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New, or used?

#1

twall

twall

Which do you think is better?

New, with a warranty, or used with no warranty, but 10 times the machine for the same (or less) money?


#2

I

indypower

If you are mechanically inclined and the used is a brand and year that you can still find parts for, I vote used.


#3

M

Muhammad

That's a tough call... and it depends on the type of equipment. A chainsaw or trimmer? New. Riding mower? Used up to mid-90s... compact tractor? Probably new. Thing is, there's used... and then there's USED. :cool:


#4

J

jenkinsph

Which do you think is better?

New, with a warranty, or used with no warranty, but 10 times the machine for the same (or less) money?


I like the better machine by a wide margin, problem is living in the sticks there isn't much good used stuff to find.


#5

twall

twall

That's a tough call... and it depends on the type of equipment. A chainsaw or trimmer? New. Riding mower? Used up to mid-90s... compact tractor? Probably new. Thing is, there's used... and then there's USED. :cool:

True, but there's cheap, and then there's CHEAP, too......:tongue:


#6

Two-Stroke

Two-Stroke

I like to buy used but I am picky about what I buy. CraigsList has been a great source for the last few years. I'm currently on the trail of a used Lawn Boy but the guy who has it is very hard to get in touch with.


#7

B

Bobrien

I asked the same question several years ago on another forum, and the answer I got was...go used! I did a lot of homework on-line and decided I wanted a John Deere. It took a while to find, but I found a nice 165 locally, and have not regretted purchasing it. I knew I could still find parts and even though I recently replaced the motor, it was still a great investment.

The older units are very well made, and are heavy. When looking, try to find a model you think you'll like, then start searching E-Bay and Craig's List for parts. If you don't see many parts, that should be a clue.

As with anything, you can get burned buying older equipment. If my unit finally gives up the ghost, I'll more than likely buy another Deere, something like the 300 series.

One more note, if you buy a new unit (any brand), make sure you can get service from a business that supports your unit. The problem with many of the big box stores is that they don't do repairs.


#8

K

KennyV

Used is always going to be the best value...
Used but not Used up.. and you will get to know how to determine the difference if you just give it some time.

As to repairs, all equipment will need them. I much rather do ANY repair than have anyone else do it... If it's something I have done, It's going to go smoothly, if it's something I haven't ... it will give me the chance to do something new or different.
:smile:KennyV


#9

G

greenacre

I like the price of used and if you're handy then that's definitely the way to go. For someone like me, I will go new so that I can get a warranty; you wouldn't want to see me try to fix something. Let's just say it would end up "falling" off the truck.


#10

mystreba

mystreba

Because of the steep depreciation, I always buy used cars - about 3 years old. They're beautiful cars, generally coming off lease - low mileage, well-maintained and showroom condition. I can buy a $50k car for less than $30k. It's never failed me.

I'm not so sure about tractors. I think it's a lot like investing - high risk, high reward. If you get the right machine, it's a great way to go. If you get the wrong machine, it could be a complete headache. But you have to wonder why someone is selling (or trading in) a fairly new tractor. Bottom line - you've got to be able to invest some time to research these used machines.

I have been searching for a used mower - looking to buy this weekend. Focus was on JD GX300 and X300 series, and Kubota GR2100. What I found is that it's a total PITA to shop for used equipment. Lots of internet searching, calling people on the phone with questions, driving to check equipment out, etc. It's all very time consuming and frustrating. If you know what you're doing, and you have the time - go for it.

In the end, I've decided that it's too much work and too much risk. I can't afford the down-time if things go wrong. I need something reliable. So I'm buying new.

I think what convinced me is seeing several postings here and in other forums about people who had purchased lemon tractors - always in the shop, costing hundreds of dollars each visit. What did these people do with their tractors? Cleaned them up and traded them in or sold them. Hm......


#11

grnspot110

grnspot110

I wouldn't think of buying a chain saw, trimmer or leaf blower used. But for mowers, tractors & vehicles, I only go for used, just as soon let somebody else wear the "new price" off of them! ~~ grnspot


#12

Two-Stroke

Two-Stroke

Another reason to buy used -- and I'm talking about push mowers -- is that some of the older ones are the best mowers ever made. They're simpler, lighter and built to last.

