Looking to Buy Used Cub Cadet Zero Turn Good Prices?

nc66uky · Nov 2, 2013

My local dealer has the following used mowers:

CUB CADET RZT-L 54 KAWASAKI ENGINE, 54" CUT, 64.5 HRS, WARRANTY, 2013 MODEL ,$2350.00
CC RZT 50 KOHLER ENGINE, 50" CUT, 131 HRS 2010 MODEL,WARRANTY $2250.00
CC RZT 50 KAWASAKI ENGINE, 50" CUT, 334 HRS, 2005 MODEL $1500.00
CC RZT 50 BRIGGS ENGINE, 50" CUT, 535 HRS, 2005 MODEL $1300.00
CC ZF-S 54 KOHLER ENGINE, 54" CUT 110 HRS, 2011 MODEL WARRANTY $2875.00
CC ZF-S 48 KAWASAKI ENGINE, 48" CUT 2010 MODEL WARRANTY $2575.00
CC ZF 48 BRIGGS ENGINE, 48" CUT, 740HRS, 2004 MODEL $1500.00
WHITE Z42 BRIGGS ENGINE 42" CUT, 2008 MODEL, $1300.00

I am considering the 54 RZTKW it still has 2 years of warranty left. The ad states that "No reasonable offer will be refused". What would a reasonable offer be for any of these? I also like the Z force 54 cut, but it seems high hours and price, but has the steering wheel which is better for other people that might use it. I have about 2-3 acres of grass to mow. I have been looking for a replacement on our old Craftsman tractors that seemed to break down every week this summer. The prices of new mowers were quite a bit more, but I would like to get the best value. A nice mower at a great price if possible. Any suggestions?

GBHRPS · Nov 2, 2013

nc66uky,

Check the archives here concerning the RZT models and you'll discover that many of them have had one or both drive motors go bad at about the 250 to 300 hour mark. The bad thing about that, is that they are not rebuildable, and cost about $800 to $900 a piece. They are just not standing up.

The drives on the Z Force machines are more upscale, rebuildable, are more robust, and don't have anywhere near the same failure rate. I have the Z Force 48, bought it used with 350 hours and a new motor (who knows why the other B&S motor was replaced) and it has proven to be a workhorse. Other than a bad tire, one motor to deck drive belt, and new blades, its been trouble free.

Depending on your wallet, I'd buy any of those Z Forces, even the one with 750 hours if it looked well cared for. Good Luck, which ever way you decide.

nc66uky · Nov 3, 2013

GBHRPS said:
nc66uky,

Check the archives here concerning the RZT models and you'll discover that many of them have had one or both drive motors go bad at about the 250 to 300 hour mark. The bad thing about that, is that they are not rebuildable, and cost about $800 to $900 a piece. They are just not standing up.

The drives on the Z Force machines are more upscale, rebuildable, are more robust, and don't have anywhere near the same failure rate. I have the Z Force 48, bought it used with 350 hours and a new motor (who knows why the other B&S motor was replaced) and it has proven to be a workhorse. Other than a bad tire, one motor to deck drive belt, and new blades, its been trouble free.

Depending on your wallet, I'd buy any of those Z Forces, even the one with 750 hours if it looked well cared for. Good Luck, which ever way you decide.

Thanks for the advice. I had been reading here for weeks and had seen the issues reported on RZT models. I am just trying to decide between a newer model with fewer hours and 2 years of warranty. I'd rather spend money up front and not worry about repairs. That being said, if I can get one for a thousand dollars less than the new price I can afford to spend a little on repairs.