I am trying to start up a part time mowing business with a limited budget. I have an opportunity to buy a 10 +/- year old exmark 36 walk behind with a fixed deck, 14 HP Kawasaki for $825. It seems to run fine, no smoke etc, normal wear and tear, etc. It apparently was used regularly in the first few years of its life but has been sitting up for the last 7 or so years until a few weeks ago. Keep in mind this is not going to be a 40 hour a week mower, it will probably see 5 to 10 hour/week use. Any thoughts?
10 Year Old Exmark 36" Walk Behind?
Clemsonkurt
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I am trying to start up a part time mowing business with a limited budget. I have an opportunity to buy a 10 +/- year old exmark 36 walk behind with a fixed deck, 14 HP Kawasaki for $825. It seems to run fine, no smoke etc, normal wear and tear, etc. It apparently was used regularly in the first few years of its life but has been sitting up for the last 7 or so years until a few weeks ago. Keep in mind this is not going to be a 40 hour a week mower, it will probably see 5 to 10 hour/week use. Any thoughts?
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14,898 Posts
Except for the operator controls not much has changed on the Metro. If it's in good shape go for it. I would if I needed one.
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69 Posts
I just bought one and wish I never did. The cut I'm getting is horrible. It's leaving a tall strip about 5" wide in the middle even with brand new blades. Try for a Scag or Lesco. Never had a problem with either brand and both gave me perfect cuts every time...
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14,898 Posts
There is something wrong with your mower. If you bought it new take it back and have them fix it. I had a 2000 Exmark 36" Metro and the cut was great.
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848 Posts
I second that, my Metro cuts sweet and leaves a great cut.
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2,739 Posts
Try to talk the owner down a hundred dollars
The age is not as important as how well maintained it was over the years. I have an Exmark Viking (hydro drive), 36" width, 15 hp Kohler. I bought it in 1996, and was my main workhorse for 10 years, running about 600-700 hours per season. Now, I use it about half the time, after I added a ZTR three years ago.
I just ran it today -- 9:00 to 7:00, running a good part of that time. It cuts just as well now, as when new. I've changed out the engine one time, and have replaced spindle bearings a few times. Of course, deck and hydro belts have been swapped out too. Yes, the linkages in the controls are pretty loose, but it still makes me money, without any significant repairs. The most money I've spent in the past three years is one deck belt, one hydro belt, and a set of spindle bearings. Engine oil gets changed every 40 hours, filter every other time, hydro fluid change each season with a new filter.
I'm in an environment where the deck does not get damaged (e.g. sand erosion).
I have no idea about price. When I retire this machine, I will have no idea on what to ask. It has made me so much money over 13 seasons, a couple of hundred here or there is trivial. I anticipate I will wear out before this Exmark wears out.
I just ran it today -- 9:00 to 7:00, running a good part of that time. It cuts just as well now, as when new. I've changed out the engine one time, and have replaced spindle bearings a few times. Of course, deck and hydro belts have been swapped out too. Yes, the linkages in the controls are pretty loose, but it still makes me money, without any significant repairs. The most money I've spent in the past three years is one deck belt, one hydro belt, and a set of spindle bearings. Engine oil gets changed every 40 hours, filter every other time, hydro fluid change each season with a new filter.
I'm in an environment where the deck does not get damaged (e.g. sand erosion).
I have no idea about price. When I retire this machine, I will have no idea on what to ask. It has made me so much money over 13 seasons, a couple of hundred here or there is trivial. I anticipate I will wear out before this Exmark wears out.
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297 Posts
I just purchased a 1999 36" exmark metro with a jungle jim sulky for 300.00. It needed a drive belt and tune up and it cranks on the first pull. I noticed that it was leaving a strip of uncut grass coming from the center of the deck. I check the blades and the guy had 16 inch blades on it. Being a 36" deck, I should have 18" blades. I had an extra set of blades from gravely 34z that I swapped. The windrow almost disappeared, but it is still there. I will be replacing the blades with some 18" gators. I would shoot him an offer of 500. By the way, I purchase a drive belt from napa for 26.00 and my exmark dealer wanted 70.00.
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318 Posts
Are you interested in a 36, Turf Tracer? I got one for sale?
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