Lawn-Boy-front.jpg


#13

KJINTF

KJINTF

Nice to see everyone has their own opinion
Mine
I am the guy that always buys NEW and keeps it forever - Buy never sell
Also always pay cash
Cars, Jeeps, '72 Chevy Truck, Motor Home, Motor Cycles, Tractors, Mowers, Blowers, Chain saws, etc.
All no longer new but still with me


#14

twall

twall

I wouldn't think of buying a chain saw, trimmer or leaf blower used. But for mowers, tractors & vehicles, I only go for used, just as soon let somebody else wear the "new price" off of them! ~~ grnspot

Why not? I get them used all the time....usually for a couple bucks at yard sales.....if they need parts, I mothball them until I get another just like it at a yard sale.....$5-10, and it's good as new! Happened over and over.......


#15

grnspot110

grnspot110

Why not? I get them used all the time....usually for a couple bucks at yard sales.....if they need parts, I mothball them until I get another just like it at a yard sale.....$5-10, and it's good as new! Happened over and over.......

I just prefer to be the only operator of the little engines! I'm not an engine repairman, so I don't like to have to keep somebody else's problems running. :confused2::thumbdown: ~~ grnspot


#16

twall

twall

grnspot110 said:
I just prefer to be the only operator of the little engines! I'm not an engine repairman, so I don't like to have to keep somebody else's problems running. :confused2::thumbdown: ~~ grnspot

I dunno, you can get OPP with big stuff, too!:smile:


#17

F

fredhargis

I have to admit, it sure is harder to figure out what to do these days. Having just went through an acquisition (first mower in 17 years) I looked first at used, only to see that around me the prices were only slightly less than new (the quality mowers) and they weren't all that plentiful. If I buy used I want to be saving a little to give up "newness", but the savings i was seeing weren't enough (my opinion). The other problem I ran into was that with all the mergers and take-overs that have occurred, it's no longer enough to remember the"good" names when looking at new. Some high quality names are now sold on lesser mowers. Yeah, I wound up with new, but not because that's what I wanted to do.


#18

B

benski

No contest for me. A premium used machine in good shape is my choice. It does take a while to find, but it can be done.:biggrin:


#19

S

Steveyf

I wouldn't think of buying a chain saw, trimmer or leaf blower used. But for mowers, tractors & vehicles, I only go for used, just as soon let somebody else wear the "new price" off of them! ~~ grnspot

I've bought plenty of used trimmers and blowers and have been very pleased with the results. Especially when the equipment is made by Stihl. :thumbsup:


#20

CompactTractorFan

CompactTractorFan

Thing is, there's used... and then there's USED. :cool:

When I get done with things, it's the latter...:wink:


#21

N

NicolasK

I agree with KJINTF. I always buy new stuff too. Nothing can replace condition of brand new device. I feel more satisfied with purchase of new thing :smile:


#22

R

robert

Well I will ditto what Fred types, finding a 'good' used mower at a price 'enough' below new cost is very very hard to do. Just before I bought my Exmark I found, after three years of serious looking (and alot of driving-'excellent' condition is a very relative term) a used Kubota diesel with about fifty hours on it, 'transimission "just" replace by the dealer up the street"-agreed on the price, came back to pick it up and the 'original' owner couldn't seem to find any of the paper work-bill of sale, warranty work, nothing.
I thought of copying down the serial number to see WHEN it got stolen- but decided just to leave.....


#23

BKBrown

BKBrown

Just a little wrinkle, Dealer demo models are good too ! They are generally well maintained and nearly new, but lower priced than new and usually not high hours.
My first Ventrac was a Demo and had NO real problems for 7 years (just general maintenance). :thumbsup:
If you are looking, you might go to the dealer and tell them you would be interested in looking at their demo models when they are available. :biggrin:


#24

S

Slater

I agree with a few others here, it depends on what it is and the condition of the "Used" item.


