Thanks to the invention of riding mowers, we can now mow our lawns easier than ever. The only main obstacle to riding mowers’ numerous advantages is the price. These machines cost a fortune to own and maintain, with most of them costing over $1,500.
While riding mowers are naturally expensive, you can get them cheaply. This article will educate you on the best riding mowers for under $500. You’ll learn the machine specs, where to get them, and whether or not you should buy the mower.
Things to Note Before Buying
$500 is a lot of money. With that amount, you can get a high-performing walk-behind mower. On the contrary, getting a new riding mower with the same amount is challenging.
However, you can get a used machine with that budget. When purchasing used lawnmowers, identify that you’re taking a risk, so you should take proper care. Inspect the mower and ensure that it’s in good condition.
Request the paperwork because it can give you an accurate insight into the mower’s lifespan. You should note that the riding lawnmowers you can buy for under $500 aren’t new or flagship models. Most of them would’ve been at least five years old from production.
Where to get a riding mower under $500?
Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces you can buy new and used products. You can read the product’s description, check its price, and decide whether or not to buy it.
Facebook marketplace is another way to get used mowers. The advantage of using the Facebook marketplace is that it’ll mostly recommend mowers on sale near you. Therefore, you can take a short trip to the location to inspect the mower physically.
Ebay is one of the places to go if you want to view the widest variety of lawnmowers around you. Explore the platform, and you’ll see different lawnmowers available for you to buy.
Aside from using e-commerce stores, you can also buy from a local dealer. Most manufacturers’ websites will let you scout for a seller living near you. You can visit the dealer directly in person if you find one.
Affordable Lawn Mowers Under $500
From the Craftsman to John Deere to Snapper, there are some decent lawnmowers that you can buy for under $500. It’s all about identifying their specs to enable you to select the perfect one. This section will list some of these mowers.
1. Craftsman LT1000 Riding Mower
Craftsman built the LT000 riding mower from 2001-2007. While it’s a vintage lawnmower, its age is one of the reasons that you’ll be able to buy it for that amount. Don’t expect the flashy features of modern machines, but it’ll do a decent job if you get it in good condition.
It has either a Briggs & Stratton Intek or the Kohler engine. The Briggs & Stratton engine has 18HP with two cylinders, while the Kohler engine has 15.5 hp with one cylinder. Its cutting deck can range from 38 to 42 inches, up there with most current flagship residential mowers.
The mower is durable and can last up to 15 years of use. So if your seller has only spent a few years with it, you’ll probably enjoy it for some years too. You can find the lawnmower used in most retail stores for under $500.
2. John Deere gt235
The John Deere gt235 is another lawn tractor that you can get for under $500. John Deere is renowned in the industry, and almost any lawnmower from the brand is a good buy. Its experience and quality products contribute to why it’s among the most prominent lawn mower manufacturers globally.
John Deere produced the gt235 from 2002-2003. However, the mower has mildly impressive specs for this era. If you bump into a retailer wanting to sell it, you won’t regret spending up to $500 on it if it’s in good condition.
It has two engine variants: the 18HP Kawasaki 570cc 2-cycle gasoline engine and the 18HP Briggs & Stratton 570cc 2-cycle gasoline engine. Any of these engine types that you purchase will serve you well because they have similar specs. The mower has a 48-inch mid-mower deck, and you can use it with attachments like a snowblower and blade.
3. Kubota T1400 Riding Lawn Mower
The Kubota T1400 is a relatively old machine: produced from 1987-1996. If you could deal with using a mower that old, it’s a good buy. The only issue is that it might be hard to find a mower that old that is still in good condition.
However, there are a few listings on online stores if you search for them. Before you buy it, it’s particularly imperative to ensure that you access it in physical condition.
As for the spec, it has a 40 inches mower deck with a cutting height of 1-4 inches. It has a 13.5HP Kubota Gasoline 1-cylinder-air cooled engine that has a displacement of around 388cc. The machine can reach a forward speed of 5.6 mph and a reverse speed of 2.6mph.
