Best time to buy?

[tkappeler]

Hello,

I have somewhat of a dilemma. We recently moved into a new home with about an acre of lawn. We had planned on using the self propelled toro walk behind for this summer and purchase a tractor of some variety at the end of the season. The push mower died last week and I have been unable to get it to start (replaced plug, replaced armature, new gas, not even a hint of starting even with starter spray).

The dilemma is: do we bite the bullet sooner than planned? We can take the push mower in to see what is up and set a limit on how much to spend to get it fixed. Pay a service to cut until we have some kind of replacement but that is money that could be spent towards the new mower.

We really need a ride on of some kind, not only for the amount of lawn, but for other maintenance on 4 acres. We cannot always use the big tractor (2500#) without destroying the lawn.

When do sales/incentives typically apply? If we had to bite the bullet now, it might be a lawn tractor in the T2200 or similar line. if we can hold off till fall, might be able to swing a zero turn. Value of each?

Any and all opinions welcome.

Tom

 

[poolecw]

Toro and Exmark have incentives going on thru June.

 

[djdicetn]

Hello,

I have somewhat of a dilemma. We recently moved into a new home with about an acre of lawn. We had planned on using the self propelled toro walk behind for this summer and purchase a tractor of some variety at the end of the season. The push mower died last week and I have been unable to get it to start (replaced plug, replaced armature, new gas, not even a hint of starting even with starter spray).

The dilemma is: do we bite the bullet sooner than planned? We can take the push mower in to see what is up and set a limit on how much to spend to get it fixed. Pay a service to cut until we have some kind of replacement but that is money that could be spent towards the new mower.

We really need a ride on of some kind, not only for the amount of lawn, but for other maintenance on 4 acres. We cannot always use the big tractor (2500#) without destroying the lawn.

When do sales/incentives typically apply? If we had to bite the bullet now, it might be a lawn tractor in the T2200 or similar line. if we can hold off till fall, might be able to swing a zero turn. Value of each?

Any and all opinions welcome.

Tom

By far the Fall is the best time to shop for a zero turn mower just before the next year models arrive at dealerships. If you can find a dealer in Sept-November that has the brand/model in stock that you are interested in purchasing they will give a much better deal on their on-hand inventory to make room for the next year models. For instance, I bought my Gravely 152 in mid-September(and made offers on 3 other ZTR's). For 2012, my ztr had a MSRP of $7,199 plus taxes and the 2013's were going to be $7,499 for the exact same model. I got mine Out-The-Door at $6,800 which was approx. $1k less than the MSRP plus taxes. Add to that avoiding the $300 price increase for 2013 and I saved about $1,300 which I consider a substantial savings. The dealers best offer had been $7,300 OTD with 0% financing. BTW, I paid cash from my savings which I think enticed the sales manager to jump on my offer. Sooooo, IMHO you need to save your money until Fall and go ahead and splurge on a nice 48"-60" ZTR. Well maintained it will easily last you 15-20 years.