Where to Buy Used Commercial Mowers (& What to Consider)

The right used commercial lawn mower can save you hundreds or even thousands without sacrificing quality when taking care of your lawn, no matter if it’s for your residential or commercial property.

We’ll highlight seven reputable dealers and online marketplaces that specialize in pre-owned commercial lawn mowers. We’ll go over the brands they offer, their price ranges, and what sets them apart.

And if you haven’t already, make sure to check out our complete guide to the best commercial mower brands to get our favorite recommendations.

The 7 Best Online Outlets for Used Commercial Mowers

From nationwide online platforms to local family-owned businesses, here are the best places to buy a second-hand commercial lawn mower:

1. Koenig Equipment

Koenig Equipment has established itself as a reputable dealer of new and used commercial lawn mowers. They specialize in zero-turn models from trusted brands like John Deere, Gravely, Ferris, and Toro.

Their prices range from $3,250 to $17,000, catering to different needs and budgets, and are set apart by their intimate knowledge of their inventory.

They mainly accept local trades, so they’re typically familiar with each machine’s history.

Their experienced sales staff provides transparent pricing and works with buyers to find suitable payment options, be it a cash purchase or a payment plan.

For those always on the lookout for great deals, Koenig has a convenient email subscription service for weekly or monthly updates on new arrivals.

This ensures you’re first in line when fresh inventory becomes available.

Koenig’s commitment to quality products, fair pricing, and customer support makes them a trustworthy choice for landscaping professionals and homeowners in the market for a reliable zero-turn mower.

2. GSA Equipment

Founded in 2012 by Adam Nichols, GSA Equipment fills a gap in the market for affordable used mowers.

Nichols, who learned the mower business while studying management at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, noticed that most dealerships had high overhead costs, resulting in overpriced mowers for consumers.

GSA specializes in pre-owned commercial zero-turns, stand-ons, and walk-behinds. They also have a good selection of lawn and garden tractors.

Their inventory is diverse, offering machines of various ages, usage hours, sizes, and makes.

Prices at GSA range from as low as $400 up to around $43,000, and their selection includes popular brands like Scag, Husqvarna, John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Exmark.

The company’s business model focuses on keeping overhead costs low, allowing it to offer competitive prices that are hard to find elsewhere.

This approach makes GSA Equipment particularly attractive for budget-conscious buyers or those looking to get into commercial mowing without the hefty investment in new equipment.

3. MachineFinder

If you’re looking for a second-hand John Deere lawn mower, MachineFinder should be one of the first platforms for you to check out since they specialize exclusively in used John Deere machines.

Their inventory covers commercial walk-behinds, zero-turns, front mowers, and various mowing attachments. You can find options as affordable as $1,000 (2012 John Deere Z445), all the way up to $30,000 (2023 John Deere Z997R).

Though the vast majority of MachineFinder’s inventory is John Deere, you’ll still find a few Bad Boys, Exmarks, Husqvarnas, and other makes here and there.

The site’s design is a little dated, in our opinion, but its search functionality is particularly user-friendly and granular, allowing you to browse listings by:

• Make, model, and year
• Hours and price
• Specs
• Map and location

For those loyal to the John Deere brand or looking to maintain uniformity in their equipment fleet, MachineFinder’s focused inventory can streamline the search process.

4. Equipment Trader

Equipment Trader stands out as a comprehensive online marketplace for used zero-turn mowers and a wide range of other machinery.

You can find brands like Grasshopper, Cub Cadet, John Deere, Spartan, and Jacobsen, with prices typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

One of this site’s most useful features is its Equipment Locator, which helps users find specific models that might not be immediately available in the main listings.

The site also offers a Zip Code search feature that allows you to find commercial landscaping tools near your location or job site.

You can adjust the search radius to expand or narrow your options and even search entire states or regions.

For those not ready to commit to a purchase, Equipment Trader also offers rental options.

This can come in handy if you need commercial landscaping equipment for specific projects or seasons.

5. Quality Equipment

A full-service John Deere dealer, Quality Equipment offers both new and pre-owned equipment for agricultural, lawn and garden, and commercial worksite needs.

Their used commercial mower selection extends beyond John Deere, though. It also includes big names like Greenworks, Grasshopper, and Husqvarna.

QE’s pricing caters to a wide spectrum of budgets and needs, going from as low as $2,800 and up to $17,000.

So whether you’re running a commercial landscaping operation or simply a homeowner with a large property, you’re likely to find a mower that fits your requirements.

You can search by category, manufacturer, location, stock, or relevant keywords.

You can also narrow down your search by setting the minimum and maximum price and operation hours as well as the desired horsepower.

What we like the most about Quality Equipment is their excellent parts availability and after-sales service, which are crucial for maintaining commercial mowers, especially used ones.