It can cut different kinds of yards but works best in small spaces. You should only purchase the mower if you want to use it for a short period. The reason is that the original owner might’ve probably owned it for a while, and chances are high that it won’t last years anymore.
4. Craftsman DLT 3000
The Craftsman DLT 3000 was one of the most sought-after lawn tractors after its release in 2004. Decades later, it’s one of the most in-demand used mowers in the market. Its heavy-duty deck and comfortable seat are the reasons many people desire them.
While its deck and seat are the attraction points, no one will buy it if it doesn’t perform well. The lawnmower uses an 18.5HP Briggs & Stratton engine. Its fuel tank capacity is 3.5 gallons, and it uses a 12-volt battery with 35 amp hours.
The Craftsman DLT 3000 can reach a forward speed of around 5.5 mph and a reverse speed of up to 2.4 mph. Its 42-inch mid-mount 2-blade mower deck also means you can cut your grass better. You’ll get a cutting height of 1.5-4.0 inches, five cut positions, and a mechanical lifting feature.
The Craftsman DLT 3000 is one of the best-used lawn tractors for under $500. If you can get it from a great buyer in working condition, you’ll enjoy your time with it.
5. John Deere L110
The John Deere L110 is another riding mower worth your money. It was manufactured in 2003/04 but will function perfectly for your residential property.
The mower comes with a 17.5HP Kohler CP491 engine with one cylinder. John Deere built the engine into a 4×2 2WD chassis powered by a 12-volt battery. It can reach a top speed of around 5.7 mph.
The machine has a 42-inch wide mower deck, perfect for small and moderately sized yards. It has a 0.8-turn radius and functions almost like a zero-turn when you use it in a yard with many obstacles. Additionally, it’s comfortable to drive, thanks to its spacey sit area.
Another impressive advantage of getting the mower is it’s lightweight. It weighs just 209 kg, so you might consider it if you have soft lawns. The key to enjoying this machine is to maintain it well. If you experience minor issues with it, its parts are available in many retail stores.
6. MTD Yard MachinesTM Homeowner 46” Riding Lawn Tractor
The MTD Yard MachinesTM lawn tractor is another small lawn mower that you get for under $500. Its 46-inch triple-blade steel deck is among the first reasons it’s a decent way to cut your residential or small-spaced yard. Add that to the 20HP Briggs and Stratton Intek engine; it’s unarguably a good buy for $500.
The engine is 4-cycle, and it uses a 12-volt key system. It has a fuel tank capacity of 1.5 liters and can reach a maximum speed of 5.5 mph forward and two mph in reverse. You can also use it with many riding mower accessories.
The mower is a good buy if you’re purchasing it for $500. It can serve you for years, provided the previous owner hasn’t exceeded its lifespan. You should note that it needs more maintenance than regular mowers.
7. Snapper ST1946 Riding Lawn Mower
If you want a more recent machine, you might be lucky to encounter the Snapper ST1946 riding mower. Snapper released the mower in 2018, and it was a budget-riding mower. Now, it’s one of the few recent mowers you can get for under $500.
It has a wide 46-inch reinforced cutting deck to ensure that you get better cut and airflow. The machine is powered by a 19HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a two-step debris management system to protect it. If you’re a fan of small mowers, the Snapper ST1946 is compact and will cut your small yards well.
Conclusion
Those are some lawnmowers that you can get for under $500. While these mowers cost under $500, most cost upwards of $450. Additionally, you’ll be the one to ship it to your destination most of the time.
If you see a seller willing to sell any of these mowers for less than $400, it’s a red flag. You should inspect such a machine adequately to ensure you aren’t buying a problematic one.
Additionally, if you see any of these machines in good condition for a little over $500, they’re worth the buy if the price isn’t over our budget. If you can wait, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll see a buyer willing to sell at the price you offer.
