Does the thought of buying a new lawn mower make your wallet cry? You want a neat yard, but those shiny new mowers cost a lot of money. It feels tough to find a mower that works well without emptying your savings account. Many budget mowers break down fast or just don’t cut the grass right.
Choosing a bargain lawn mower can feel like a guessing game. You worry about getting a cheap machine that quits after one season. We understand that frustration. You need a reliable tool that keeps your lawn looking sharp without breaking the bank.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most in an affordable mower. Learn how to spot the hidden gems and avoid the duds. Keep reading to find the perfect, budget-friendly mower for your yard!
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
- 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 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.
- [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 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
- 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.
- 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 Ultimate Bargain Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Finding a great lawn mower that won’t empty your wallet is possible. You need to know what to look for. This guide helps you choose the best budget-friendly mower for your yard work.
1. Key Features to Look For
Even cheap mowers have important parts. Check these features first:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. A wider cut (like 20 inches) means you mow faster. A smaller yard might only need 14 or 16 inches.
- Power Source: Do you want gas, corded electric, or battery-powered (cordless)?
- Gas mowers are powerful but loud and need gas/oil.
- Corded electric mowers are light but you are stuck near an outlet.
- Battery mowers offer freedom but the battery life matters.
- Deck Height Adjustment: You must change how high or low the blades cut. Look for easy, single-lever adjustments instead of fiddling with four separate wheels.
- Bagging/Mulching Options: Does the mower just drop the grass clippings, bag them for easy cleanup, or mulch them (chop them finely to feed your lawn)? A 3-in-1 option is best if your budget allows.
2. Important Materials in Budget Mowers
The materials used affect how long your bargain mower lasts.
Deck Material
Most budget mowers use either plastic or stamped steel for the cutting deck (the body that holds the blade).
- Plastic (Composite) Decks: These are very light. They resist rust completely. However, heavy sticks or rocks might crack cheaper plastic over time.
- Steel Decks: Steel is tough and handles bumps better. Make sure the steel is coated or painted well. If the paint chips off, the steel can rust quickly.
Wheels
Look for wheels made of hard plastic, not cheap, flimsy foam. Good wheels help you push the mower easily, especially on uneven grass.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A low price does not always mean low quality, but some shortcuts hurt performance.
Quality Boosters:
- Motor Type (Electric): Look for “Brushless Motors” if you buy electric. They last much longer and use battery power better than older brushed motors.
- Easy Start (Gas): If you buy gas, a reliable pull cord mechanism saves frustration.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Handles: Handles made from very thin metal or plastic often wobble after a few uses. A sturdy handle makes mowing much less tiring.
- Weak Motors: If the motor is too weak for your grass type (e.g., a small electric motor trying to cut thick, wet grass), it will stall often.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your yard. This helps you choose the right bargain machine.
Small Yards (Under 1/4 Acre):
A lightweight, corded electric mower often works perfectly here. They are cheap, require almost no maintenance, and store easily.
Medium Yards (Up to 1/2 Acre):
A cordless battery mower is a good middle ground. Ensure the battery is at least 40 volts (V) for decent power. If you go gas, a smaller engine is fine, but you must maintain the oil and spark plug.
Hilly or Overgrown Yards:
Avoid the cheapest models here. You need power. Self-propelled features save your energy, but they add cost. If you must buy a push mower, choose gas for the raw strength needed to tackle tough spots.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bargain Lawn Mowers
Q: How long should a budget mower last?
A: With regular care, a good bargain electric mower should last 5 to 7 seasons. A gas mower might last 8 to 10 seasons if you change the oil every year.
Q: Are cheap electric mowers powerful enough?
A: Yes, for standard, thin grass. If your lawn is thick or wet, even a cheap mower will struggle. Always cut when the grass is dry.
Q: What is the biggest problem with battery-powered bargain mowers?
A: The battery life is often short. You might only get 25 to 30 minutes of cutting time per charge, which is not enough for a large yard.
Q: Do I need to sharpen the blade on a cheap mower?
A: Yes. A dull blade tears the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. Sharpen the blade once per season, or pay a local shop a small fee to do it.
Q: What does “cordless” mean for a mower?
A: It means the mower runs on a rechargeable battery pack, so you do not need to plug it into an outlet while mowing.
Q: Can I use a cheap mower for heavy weeds?
A: No. Bargain mowers are built for regular lawn maintenance, not clearing thick brush or tall weeds. Use a string trimmer for that job.
Q: How much maintenance does a gas bargain mower require?
A: You must check the oil level, keep the air filter clean, and replace the spark plug every few years. It needs more work than electric models.
Q: Is a plastic deck really safe?
A: Yes, for normal use. The plastic is strong enough to handle grass and small twigs. It is lighter, which makes pushing the mower easier.
Q: What should I check before I buy used?
A: For gas mowers, check if the engine starts easily. For electric mowers, ask if the battery still holds a decent charge. Never buy a mower with a cracked deck.
Q: Should I worry about the warranty on a cheap mower?
A: Yes. Look for at least a one-year warranty. Cheaper brands sometimes offer shorter coverage, but any warranty protects you if a major part fails right away.