Why cheap lawn mowers may be more expensive than you think (2024)

When it comes to performance and reliability in garden tools, you definitely get what you pay for.

And while it may be tempting to buy the cheapest gear on the market, there are reasons why professionals invest in premium quality lawn mowers.

As the saying goes, ‘the poor man pays twice’. And when it comes to professional garden tools; this couldn’t be more true. By understanding what it is you need to be aware of when shopping for a quality lawn mower, you will be able to make a more informed decision that will save you more money in the long run.

Don’t let clever marketing and impulse purchases cost you more than they need to. If you are looking at purchasing a new lawn mower, then this guide should help you avoid many of the common pitfalls that catch unsuspecting buyers out every year.

You Get What You Pay For

When you buy any product, you’re paying for the cost of research and development that has gone into it, the materials, performance, reliability, features, detail and logistics that take it from an engineer’s design concept to a packaged product on the shop floor. And while a cheaper price tag doesn’t automatically mean it’s an inferior product, it does usually mean a sacrifice in one or more of these areas.

It might not have spent as much time in the research and development phase. Materials may be of a lower grade. It may not have as many features. A few of the finer details may have been skipped on the assembly line. Or it could simply be a superseded or unpopular model priced to clear.

Repair Costs Could Cost More Than a New Mower

Cheaper lawn mowers may struggle to deal with certain types of working environments. If you have a garden or yard that is full of tough weeds, uneven ground and long grass, it could cause the motor to labour heavily under load or stress the chassis.

Twigs and stones are more likely to end up damaging the blades and chassis, and the vibrations of an unbalanced motor and cutting deck running up the handle may be uncomfortable for the user.

When you find yourself needing to switch out the blades every few months or take it in for repairs, then these costs all begin to add up. If you can find the parts at all. And before you know it, you have spent more time and money repairing and maintaining your lawn mower than it actually cost to buy in the first place.

Cheap Lawn Mowers Create More Work

Cheap lawn mowers tend to lack many of the time-saving features that premium quality professional models come with as standard.

A professional lawn mower will be high performing, economical, ergonomically designed, balanced, have excellent manoeuvrability and are generally easier to use, resulting in less muscle tension or potential injury, as well as increased productivity.

Quality lawn mowers come fitted with features like dual ball bearing wheels, vibration dampened folding handles, a powerful, economical easy to start motor from a reputable manufacturer, a large cutting deck and catcher. High end models are also equipped with features like a self-propelled drive system, a light-weight aluminium chassis and wheels.

Warranty

Cheaper brands may not be backed by the same long serving warranty a premium brand will offer thanks to its confidence in the product. And if they are, the ability to claim a repair or replacement part under warranty may be more difficult if service centers are not available.

A premium product will be backed by local service and support. Carry a longer warranty. And offer multiple lines of enquiry, so you aren’t left out in the cold should you need assistance.

Make it an Investment Piece

If you want a lawn mower that will last many years and remain in top quality, then consider your purchase to be an investment. Considering the engine is the driving heart of your mower, it’s best to invest in a quality mower fitted with a well-known and proven, high performing engine. A high power, more fuel efficient, well balanced and quieter motor is what you can expect from a quality piece of gear. It’ll be built from corrosion resistant parts, be easier to start, have better air and fuel filtration and speed controls. And have a better availability of service parts, meaning you can keep it running at peak performance for its entire service life.

Final Thoughts

Spending that little bit extra will give you a machine that is strong, long-lasting, and more efficient to use; with reduced maintenance and repair costs. No need to replace the blades every few months, and the added extras will save you both time and money in the long run.

Depending on how often you intend on using your lawn mower, how large the lawn is, and the type of surface area it is going to tackle, a cheap lawn mower could end up making lawn maintenance a chore rather than a pleasure. And because your lawn mower is one of the most used and valued garden tools in your shed, it is always better to spend a little more on a quality model. This not only ensures that you can keep your lawn in the best possible condition, but it will also work out to be lighter on the pocket.