Top 10 Places To Buy Used Lawn Mowers Near You

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Buying a used lawn mower can save you hundreds of dollars while still giving you the power and reliability needed to maintain your lawn. Whether you’re after a walk-behind mower, a riding mower, or a zero-turn machine, the used market in the U.S. is full of great deals — if you know where to look and what to look for.

In this detailed guide, I’ll cover:

• The best places to buy used lawn mowers in the USA
• What to check before buying
• Common red flags to avoid
• Tips for negotiating price and ensuring long-term reliability

🌱 Why Buy a Used Lawn Mower?

Before diving into where to shop, let’s talk about why buying used is such a smart move.

✅ Advantages:

• Save 30–60% off retail prices
• Many used mowers are lightly used or well-maintained
• Easy to find replacement parts in the U.S.
• Great for seasonal homeowners or small yards
• Environmentally friendly — reusing equipment reduces waste

⚠️ Considerations:

• No factory warranty (unless recently purchased)
• May need small repairs or servicing
• Requires careful inspection before buying

If you’re comfortable doing basic maintenance (like changing oil or filters), a good used mower can last 5–10 more years with proper care.

🏪 Best Places to Buy Used Lawn Mowers in the USA

Below are top online and local options for finding quality used mowers — whether you want to shop locally, online, or at certified dealers.

🛒 1. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has become one of the top platforms for used lawn equipment in the USA.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Easy to browse local listings by zip code.
• Direct communication with sellers.
• Photos and details provided instantly.
• Filter by price, brand, and type (push, riding, zero-turn).

🧰 Best For:

• Homeowners looking for local bargains.
• Buyers who want to inspect before paying.

🔍 Pro Tip:

Search for terms like “used John Deere mower,” “riding lawn mower,” or “zero-turn mower for sale near me.”
Always ask for maintenance records and test run before buying.

🧱 2. Craigslist

Craigslist remains one of the most active marketplaces for used power equipment across U.S. cities.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Simple listings with location filters.
• Local, cash-based transactions.
• Private sellers and small resellers offer deals year-round.

🧰 Best For:

• Bargain hunters.
• Buyers comfortable meeting locally.

⚠️ Watch Out For:

• No buyer protection.
• Fake ads or price scams (if the price looks too low).

💡 Tip: Meet in public areas or bring a friend when picking up equipment.

🛠️ 3. Local Lawn & Garden Equipment Dealers

Most authorized dealers, such as John Deere, Cub Cadet, Toro, Husqvarna, or Honda, offer trade-in programs and sell used or refurbished units.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Certified pre-owned models.
• Warranties or service guarantees.
• Thorough inspections by professionals.

🧰 Best For:

• Buyers who want reliability with peace of mind.
• Commercial landscapers upgrading equipment.

🏷️ Example Dealers:

• Home Depot Rental Centers (USA-wide)
• John Deere Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
• Husqvarna Authorized Dealers

🧠 Pro Tip: Ask about “demo” or “floor model” units — often discounted 20–40% but nearly new.

🧑‍🌾 4. Local Small Engine Repair Shops

Small engine repair shops often have trade-ins or repaired mowers for sale. These are usually inspected and tuned up before resale.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• You can test the mower on-site.
• Mechanics can explain any past issues.
• Often cheaper than dealer pre-owned stock.

🧰 Best For:

• Budget-conscious buyers who want a working mower with known history.

💬 Ask, “Do you sell reconditioned mowers?” — many do, even if not advertised online.

🛒 5. OfferUp and LetGo (Now Merged)

OfferUp (which merged with LetGo) is another excellent mobile-based platform for local used goods.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• In-app chat, user reviews, and seller ratings.
• Local pickup or nationwide shipping options.
• Active in nearly every major U.S. city.

🧰 Best For:

• Quick local searches and spontaneous buys.

⚙️ Sort listings by “newest first” to find fresh deals before others do.

🚜 6. Tractor Supply Co. and Rural King (Local Listings)

Both Tractor Supply and Rural King sometimes sell used or reconditioned mowers returned by customers or trade-ins.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Reliable national brands.
• Occasional clearance events with open-box items.
• Staff assistance for choosing compatible parts.

🧰 Best For:

• Rural homeowners.
• Buyers seeking trusted service centers.

💻 7. eBay Motors and Equipment Section

You can find both private sellers and certified refurbishers offering used mowers on eBay.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Buyer protection with PayPal.
• Nationwide selection.
• Ability to compare prices and shipping.

🧰 Best For:

• Rare or discontinued models.
• Brand-specific parts or attachments.

⚠️ Check the seller’s feedback rating (95%+) before purchase.

🧾 8. Government Surplus Auctions

Many local governments, schools, and parks departments auction used landscaping equipment online.

