Buying used lawn mowers can be an excellent opportunity for small engine mechanics, equipment resellers, and anyone looking to make extra money repairing and flipping outdoor power equipment. Whether you’re searching for a broken push mower, a used riding lawn mower, or commercial equipment that needs repairs, knowing where to find affordable inventory is essential.
The challenge? Finding reliable sources of used equipment at prices that leave room for profit.
Fortunately, there are several ways to locate used lawn mowers, including online marketplaces, local repair shops, equipment auctions, and nationwide sourcing networks like Small Engine Hub.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to buy used lawn mowers, what to look for before purchasing, and how to find equipment opportunities in your area.
1. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular places to find used lawn mowers from homeowners, landscaping companies, and individuals selling unwanted equipment.
You can often find:
- Push lawn mowers
- Self-propelled lawn mowers
- Riding lawn mowers
- Zero-turn mowers
- Commercial landscaping equipment
- Broken or non-running lawn mowers
Many sellers simply want unwanted equipment removed from their property, creating opportunities for buyers who are willing to transport and repair it.
Pro Tip: Search for phrases like “lawn mower won’t start,” “riding mower needs work,” “non-running mower,” or “mower for parts.” These listings may offer better opportunities than fully functioning equipment.
However, competition can be high, and desirable equipment may sell quickly.
2. Small Engine Hub — Nationwide Used Equipment Sourcing
If you’re regularly searching for used lawn mowers to repair, rebuild, or resell, joining an equipment sourcing network can help you discover opportunities beyond traditional online marketplaces.
Small Engine Hub connects independent mechanics, repair shops, equipment resellers, and contractors with used outdoor power equipment available for pickup throughout the United States.
Instead of spending hours searching through individual listings, registered contractors can receive notifications when equipment becomes available in their area.
What Types of Equipment Are Available?
Depending on location and availability, equipment opportunities may include:
- Push and self-propelled lawn mowers
- Riding lawn mowers
- Zero-turn lawn mowers
- Commercial mowing equipment
- Small engines
- Snow blowers
- Generators
- Pressure washers
- Other outdoor power equipment
Equipment condition varies, and some items may require repairs or be best suited for parts.
How Does Small Engine Hub Work?
The process is straightforward:
Step 1: Join the Network
Register your interest in receiving used equipment opportunities in your area.
Step 2: Receive Equipment Notifications
When equipment becomes available near your location, Small Engine Hub may contact you with details.
Step 3: Review the Opportunity
Review the equipment information, pickup location, and any applicable cost before deciding whether you’re interested.
Step 4: Arrange Pickup
If selected for the opportunity, you’ll receive pickup instructions. Contractors must be able to load and transport equipment independently.
Some equipment opportunities are free, while others require payment. Availability is not guaranteed and varies by location.
Interested in finding used lawn mowers and small engines near you?
Visit SmallEngineHub.com to learn more about joining our nationwide equipment network.
3. Craigslist and Local Classified Listings
Craigslist remains another option for finding affordable used lawn mowers.
While it may not have the same volume of listings as Facebook Marketplace in every market, it can be useful for locating older equipment and sellers who prefer traditional classified advertising.
Look for listings under:
- Farm and garden
- General merchandise
- Tools
- Heavy equipment
- Free items
You may also find people selling multiple pieces of equipment at once, which can be especially beneficial for repair shops or resellers looking to purchase inventory in bulk.
Pro Tip: Check listings regularly and contact sellers quickly when you find equipment that fits your needs.
4. Local Small Engine Repair Shops
Small engine repair shops can be an overlooked source of used lawn mowers.
Some shops accumulate equipment that customers choose not to repair because the repair cost exceeds the mower’s value.
Depending on the shop’s policies and ownership of the equipment, they may have machines available for sale or parts.
Consider reaching out to local repair businesses and asking whether they sell used, non-running, or parts-only equipment.
Building relationships with these businesses may create opportunities for repeat purchases.
5. Equipment Auctions and Estate Sales
Equipment auctions and estate sales can be excellent places to find used riding lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, and commercial landscaping equipment.
Common opportunities include:
- Estate auctions
- Farm equipment auctions
- Municipal surplus auctions
- Landscaping business liquidations
- Commercial equipment auctions
One advantage of auctions is the possibility of purchasing multiple pieces of equipment at once.
However, buyers should carefully consider auction fees, transportation costs, and the condition of equipment before bidding.
