Starting a lawn care business is one of the smartest ways to earn money with very little investment. People living in suburban areas always want their lawns to look neat and well-kept, which means there’s steady demand for lawn services. But here’s the truth—your real success depends on the equipment you choose. The mower you buy isn’t just a tool; it becomes your business partner. That’s why choosing the right one is so important. In this article, we’ll talk about the best mower to start a lawn business on a small budget, along with useful tips and facts to help you make the best decision.
Why Your Mower Choice Matters
It’s tempting to grab the lowest-cost mower you can find when you’re beginning. But a mower is more than a tool—it’s a business investment. A good mower saves you time, decreases maintenance costs, and allows you to create professional finishes that bring customers back again and again.
The U.S. market for landscape services is more than $129 billion, says IBISWorld, and comprises an incredible quantity of small enterprises. If you’re battling for business, your mower must stand up to heavy use as well as many varieties of grass.
Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying
Let’s go over what you should have in your head before you go out and buy, before we provide you our top recommendations for mowers:
- Budget: Don’t spend your wallet in one sitting. Compromise on price and quality.
- Lawn sizes: If you have most small residential lawns, a push mower or self-propelled mower will suffice. For larger grounds on the property, you’ll need a riding or zero-turn mower.
- Fuel vs. Electric: Gas mowers are powerful and durable, and electric mowers are quiet and environmentally friendly.
- Maintenance Needs: Choose a mower that’s easy to maintain and has readily available spare parts.
- Durability: Look for strong build quality since you’ll use it almost daily.
Best Mower Options for New Lawn Businesses
1. Honda HRX217VKA Self-Propelled Mower
- Great for residential yards.
- Known for reliability and low maintenance.
- Self-propelled, so it reduces physical effort.
- Price range: mid-range, hence affordable for starters.
2. Toro Recycler 22-Inch Walk-Behind Mower
- Easy to handle and long-lasting.
- Suitable for small to medium lawns.
- Mulching and bagging value-added features.
- Low fuel efficiency, economical in the long run.
3. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Riding Mower
- Ideal for large lawns or completing multiple tasks in a day.
- Easy to handle for long periods.
- Toughened to withstand commercial operation.
- Slightly pricier, but it’s worth it if you have large clients.
4. EGO Power+ 56V Cordless Electric Mower
- Green and quiet-friendly—ideal for residential areas.
- Lightweight and push-button starting.
- No fuel expense, just replace the battery.
- Ideal for suburban neighborhoods with residents who desire green-friendly options.
5. John Deere ZTrak Z335E Zero-Turn Lawn Tractor
- Zero-turn makes it quick and accurate to mow.
- Work gets done faster, which translates into more per day.
- Respected brand for heavy-duty work.
- More expensive, but consider if you see yourself experiencing explosive growth.
How Much Should You Spend on Your First Mower?
The largest mistake that first-time lawn business owners can make is overspending. You don’t need to go out and buy a commercial mower for $10,000 today. You can begin with a $400–$1,500 mower, depending on what type of work you’re going to be doing.
Most small lawn companies begin with less than $1,000 in equipment and expand successfully, reports Lawn & Landscape magazine. You will buy a mower that fits your level of business at the time and then upgrade as your customer list increases.
Tips for Saving Money When Buying a Mower
- Purchase Used but Reliable: A reliable used mower will save you 30–40%.
- Seasonal Sales: Most retailers offer end-of-season closeout sales.
- Start Small: Start with one good mower and expand later.
- Maintenance First: Mowing maintenance can extend the life of your mower by years.
Your initial mower will determine the success of your lawn business. Choosing the correct mower to begin a lawn business is not always about purchasing the most costly one—it is about purchasing one that suits your funds, lawn sizes you will be cutting, and the kind of customers you’d prefer to work with. Having sound decisions will enable you to begin your business without splurging and increase your revenues in the long run.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be that you need to go out and buy equipment with your own capital in order to start a lawn business.A suitable mower to begin a lawn business is one that is cost-effective, reliable, and efficient. Purchase a self-propelled push mower when mowing small lawns or a riding mower when mowing big contracts. The goal is to begin where you are and build one step at a time. You can always upgrade later when your client base is bigger.
FAQs
1. What is the ideal mower for new lawn-care users?
The most suitable mower for a new user will be a self-propelled walk-behind mower. It’s not too costly, very durable, and best suitable for small and medium lawns.
2. Do I have a gas or electric mower?
Gas mowers are heavier duty and more powerful, but electric mowers are eco-friendly and quiet. It depends on your market and demand in your region.
3. Do I need more than one mower to begin a lawn business?
Most successful lawn businesses begin with one quality mower and buy more when they gain more customers.
4. How much do I invest in my initial mower?
You can pick up a decent starting mower for $400 to $1,500. Don’t get too crazy until your shop begins to pick up.