The economics of buying a commercial lawn mower, a True story

The Decision to Buy

When we first bought our house about 17 years ago, the previous owners had a lawn service that charged $90 per cut. Having cut lawns in my younger years and even worked in landscaping for a few summers, I figured I could handle the task myself. Instead of continuing with the service, I decided to invest in a good commercial lawnmower.

However, when I told my wife that I wanted to spend $2,700 on a commercial-grade mower, she was not on board. So, instead of going all-in, I opted for a used ride-on mower for $900.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

That mower lasted about half a season before breaking down. The repair cost was $500, and since I didn’t have a truck to transport it, I had to pay extra for delivery. During its month-long repair, I had to hire someone to cut my lawn. The following season, it broke again, this time with a costly repair that made me rethink my entire strategy.

At that point, I decided to buy a quality lawnmower—a 48-inch Toro commercial mower for $2,700. I financed it at $100 per month, and with approximately 30 to 32 cuts per year (including spring and fall cleanups), the mower paid for itself in just one season.

A Worthwhile Investment

Now, 15 years later, I’m still using that same mower. It has been a reliable workhorse, starting up every time and saving me thousands of dollars in lawn-cutting fees. Beyond the financial savings, I find mowing the lawn therapeutic. There’s something satisfying about seeing immediate results from your work in just an hour and a half.

The Resale Value

Recently, I had to bring the mower in for service after a mouse chewed through one of the spark plug wires. While at the shop, I mentioned that I was considering upgrading to a zero-turn mower next year. The shop owner told me that my Toro mower still holds value, especially because it’s been well-maintained by a homeowner rather than heavily used by a landscaping business. He estimated I could sell it for $900 to $1,300. Even if I only get $700, I’ve saved a significant amount over the years and can reinvest in a new machine.

Upcoming Projects

This week, I won’t have a project video because I’m heading to my brother’s house to help him with his modular home. The process hasn’t been as smooth as expected, so I’ll be assisting him with tasks like installing a sink in his wooden countertop. While I won’t be filming much to avoid slowing down progress, I may do a quick tour of the project.

One major issue they encountered was a miscut L-shaped wooden countertop. The manufacturer cut the sink hole in the wrong place, making it nearly useless. Instead of discarding it, I suggested he keep it for potential future use—maybe as a shop table.

Wrapping Up

Aside from that, I’m spending this week tackling home maintenance tasks, including roof repairs, while enjoying the nice weather.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, and I’ll see you soon!