Remember that many auction purchases are final and sold as-is.
6. Landscaping Companies and Property Maintenance Businesses
Landscaping companies regularly replace equipment as they upgrade their fleets.
Older commercial mowers may still have value even when they require repairs.
Consider contacting local landscaping businesses to ask whether they have:
- Older zero-turn mowers
- Non-running commercial mowers
- Equipment being replaced
- Machines available for parts
- Surplus outdoor power equipment
Establishing relationships with landscaping companies can create additional sourcing opportunities.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Used Lawn Mower?
Not every used lawn mower is a good investment.
Before purchasing equipment for repair or resale, evaluate its overall condition and potential repair costs.
Engine Condition
Determine whether the engine turns over, starts, or shows signs of significant damage.
A mower with a minor carburetor issue may be a better investment than one with a severely damaged engine.
Deck Condition
Inspect the mower deck for excessive rust, cracks, and structural damage.
Replacing a badly damaged deck can significantly reduce potential profit.
Transmission and Drive System
For riding lawn mowers and zero-turn mowers, transmission repairs can be expensive.
Whenever possible, evaluate whether the mower moves properly and whether the drive system operates as expected.
Parts Availability
Before purchasing an older mower, research whether replacement parts are readily available.
Some discontinued models can be difficult or expensive to repair.
Transportation Costs
Remember to factor in the cost of fuel, travel time, loading, and transportation.
An inexpensive mower located several hours away may not be as profitable as one available locally.
Can You Make Money Buying and Reselling Used Lawn Mowers?
Yes. Buying, repairing, and reselling used lawn mowers can be profitable when equipment is purchased at the right price and repair costs are controlled.
For example, consider this hypothetical resale scenario:
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Used Lawn Mower Purchase | $75 |
| Replacement Parts | $35 |
| Transportation | $20 |
| Total Expenses | $130 |
| Resale Price | $250 |
| Potential Profit Before Labor and Overhead | $120 |
This example illustrates how purchasing affordable equipment and performing relatively inexpensive repairs can create resale opportunities.
Actual profits depend on equipment condition, repair time, local demand, selling fees, and other business expenses.
For individuals with mechanical experience, purchasing non-running equipment may offer opportunities that buyers looking for fully functioning machines overlook.
How to Find Used Lawn Mowers Near You
If you’re serious about buying used lawn mowers for repair or resale, relying on a single source can limit your opportunities.
A better approach is to develop multiple sourcing channels.
Check online marketplaces, build relationships with local repair shops, monitor equipment auctions, and connect with suppliers that offer used equipment opportunities.
Small Engine Hub helps make equipment sourcing easier by connecting interested contractors and buyers with available used equipment throughout the country.
Whether you operate a small engine repair shop, flip lawn mowers as a side business, or purchase equipment for parts, joining a sourcing network can be another way to discover inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find cheap used lawn mowers?
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local repair shops, equipment auctions, and used equipment sourcing networks are all potential places to find affordable lawn mowers.
Can I buy broken lawn mowers and resell them?
Yes. Many mechanics and equipment resellers purchase non-running lawn mowers, complete necessary repairs, and resell them. Profitability depends on purchase price, repair expenses, labor, and local market demand.
Where can I find used riding lawn mowers for parts?
Used riding lawn mowers may be available through equipment auctions, classified listings, repair shops, and equipment sourcing networks.
Does Small Engine Hub offer free lawn mowers?
Some equipment opportunities through Small Engine Hub may be available at no cost, while others require payment. Availability and pricing vary depending on the equipment and location.
How can I receive notifications about used equipment near me?
You can contact Small Engine Hub to learn about joining its nationwide contractor network and receiving notifications when equipment opportunities become available in your area.
Find Your Next Used Lawn Mower With Small Engine Hub
Finding affordable used lawn mowers doesn’t have to mean spending hours searching online marketplaces.
Whether you’re looking for a push mower to repair, a riding lawn mower to rebuild, or commercial equipment for parts, having access to multiple sourcing opportunities can help you find inventory more efficiently.
Small Engine Hub connects mechanics, repair shops, equipment resellers, and independent contractors with used outdoor power equipment opportunities nationwide.
Interested in expanding your equipment sourcing options?
Visit SmallEngineHub.com to learn more about joining the Small Engine Hub network and discovering equipment opportunities near you.
