With today's prices continually increasing and with most people feeling the pinch in their wallets, it's a good idea to consider looking at used garden tractors for your yard work needs.
Of course, this is assuming that you need a riding mower for your landscaping maintenance. Perhaps a push-behind lawnmower will take care of your needs. However, most people who have at least a half acre of lawn will find a riding lawn tractor to be quite useful.
Toro Push Mower
So if you're wondering whether it's a good idea to buy a used garden tractor, then read on. We'll address what to look for in a used model, and we'll provide tips so that you can decide between a private party sale and a used machine from a retailer.
Used Garden Tractors Tips
You'll be able to tell a lot simply by how the tractor looks when you pull in. Is it garaged? Washed and waxed? Chances are that if the original owner kept the machine garaged and washed, then he probably took pretty good care of it.
Talk to the seller. Ask him some basic questions like: Why are you selling? Is there anything wrong with the garden tractor? What do you like about it? What do you dislike about it?
Have the seller start up the engine, and then engage the mower deck. Listen closely for knocking or missing. Watch the seller drive it around a bit, and then hop on yourself for a test drive.
Pay attention to the engine. Is there any unusual vibration? Does the machine ride comfortably, or does it jerk you around? How's the steering? The braking?
The seller may also be including some accessories in the sale. Many garden tractors have add-ons like tractor tillers, baggers and so on. You'll want to ask if any additional accessories come with this machine.
Try to mow an area with longer grass. How does it perform? Does it cut the grass, or just whack it off? A less-than-clean mower cut can indicate hard use and that the mower blades may need sharpening. In that case, you may want to look at other used garden tractors.
Try a Lawn Tractor Retailer
Most tractor merchants will carry used garden tractors also. This is because they often get old models that have been traded in on a newer machine.
The good news is that a trade-in will usually go through some sort of inspection from the retailer's service department. If the store is going to put its name on this sale, or in other words, stand behind the transaction, the store wants to make sure that this machine is going to do them proud.
The retailer wants to know if the tractor will last for the new owner, because if it doesn't, guess who's going to come back to the store MAD?!?
Generally the tractor inspection will include fluid checks, cleaning and testing. Many retailers will include some kind of warranty if they complete this type of check up, so be sure to ask what it is.
Many Garden Tractor Manufacturers
The fact that there are many manufacturers today is a benefit to the consumer, since you have a large pool to choose from.
You can find such names as MTD, Toro, John Deere, Poulan, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet and more, and many retailers will carry more than one brand name.
You will want to figure the cost of a used garden tractor to run at about 50% of new prices, although there are sometimes bargains to be found and prices could even be lower. Of course, age plays a factor in the asking price as well as previous use.
It's always a good idea to shop online so you know what new prices are, as well as the available features on most models. Always check the reviews, since you can gain insight from others.
With a little legwork and savvy shopping, you'll be a pro when it comings to shopping for used garden tractors, and you'll be able to find the one that satisfies your needs.
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