Figuring out how to keep your grass properly mowed can be a real hassle sometimes. Do you not want to purchase a lawn mower but instead try renting but have no idea how much it will cost? Is this even possible? Luckily, we've done extensive research and have the answers here for you. Let's discuss!
In general, it will cost you between $100 and $200 for a daily lawn mower rental. If you need to rent mowing equipment for more extended periods, this estimate jumps to around $500 weekly and $2,000 monthly.
Of course, this can vary depending on where you live and what type of mower you need, so everyone's final bill will look different.
As we begin, we will cover the basics of renting a lawn mower and discuss whether it's less expensive to purchase one. Even if you aren't a professional landscaper, it's always good to know how expensive mowing equipment is. With that said, let's dive right into this post!
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Is Renting A Lawn Mower Expensive?
Yes, in general, renting a lawn mower will be somewhat expensive. As we covered, you can usually expect to pay around $100-$200 for a 24-hour equipment rental, while weekly could be upwards of $500.
With that said, pricing will vary depending on the company and equipment you use. For example, Franklin Rental offers lawn mowers for $60 for four hours and around $100 for an entire day, so that falls into a cheaper price range.
On the other hand, The Home Depot offers lawn mower rentals for roughly $139 per four hours and upwards of $199 for 24-hour periods. That is nearly a 50% jump in price, so the store you choose will affect this.
Moreover, it's possible to work out a deal with lawn equipment rental companies if you need something for weeks or even months, so that's good to know.
It never hurts to negotiate because you never know what deal is waiting.
What Kind Of Lawn Mower Is The Most Affordable To Rent?
Generally, renting a hand-powered "push" lawn mower will be the cheapest option. Considering that rental pricing tends to increase by the size and power of a mower, you want to keep this in mind.
For example, if you want to rent a manual mower, you can expect to spend between $25 and $35 per hour. Furthermore, you shouldn't be charged more than $100 for a daily push mower rental, so this is the most affordable choice.
However, if you need something bigger and non-manual, your price will jump a bit. Typically, riding mower rentals can be as expensive as $200-$300 daily, which may not be a great idea for long-term renting.
As we said, renting a lawn mower may be worth it temporarily, but financing one will be easier on your wallet over time if you need a high-powered riding model.
On top of that, every company has a different price sheet for their rentals, so we recommend shopping around before deciding.
Can I Rent A Lawn Mower At Home Depot?
Yes! The Home Depot does offer a variety of mower rentals. Home Depot has you covered whether you need a push model or a high-powered riding mower, making it a great idea for everyone.
That said, pricing varies by city and even store, so this isn't always the cheapest option. You can expect to spend around $150 for a four-hour lawn mower rental from Home Depot as a broad price range.
However, you may have a lower total if your mower is smaller or hand-powered, so it's best to check availability and pricing directly with your nearest store.
As we said, each mower and brand will be different price-wise, so this can be tricky. On top of that, not all Home Depot locations offer equipment rentals, so you may not have this option in your zip code.
Does Lowes Offer Lawn Mower Rentals?
Like Home Depot, Lowes will also offer lawn mower rentals. Again, this can vary depending on availability and location, so not all stores have this.
Lowes uses an hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly rental system, so everyone's pricing will vary. However, you can typically expect to pay $25 per hour for a mower from Lowes, which isn't that bad.
Moreover, a daily lawn mower rental should be around $150, which falls into a moderate range.
If you need a mower for a month or longer, Lowes usually charges $500 or more, depending on the equipment size and model.
Between Lowes and The Home Depot, Lowes seems to be the cheaper option, so that's our recommendation. Additionally, Lowes has more mowers available on their website, so that's something to consider.
Is It Cheaper To Rent Or Buy A Lawn Mower?
In general, it is cheaper to rent a lawn mower, as long as it is somewhat short-term. Like we said earlier, renting a high-powered mower can be thousands per month, which isn't sustainable.
According to Williamson Source, the three top reasons to rent a mower over buying are:
- Renting a lawn mower saves money if you only need one every once in a while.
- If you can't afford to buy a high-quality mower, renting one costs less money.
- You don't have to keep up with maintenance for a rental mower.
On top of these, you also can have many companies pick up and drop off a mower at your home/business, which makes the process even easier.
So if you don't cut the grass often and prefer a quick and no-commitment alternative, we think renting is a great idea to try.
Adversely, if you cut the grass often, don't want to pay rental fees for years on end, and have enough money to finance a lawn mower, purchasing one might be the better option.
Should I Hire A Landscaper Instead Of Renting A Lawn Mower?
Hiring a professional is another idea if you aren't sure about renting lawn equipment. Generally, landscapers will charge per acre/hour, so this won't be excessive if your yard isn't too big.
Moreover, Forbes claims that the average landscaping company charges between $50 and $100 per hour for a team of two people. Considering that renting a mower will be around $50+ every 1-4 hours, this may be the less expensive alternative.
If your property is massive, you may want to rent the equipment and do the work yourself. Again, this comes down to your experience level and budget.
On top of that, having a landscaper come every month or so shouldn't set you back more than a few hundred dollars. Estimating you will need to spend that for one or two equipment rentals, the landscaper route comes out cheaper.
You may even work out a deal with the landscaping company if you sign a longer contract without doing any labor yourself.
How Much Does A Lawn Mower Cost?
Although lawn mower pricing varies, you can typically expect to pay around $1,068 for one. Of course, this price tag will depend on how big/powerful the mower is, so that's another detail to consider.
Generally, riding mowers are the most expensive option. That said, a manual lawn mower has an average price tag of roughly $363, so that is dramatically cheaper.
For a high-powered riding model, your average cost comes out to $2,450, which explains why the rental business is so lucrative. Not everyone can afford to throw down a few thousand dollars on lawn equipment, so renting makes sense.
However, there are other options for purchasing a mower. For example, many companies offer installments to pay back your lawn mower's purchase price, which is cost-effective.
So if your mower totals $2,500 and you are allowed to pay it back for a year with low/zero interest, your monthly bill is around $208.
Think of this as a car lease. You don't have to spend the entire amount to drive off in a new vehicle but instead, pay smaller monthly increments with a variable interest rate.
Is Buying A Lawn Mower A Good Investment?
Depending on how often you use one, buying a lawn mower can be a great investment. As we covered, purchasing a mower over renting one is generally best for long-term savings.
On the other hand, renting equipment or hiring a landscaper may be the cheaper short-term alternative if you only mow the grass once a month. This comes down to how often you need to use your mower.
Additionally, purchasing one can be a great option if you can pay for your lawn mower over a longer period with low to zero interest. Typically, companies will offer a promotional installment plan, which you can pay off within 12, 18, 24, or even 36 months.
So if you don't mind spending a few hundred dollars each month to rent a lawn mower, why not finance one instead?
Are Lawn Mowers Hard To Maintain?
Like owning any equipment, you will need to maintain your lawn mower. A few common things you need to do for a lawn mower are:
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel system.
- Replace the spark plug annually.
- Clean and replace the air filter.
- Sharpen/replace your mower's blades.
- Wash the underside of your equipment.
Of course, some of these only happen annually, but it's a good idea to create a maintenance schedule for your lawn mower. Doing so will ensure it runs smoothly and doesn't run into expensive damage later on.
To Finish Things Up
Whether you need to mow the grass in front of your house or own a business, figuring out the cheapest way to do this is crucial. We found that renting a lawn mower can cost anywhere from $100-$200 per day to over $2,000 monthly.
You also want to consider the availability and price range for renting lawn equipment. This will vary depending on the store you use and where you live.
Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related lawn mower posts below!
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