NEED ADVICE ON WHETHER TO BUY ONE OF TWO USED MOWERS (old Toro or newer Craftsman)

[kmhyde]

I a looking at a 1995 or 1996 Toro Super Recycler, model # 20462 or a Craftsman 917.376360 (don't know how old it is yet). The latter I think has electric start and (now confirmed) that it was built in 1996. I am concerned about how old the Toro is, but I talked to a Toro repairman who said it would be okay as long as it runs well. Both I think have some sort of self-propulsion. I'm checking them out tonight and have the option of paying $80 for the Toro and $115 for the Craftsman (trying to talk them to $100). Which would you buy? I don't have a huge yard, but our backyard (where we moved recently) is fairly weedy and I'll have lots of leaves in the fall. Any help would be appreciated.


***update*** I received the serial # for the Craftsman and it was also built in 1996.

Thanks,

K

 

[exotion]

Toro all the way...

 

[kmhyde]

Toro all the way...

Thanks. I ended up buying the Toro. It seems to start/run well. The only issue is that there was a little difficulty at time switching between the 3 speeds for walking. The high speed went very fast, but sometimes it was a little difficult to get between the different gears. I'm hoping that is not a system failure problem, or something that can be fixed with some WD-40. They said they service it this March, but I can't tell and the filter looks a little dirty...though it has been in use. I'm hoping this ends up lasting for a while.

Since I know nothing about mowers, would you recommend I take it in for service now, or bring it in at the end of the season?

Thanks

 

[exotion]

That trans has always been tricky. That's just the way it is don't spray wd40 in it