Craigslist Lawn Mowers For Sale By Owner (2024)

FAQs

How much should I pay for a good lawn mower? ›

Above $400 you could be paying for gimmicks, but under $200 and you're missing out on mowers that mow right to the edge of a lawn, or mowers with mulching plugs. All in all, the experts recommend spending around $200 for a good mower. Whenever someone asks for a lawnmower recommendation, this is my choice.

For a yard measuring 1 to 2 acres, an engine with 14 to 16 HP is best for your riding mower. For a yard that's 3 acres or larger, you'll need a riding mower with an 18 to 24 HP engine.

Standard riding lawn mowers, also called lawn tractors or garden tractors, have a traditional ride-on design and operate with a steering wheel, making them easy to drive and maneuver over un-even terrain. They work well for lawns from 3/4 acres to 2 acres or more.

You can expect to get anywhere from six to ten years out of your riding mower, or longer with proper care and maintenance. Like most machines, riding lawn mower life varies depending on a number of factors including terrain, maintenance and upkeep, number of hours used, and more.

Consumer Reports says that the best months for consumers to make a lawn mower purchase are April, May, August, September and October. One popular school of thought is that it's best to buy a mower right after mowing season ends.

Look for a mower with at least 14-16 hp and a wide mowing deck – at least 38 inches – to get your lawn work done quickly. Yards larger than three acres are best handled by a larger zero-turn rider or a garden tractor. Look for models that have at least 18hp engines and mowing decks in the 44-54 inch range.

What size mower do I need for 1 acre? ›

A good starting point for a medium-sized yard – an acre to an acre and a half — is a 42” mower. With a larger mower, you'll spend a lot of time maneuvering into position and around tight corners.

Fuel for your lawn mower or outdoor power equipment must meet these requirements: Clean and fresh - fuel can begin to deteriorate in as little as 30 days. A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON); If operating at high altitude, see below.

In the summer, keep both cool-season and warm-season grasses slightly taller. Cut cool-season grasses to 3 or 3 ½ inches. Mow warm-season grasses to 2 or 2 ½ inches. In summer, grass can be kept a bit higher to prevent weeds, help shade the soil line, and maintain water in the soil.

Zero-turn radius mowers or "ZTR mowers," are designed with a tight turning radius for lawns of 1 to 3 acres or more. They are also one of the best riding mowers for rough terrains. A zero-turn mower provides more control and increased efficiency on large, mostly flat lawns.

Cutting width of lawn mowers explained

Small Lawns – up to 34cm cutting width. Medium Lawns – 35-40cm cutting width. Large Lawns – 40cm+ cutting width.

Also, consider your budget, as zero-turn mowers tend to start at a higher price than tractors. How much are zero-turn mowers? Zero-turn mowers can cost anywhere from $850 to $6,500 or more. The factors that affect cost include size, cutting width, cutting height adjustability, engine power, and transmission type.

Cheaper brands may not be backed by the same long serving warranty a premium brand will offer thanks to its confidence in the product. And if they are, the ability to claim a repair or replacement part under warranty may be more difficult if service centers are not available.