Does the thought of buying a new lawn mower make your wallet sweat? You want a yard that looks great, but those brand-new mowers cost a fortune. It feels like a real trade-off: spend big money for quality, or save cash and risk getting a machine that quits after one summer. Finding a truly “bargain” lawn mower that actually works well is tough. Many cheap mowers break down fast, leaving you frustrated and still needing to cut your grass.
We understand that frustration! You need a reliable machine without emptying your savings account. That’s why we dug deep into the world of affordable lawn equipment. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter, what brands offer the best value, and how to spot a hidden gem among the budget buys.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for bargain lawn mowers that deliver performance without the premium price tag. Get ready to mow smarter, not spend more!
Top Bargain Lawn Mower Recommendations
- 42" GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and performance that reduces the amount of time and labor needed to maintain the beauty of your yard
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable 17.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine that delivers easy starting and superior results every time
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 42" stamped steel deck cuts up to 2 acres of grass, and the optional mulching kit allows you to cut and finish like a professional
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: 18" turning radius and heavy-duty 15x6/20x8 wheels make it easy to navigate around obstacles and get the job done efficiently
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 7-speed manual transmission allows you to choose the perfect speed for the task, and the contoured low-back seat provides a comfortable ride every time
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission) offers superior speed variability to adjust the mower pace to your walking speed by simply selecting the 6-speed shift lever
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spiked tread pattern significantly increase overall traction and maneuverability
- Starting made easier with the automatic choke system, no need to prime or choke the engine
- Quickly clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,300 RPM of power and a 14-inch cutting width
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 7.75-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 7-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
- 36" GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and performance that reduces the amount of time and labor needed to maintain the beauty of your yard
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable 11.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine that delivers easy starting and superior results every time
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 36" reinforced stamped steel deck cuts up to 2 acres of grass and fits through most gates and tight spaces, and the included mulching kit allows you to cut and finish like a professional
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: 18" turning radius and heavy-duty Turf Saver wheels make it easy to navigate around obstacles and get the job done efficiently
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 7-speed manual transmission allows you to choose the perfect speed for the task, and the contoured low-back seat provides a comfortable ride every time
- Powerful & Efficient OHV 144cc Engine: Equipped with a robust 4-stroke OHV 144cc engine, this lawn mower delivers unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring a clean and efficient cut every time.
- Versatile 3-in-1 Cutting System: Choose between mulching and side discharge options to suit your lawn care needs. Mulching finely chops grass clippings to enrich your soil, while side discharge allows for quick and easy cleanup of larger areas.
- Lightweight & Easy Maneuverability: Weighing just 62 lbs, this lawn mower is a breeze to push and maneuver around your garden. Its compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces and small yards, ensuring no corner is left uncut.
- Customizable Cutting Height for Perfect Results: With 6-position height adjustment, you can easily customize the cutting height from 1.5 to 3.9 inches to achieve the perfect lawn finish. Whether you prefer a short, neat look or a lush, green carpet, this mower has you covered.
- Safety First with Start/Stop Control Lever: Designed with your safety in mind, the start/stop control lever allows for easy and immediate stopping of the mower in case of emergencies. This feature prevents accidents and injuries, giving you peace of mind while you work on your lawn.
- [Cutting Grass Strong]:The Walk-behind battery mowers can mow up to 1,300 sq. ft. of medium-sized lawn on a full charge, and this electric lawn mower has a 13 In cutting width,with 3400RPM high performance speed, you can cut your lawn with ease. Warning: Use only the original U20 charger. Improper charging may result in fire hazard.
- [5 Mowing Height Adjustments] : The cordless lawn mower with five height adjustments, the battery lawn mower makes it easy to raise the blades from 1 In to 2.5 In, while also collecting the clippings in an 8-gallon bag.
- [High-performance motor]:The battery powered lawn mower is powered by a high-performance motor, which is low-maintenance, low-noise, and powerful compared to conventional motors, ensuring maximum performance and longer, smoother running time.
- [Easy to fold]:The lawn mower electric ensures a healthy working posture with an adjustable handle, which reduces the strain on your arms and back.The folding handle saves storage space, even in tight garden sheds and garages. The carrying handle makes it easy to carry the lightweight mower.
- [BATTERY UNIVERSAL]:The lawn mower battery powered comes with 1 x 20,000mAh battery that can work continuously for 15 minutes, the same as a member of the Litheli series with all the cordless freedom of the series: lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be used for all the products, and at the same time lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be used for emergency charging of cell phones, computers, tablets and other electronic devices.
- POWERFUL 170CC 4-STROKE OHV GAS ENGINE - This self propelled gas lawn mower is built for strength and efficiency, providing reliable starting and consistent power to cut through tall, thick grass in medium and large yards.
- 21-INCH CUTTING DECK WITH 3-IN-1 FUNCTION – Versatile lawn mower design supports side discharge, mulching, and rear bag collection, making it the perfect push mower for yard, garden, and landscaping maintenance.
- SELF PROPELLED DRIVE WITH HIGH-WHEEL DESIGN – Large 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels make this gas powered lawn mower self propelled easy to maneuver across uneven terrain, hills, and slopes.
