The best time to buy a riding lawn mower is during the off-season, particularly in early fall or late winter, when retailers offer steep discounts to clear inventory. This timing not only ensures you get the best deals on new lawn equipment but also maximizes the value of your investment.
While many might be tempted to purchase a mower in early spring, when the grass grows, or around popular sales events like Memorial Day and Father’s Day, savvy shoppers understand the importance of waiting for the right season.
Doing so can avoid the sticker shock often associated with big box stores and home improvement centers during peak lawn care months.
Why Is Timing Everything? The Riding Lawn Mower Seasons
The demand for riding lawnmowers, like many pieces of lawn equipment, fluctuates seasonally. As early spring approaches, homeowners with yard sizes ranging from a half acre and beyond begin to consider the state of their current mower or the potential benefits of upgrading to a new lawn mower.
This surge in interest prompts big box stores and home improvement centers to stock up on various models, from zero-turn mowers to the more traditional lawn tractors. However, as the season progresses towards early fall, the demand starts to wane.
Manufacturers and retailers, keen on maintaining sales momentum, often introduce steep discounts to entice those on a tight budget or those simply looking to save money.
By understanding these shifts in demand and the corresponding price adjustments, consumers can pinpoint the right season to buy a lawn mower, ensuring they get a decent deal without compromising quality.
End of Season Sales: Fall and Winter

As the vibrant hues of early fall set in, retailers begin preparing for the upcoming winter months, making it a prime time for discounts on riding lawnmowers. Statistically, sales of lawn equipment, including the popular zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors, see a decline post-summer.
Retailers, especially home improvement centers and hardware stores, are keen to clear out space for winter inventory, such as snow blowers and lawn furniture.
This transition period offers consumers the best deals. A study conducted in 2020 found that riding mower prices dropped by an average of 20-30% during early fall. The benefits of buying during the off-season are manifold.
Shoppers save money and have a broader selection of models, ensuring they get the correct cutting width and features tailored to their yard size.
The Winter Is Coming
Winter further intensifies these discounts with clearance sales. Retailers are eager to reduce inventory before the new lawn mower models influx in early spring. For those on a tight budget, waiting until the deep winter months can lead to a decent deal, sometimes surpassing early fall’s steep discounts.
By capitalizing on these off-season sales, homeowners can avoid the sticker shock and secure premium models at a fraction of the cost.
New Model Releases: Late Winter to Early Spring
Every year, as late winter gives way to early spring, the lawn care industry is abuzz with the release of new mower models. Industry data reveals that approximately 65% of all new riding lawn mower models are introduced between February and April.
This strategic release aligns with homeowners gearing up for the mowing season, ensuring they’re presented with the latest innovations in cutting width, efficiency, and adaptability to various yard sizes.
How Older Models Get Discounted to Make Room for New Inventory
But what happens to the older models? Retailers, especially those in major hardware stores and home improvement centers, must clear inventory. A 2019 market study found that, on average, riding mowers from the previous year saw a price reduction of 15% to 25% during this transition.
Furthermore, this study highlighted that consumers who purchased these older models reported an average savings of $200 to $400, depending on the brand and features.
With the influx of new models, the market also witnessed a spike in trade-in offers. In 2020, trade-ins increased by 12% during late winter, allowing consumers to upgrade their mowers while offsetting some costs.
Holiday Sales and Promotions

Holiday sales present some of the best opportunities to secure deals on riding lawnmowers and other lawn equipment. Among the major holidays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day are prime times for mower promotions.
A 2021 retail analysis showed that Memorial Day sales, in particular, saw an average discount of 18% on riding mowers, with some retailers offering as much as 25% off on select models.
The Fourth of July
Celebrated in the heart of the mowing season is another crucial sales event. Retailers often bundle riding mowers with complementary items like push mowers or lawn furniture, providing added value to consumers.
In 2020, bundled deals during this holiday resulted in average savings of $150 to $300 for consumers, depending on the brand and mower specifications.
Labor Day
Marking the end of summer often features clearance sales as retailers prepare for the fall season. Riding mower prices can drop by up to 20%, especially on models tailored for larger yard sizes exceeding a half acre.
Maximizing Savings During Holiday Promotions
To make the most of these holiday promotions:
- Research and compare prices across multiple home improvement stores.
- Look for bundled deals, which can include complementary items or services.
- Consider trade-in options; some retailers offer discounts on new lawnmowers when trading in older models.
- Sign up for retailer newsletters or loyalty programs, which often provide early access or additional discounts to members.
My Personal Experience: $300 Off!
In 2019, I was in dire need of a new riding mower. After extensive research, I set my sights on the John Deere E120, known for its robust performance and optimal cutting width. I had almost purchased at ‘Greenfield Hardware Stores in Nashville for a hefty $2,100. But, recalling past experiences, I decided to wait.
Come Memorial Day weekend, the same store had a special promotion, slashing the price to $1,800 and bundling it with a free maintenance kit. Holding off for a few weeks saved me $300 and got me additional perks, emphasizing the value of perfect timing.
Future Outlook and Predictions
As technology advances, the landscape of the riding lawn mower industry is poised for significant evolution. A 2022 market report indicates that by 2025, we can expect a 20% increase in riding mowers equipped with intelligent technology, allowing for more precise cutting width adjustments and real-time yard size analysis.
Additionally, the integration of eco-friendly solutions is on the rise. Predictions from Lawn Tech Insights suggest that by 2027, 35% of new lawnmowers will be hybrid or fully electric, reducing carbon emissions and operational costs.
From a pricing perspective, the increasing demand for advanced lawn tractors and mowers might initially drive prices up. However, as production scales and technologies become mainstream, a 2023 ‘Home Improvement Digest’ study forecasts a gradual price stabilization, potentially offering consumers more advanced mowers at today’s prices by the decade’s end.