last year’s version).
Look for financing options or store credit card discounts.
Negotiate prices at local dealerships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Riding Mower

Buying during peak season (May – July) when prices are highest.
Not researching different models and features.
Ignoring warranty and return policies.
Skipping maintenance history when buying used.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to buy a riding mower at the lowest price, the best time is late summer and early fall (August – October) when retailers are clearing out inventory. However, if you miss that window, Black Friday, early spring sales, and major holidays also offer good discounts.

To get the best deal, shop around, compare prices, and look for clearance discounts at home improvement stores and online retailers. With the right strategy, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next riding mower purchase!