Their focus on support makes them a good choice for buyers who prioritize long-term equipment care and reliability.

6. Century Power Equipment

Century Power Equipment is a family-owned business in Stillwater, MN and offers a wide range of outdoor power equipment, including a good selection of second-hand commercial mowers.

Some of the names you’ll find in their inventory include John Deere, Exmark, Cub Cadet, and Toro, with reasonable prices ranging from $2,000 to $12,000, catering to both residential and commercial needs.

CPE also offers parts and support services, making them a good option for those who value local, ongoing service relationships.

While CPE doesn’t have the largest inventory or widest reach compared to some of the other outlets on the list, its emphasis on personalized customer service and product knowledge is excellent.

They pride themselves on having a knowledgeable and friendly staff dedicated to helping customers find the perfect machine for their specific needs.

7. Heritage Tractor

If you’re based in Kansas, Missouri, or Arkansas, Heritage Tractor has an impressive range of commercial mowers for you, from zero-turns and walk-behinds to stand-on and front lawn mowing machines.

Their inventory includes big-name brands like John Deere and Husqvarna, as well as hidden gems like Bush Hog and Kubota. Their prices range from $1,500 up to $27,500.

HT’s multiple locations across the three above-mentioned states make them a convenient option for many in the Midwest—mainly those in or near Kansas and Missouri.

The company’s regional presence also implies that they have a good understanding of local lawn care needs and challenges, which could be valuable when seeking advice before making a purchase.

For those in their service area who prefer dealing with an established dealer, Heritage Tractor offers the advantage of broader inventory access and comprehensive support.

Key Considerations Before Buying a Pre-Owned Mower

Buying a used commercial mower can be a smart financial decision, but it requires careful consideration to ensure you’re getting a reliable piece of equipment that meets your needs.

Here are some crucial factors to evaluate before making your purchase to maximize your bang for the buck:

Your Needs

Before diving into the pre-owned commercial mower market, take a moment to evaluate your requirements:

• What’s the average size of the areas you usually mow?
• What’s the terrain like (flat, hilly, or uneven)?
• Large residential properties or commercial landscaping jobs?
• How frequently are you going to use the lawn mower?

Your needs will dictate the type of mower you should look for, whether it’s a commercial zero-turn, walk-behind, or stand-on. They will also dictate specs such as deck size and engine power.

Mower’s History

Ask the person selling you the machine for maintenance records. You should also inquire about how the mower was used previously.

Was it part of a landscaping fleet or used on a single property?

Getting an idea of the mower’s history can give you insights into its potential future performance and any issues you might encounter.

Engine Condition

The engine is the heart of any lawn mower, so you need to:

• Check for signs of wear, leaks, or damage.
• Listen to the engine running. It should sound smooth without any sputtering or unusual noises.
• Ask about the engine’s hours of use as this is a good indicator of overall wear.
• Ask about regular maintenance tasks such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug conditions.
• For diesel engines, inquire about the last time the injectors were serviced.

Cutting Deck Condition

A worn or damaged mower deck can significantly affect mowing quality and may be expensive to replace or repair.

So if you notice cracks, dents, or signs of repair, or if the blades are dull and uneven, you should steer clear and look into another mower.

Controls and Moving Parts

Another thing you should do before buying a used mower is to operate all the controls to ensure they work smoothly.

This includes steering, throttle, and blade engagement mechanisms.

For hydrostatic transmissions, check that they engage smoothly in both forward and reverse. Any stiffness or resistance could indicate wear and tear.

Safety Features

Safety should never be compromised, even at a competitive price. So make sure all safety features are present and functioning properly.

This includes operator presence controls, rollover protection systems (ROPS) for ride-on units, and blade brake clutches.

Fuel Efficiency

Commercial mowers can vary significantly in fuel consumption. If you’ll be using your mower extensively, make sure it’s fuel-efficient as that can lead to substantial savings over time, offsetting a higher initial cost.

Brand and Parts Availability

Some brands are known for their durability and longevity in commercial settings—check out our article about the best commercial lawn mower brands to learn about them.

A mower from a well-known brand with readily available parts can be more cost-effective in the long run than a run-of-the-mill brand, even if it’s initially more expensive.

Get a Professional Opinion

If you’re not confident in your ability to assess used equipment, consider bringing along a knowledgeable friend or even hiring a professional mechanic for an inspection.

Their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you’re making a sound investment.

Holistic Lawn Care Services? SunCo Is the Answer

Investing in the right equipment is important, but pairing it with expert lawn care services can truly transform your landscape from patchy and uneven to lush and well-manicured.

We’re not talking about mowing lawns; we’re talking about everything else from organic fertilization and natural aeration to sprinkler system maintenance and pest control.

At SunCo, we offer comprehensive lawn care services, both residential and commercial, that can keep your property looking its best year-round. Contact SunCo for your consultation today!