5 Best Used Lawn Mower Brands Ranked by Performance, Durability & Reliability

Thinking of buying a lawn mower but don’t want to splurge on a brand-new model? A used lawn mower might be your golden ticket. Many top-tier brands are built like tanks—strong enough to last years, even after changing hands. But not all mowers are equal in performance, durability, and reliability . That’s why we’ve put together this guide ranking the 5 best used lawn mower brands: John Deere, Hustler, Gravely , Toro, and Cub Cadet .

Why Choose a Used Lawn Mower?

• Cost Savings: A brand-new riding mower can cost thousands, while a well-maintained used one offers the same results at a fraction of the price.
• Proven Performance: If a mower’s been working well for years, that’s proof it’s built tough.
• Eco-Friendly Choice: Reusing equipment reduces waste and extends the life of quality machines.

How to Judge a Used Lawn Mower

• Engine Condition: Listen for odd noises, check oil quality, and look for leaks.
• Deck Quality: A solid cutting deck ensures consistent results.
• Transmission & Controls: Smooth handling equals less stress during mowing.
• Maintenance History: Service records make a mower safer to buy.

Top 5 Used Lawn Mower Brands

John Deere Lawn Mowers

History: Household name in agriculture and lawn care, tough and reliable.

• Performance: Powerful engines, smooth cutting.
• Durability: Heavy-duty steel decks, long-lasting transmissions.
• Reliability: Wide availability of parts makes maintenance easy.

Hustler Lawn Mowers

Why Professionals Love Hustler: Known for best zero-turn mowers, delivering speed and precision.

• Pros: Built tough for commercial use, smooth steering, fast mowing.
• Cons: Older models may show heavy wear if used professionally.

Gravely Lawn Mowers

Legacy: Reliable mowers since 1916 for pros and homeowners.

• Best Used Zero-Turn: Comfort and efficiency for larger properties.
• Reliability: Strong engines, durable frames, easy-to-find parts.

Toro Lawn Mowers

Reputation: Trusted by golf courses and landscaping pros.

• Performance: Strong engines, precise cutting decks.
• Durability: Low-maintenance, easy to repair.

Cub Cadet Lawn Mowers

Homeowner Favorite: Ideal for medium to large yards.

• Performance: Comfortable seats, ergonomic controls, consistent cutting.
• Reliability: Holds up well when maintained, great value for budget-conscious buyers.

Head-to-Head Comparison

• Performance: John Deere and Hustler lead.
• Durability: Gravely and Toro shine.
• Reliability: John Deere and Cub Cadet are safest bets.

Best Used Zero-Turn Mowers

Hustler and Gravely stand out for speed, precision, and long-lasting performance.

Best Riding Lawn Mowers

John Deere and Cub Cadet excel in comfort, usability, and durability for everyday mowing.

Where to Buy Reliable Used Lawn Mowers

• Local Dealers: Trade-ins and inspected pre-owned mowers.
• Online Marketplaces: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay.
• Certified Pre-Owned: Some dealers offer warranties on used models.

Tips for Maintaining a Used Lawn Mower

• Change the oil regularly.
• Sharpen or replace blades before mowing season.
• Store in a dry garage or shed to prevent rust.

Conclusion

Buying a used gravely lawn mower doesn’t mean settling for less. Brands like John Deere, Hustler, Gravely, Toro, and Cub Cadet offer top-notch performance without the hefty price tag. Whether you want zero-turn mowers for speed or reliable riding mowers for comfort, these brands are tried-and-true choices.

FAQs

Q1: Which brand makes the most durable used lawn mower?
Gravely and Toro are widely considered the toughest for long-lasting durability.

Q2: Are Hustler zero-turn mowers good for residential use?
Yes, they’re perfect for homeowners with large yards.

Q3: What’s the safest bet for a reliable used mower?
John Deere riding mowers, due to consistent build quality and wide availability of parts.

Q4: Where can I find affordable used lawn mowers for sale?
Local dealers, online marketplaces, or certified pre-owned programs.

Q5: How often should I service a used lawn mower?
At least once a year before mowing season, plus oil changes every 25–50 hours of use.

Related Blog

• Used vs New Lawn Mowers: Find the Right Fit for Your Budget
• Used vs New Lawn Equipment – Smart Buying Tips for Homeowners