Maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners, but choosing the right lawn mower—and timing your purchase wisely—can save you money and ensure you get the best model for your needs. If you've ever wondered, ''When is the best month to buy a lawn mower? you're not alone. The answer depends on factors like sales cycles, regional climate, and whether you prioritize price, selection, or immediate use. In this guide, we'll break down the best times to buy across the year, so you can snag a great deal without compromising on quality.
Understanding Lawn Mower Sales Cycles
Lawn mowers are seasonal products, meaning their availability and pricing are heavily influenced by when people use them most. In most regions (especially the Northern Hemisphere), lawn mowing season peaks from spring (April-May) through early fall (September-October), depending on weather and grass growth. Retailers align their promotions around these cycles, offering discounts when demand is low to clear inventory or boost sales during lulls.
The Best Months to Buy a Lawn Mower: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
1. Late Spring (May)
Why it works:
- Pre-season sales: Some retailers kick off the mowing season with ''spring launch''deals to entice early buyers. While not the deepest discounts, you'll have first pick of the latest models, including new features like upgraded batteries for electric mowers or more efficient gas engines.
- Weather readiness: If you live in an area where grass starts growing in April, buying in May ensures you're prepared without rushing into a purchase.
2. Memorial Day Weekend (Late May)
Why it works:
- Holiday sales: Memorial Day is a major retail event, with stores offering ''outdoor living” promotions. Lawn mowers, along with grills and garden tools, are often discounted 10-30%.
- Bundle deals: Look for combo sets, like BILT HARD's 40V mower + trimmer + leaf blower package, which might include free batteries or chargers during this period.
3. Mid-Summer (July-August)
Why it works:
- Mid-season price drops: By July, retailers want to clear space for fall inventory (think leaf blowers and snow blowers). You'll see discounts on last year's models, even if they're still high-quality and functional.
- Inventory turnover: Brands like BILT HARD may discount gas mowers (e.g., their 201cc 3-in-1 push mower) by 20-30% to make way for next year's upgrades.
Who should buy now?
Homeowners who don't need the latest tech but want a reliable mower at a lower price.
4. Labor Day Weekend (Early September)
Why it works:
- End-of-season clearout: Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and retailers are eager to sell remaining lawn mowers before focusing on fall gear. Discounts can be steeper here than in spring, especially on gas-powered models.
- Back-to-school sales overlap: Some stores bundle lawn mower deals with student discounts, adding extra savings for families.
5. Fall (October-November)
Why it works:
- Deep discounts: October is prime time for clearance sales. Retailers don't want to store lawn mowers over winter, so prices plummet—expect 30-40% off, especially on electric and cordless models.
- Quieter shopping experience: Fewer crowds mean better customer service and more time to compare features, like cutting width or battery life.
Considerations:
- Check if the retailer offers free winter storage or delivery, as some buyers prefer to pick up their mower in spring.
6. Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Late November)
Why it works:
- Retail frenzy: These days are not just for electronics—outdoor tools often get significant discounts. Online retailers like Amazon or brand sites (e.g., BILT HARD's store) may offer flash sales or exclusive online deals.
- Bundle opportunities: Pair a mower purchase with a holiday gift card or free accessories, like a grass bag or extra battery.
Downside:
Popular models may sell out quickly, so have a backup option in mind.
7. Winter (December-March)
Why it works:
- Off-season steals: January and February are the slowest months for lawn mower sales, so retailers use discounts to attract buyers. You might find older models at rock-bottom prices, especially if they're still in stock.
- Peaceful shopping: No rush-take your time to research and read reviews, like the 4.7/5-rated BILT HARD gas mowers, to ensure you're getting a reliable product.
Who should buy now?
Homeowners in warmer climates (e.g.Florida, California) where grass grows year-round, or those willing to store the mower until spring.
Regional Considerations: How Climate Affects Timing
Your location plays a big role in when you need a mower and when you can get the best deal:
- Northern states (e.g., Minnesota, New York): Grass grows from May to September. Buy in late April (pre-season) or October (clearance) to avoid paying full price during peak season.
- Southern states (e.g., Texas, Georgia): Lawns stay green longer, so mowing season extends into November. Shop in January-February for off-season deals, as retailers reset inventory after the busy fall.