- 6-POSITION ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT (1.5”-3.9”) – Customize your cut with this 21-inch gas lawn mower by quickly switching between 6 height settings, ensuring a clean and professional finish for every season.
- DURABLE, FOLDABLE & EASY ASSEMBLY – Built with a heavy-duty steel deck for long-lasting performance; includes a 1.4-bushel grass catcher to reduce emptying trips; the foldable handle design allows compact storage, while the quick and simple assembly makes this self propelled push mower with bag ready to use in minutes.
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
- Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers. This push mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
- A reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass. For best results using a reel push mower, mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blade, so that the roots stay intact.
- Increase the amount of overlap while using your push mower if your lawn reaches a height of 4 inches or more. It’s better to mow smaller amounts more frequently than it is to let the grass get long. Try not reel mower when the grass is wet.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Bargain Lawn Mowers
Buying a new lawn mower doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Smart shoppers know how to spot a good deal on a reliable machine. This guide helps you find the best bargain lawn mower for your yard.
Key Features to Look For in a Budget Mower
Even cheap mowers need essential features to make mowing easy. Focus on these areas when you compare models:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. A 16-inch deck is fine for small yards. Larger yards need 18 inches or more to save time.
- Power Source: Most bargains are either corded electric or small gas models. Electric models are lighter and quieter. Gas models offer more power for thick grass but need oil and gas.
- Height Adjustment: You must be able to change how high the blades cut. Look for easy-to-use, single-lever adjustments instead of fiddly wheels on each side.
- Bagging/Mulching: Does the mower collect the clippings in a bag, or does it chop them finely and drop them back onto the lawn (mulching)? Mulching feeds your grass, but bagging keeps your lawn tidy.
Important Materials: What Makes It Last?
The materials used directly affect how long your mower lasts. A bargain price often means lighter materials, but some are better than others.
Deck Material
The deck is the housing around the blades. Steel decks are strong and common. Plastic or composite decks weigh less, which makes pushing easier, but they can crack if you hit a large rock.
Wheels
Check the wheels. Hard plastic wheels wear out fast, especially on rough ground. Look for models with at least some rubber on the wheels for better grip and durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all cheap mowers are equal. A few details separate a frustrating purchase from a great deal.
Quality Boosters:
- Motor Type (Electric): Brushless motors usually last longer than brushed motors. They cost a little more but save you replacement costs later.
- Warranty: A one-year warranty shows the company stands behind its product. Shorter warranties suggest lower confidence in the mower’s lifespan.
Quality Reducers:
- Handle Construction: Flimsy, thin metal handles wobble a lot. They make mowing feel unstable and can bend over time.
- Starting Mechanism (Gas): Cheap pull-cords often break or stick. A smooth pull start is a sign of better engineering.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your yard before you buy. A great bargain for a small yard might be terrible for a big one.
Small Yards (Under 1/4 Acre):
Electric corded mowers are perfect here. They are light, easy to store, and very affordable. You do not need much power.
Medium Yards (Up to 1/2 Acre):
Battery-powered (cordless) mowers offer freedom without the gas hassle. Ensure the battery runtime matches your yard size. Gas mowers can also work well if you have very thick grass.
Tough Terrain:
If your lawn is bumpy or has steep hills, you need a mower that is easy to push. Focus on lighter models or those with self-propel features (though these are rare in the true bargain category).
Bargain Lawn Mower FAQs
Q: How powerful should a bargain mower be?
A: For electric mowers, look for at least 10 to 12 amps. For gas mowers, anything around 140cc is usually enough for standard residential grass.
Q: Can I really trust a gas mower under $200?
A: Yes, but expect basic quality. These often use simpler engines that require more maintenance. They work, but they may not last as long as pricier models.
Q: What is the main danger of buying too cheap?
A: The main danger is poor blade balance. Unbalanced blades vibrate a lot, which damages the motor and makes the mowing experience very unpleasant.
Q: Are cordless electric mowers a good bargain choice now?
A: Cordless models are becoming better bargains. Check the battery voltage (40V is better than 20V) for longer mowing time on one charge.
Q: Do I need to assemble a new bargain mower?
A: Most arrive mostly assembled. You usually just need to attach the handle and perhaps pop the grass bag on. Read the instructions carefully before your first use.
Q: How do I store a budget mower safely?
A: Always store gas mowers upright and drain the fuel if you will not use them for over a month. Electric mowers need to stay dry.
Q: Is mulching better than bagging for my lawn?
A: Mulching is generally better for lawn health because it returns nutrients to the soil. Bagging is better for appearance if you want a perfectly clean look.
Q: What should I check before the first cut?
A: Check that the blade is tight. Also, ensure the height adjustment levers move freely and lock securely into place. Safety first!
Q: How important is the weight of the mower?
A: Weight is very important if you have to push the mower yourself. Lighter mowers are easier to turn and maneuver around trees and flowerbeds.
Q: Where is the best place to find a bargain mower?
A: Check end-of-season sales at big box stores. Sometimes, checking used marketplaces for lightly used models that are only one or two years old also yields great deals.