Report Overview
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This study examines the US market for lawn mowers and includes consumer-grade equipment only. Commercial turf mowers are excluded from the scope of this study, as are unpowered lawn mowers.
Historical data for 2009, 2014, and 2019 and forecasts for 2024 and 2029 for manufacturers’ shipments, demand, imports, and exports are provided in current dollar terms (which are not adjusted for inflation). Demand is also provided in unit terms. Major power sources and markets are also analyzed.
Demand is presented by:
- product
- riding lawn mowers (front-engine and rear-engine; zero turn and non-zero turn)
- walk behind mowers (self-propelled and push)
- robotic mowers
- power source
- internal combustion engine
- corded electric
- cordless electric (battery-powered)
- market
- residential
- commercial (landscaping establishments, golf courses, and government and other commercial buyers)
Remote-controlled equipment, although sometimes called robotic, is not included in the demand estimates in this study. Robots designed for use in agricultural settings are excluded from the scope of this study.
Since the vast majority of engines for power lawn and garden equipment are used in OEM capacities, engines are excluded from the scope of this study, except insofar as they contribute to the value of the equipment that they power.
Overview
In general, growth in the US lawn mower market will be driven by:
- faster gains in DIFM than in DIY landscaping, the former tending to use higher value mowers
- an aging population, boosting demand for higher value riding mowers over walk behind mowers for greater ease of use, as well as for professional landscaping
- continued improvement of electric mowers, particularly walk behind types
However, sales will be restrained by:
- competition from used mowers, which represent a sizable market since a previously-owned mower that has been well-maintained can last a long time
- pricing pressure from imports, particularly for walk behind mowers
While homeownership among millennials is relatively low compared to previous generations, further opportunities for sales will be realized as millennials are now increasingly purchasing their first homes.
A gradual decrease in the average yard size may limit gains somewhat, pushing homeowners to buy smaller or less powerful mowers for their homes. However, this trend does create some opportunity for higher value products that are more suitable for smaller yards, like robotic lawn mowers or battery-powered walk behind mowers.
Among products with established bases, zero turn riding mowers and battery-powered walk behind mowers are projected to see the fastest growth among commercial and residential users, respectively. Robotic mowers are expected to see strong gains as well, powered by increased availability and awareness of these products. Continued product development – including mowers that do not require boundary wires to navigate – will also spur growth for robotic mowers going forward.
Despite the strong outlook for electrically powered lawn mowers, ICE-powered products will maintain a majority market position for the foreseeable future. While products such as walk behind mowers are transitioning to electrically powered options, riding mowers are still mostly produced with engines powered by fossil fuels. ICE-powered types will also benefit from continued product development. Improved engine efficiency, ergonomics, and various features will help spur upgrades among owners.
The residential market, which represented 90% of demand in 2019, will account for the vast majority of gains through 2024:
- Residential sales will continue to be supported by homeowners’ desire to engage in DIY lawn maintenance, as maintaining an attractive yard is a point of pride for many consumers.
- Additionally, product development of options that are well suited for residential settings – such as battery operated products or robotic lawn mowers – will help drive gains.
In the near term, a strong housing market, powered by record low interest rates, may support sales to new homeowners. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more consumers to stay at home and take on yard work or landscaping projects. Consumers are investing more in their homes than for other activities, like vacations or eating out.
While the commercial share of lawn mower sales is expected to remain relatively small through 2024, gains will be supported by improved performance of consumer-grade products that can be sold to commercial operations like smaller landscaping firms. Furthermore, landscaping enterprises will benefit over the long term as a result of the continued gains for DIFM landscaping services.
Study Scope & Product Description
- front-engine riding lawn mowers (also called lawn tractors)
- rear-engine riding lawn mowers (including zero turn types)
- walk behind lawn mowers
- robotic lawn mowers
Unpowered lawn mowers are excluded from the scope of this study. Commercial turf mowers are also excluded in this report.