Gas vs. Electric Mowers: Different Sales Trends
Gas Mowers
- Best time: Late summer (August-September) and early fall (October). These are bulkier to store, so retailers discount them heavily to avoid winter storage costs. Look for deals on 4-cycle engines, like BILT HARD's 201cc push mower, which often include free oil or maintenance kits.
Electric/Cordless Mowers
- Best time: Spring (May) and Black Friday. Manufacturers promote new battery tech in spring, while end-of-year sales clear out models with slightly older batteries (still reliable, just not the latest 4.0Ah versions).
Riding Mowers/Tractor Mowers
- Best time: Late fall (November) or early spring (April). These expensive machines are harder to store, so dealers offer 10-20% off to move inventory, especially on last year's models.
How to Time Your Purchase Based on Your Needs
1. Priority: Lowest Price
- Best months: October (clearance), Black Friday (November), or January (off-season). You'll sacrifice the latest models but save significantly—up to 40% off on older but still high-quality mowers.
- Example: A BILT HARD cordless mower set that retails for $399.99 in summer might drop to $284.99 in October, plus a free dual charger.
2. Priority: Latest Models
- Best months: April-May (spring launches). Manufacturers debut new features like improved brushless motors or smarter height adjustment systems. Pay full price but get the newest tech.
3. Priority: Immediate Use
- Best months: May-June (peak season). If your lawn is already overgrown, don't wait for sales—buy now and look for small discounts (e.g., 10-15% off) on in-stock models.
4. Priority: Bundle Deals
- Best months: Memorial Day (May) or Cyber Monday (November). Retailers often package mowers with trimmers, edgers, or leaf blowers at a discount, like BILT HARD's 3-in-1 combo set, which saves you money on multiple tools.
Red Flags to Avoid Bad Timing
- Avoid peak demand months (June-July): Prices are higher, and inventory is limited, especially for popular brands.
- Don't buy in rain/snow seasons: In regions with heavy summer rain or early snow, retailers may hike prices temporarily if stock is low.
- Check for ''restocking fees’’: Some stores charge fees if you return a mower bought on clearance, so test it immediately after purchase.
Case Study: Saving $100+ on a BILT HARD Mower
Let's compare prices for the BILT HARD 40V cordless mower (2x20V, 4.0Ah batteries included):
- April (new arrival): $249.99 (full price)
- July (mid-season): $229.99 (10% off)
- October (clearance): $179.49 (30% off, as seen on their site)
- Black Friday: $199.99 (20% off, plus free grass bag)
Buying in October saves you $70 compared to Black Friday and $70.50 more than July—making it the best deal for budget-conscious shoppers.
FAQs About Timing Your Lawn Mower Purchase
1. Will I get a warranty if I buy during a clearance sale?
Yes—most manufacturers honor warranties regardless of when you buy, as long as it's a new, unused product. Check the retailer's return policy for exceptions.
2. Should I wait for a specific holiday sale, or are discounts similar across events?
Labor Day and Black Friday typically offer the deepest discounts, but Memorial Day is better for bundle deals. Off-season sales (January) can be great for less popular models.
3. Can I negotiate the price at a local store?
Possibly, especially in late fall when they want to clear inventory. Bring up online prices as leverage—many stores price-match.
4. What if the mower I want is sold out during a sale?
Sign up for restock alerts on the retailer's site. Some brands, like BILT HARD, release limited-time restocks during peak sales periods.
Final Verdict: The Optimal Month to Buy
For most homeowners in the Northern Hemisphere, October stands out as the best month to buy a lawn mower. Here's why:
- Deep clearance discounts (30-40% off) on both gas and electric models.
- Less competition for inventory—no summer rush.
- Time to prepare for next spring: You can store the mower over winter and have it ready for the first cut.
If you can't wait until October, target Labor Day weekend or Black Friday for reliable deals. For those in warmer climates or wanting the latest tech, May or early spring sales are your best bet.
No matter when you buy, focus on your needs: How often will you mow? What size yard do you have? And don't forget to read reviews—brands like BILT HARD, with their 4.7+ ratings, offer a balance of performance and affordability, making them a safe choice regardless of the season.
Happy mowing—and happy saving!
When do you usually buy lawn tools? Share your tips in the comments!
