Used riding lawn mower

Introduction

The decision to opt for a used riding lawn mower rather than a brand new one can be intimidating yet economically wise. This article seeks to guide you on how to get the best deal while navigating this choice. It covers the basics of understanding a riding lawn mower operation, reasons to choose a used mower, and the key factors you should consider during your selection process. Additionally, it provides insights on where to buy used riding lawn mowers and how to maintain your used mower for longevity.

Understanding the Basics of a Riding Lawn Mower

A riding mower is certainly a step up from the push mower you may be used to, but don't be intimidated! Riding mowers are known for being easy to use so you can quickly and efficiently mow your lawn. To help you get familiar with it, we've answered some of the most common questions about operating a riding mower. Steps Question 1 of 7: How do you turn on a riding lawn mower? Push on the brake, pull the choke out, and turn the key to start. You'll also have an easier time getting your mower to start up if the throttle is in the highest position.

Why Choose a Used Riding Lawn Mower

Thinking about buying a used lawn mower? Used lawn mowers, no matter the make and model, can be a great opportunity to save some serious coin while still getting a powerful lawn care machine. Pros of buying used include affordability and more power for less price. You have the option to test drive before buying at all PowerPro locations. The cons involve potential shorter lifespan and expired warranties.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Used Riding Lawn Mower

When buying a used lawn mower, ask about its age, usage, storage, and reason for sale. Ensure the availability of any warranties, financing options, and maintenance receipts. Check the engine, tires, and body for wear and tear, the battery, belts, and wiring for possible replacements. Inspect the air filter, fluid levels, brakes, steering, and safety features thoroughly. Make sure the mower is compatible with your required attachments, fits in your storage space and has a suitable transmission type. Consider its maintenance history for a sign of its future lifespan.

Age and Condition of the Mower

Knowing the age of your lawnmower is good when buying a second-hand mower as parts may lose their optimum performance with the years. Most lawnmowers have a serial number with the brand, model, and manufacturer date. This article takes you through some basic factors on how to find or approximate your lawnmower’s age, including checking the body’s condition, the lawnmower blades, oil tank, carburetor coding and condition, and the engine age and model coding for different lawnmower brands.

Brand and Model

In Consumer Reports’ 2017 survey of 11,217 subscribers, John Deere is the most reliable brand of lawn tractors and reliable zero-turn-radius mowers. However, they tend to be pricey. Owners can expect breakage rates in mid to high 30s for Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman. As prices fall on ZTRs, Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 now matches or beats the best tractors in cutting. Toro SW4200 74784 ZTR is among the best models in the test, following closely behind John Deere.

Efficiency and Power

The performance and efficiency of the machine should be reliable, and the used machine provides the best efficiency and performance. Efficiency depends upon the input you give in the form of money or energy and the output you receive in the form of cutting grass; it does not involve the appearance of the machine. The best performance and high efficiency are also the reasons to go for buying a used riding lawn mower. This proves an old and wise statement that old is gold.

Price

Like cars, the value of a used riding lawn mower is based on depreciation, appearance, condition, hours, class, and region. They begin to depreciate the moment they are purchased and continue to depreciate in value annually. Cosmetic appearance, structural integrity and performance can greatly influence price. Region also has an influence on the value. If the lawnmower is 1-7 years old, you should begin with the original MSRP then factor in depreciation rate. If more than 7 years old, consider the average selling price of comparable models in your area.

Where to Buy Used Riding Lawn Mowers

UsedMowersOnline.com is a family-owned online marketplace that specializes in connecting buyers to sellers offering used commercial and residential zero-turn mowers, stand up mowers, and riding mowers for sale. UsedMowersOnline.com seeks to service the needs of buyers and sellers right where they are at. Our marketplace offers a variety of zero-turn lawnmowers for your lawncare business or personal use. We strive to honor God in all aspects of our business. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and are always available to answer any questions or concerns. Used Mowers are not just our expertise, it’s our community!

Online Platforms

Research is always the first step in any buying process. There are plenty of online marketplaces, such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook, where you can buy pre-owned lawn mowers. Alternatively, you could buy from a friend, family member, or someone in the community. Many times, local newspapers will have classified sections where people advertise their used items. Libraries are also known to have sales bulletin boards.

Local Listings and Garage Sales

There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can buy pre-owned lawn mowers. However, you could also buy from local sources. Many times, local newspapers will have classified sections where people advertise their used items. Libraries are also known to have sales bulletin boards. Of course, garage sales are another opportunity to buy a used mower. Wherever you decide to buy, inspect the used mower before purchasing.

Lawn Mower Repair Shops

Another great option is small engine repair places. These businesses specialize in lawn mowers, tractors, ATV’s, and other small engines. They will purchase your used, junked, and even buy a broken lawn mower and then use it for parts on their repairs. Since these shops are in your locality who buys broken lawn mowers that would help you to pay out for a reasonable deal. In my experience, these places pay slightly better than a salvage yard, however are much pickier about what they take in.

The Buying Process: Questions to Ask and Things to Look Out For

When you're comparing shopping between our inventory and other used riding lawn mowers for sale, equip yourself with these points - When was the unit initially purchased? What's the usage frequency and purpose? Why is it being sold? Availability of maintenance receipts, warranty, and financing. Assess unit's suitability for your type of use. Ensure the availability of an owner's manual. Also, check the engine, tires, exterior body condition, battery, belts, wiring, air filter, fluids, brakes, steering and safety features. And always consider the machine's maintenance history.

How to Maintain Your Used Riding Lawn Mower

Keeping your lawn mower in excellent working condition is key to ensuring your lawn mower will last as long as possible, around 10-15 years. Regular maintenance, particularly of the engine, will extend the mower's life. This can be done at least once a year using a maintenance checklist. Important steps to remember include changing the engine oil, adding fuel stabilizer, replacing the spark plug and air filter, sharpening and balancing the mower blades, and keeping the mower clean.

Conclusion

Making the choice to buy a used riding lawn mower can be seen as a step towards budget-friendly and efficient lawn care. By understanding the basics of a riding lawn mower, considering crucial factors like age, model, efficiency, price, and understanding where to find these used mowers, you can get the best value for your money. Remember, ensuring regular maintenance will extend its lifespan and performance value. Make the smart choice for your lawn care needs today.