When to Find the Best Sales on a Riding Lawn Mower
To get the deepest discount and a wider selection, shop early in the season
By Tobie Stanger, Daniel Bortz
Be prepared for sticker shock if you’re in the market for a new riding lawn mower. Prices of these outdoor workhorses—lawn tractors, rear-engine riders, and zero-turn mowers—have risen this season at double-digit rates.
In Consumer Reports’ lawn mower and tractor ratings, prices for “carry-over” gas lawn tractors—models we rated last year that are still available this season—jumped 20.5 percent, says Courtney Pennicooke, a CR product analyst who covers outdoor power equipment. Gas zero-turn mowers increased 13 percent in price over last season, battery zero-turn mowers rose 12.5 percent, and gas-powered rear-engine riders ticked up 15.4 percent.
Riding lawn mowers aren’t cheap; more than half of the models in our ratings cost $3,000 or more. But if you have a half-acre or more of grass to cut, a riding mower might be worth the splurge.
These machines are relatively easy to operate and cut in a wide swath, which means that a riding lawn mower can help you keep your yard looking great in less time than it would take with a walk-behind mower. They’re pretty fun to drive, too.
If you’re in the market for a riding mower, April is the time to take advantage of sales. Shopping now also ensures that you’ll have a wider choice of models. A $500 discount on a crummy tractor isn’t really a good deal.
The takeaway: You don’t need to pay top dollar to get a great rider.
Looking to narrow your search? CR members with digital access can read on for ratings and reviews of three CR Best Buys, machines that deliver great performance at a reasonable price. For more options, check out our comprehensive lawn mower and tractor ratings. And if you’re not sure which type of mower is right for your needs, consult our lawn mower buying guide.
Best Lawn Tractor Deals
Best Zero-Turn Rider Deal
John Deere Z335E-42
CR’s take: The affordably priced John Deere Z335E-42 is a zero-turn mower boasting Excellent side-discharging and mulching scores in CR’s performance tests. It’s equipped with a 42-inch Accel Deep deck that has a lever to switch between side discharge and mulching easily, a washout port for easier cleaning, and a hydrostatic transmission that allows for more power, greater acceleration, and smoother maneuvering. In our member surveys, John Deere zero-turn mowers receive a Very Good rating for reliability and an Excellent rating for owner satisfaction. The machine is loud, so hearing protection is a must.
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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
