3 Best Time to Buy Riding Mowers: Top Picks Compared for 2026

By Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

If you are looking for the best time to buy riding mower models, the short answer is late summer through early fall, when dealers clear out the current year’s inventory, and late winter, when they stock up for the spring rush. Timing matters because riding mowers are seasonal, large, and expensive to move, and the right moment can mean better model availability and more room to negotiate. This guide explains how to read the calendar, then compares three useful accessories and tools that many owners buy alongside a mower. Our selection method is research-based: we looked at manufacturer specifications, brand reputation, and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback. We did not test these products ourselves.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

MTD 19B30031OEM Double Bagger for Riding Lawn Mowers-42-Inch and 46-Inch

MTD (19B30031OEM) Double Bagger for Riding Lawn Mowers-42-Inch and 46-Inch (2010 and After) Fits Various Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, CRAFTSMAN, and Other Top Models, Gray

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Best for: Owners of 42-inch and 46-inch riding mowers who want to collect grass clippings rather than mulch them.

This bagger suits homeowners with a riding mower that has a standard discharge chute and who prefer a clean lawn without clippings left behind. It is listed to fit a range of models from popular brands, which makes it a practical add-on if you already own a compatible deck.

Key specs

• Listed for 42-inch and 46-inch riding lawn mower decks
• Listed for models from 2010 and later
• Double bagger design
• Gray finish

Pros

• Clearly lists which deck sizes it fits, reducing guesswork
• Collects clippings for a tidier appearance and less thatch
• Works with several major mower brands

Cons

• Bagging adds weight and reduces mowing speed on thick grass
• Bags need emptying frequently when grass is tall and wet

Bottom line: A good choice for owners with a compatible 42- or 46-inch deck who want to bag clippings. Confirm your model number before ordering.

Glosaie Lawn Mower Jack, 800 lb Capacity Zero Turn Mower Lift

Glosaie Lawn Mower Jack, 800 lb Capacity Zero Turn Mower Lift, Orange | For Zero Turn Lawn Mower, Riding Lawn Mower and More. Heavy-Duty Build, Safer & More Reliable Than Hydraulic Jacks, Portable

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Best for: Owners who need to lift a zero-turn or riding mower for blade sharpening, deck cleaning, or underside maintenance.

This lift is aimed at people who service their own equipment and want a stable alternative to floor jacks. Its mechanical design is marketed as a safer option than hydraulic jacks for holding a heavy mower in position.

Key specs

• 800 lb rated capacity, as stated in the listing
• Designed for zero-turn and riding lawn mowers
• Orange finish
• Portable design

Pros

• High stated load rating for heavy riding equipment
• Mechanical operation is often described by owners as more predictable than hydraulic jacks
• Portable enough to move between storage and work areas

Cons

• Requires a level, firm surface to work safely
• Still needs careful positioning, so it is not a substitute for proper stands on very large equipment

Bottom line: Best for hands-on owners who service their own mowers regularly. Always follow the manufacturer’s load and placement instructions.

lifgarfe Lawn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch for Garden Tractors

lifgarfe Lawn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch Garden Tractor Tow Hitch Fit for John Deere Cub Cadet Husqvarna Riding Mowers

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Best for: Garden tractor owners who want to tow a small cart, spreader, or trailer behind their mower.

This hitch is designed for garden tractors and riding mowers from brands commonly found in suburban yards. It suits owners who use their mower for more than cutting grass and need a simple way to hitch light loads.

Key specs

• Listed to fit John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Husqvarna riding mowers
• Designed as a garden tractor tow hitch

Pros

• Lists several well-known brands in the fitment description
• Adds towing capability without a full trailer hitch kit
• Simple bolt-on style installation, as described by many owners

Cons

• Towing capacity is limited; check the load rating for your mower before hitching anything heavy
• Fit depends on your exact model and frame, so verify compatibility first

Bottom line: A useful add-on for garden tractor owners who tow light loads. Confirm your frame and model before buying.

Buying Guide

Know the Seasonal Calendar

Dealers often discount the current year’s riding mowers in late summer and early fall, once demand drops after peak mowing season. A second window opens in late winter, when stores prepare for spring and clear older stock. Buying in mid-season, especially May through July, usually means fewer choices and less room to negotiate. Plan around these windows if you can, and read our Best Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture: A Calendar Guide for 2026 style timing advice for other outdoor purchases too.

