Good riding mower/tractor used for $500-1500?

[ShowroomShine]

Need a spare mower to keep at a second property so I dont have to trailer my BX back and forth every weekend. Even though this is a cheaper secondary mower, I'd still not rather buy a huge pile of crap machine. I was thinking an older Deere, Gravely etc?

What would you suggest for a riding mower (hydrostatic preferred) that can handle some grass mowing and maybe towing a cart around the yard for $500-1500?

 

[RjCorazza]

I have long since lost track of who makes what in the world of residential mowers. I suspect in your price range most any of the newer (used) residential models would be suitable for a second mower, ie John Deere, Husqvarna, CubCadet, etc. There are a LOT of these types of machines for sale used.
Getting an older and higher quality machine may serve well also, but need a little initial work if you're mechanically inclined.

Easy to spend someone else's money, but I gave up on residential machines years ago, and bite the bullet on commercial equipment.

 

[ShowroomShine]

I have long since lost track of who makes what in the world of residential mowers. I suspect in your price range most any of the newer (used) residential models would be suitable for a second mower, ie John Deere, Husqvarna, CubCadet, etc. There are a LOT of these types of machines for sale used.
Getting an older and higher quality machine may serve well also, but need a little initial work if you're mechanically inclined.

Easy to spend someone else's money, but I gave up on residential machines years ago, and bite the bullet on commercial equipment.

Oh yeah me too, I only use commercial level stuff for my main yard and property….just can’t justify that for a second home. I thought about a good commercial walk behind mower but then it can’t tow a cart around so I figured a riding mower would probably still be best.

 

[RjCorazza]

Oh yeah me too, I only use commercial level stuff for my main yard and property….just can’t justify that for a second home. I thought about a good commercial walk behind mower but then it can’t tow a cart around so I figured a riding mower would probably still be best.

Understood. A budget mower certainly doesn't compare to your BX machine! I use commercial equipment for my lawn, but mostly for my small lawn mowing retirement gig - 400-500 hours per year.
There should be a large selection of residential mowers available, have fun shopping.

 

[jyoutz]

I don’t think you will be able to find a top tier used mower in hay price range; more like a big box store type of machine made by MTD. The best I could find in the under $1500 range is a Scotts brand mower or a lower end Deere mower.

 

[Bill Guenthner]

I have long since lost track of who makes what in the world of residential mowers. I suspect in your price range most any of the newer (used) residential models would be suitable for a second mower, ie John Deere, Husqvarna, CubCadet, etc. There are a LOT of these types of machines for sale used.
Getting an older and higher quality machine may serve well also, but need a little initial work if you're mechanically inclined.

Easy to spend someone else's money, but I gave up on residential machines years ago, and bite the bullet on commercial equipment.

Good used mowers are rare as hens teeth. As a general rule nobody sells a ‘good’ used mower, they keep using it.

 

[jyoutz]

Good used mowers are rare as hens teeth. As a general rule nobody sells a ‘good’ used mower, they keep using it.

I happened to find mine used from a guy who moved from a house with a large lot to a city house with a small yard.

 

[Rich B1]

“If” you can find an older Craftsman GT5000/6000 type mower or it’s Husqvarna/Poulan/Dixon equivalent you can have a decent 2nd mower. Some parts are getting harder to find, but the wear stuff like belts/blades/spindles/electrics/etc. are still easily available. The 6 speed models are likely the most rugged.