💡 Great Websites:

• GovDeals.com
• PublicSurplus.com
• GSA Auctions

🧰 Best For:

• Commercial buyers.
• Landscapers seeking professional-grade equipment.

🧠 Pro Tip: These mowers are usually maintained on schedule but may have higher usage hours.

🏠 9. Local Garage Sales or Estate Sales

Never underestimate local garage or estate sales — they’re often full of barely-used homeowner-grade mowers.

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Great prices ($50–$300 for working units).
• Sellers are often flexible on price.
• You can see the mower in person.

🧰 Best For:

• DIY-savvy homeowners.
• Seasonal or part-time users.

💡 Search on YardSales.net or EstateSales.net for weekend sales near you.

🏢 10. Big Retailers’ Refurbished Sections (Online)

Some big-box retailers resell returned or reconditioned mowers online:

• Home Depot Refurbished Store
• Walmart Restored Items
• Amazon Renewed

💡 Why It’s Great:

• Free returns and warranty options.
• Transparent refurbish conditions (“like new,” “minor wear”).
• Ships nationwide.

🔍 What to Look for When Buying a Used Lawn Mower

1. Check the Engine

• Start the mower and listen for smooth operation.
• Avoid knocking or excessive smoke.
• Check oil color — it should be golden or light brown.

2. Inspect the Blades and Deck

• Look for dents, cracks, or rust holes.
• Ensure blades spin freely and evenly.

3. Test the Transmission (Riding Mowers)

• Shift through gears — it should move smoothly.
• Check reverse and drive functions.

4. Check Battery and Electricals

• For electric or battery mowers, test charging and power time.
• For gas models, inspect spark plug and starter cord.

5. Check Maintenance Records

Ask for receipts or proof of:

• Oil changes
• Blade sharpening
• Air filter replacements

🧠 Rule of Thumb: A mower that’s maintained yearly is worth 20–30% more than a neglected one.

🧰 How to Test a Used Lawn Mower Before Buying

1. Start it cold — if it only starts when warm, it may have compression issues.
2. Run it for 10 minutes to check idle consistency.
3. Engage blades to ensure no vibration.
4. Listen for surging — may indicate carburetor issues.
5. Drive test (riding mowers): Check brakes, steering, and deck engagement.

💡 Always inspect under good lighting and on level ground.

💵 What’s a Fair Price for Used Lawn Mowers?

🧮 Expect to pay about 40–60% of retail value for a well-maintained used mower.

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For

• Seller can’t start the mower.
• Oil looks milky or black.
• Deck is rusted through.
• Belts are frayed or slipping.
• Unusual smoke (white = oil burn, black = fuel problem).
• No serial number — may indicate theft or heavy rebuild.

🚫 Never buy a mower without testing it in person unless from a trusted, rated seller.

💬 Negotiation Tips

1. Research market prices for your model before meeting the seller.
2. Bring cash — sellers often give discounts for immediate payment.
3. Point out minor wear or missing parts politely to lower price.
4. Ask: “Would you take $___ if I pick it up today?” — this often works.
5. If the mower needs small repairs, estimate costs and negotiate accordingly.

🔋 Bonus: Best Used Lawn Mower Brands to Look For

Some brands have proven durability and parts availability — making them excellent used buys.

🧠 Pro Tip: Always check model serial numbers on the manufacturer’s website to confirm age and part availability.

🧾 Where to Find Replacement Parts for Used Mowers

Once you buy a used mower, maintenance is key. You can find parts at:

• RepairClinic.com
• Partstree.com
• Jack’s Small Engines
• Lowe’s and Home Depot (for universal blades, filters, and belts)
• Manufacturer websites (John Deere, Toro, etc.)

🔧 Replace oil, filters, and spark plug immediately after buying to reset maintenance history.

🌾 Final Thoughts

Buying a used lawn mower in the USA can be one of the smartest investments for homeowners and landscapers alike.
Whether you shop on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or local dealers, you can find great bargains on reliable brands like Honda, Toro, John Deere, and Cub Cadet — often for half the new price.

Just remember:

• Always inspect and test before paying.
• Check for maintenance history and wear.
• Avoid anything that doesn’t start or leaks oil.
• Be polite but confident when negotiating.

With a bit of patience and research, your “used” mower will feel almost brand-new — and your lawn will thank you.

📚 References

1. Consumer Reports: Best Used Mower Buying Tips
2. John Deere Official: Certified Pre-Owned Mowers and Equipment
3. Husqvarna USA: Buying Used Lawn Equipment
4. U.S. EPA Small Engines: Environmental Benefits of Reusing Outdoor Power Equipment

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David Holtzman

I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect equipment for their needs.