Americans are dealing with increased prices left and right, and many are shunning their landscapers in favor of do-it-yourself. According to the Wall Street Journal, services which provide lawn-care have prices up 22.4%. Here’s a look at what mower-makers have on offer this year as they clear out year-end inventory. The prices may surprise you.
Gas-powered mowers have more power and longer run time, but can be noisier and produce emissions. Battery-powered mowers are quieter and more eco-friendly, but have limited battery life. Zero-turn mowers are great for large lawns and commercial applications, with a rear-wheel steering system that allows turning on a dime. Lawn tractors have front-wheel steering systems like cars, but have larger turning radiuses. Many mowers are available with bagging attachments to keep cuttings from going all over your yard.
Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet offers electric zero-turn mowers, electric tractors, and gas-powered mowers, built in the USA since 1961. They also offer push mowers starting at $419 and self-propelled at $499. Mini riding mowers with 10.5 hp gas motors start at $2,239, while electric versions are a costlier $3,599. The electric model runs for one hour on a single charge. Zero-turn mowers start at $3,499 for the ZT1 41 Ultima series, up to $4,299 for higher power models. More conventional riding tractors start at $2,399 for the XT1 Enduro, with either a Kohler or Briggs and Stratton motor and 42-inch stamped decks. Electric tractors start at $4,899 with 1.5 hours of mowing on a single charge. Electric models also don’t need oil, filters, spark plugs, or any other items one associates with traditional mower maintenance. Cub Cadet also offers multiple 0% APR deals with varying fees ($50-150) depending on the number of months (6-36 months), which shakes out to about $99 a month for two years for the $2,399 XT1, for example.
Push Mowers
Options abound for push mowers, from self-propelled to models you must actually push; gas or electric is now a question as well. Black and Decker offers an electric corded mower for $99.98 with a 6.5 amp motor and 12 inch cutting width. A larger electric offering includes the Sun Joe 16-inch corded mower, at $151.88, or an 18-inch electric and cordless Ryobi for $249 with 30 minutes of runtime (note that battery and charger is not included). In the gas department, one of the most affordable options is the TB125B from Toro, a push mower with a 140cc Briggs and Stratton motor, at $269. Toro’s cheapest self-propelled models start at $409, and go up to about $600. Self-propelled Craftsman models are similarly priced starting at $379.99.
Toro
Toro exclusively makes walk behind mowers and zero turn mowers. Surprising to many consumers will be that Toro does not make traditional tractor mowers. The cheapest Toro zero-turn starts at $2,999, making it a cheaper option than the entry-level Cub Cadet. Sizes range from 34 inches to 60 inches, and top of the line models approach $8,000. Decks are made of high strength 10-gauge steel, and upper-tier models include the “MyRide” fully-floating front and rear adjustable shock operator, which starts at $4,399.
Husqvarna
Famous for chainsaws, Husqvarna makes one of the most affordable riding mower options. Its entry-level model with an 18.5 horsepower Briggs and Stratton motor and 42 inch cutting deck starts at $1,999. Their zero turn models start at $3,199 with motors from Kawaski.
John Deere
Dating back to 1837, John Deere has a rich history and produces far more equipment than just lawnmowers. From skidders to dump trucks, Deere makes enormous equipment and has spearheaded many modern agricultural innovations humanity enjoys today. Beyond fun vehicles like the Gator UTV line are models for the average lawn-mowing consumer, including both residential zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors. The most affordable Deere mower is the S100 tractor line, which starts at $2,399 plus $100 freight. It has 17.5 hp, a 42 inch mower deck with 2 year warranty and spring assisted deck lowering; larger horsepower models up to 22 hp start for under $3,000. The S180 has a 54 inch mower deck and 24 horsepower with adjustable lumbar, starting at $3,599. The 200 series has a 3 year warranty, and the X300 series has a 4 year warranty, the latter offering optional rear discharge deck and power four wheel steering (options which do not come cheap – the X394 is $7,599). Deere zero-turn models start at $3,699 and include 3 year warranties and mow up to 7 miles per hour. Deere offers 4.9% APR for 60 months on 200 series, 1.9% APR on X300 series for 48 months, and no interest if paid in full within 9 months on 100 Series.
If you know where to look, you can get a great deal on a new mower. With the latest features, such as electric power, mowers are reducing maintenance cost and getting better for the environment. Be sure to look around for year end offers clearing out the previous years of mower inventory; you might be surprised just how affordable the latest new mowers can be.