New vs. Used

[hookem8]

I need to get a walk-behind mower and I would really like to go new but I am just starting out so I am thinking used might be the way to go. I need 32" or 36". How do yall locate your used equipment. Ive been on craigslist but it all goes so fast. I had a line on a 32" Exmark for 900. The add posted at 930 Tuesday night, I called the guy at 8 Weds morning and it was sold! I think I should just save a little while longer and buy new. Whats yalls take?

[sslopok]

I have a hard time buying used stuff because the equipment is only as good as the last person that owned it. It may look brand new on the outside but they may have neglected other thing like greasing and oil changes. If you buy new you have a warranty, if you buy used you may have to spend a crap load out of your pocket soon after the sale.
good luck,
SSlopok

[bohiaa]

I too have had a hard time with used, it's hard to find, then when you do it's used up.

best time I have found to get used was in the winter.

[hookem8]

I have a hard time buying used stuff because the equipment is only as good as the last person that owned it. It may look brand new on the outside but they may have neglected other thing like greasing and oil changes. If you buy new you have a warranty, if you buy used you may have to spend a crap load out of your pocket soon after the sale.
good luck,
SSlopok

That is what I am thinking as far as the warranty goes. And I am of the opinion that the seller is selling for a reason. I definitely do not want to inherit another guys problems.

[Two Seasons]

I would encourage you to stick with a 36" walk behind. New or used.

The upside to buying used is the initial cost of ownership. If you are mechanically inclined, used could work for you. If you do decide used is the best route, then buy a belt drive as they are less expensive and prior maintenance isn't as much of an issue with the equipment.

[4.3mudder]

I have bought a walk behind and a ztr used, had great results. If you somewhat mechanically inclined and have some knowledge and skills you should be good to go.

[STIHL GUY]

just keep looking. eventually a good deal will come up. It took me a while to find my current mower but im glad i waited

[hookem8]

I would encourage you to stick with a 36" walk behind. New or used.


I havent had any experience with a 36". I know the guy at the dealer selling the machine to me tells me a 36 fits through most gates but I have been mowin with a 32 for the past couple of years and even that thing cuts it close gettin through some gates. I want to get my machine through as many as possible. Does the 36 really fit through most gates?

[Two Seasons]

I havent had any experience with a 36". I know the guy at the dealer selling the machine to me tells me a 36 fits through most gates but I have been mowin with a 32 for the past couple of years and even that thing cuts it close gettin through some gates. I want to get my machine through as many as possible. Does the 36 really fit through most gates?

If it's a 48" gate, all will fit through :)

If you drive your 36" mower through a 36" gate at an angle, most will fit through.

[J&R Landscaping]

It depends on what your finances are like. Craigslist, ebay and your local dealers are good places to start. Check your classified ads in the newspaper as well! Sometimes, the good deals come and it all about being at the right place at the right time to catch the deal!

[davidl79]

I would suggest buying new. We bought a used mower last year. It was a ZTR and the guy traded it in after he stuck a nut in the head. The mower lasted one yard and put the nut through the head. We have since used it on one yard. We have invested way too much into it and it went out again today. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!
Dave

[mowerknower]

Buy new, there is good financing available. You can get low monthly payments. Buying used is a huge risk, I have guys thinking they can sell there used mowers for top $ because the say they have mantained it good. But all there mantance includes is changing the oil, greasing it and sharpening the blades. They dont realize how much more there is too mantanance.

[Hell on Blades]

This is definately a double edeged sword. The IDEAL would be to get by with what you have until you can afford to pay cash for a new mower. I'm very much into avoiding credit at all costs... If you have to buy, take a real good look at used and rule them all out before buying new.

You don't know what tomorrow will hold-- weather / injury / other emergency -- and you don't want to have any outstandings that you don't have to. I have one debt to pay each month and its my insurance ... Everything else is CASH...

I'll give you an example of tomorrow -- I have a good friend in vending, typically short of a power outage or robbery, he only has to worry about getting to the supply house each night before they close. Last week his wife went into labor three months premature. While another friend and myself took Friday to fill a few critical machines, about 15 sat empty (in hotels) over the weekend. If those machines were financed, each losing about $200 in two days -- where would he be? Right now he has only the hotel managers to explain to and they're human... --- Call me a doomsday but plan for the worst and be happy when its not...

[Outdoors_Unlimited]

I wanted to buy new when I just bought my mower. But like stated above try to pay cash.

I looked all winter at used, until I found my mower. 07 Exmark Viking Hydro for $800 with a set of pro-one wheels. Hour meter says 459. Hopefully it will survive till I can save the cash to buy a new one.