How's this 36" for a starter on a tight budget

[Ecoscape01]

Provided this thing runs as promised, doesn't smoke, starts right up - in short if it's mechanically sound do you think this is a good starter for $450

http://delaware.craigslist.org/tls/277013502.html

[ProStreetCamaro]

OMG thats a bob cat Ransom classic (the real original!). We started with 2 of those years ago! Awsome little machines. They lasted forever to and cut absolutely awsome! To this day we regret selling them. I say if the machine runs good and operates correctly then you should buy it. With the variable speed tranny it has you can not use a velky on it and thats the only down side to it. also getting parts may prove to be a chore but the machine is so simple and easy to work on it isnt even funny.

[Ecoscape01]

OMG thats a bob cat Ransom classic (the real original!). We started with 2 of those years ago! Awsome little machines. They lasted forever to and cut absolutely awsome! To this day we regret selling them. I say if the machine runs good and operates correctly then you should buy it. With the variable speed tranny it has you can not use a velky on it and thats the only down side to it. also getting parts may prove to be a chore but the machine is so simple and easy to work on it isnt even funny.

That is exactly what I was looking to hear. Either yes or no and why and you couldn't have put it any simpler for me so Thanks Prostreet:)

[GreenN'Clean]

For the price and for your budget I think its a good deal.

[Runner]

This just says something about this machine. It is about 20 years old, and still going. Stuff wears out - like bearings, casters, etc., but so what? The machine is so accessible and yes, there ARE many sources for parts still available. These are like and are in the same caliber as the old Buntons that JD used (I still have one of those - a 1984 model). I would say check it put.