Hi all. Been cutting my 1/3 acre lawn for years with a Toro personal pace mower but a recent neuropathy problem with my feet necessitates a riding mower. I'm on a limited budget so I'm looking for a reliable machine for about $300-$600. About 8 years ago I found a 417-8 wheel horse for $300 that I keep up at my cabin to cut about an acre and it's still running strong with occasional work that I can do myself. I see a lot of craigslist riders in this range but am leary of the newer box store brands that folks are selling that are 3-5 years old. Anyone have any insight. Again I'm just looking for something to keep the lawn cut and is easy to fix and maintain. I am seeing several Deere STX 30-38 models in that price range. Would this be a good choice? Thanks for your thoughts.
looking for used lawn tractor
- Thread starter Kosmo
- Start date
davesl708
Elite Member
Box store machines are built to hit a price range. I sold my JD D130 after three years and 150hrs cutting 1 acre. Those models were notorious for bad transmissions (K46).
Cutting 1/3 acre should not put much work on a used machine. Maybe a used Toro or older JD 200 or 300 series. My neighbor has a JD 210 and 316 that are thirty years old. If he took care of them they would still be running. He used ethanol in them and can't get them started.
Cutting 1/3 acre should not put much work on a used machine. Maybe a used Toro or older JD 200 or 300 series. My neighbor has a JD 210 and 316 that are thirty years old. If he took care of them they would still be running. He used ethanol in them and can't get them started.
prichard
Veteran Member
I bought an old MTD for a couple hundred bucks. Those old ones were US made and tough.
Deere Dude
Elite Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2011
- Messages
- 3,986
- Tractor
- John Deere 3720
Craigslist will have them for that price.
2ndhalf
Veteran Member
Botaskinner
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2015
- Messages
- 93
- Location
- Sierra Vista, AZ
- Tractor
- Kubota B2320 w/4' Land Pride Box Blade, FEL, Middle Buster, Pirhana tooth bar
For all the bad stuff said about MTD, I bought a used Monkey Wards 1999 vintage with the variable drive and 16 hp Briggs industrial / commercial one lunger.
I've put it through all sorts of abuse, even clearing a large patch or two of iceplant that was easily 8" thick some years back. I had to sneak up on that, but eventually after multiple passes I was able to chop it into submission.
Aside from a couple of sets of spindle bearings, and enlarging the battery tray to fit a standard-size (and cheaper) battery, it's been great.
I also fabbed up new battery cables and replaced the starter solenoid with an automotive one...
Still runs, and I've not had a minute's trouble with the transaxle. The engine is really economical, and nearly indestructible.
(Not mine shown for reference only)
I've put it through all sorts of abuse, even clearing a large patch or two of iceplant that was easily 8" thick some years back. I had to sneak up on that, but eventually after multiple passes I was able to chop it into submission.
Aside from a couple of sets of spindle bearings, and enlarging the battery tray to fit a standard-size (and cheaper) battery, it's been great.
I also fabbed up new battery cables and replaced the starter solenoid with an automotive one...
Still runs, and I've not had a minute's trouble with the transaxle. The engine is really economical, and nearly indestructible.
(Not mine shown for reference only)
buickanddeere
Super Member
Lawn tractors with five bolts holding the rear wheels on have HD transmissions .
Look for something really common to your area. That way price tags should be lower, and parts should be easy to come by.
Like my '98 yard machines MTD. I got it used for a song about 5 years ago, has held up well, and parts are plentiful.
Like my '98 yard machines MTD. I got it used for a song about 5 years ago, has held up well, and parts are plentiful.