Buying a new lawnmower can cost anywhere between $80 and $3,200, depending on its type and special features.
As temperatures rise, so does the length of your grass. A spring-ready lawn mower is an essential tool for anyone with a yard, but how much will this purchase set you back? Depending on the capacity of the machine you’re after and how comfortable you want mowing to be, you will likely end up spending between $80 and $3,200 for a lawn mower.
The main consideration behind the cost of a new lawn mower is the type. Here are the average costs for various types of lawn mowers.
Reel lawn mowers are propelled by your own energy; as you walk across the lawn, you cause the blades to spin and cut your grass. Because they require significant effort on your part, they are not ideal for large lawns. They are the most cost-effective option, though, starting as low as $60 for simple models, with fancier models rising as high as $400. In addition, they are environmentally friendly, take up little room, and are lightweight.
There are two kinds of walk-behind mowers: push and self-propelled. Push mowers rely on you to push them around the yard, while self-propelled mowers are powered by a transmission and usually come in either single-speed or variable speed models. The average cost for a walk-behind mower is $360.
Walk-behind mowers are either gas-powered or electric-powered. Corded and battery-powered lawn mowers are considered electric. Manual corded models are less expensive and can cost as low as $80, while battery-powered machines can be as high as $2,000, with the average for each around $240. For a self-propelled electric mower, expect to pay between $340 and $830.
Gas mowers are more powerful than electric mowers. Without a cord dangling about or battery life to worry about, they also offer better mobility. Despite these benefits, they are usually less expensive than electric models, with manual push mowers ranging in price between $140 and $570, and self-propelled machines coming in at $170 on the low end and $2,100 on the high end.
As the name suggests, a riding mower allows you to ride on it while it mows your lawn. Standard riding mowers have a steering wheel for you to dictate their path through your lawn, and come with optional attachments, such as a bag to haul off clippings and leaves. These machines are almost always gas-powered; they are intended to cover larger terrain than walk-behind mowers, necessitating the power and lifespan of gas rather than battery. There are three basic styles of riding mower: lawn tractor, zero-turn lawn mowers, and rear engine lawn mowers, each with individual costs and features. Expect to pay around $2,500 for a riding mower.
You control a lawn tractor mower with a steering wheel. These models are stable on sloping terrain and have several attachments to help with other yard tasks, such as a trailer, snowplow, dethatcher, and more. Lawn tractors generally range in price from $1,350 to $4,000.
Rear engine mowers are similar to lawn tractors as they are driven via a steering wheel, but they are generally smaller and less powerful, and therefore cannot haul heavy attachments like snow plows the way lawn tractors can. Their price matches their punch, as they are less expensive than lawn tractors, averaging $2,000, with lower-end models around $1,300 and higher-end machines around $4,500.
A zero-turn mower is a type of riding mower that allows you to use lever control mechanics to turn the machine on a zero-degree turn radius. These mowers maneuver exceptionally well and work fast, though there is a learning curve as instead of a steering wheel, direction is dictated by two lap bars. These mowers are more expensive than lawn tractors or rear-engine models; the average price for a zero-turn mower is $3,200, though some models can be as high as $15,000.
Robot mowers move autonomously but have a short run time and smaller cutting width, which makes them less than ideal if your lawn is on the bigger side. They often have several tech-forward features like collision sensors and app compatibility. A basic robot mower comes in at around $1,500, though there are some extremely elaborate ones that cost several thousand dollars.
Here are several considerations to weigh before deciding which lawn mower to purchase.
As noted above, any walk-behind—whether self-powered or powered by you—mower will be less expensive than a riding mower. That said, riding mowers can often complete more mowing in less time since they do not rely on your energy to be pushed along the lawn. Consider if the cost savings is worth the time and energy spent.
Some mowers come with extra features to ease use. The more add-on features, the higher the cost of the mower.
Washout port: This port allows for a hose connection to better clean the undercarriage of the motor after each use.
Electric start: On gas models, this feature allows you to turn the mower on with the touch of a button.
Folding handle: A handle that can tuck away after each use, minimizing storage space.
Universal battery: Some models have an interchangeable battery that can be used for a variety of compatible garden tools, such as leaf blowers and chainsaws.
Hour meter: On riding mowers, this meter tells you how long the mower has run and when it’s time for an oil change.
Comfort: Several higher-end riding mowers have cup holders and ergonomic, high-back seats.
Cruise control: Just like your car, some riding mowers allow you to set a speed and simply coast.
Once you know what kind of lawn mower you wish to purchase, look for a used one in excellent condition, from places such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or at local yard sales. In addition, keep an eye out for sales at home improvement stores, which typically take place over some holidays such as President’s Day or on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
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The voltage equates to the amount of energy the motor can handle. If you have a large lawn with tall grass, you should seek out a higher voltage machine. Here’s the breakdown of different types of electric mowers and their average voltages.
Push mowers: 18V to 80V, up to two acres (1/4 acre to 2 acres)
Self-propelled and riding mowers: 40V to 120V, up to 3 acres
Riding mowers: 50V to 120V, up to 3 acres
Robot mowers: 18V to 40V, up to 1 acre
If determining which lawn mower to purchase is making your head spin and you’d prefer to sit back and rewatch “The Sopranos,” you can hire a local lawn mowing service, which will set you back about $45 per week, on average, though the price will depend on the size of your yard. Contact local lawn mowing services to get a quote.
For walk-behind mowers, brands that offer more affordable price points include Black + Decker, Ryobi, and PowerSmart, with their most expensive mower offerings coming in under $1,000. Husqvarna and John Deere manufacture budget-friendly riding mowers, starting at around $1,500.
