Choosing the wrong brand can lead to wasted money, downtime during peak mowing season, and unnecessary stress.
Below are 10 lawn mower brands to avoid, based on common consumer complaints, reliability issues, and overall value concerns. While not every model from these brands is bad, they tend to show consistent problems that make them riskier choices compared to more reliable alternatives.
Lawn Mower Brands to Avoid
1. Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet is a popular name in lawn care equipment, but many of its mowers suffer from inconsistent quality. Owners frequently report issues with uneven cutting, poor grass collection, and premature part failures. Despite being priced as a premium brand, some models fail to match expectations in durability and long-term performance.
Common complaints include weak transmissions, deck problems, and frequent maintenance needs. For homeowners looking for dependable performance year after year, Cub Cadet can be hit or miss.
2. Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt mowers are widely available and often attract buyers with affordable pricing. Unfortunately, lower cost often comes at the expense of build quality. Many users experience engine starting problems, excessive vibration, and short overall lifespan.
These mowers may work for light, occasional use, but they tend to struggle under regular mowing conditions. Parts can wear out quickly, making Troy-Bilt a less reliable choice for medium to large lawns.
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3. Poulan Pro
Poulan Pro is known for budget-friendly outdoor equipment, but its lawn mowers frequently fall short in durability and performance. Thin materials, weak wheels, and fragile height adjustment systems are common complaints.
While the engines themselves may be acceptable, the overall construction often feels cheap. These mowers are prone to breaking down sooner than expected, especially when used on uneven terrain or thicker grass.
4. Sun Joe
Sun Joe focuses heavily on electric and battery-powered lawn equipment. While the brand performs reasonably well with small tools, its lawn mowers often lack power and durability. Users report motor failures, poor cutting performance, and short product lifespan.
Sun Joe mowers may be suitable only for very small lawns with thin grass. For most homeowners, they simply don’t provide enough power or reliability to justify the purchase.
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5. Earthwise
Earthwise is another brand aimed at eco-conscious buyers, offering electric lawn mowers at low prices. However, many models struggle with power output and build quality. Thick or damp grass can easily overwhelm these machines.
Battery life is another concern, with many users reporting short run times and declining performance after limited use. Earthwise mowers often require frequent repairs or early replacement.
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6. Craftsman
Craftsman was once known for dependable tools and lawn equipment, but its mower lineup has seen a noticeable decline in quality over the years. Many modern Craftsman mowers share components with other budget brands, resulting in similar reliability problems.
Common issues include electrical failures, flimsy decks, and engines that wear out sooner than expected. The brand name no longer guarantees the durability it once did.
7. Country Clipper
Country Clipper specializes in zero-turn mowers, but customer feedback highlights ongoing reliability and support issues. Mechanical failures, belt problems, and inconsistent performance are common complaints.
Another major drawback is limited dealer and service availability. Without strong local support, repairs can be costly and time-consuming, making ownership frustrating for many users.
8. Dixie Chopper
Dixie Chopper was once praised for powerful zero-turn mowers, but recent models have struggled with quality control. Owners report frequent belt replacements, blade issues, and breakdowns under normal operating conditions.
Customer service challenges and inconsistent manufacturing have hurt the brand’s reputation, pushing it lower on reliability rankings than in previous years.
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9. Bad Boy Mowers
Bad Boy Mowers promotes a rugged, heavy-duty image, but entry-level models often fail to live up to the marketing. Many users complain about mechanical issues, premature wear, and difficulty resolving warranty claims.
While some higher-end models perform better, the lower-priced units tend to suffer from inferior materials and inconsistent assembly quality.
10. Stihl (Entry-Level Lawn Mowers)
Stihl is highly respected for chainsaws and handheld equipment, but its lawn mowers—particularly entry-level models—often disappoint. These mowers are limited in features and performance compared to competitors in the same price range.
Users frequently report that Stihl mowers feel underpowered and overpriced for what they offer. The brand’s strength clearly lies elsewhere, making its lawn mowers a less attractive option.
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Common Problems Found in These Brands
Across these brands, several recurring issues stand out:
Poor Build Quality: Thin decks, weak components, and low-grade materials reduce mower lifespan.
Frequent Breakdowns: Many owners report repeated mechanical or electrical failures.
Weak Performance: Struggling with thick grass, uneven terrain, or longer mowing sessions.
Limited Support: Poor dealer networks and hard-to-find replacement parts.
Low Long-Term Value: Cheaper upfront pricing often leads to higher repair and replacement costs.
How to Make a Smarter Choice
Avoiding unreliable brands is only part of the process. To choose a better lawn mower, consider the following tips:
- Match the mower to your lawn size and grass type
- Look for consistent customer satisfaction, not just brand recognition
- Ensure parts and service are easily available in your area
- Avoid extremely cheap models that sacrifice durability
- Prioritize reliability over flashy features
A mower that costs slightly more upfront but lasts longer will save money and frustration in the long run.
FAQs
What brand of lawn mower is the most reliable for consumers?
For most homeowners, Honda, Toro, and John Deere are considered the most reliable lawn mower brands. These manufacturers consistently rank high for engine durability, cutting performance, and overall build quality. They also offer strong dealer and service networks, which makes maintenance and repairs easier and extends the life of the mower.
Which type of lawn mower is best?
The best type of lawn mower depends on the size of your lawn and how often you mow. Push mowers work best for small, flat yards. Self-propelled mowers are ideal for medium-sized lawns or uneven_toggle terrain. For large properties, riding mowers or zero-turn mowers provide the best efficiency and comfort.
What brands are made by MTD?
MTD (Modern Tool and Die Company) manufactures lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment for several major brands. These include Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman (many models), Yard Machines, Yard-Man, and Bolens. Because these brands often share components, they can also share similar reliability and performance issues.
Which lawn mower has the longest lifespan?
Lawn mowers from Honda, John Deere, and Toro are known for having the longest lifespan when properly maintained. Commercial-grade mowers and models with heavy-duty decks, reliable engines, and easy access to replacement parts tend to last significantly longer than budget residential mowers.
What is the average lifespan of a lawn mower?
On average, a lawn mower lasts 8 to 10 years with regular use and proper maintenance. Budget models may last only 5 to 7 years, while high-quality or commercial mowers can last 15 years or more, especially when serviced regularly and stored correctly.
Are 4 blades better than 2 lawn mower blades?
Four-blade mower systems are not automatically better than two-blade setups. Two-blade systems are simpler, easier to maintain, and work well for most residential lawns. Four-blade systems can provide finer mulching and improved cut quality, but they require more power, increase maintenance costs, and are generally better suited for high-performance or commercial mowing applications.
Final Thoughts
Not all lawn mower brands are created equal. The ten brands listed above have a history of reliability issues, poor performance, or disappointing customer support. While some individual models may work acceptably, these brands often fail to deliver consistent long-term value.
Taking time to research before buying can help you avoid costly mistakes. Choosing a dependable mower from a reputable manufacturer will ensure smoother mowing seasons and fewer repair headaches for years to come.