Good picks for this: MTD 19B30031OEM Double Bagger, Glosaie Lawn Mower Jack

Check Deck Size and Fitment

Riding mower accessories are sold by deck width and model year. Measure your deck in inches and find your model number on the data plate under the seat or near the engine. Compatibility lists change between model years, so match the number, not just the brand name.

Good picks for this: MTD 19B30031OEM Double Bagger, lifgarfe Lawn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch

Match the Lift Rating to the Machine

Look at the rated capacity and compare it with the weight of your mower, including attachments and fuel. A rating above your machine’s weight gives a safety margin. Consult the owner’s manual for approved lifting points before raising any mower.

Good picks for this: Glosaie Lawn Mower Jack

Consider Your Primary Use

If you mostly cut grass, a bagger is useful for leaf and clipping collection. If you tow, a hitch matters more. If you maintain your own equipment, a lift saves time and reduces strain. Decide your main use before shopping so you buy accessories you will actually use.

Good picks for this: MTD 19B30031OEM Double Bagger, lifgarfe Lawn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch

Check Towing and Load Limits

Towing hardware is rated for specific loads. Exceeding the rating can damage the hitch, the mower frame, or the transmission. Keep loads light, distribute weight evenly, and avoid steep slopes when pulling anything behind a garden tractor.

Good picks for this: lifgarfe Lawn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch

Plan for Durability and Storage

Metal components last longer when stored dry and cleaned after use. Clean grass residue from decks and hitches, and store equipment under cover. Galvanized or coated finishes resist rust better in humid climates.

Good picks for this: MTD 19B30031OEM Double Bagger, Glosaie Lawn Mower Jack

Factor in Maintenance Access

Blade work, deck cleaning, and belt checks are easier when the mower is raised safely. Choose tools that allow stable access without forcing you to crawl under a heavy machine. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before working underneath.

Good picks for this: Glosaie Lawn Mower Jack

FAQ

When is the cheapest time of year to buy a riding mower?

Many dealers reduce inventory in late summer and early fall, and some clear stock again in late winter. Timing is a general pattern, not a guarantee, so compare dealers before you commit.

Is it better to buy a riding mower in winter or summer?

Winter is often a quieter season for sales, which can mean more negotiating room. Summer tends to have the most inventory pressure from peak demand, so it is usually a less favorable window.

Do I need to buy the accessory at the same time as the mower?

Not necessarily. Accessories like baggers and hitches depend on deck size and model, so wait until you know your exact machine before buying. Buying the mower first avoids fitment mistakes.

How do I find my riding mower’s model number?

Look for a data plate or sticker under the seat, near the engine, or on the deck. The owner’s manual also lists the model and serial number.

Can I lift my riding mower with a regular floor jack?

A standard floor jack is not designed for mowers, and hydraulic jacks can slip or lose pressure. Use a lift rated for your equipment and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for jack points and stands.

Is a tow hitch safe for any riding mower?

Not all mowers are designed to tow. Check your owner’s manual for towing ratings before adding a hitch. If you are unsure, consult a qualified small-engine technician or dealer.

Conclusion

The best time to buy riding mower models is usually late summer through early fall, with late winter as a second option. Once you have your mower, the right accessory depends on how you use it. The MTD 19B30031OEM Double Bagger suits owners who want to collect clippings on a compatible 42- or 46-inch deck. The Glosaie Lawn Mower Jack fits owners who service their own equipment and need a stable lift. The lifgarfe Lawn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch is a practical option for garden tractor owners who tow light loads. Verify fitment and ratings before you buy.

Sources

• Product safety guidance and recall information for outdoor power equipment (cpsc.gov)
• General guidance on small engine maintenance and equipment care (energy.gov)
• Research-based lawn care and mower maintenance information from university extension programs (extension.org)

Related reading

• When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car? 6 Top Picks for Every Need (2026)
• Best Time to Buy a KitchenAid Mixer: A Calendar Guide for 2026
• Best Time to Buy a Camper Trailer: A Step-by-Step Calendar Guide for 2026
• Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets: A Step-by-Step Calendar Guide for 2026

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our holiday shopping calendar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.