Would you consider a used lawn tractor?

[Keef]

If you look at it, and it's in good shape and it starts with a turn of the key, would you say it's safe to buy? What are thing things to look for? How uncomfortable would you feel buying a tractor if the oil is very dirty? What problems could occurr?

[ancientlake]

Personally, I wouldn't consider a new one. Having said that, my experience has been that buying one from an owner/user, estate sale, etc. is better than buying one that may have been canabalized from different tractors by a "tinkerer."

Make sure the mowing deck is not too beat up or rusted and that it sounds ok and runs when you engage it. The rear end should not "scream" or be too loud, and you don't want smoke when you start or stop the engine. Oil is going to look dirty so that wouldn't affect my decision unless it really looks scary. Plan to change it no matter what.

Chris

[jeffinsgf]

Keef,

There are tractors that I would consider buying used, and others I wouldn't touch with someone else's ten foot pole.

Research the model first and foremost. If the model has a history of being a sound performer over time and no history of serious failure, then take a look at the specific machine. If it seems to have been well maintained and everything works, go for it.

I bought a used John Deere 455. There are only a couple of new models I would trade it for, and they sell for about 3 times what I paid for mine.

[RoyJackson]

I've never bought a new lawn tractor...bought new mowers (every 7 or 8 years or so).
Nothing wrong with used...just know what you're looking for.

[Builder]

Originally Posted by Keef

If you look at it, and it's in good shape and it starts with a turn of the key, would you say it's safe to buy? What are thing things to look for? How uncomfortable would you feel buying a tractor if the oil is very dirty? What problems could occurr?

If you can buy it knowing that you won't be angry if it needs a BIG repair, then yes, I'd say it's safe to buy. Ask seller if you can cut some grass with it and don't buy it unless you really like it.

I just dropped over 50K on a used backhoe with no hesitation.

Didn't hurt that that CASE gave me a 3yr/3000hr powertrain warranty