A second hand lawn mower can make lawn care more affordable without sacrificing useful performance. Many used mowers still offer strong engines, sharp cutting systems, and durable bodies that can handle regular yard work. Well-known brands often build their machines to last, so a properly maintained mower can provide years of dependable service.
Buyers can find push mowers, self-propelled models, and other options to suit different lawn sizes and needs. A careful inspection can also help you avoid models with major engine, blade, or drive problems. Price, engine condition, cutting width, maintenance history, and overall build quality all deserve attention before you buy.
This guide features the 5 best second hand lawn mowers based on reliability, performance, durability, ease of use, and overall value. Each recommendation can help you find a capable mower that keeps your grass neat while saving money compared with buying a new machine.
5 Best Second Hand Lawn Mowers
| Image | Title | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
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American Lawn Mower 1604-16 Reel Mower | Ideal for small, flat yards requiring a clean, quiet cut. | View on Amazon |
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LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Lawn Mower | Best for small to medium residential lawns. | View on Amazon |
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LawnMaster LMRM2001 Push Reel Mower | Perfect for eco-friendly maintenance on small lawns. | View on Amazon |
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Litheli Electric Cordless Lawn Mower | Top choice for compact yard convenience and cordless freedom. | View on Amazon |
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LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Mower | Designed for those seeking a clean, precise cut without fuel. | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews
In this section, we evaluate the top models suitable for the second-hand market. We focus on durability, ease of maintenance, and the availability of replacement parts, helping you identify which features are essential for a used lawn mower to remain functional and efficient for years to come.
| TYPE | Manual reel mower |
| CUTTING WIDTH | 16 Inches |
| BLADES | 5-Blade design |
| ADJUSTABILITY | 0.5 to 2.5 inches |
This reel mower is an excellent candidate for the secondary market due to its simple, mechanical design. With no engine or electrical systems to fail, it is highly durable and easy to refurbish, making it a reliable choice for long-term ownership.
The 5-blade system provides a clean scissor-like cut that is beneficial for lawn health. Its inclusion of a grass catcher adds convenience for small yard maintenance, ensuring clippings don’t clutter your lawn.
- Eco-friendly manual operation
- High-quality scissor-cut blades
- Adjustable cutting heights
- Easy to store and maneuver
- Requires physical effort
- Not suitable for tall or overgrown grass
Homeowners with small, flat yards who prefer a quiet, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly lawn care tool.
| POWER | 11 Amp Electric |
| CUTTING WIDTH | 15 Inches |
| HEIGHT POSITIONS | 5 Levels |
| CAPACITY | 7-Gallon Bag |
This electric mower provides a significant step up in convenience from manual mowers. With 3,300 RPM of power, it handles regular grass maintenance efficiently, making it an ideal candidate if you find a pre-owned unit in good condition.
Its corded design eliminates battery life concerns, offering consistent power throughout your yard work. The included collection bag and maneuverable wheel design add significant value to this compact package.
- Powerful 3,300 RPM motor
- Consistent corded power
- 5-position height adjustment
- Easy to empty collection bag
- Limited by power cord length
- Requires extension cord
Users with small to medium yards who prioritize powerful, steady performance without the need to manage batteries or gas.
| TYPE | Push reel |
| WIDTH | 20 Inches |
| HEIGHT POSITIONS | 9 Levels |
| CONSTRUCTION | Steel blades |
The LawnMaster LMRM2001 offers a wide 20-inch cutting path, which reduces the time spent mowing. Its durable steel construction makes it a great candidate to look for in the used market, as these mowers are built for long-term reliability.
With 9 different height settings, it provides the versatility often missing in smaller reel mowers. Since it is completely motorless, it is environmentally friendly and requires minimal specialized maintenance beyond occasional blade sharpening.
- Wide 20-inch cutting deck
- 9 adjustable height levels
- Environmentally friendly/No gas
- Durable steel blade design
- Heavy due to steel construction
- Requires physical strength
Homeowners with residential lawns who want a wider cutting path and a healthy, scissor-cut finish without fuel emissions.
| POWER | Cordless (Battery) |
| CUTTING WIDTH | 13 Inches |
| SPEED | 3400 RPM |
| STORAGE | Foldable handle |
The Litheli cordless mower offers modern convenience in a compact package. When considering this unit second-hand, ensure the 4.0Ah battery maintains its charge, as the battery ecosystem is the primary value driver here.
Its high-performance motor and foldable design make it a favorite for those with limited storage space. Being able to use the battery for other Litheli tools is a significant benefit for any owner building a tool set.
- Cordless freedom
- Universal battery system
- Compact and lightweight
- Foldable handle for storage
- Battery life dependent on age
- Limited cutting width
Users with small, compact yards who value the cordless lifestyle and have space constraints in their garage or shed.
| TYPE | Push reel |
| CUTTING WIDTH | 18 Inches |
| HEIGHT POSITIONS | 9 Levels |
| BLADES | 5-Blade steel |
The 18-inch LawnMaster reel mower is a sweet spot for many gardeners, providing enough width for efficiency while remaining light enough to maneuver easily. It is an excellent buy if you find one well-maintained second-hand.
The 9-level height adjustment ensures you can achieve the perfect look for your grass type. Its motorless design means it remains a sustainable, quiet tool that contributes positively to your lawn’s long-term health.
- Precise, healthy cut
- No fuel or battery costs
- 9 height adjustments
- Durable steel blades
- Requires manual pushing
- Not for thick, tall brush
Those who want a quiet, simple, and reliable manual mower for clean and precise lawn care on smaller properties.
Complete buying guide for Best Second Hand Lawn Mower
Evaluate the Condition
Always check for rust, particularly around the deck and blade area. A rusty deck can weaken the structure over time, while dull blades will tear your grass rather than cut it, leading to brown tips.
Test the Mechanics
For manual mowers, spin the reel by hand to ensure it rotates smoothly without grinding. For electric models, test the motor to ensure it starts promptly and listen for any abnormal rattling or burning smells.
Battery Health (If Applicable)
If you are buying a used cordless mower, remember that batteries degrade. Factor in the potential cost of a replacement battery if the current one doesn’t hold a charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used reel mower worth it?
Yes, because they have very few moving parts. If the blades are not severely damaged, you can often restore them to peak performance with simple sharpening.
What should I avoid when buying used?
Avoid mowers with cracked plastic decks or severely corroded frames, as these structural issues are usually non-repairable and indicate poor past maintenance.
Conclusion
Choosing a second-hand lawn mower is an economical way to keep your lawn looking great. By focusing on simple designs and inspecting for structural wear, you can find a piece of equipment that serves you for many seasons to come.