The Green Industry's Resource Center

tjlco · #1 02-01-2010, 11:30 PM

So I have this idea....for the last 6 or so years I've been running 2 scag 52 tiger cubs 23hp. Now one has about 4k hours original motor. The other one blew at 2301 hrs...go figure...so its got 1k hours on new motor. Anyway this past year I broke down and bought the NLZ 60/29, and love every minute I'm on it. I now rotate the the scags, usually because one is in the shop, and as I get that one out the other goes in. They are old so I can accept that. Anyway my idea.....selling those 2 scags buying a new 52. So this year I'd have 1 brand new 1 almost new mower. Next year buy no mower. Then in 2012 replace the 60 before its while I can get something for it, then in 2013 replace the 52. 2014 nothing. Tis means I'd always have newer machines, and a tax write off. So the question is, buy new and run them for years, or replace them before they become wothless. Sorry for the long post

mowerbrad · #2 02-01-2010, 11:51 PM

By using the mower for as long as possible, you will save the most money and keep the most money in the bank.

For example:

Lets say that you get 3000 hours out of the life of a mower and in that 3000 hours the mower earns you $120,000 (just making up a number). And after taking out the purchase price of the mower, $10,000, maintenance costs of $5000 and you are left with $105,000.

Now if you replace mowers every 1000 hours, you will have to buy 3 mowers to equal the 3000 hour life used previously. So after earning you $120,000 you have to take out the purchase price of 3 mowers at $10,000 each, and the maintenance costs of $2500 combined and you are left with $87,500.

So by using the one mower for its entire life will save you $17,500.

Hopefully that makes sense.

But do what you would like.