There are only two valid reasons for wanting to buy a used riding mower. First, you want to get something better than you can afford. In this scenario of champagne tasting on a beer budget, buying a used lawn mower may be the only way to afford a lawn mower, and look at used John Deere tractors and used Kubota lawn mowers is the only way you can reach the premium brands.
Second, you want to save a few hundred pounds or more by buying a lawnmower that will be used (but hopefully not abused). It’s not that you can’t afford a new one, but you have a good experience buying a used one. Your decisions to go for used vehicles, used stereo equipment, or used musical instruments have all worked out well and saved you a lot of money, so why not buy a lawn mower? ‘opportunity ?
There is a difference. Riding mowers aren’t as fancy or well-built as cars, or as foolproof as musical instruments, so those considering buying used riding mowers need to know someone or a local shop that can sort it all out. problem that may arise. Or they should be mechanically inclined and not afraid to get their hands dirty.
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start investigation
The first step is research. Get to know as many brands as you can, what they’re known for, their best and most popular models, and more. Then you can narrow your search down to a manageable list of makes and models. Bookmark online resources where you can find Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) lists.
As part of your research, consider whether you should go for a Certified Pre-Owned or Riding Mower. John Deere, for example, has a Certified Pre-Owned program for used John Deere tractors that is no different from that of luxury car manufacturers. A Certified Used Tractor is no more than a few years old, has passed rigorous inspection, and most importantly, comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and looks almost new. Of course, you won’t find stolen prizes this way.
There are also reputable manufacturers and national dealers who offer factory reconditioned used mowers with warranties and at more attractive prices than certified used mowers. As an alternative, many reputable dealers offer their own stock of certified used riding mowers. The selection won’t be as perfect as the factory programs, but at least they’ll be repaired and fully operational and come with the semblance of a limited or full warranty.
The price is right
Fair prices for used lawn mowers are expressed as a percentage of the original suggested retail price. You can expect to pay 70% of retail price or more for a two-year-old, factory-certified used mower. You should set your own target price if you are at the greatest risk of buying from an individual seller. For example, you don’t want to pay more than 50% of the suggested retail price for any reason. Whatever that percentage is, it’s a guide to get started. You can always adjust it later or on a case-by-case basis.
Any cosmetic or functional issues you discover when inspecting or testing the mower should additionally deduct the fair price. Don’t be afraid to run away. There’s always another inexpensive ride-on mower out there. The used equipment market is generally a buyer’s market, with the possible exception of the handful of powerful, high-volume dealers you don’t have to deal with if you get ripped off. But then you are less likely to run into problems with reputable dealers in the first place.
What you need to consider are the potential maintenance and repair costs of these large lawn and garden equipment. It is safe to assume that the more expensive riding mowers are also more expensive to maintain. With that in mind, don’t spend all of your disposable income on the most expensive lawn mower. Always leave room for maintenance and spare parts.
Point-to-point control
You must know the exact year and model of the mower before you see it. Once there, ask to see the manual. Not having the manual is a bad sign. How can you be sure the lawnmower has been properly maintained if the dealer didn’t have the manual?
The usual questions “why do you sell” and “how often do you use it” don’t matter because it’s easy for the seller not to tell the truth. The mower is there for you to judge if it has been used roughly or if the seller has a nefarious reason to dispose of it.
at the inspection. First check the motor for leaks. Inspect everything, including the key, for damage. Look closely at the paint for rust, damage and concealment. Check mower deck for grass and debris. You may be surprised to learn that many mower owners don’t bother to clean the mower deck after every use. Check the condition of the blades and edges to see if they are sharp. The blades are generally easy to sharpen and new ones are readily available, so they’re not that important as giving you an idea of how much use and maintenance this mower has had of the blades as well as the condition of the blades. tires and rims. .
Then check the oil level and the appearance of the oil. Then do the same for the air filter (and also the candles if you wish). It’s not a good sign if a seller doesn’t at least make sure the air filter is clean and the oil is kosher before listing a fairly expensive machine like a riding lawn mower for sale. Finally, check the engine again for leaks.
take a ride
If you think taking a ride in a car is fun, wait until you take a ride on a lawnmower. These mowers are designed to go around and around to get into hard-to-reach areas. But start it first and see if it starts quickly on the first try. Let it idle for a while as it bounces around the seat to check for comfort and noise. Make sure the engine idles smoothly without any issues. Turn it off and turn it back on. Check the balance from left to right before putting it in the device.
We are now ready to take a ride. Shift down and drive. Shift one gear at a time while occasionally testing the brake. Turn the mower in all directions and listen to the sound. Drive it to a spot where the grass needs mowing, activate the mower deck and see how well it cuts. Does it require you to do a double take of cutting patterns? See if the platform moves up and down smoothly. Turn around and make sure the grass clippings accumulate in the bag. Does it stack well?
At the end of the day, just as it’s impossible to buy at the lowest price and sell at the highest price on the stock market, it makes no sense to get the best deal in the used lawn tractor market. Ideally, find a well-maintained lawn mower in good condition at a price that suits you, then congratulate yourself and enjoy your new riding mower.