MF 2820 price

[bumpkin]

Hey guys, lurked in the forum a bit, looks like lots of knowledge here, so I thought I'd ask.

I'm going to check out an '02 Massey 2820 garden tractor, 20 hp Kohler 50" deck. Seems like the hours are real high, 1680, but I'm wondering if the clock is actually showing 168.0 and it's just hard to read. Is there a decimal on the clock? Or did this guy just love his toy?

Anyway, I've looked over the "comparable" Snapper and Agco, and like the machines, but now I'm wondering what is a fair price with the options and hours. How many hours could I expect to put on a Kohler v-twin before overhaul?

Owned by a retiree, now deceased so I won't get to see how meticulous he was in person.

Thanks in advance for any insight. Let me know if I'm in the wrong forum.

bumpkin

 

[Baucom]

I'm not sure on a fair used value for a 2820, but I bought a new 2006 2823 with a 54" deck 2 months ago for $5300. That might give you a baseline from which to figure how good his price is. I can't remember, but I do believe there is a decimal on the hr meter. I would assume it to be 168 hrs, b/c 1680 seems mighty high for a 5 yr old machine owned by a retiree. Also, if it is like mine, it has a PTO hr meter. Switch the ignition on, but don't crank, and pull out the PTO knob on the dash and it will display the PTO hrs on the unit. Gives some indication of his mix of PTO/drawbar usage. If it has 168 hrs on it, I would estimate a fair price being in the $3500 range in excellent condition--of course I have no real data to base that on other than looking at prices on a few used MF/Simplicity online (none comparable to the 2820 though).

BTW, excellent choice of mower. I briefly had a new CC GT2554, and this MF 2823 has been well worth the extra $1100. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 2800/Prestige series machine. The PS and hydraulic lift are nice luxuries that you won't want to be without if you're used to them, and the Kohler Command is a commercial engine--the dealers I talked to said to expect around 2000 hrs if well maintained. In fact, compared to the GT2554 I had, the MF has a little nicer engine (both were Command 23 hp) with Kohler's larger available oil filter and a factory oil cooler.

 

[bumpkin]

Thought I'd post a follow up. What I bought is a 2002 MF 2820 with a 50" deck. Asking price was $3000, turns out the hours are now in fact 168, not 1680 like was thought, paid $2800. The machine, and deck look pretty good.

The bad news is it's burning oil, looks like I might have a Kohler head gasket problem-wishful thinking, or worse. Also the blades will need to be sharpened. Looks like the motor oil was maintained, trans is unknown, so I'll do that.

Considering I was looking at a new Husqvarna with a Kawasaki and around a 50" deck was going to set me back around $2300 to $2400 depending on shipping (online price), I think I'll do alright with the Massey (Simplicity), which I previously had not considered because of my price range.

I'm only mowing about an acre (I only have 2.5 total, much heavily wooded with no grass), and sometimes pulling a 17 cu ft cart with leaves or mulch, so I think the machine might be overkill, but better to go big I guess. After one cutting I'm impressed. I replaced a 11hp 32" Yard Man that I recieved in trade for some light work, so I'm comparing apples to bowling balls.

Thought I'd throw this out in case someone is looking for price idea. I will say the previous owner was incredibly helpful and friendly, so that helped alot, because I really didn't know that much about the MF (Simp). Good people do exist.

Wifes' car can sit outside.

 

[Baucom]

I believe you made an excellent choice, especially at that price. This is much more mower than a Husqvarna, and with proper care should last you many years. Hopefully you will enjoy yours as much as I'm enjoying mine (I could enjoy it a lot more if it would rain so the grass would grow). Happy tractoring, and watch out, the PS and hydraulic lift will spoil you--you'll likely never want another mower without it.