# How to Value Your Old Commercial Mower for Trade-Ins
When it’s time to upgrade your commercial mowing equipment, trading in your old machine can be a smart move—if you know how to assess its worth. Unlike selling a used car, valuing a commercial mower involves more than just checking the odometer. You need to consider wear and tear, market demand, and even specialized uses like all-terrain mowing or slope mowing solutions.
1. Start with the Basics: Age and Hours
The two biggest factors in determining trade-in value are the mower’s age and engine hours. A five-year-old mower with 1,000 hours is likely worth more than a ten-year-old model with the same usage. But don’t stop there—condition matters just as much.
For example, a landscaper in Texas once traded in a well-maintained 2018 zero-turn with 1,200 hours and got nearly 40% of its original price. Meanwhile, a neglected 2020 model with rust and engine issues barely fetched 20%.
2. Assess Condition Like a Pro
Look beyond the surface. Check:
Blades & Deck – Pitted or bent blades reduce value.
Tires & Undercarriage – Worn tires or damaged pulleys hurt resale.
Engine & Hydraulics – Smoke, leaks, or sluggish performance? That’s money lost.
A dealer once told me about a commercial remote mower that looked pristine but had hidden electrical issues—knocking 1,500 off its trade-in value.
3. Know Your Market
Demand varies by region and season. A mower suited for orchard maintenance equipment may fetch more in California’s Central Valley than in urban New York. Check local listings and auction sites for comparable sales.
Estimated Trade-In Values (2024)
| Mower Type | 3 Years Old | 5 Years Old | 10+ Years Old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero-Turn (500 hrs) | 5,000–7,000 | 3,500–5,000 | 1,000–2,500 |
| Walk-Behind (300 hrs) | 1,200–1,800 | 800–1,200 | 300–600 |
| Robotic lawn care unit | 2,500–4,000 | 1,500–2,500 | Under 1,000 |
4. Upgrades & Attachments Add Value
Did you install a high-performance bagger or a reinforced deck for slope mowing solutions? Mention it! Accessories can boost trade-in offers by 10–15%. One landscaper traded in a mower with a 2,000 sprayer attachment and got an extra 800 credit.
5. Timing Is Everything
Dealers offer better trade-in deals in late winter or early spring when demand peaks. Waiting until fall? Expect lower offers as inventory piles up.
Final Tip: Negotiate Smart
Dealers often lowball initial offers. Bring maintenance records, highlight upgrades, and be ready to walk away. One svy buyer got an extra 1,200 just by showing a full service history.
Whether you’re switching to a robotic lawn care system or upgrading to a heier-duty model, knowing your mower’s true worth puts you in the driver’s seat.