#25

twall

twall

Just a little wrinkle, Dealer demo models are good too ! They are generally well maintained and nearly new, but lower priced than new and usually not high hours.
My first Ventrac was a Demo and had NO real problems for 7 years (just general maintenance). :thumbsup:
If you are looking, you might go to the dealer and tell them you would be interested in looking at their demo models when they are available. :biggrin:

Wouldn't it be great if Snapper, or even Sears had demo models?

Unfortunately, the 'demo' route - although the absolute best compromise between new and used - is probably limited to a high-end, very expensive machine. The local JD dealer isn't going to have a demo of their cheap series.


#26

kermit911

kermit911

I'm going to say about 9 times out of 10 I will buy used. I always seem to get a better deal and I maintain my stuff fairly well. Go USED! :thumbsup:


#27

R

robert

For everyone who will buy used, at what price from new? and, would you ever buy from a contractor??

For me the price has to be at least 30% from new for a very late model, with low low hours, and it has to have been kept under cover; and even then it is a crap shoot with regard to maint: everyone changes the oil and washes the engine when they are trying to sell.... I would only look at stuff from private sellers, not interested at all in machines with a commercial history.

We looked at a JD X320-21 hours-, last years model (dealer) and she wanted $350 less than a new one, it was very clean but still 'pre scratched" :confused2:

I asked how it happened that this machine was on the floor, was told that the owner traded for a four wheel drive model-I told her that I would go $450 MORE than what the trade in value was - of course the offer was declined.....


#28

S

sss

100% used for me it was either a 12.5hp vari speed or for 750 less a fully working 14.5hp hydro which has never let me down.:thumbsup:


#29

B

Black Bart

I prefer new but I keep them for years.
Last mower I sold I bought new, Used it 17 years and sold it for $100.00 less than what I paid new.

Inflation took care of me on that one.
17 years of trouble free service for a 100 bucks is good enough for me.

I had to pay a lot for another new one but it will continue to go up every year for a new one so my used one will also.

Few people get rid of any car or mower unless it is giving them problems.
Unless a dealer is selling it and he has fixed it you are just buying someone Else's trouble.

Buying a demo would be a good way to save $$$$$$$$


#30

Chev

Chev

For everyone who will buy used, at what price from new? and, would you ever buy from a contractor??

I like buying from a contractor. They make their living with these machines and maintenance keeps the money coming in. It is still worth giving them the 20 questions about and checking on the philosophy that they keep the machinery up with. With a contractor, they replace for larger equipment, or faster equipment, I don't really need either. My last purchase came from a contractor that bought an entire new fleet of Exmark stuff, sizing up the ZTR 12" and adding a walk behind. Cause he had to have matching stuff ya know. Included in the sale was the spares he had sitting around: new oil and fuel filter, new and used belts, used air filter. Seeing the condition of this stuff helped make the decision as it was not "shot" yet he replaced it.

Price is an individual choice. I believe half is fair. It seems like there is a slew of stuff out there for 10 - 20% off and 2 - 3 years old. I won't touch that stuff. You may as well buy new. I am actually scared of heavy equipment with 100 hours on it for sale........... why so suddenly for sale?


#31

R

robert

chev, exactly..


#32

B

BobnJeep

Used, all the way! I'm always looking for somethingto tinker with (boats, mowers, junky trucks...ets) so I now look for used riding mowers on Craigslist that I can get cheap. I have a tilt trailer, and I'll even drive 50 - 75 miles if I think it's a good deal. I clean it up and list it back on CL for an extra $100:licking:


#33

K

KennyV

I've bought tractors two states away and gone after them...
Cars & trucks over 1000 miles away and fly in to drive them back... You just have to pay attention to what your buying... (and Wanting)... :smile:KennyV


#34

B

benski

Kenny V, on target as always.:biggrin: For resale, the ubiquitous Craftsman with the blown headgasket or other simple problems; for just me, anything that looks like fun, was reasonably well engineered, and sells for $100.00 or less.:wink:


#35

jmurray01

jmurray01

There are two ways of looking at it:

1) Buy a brand new mower and you will have a warranty and it will obviously be in new condition.
2) Buy a used mower and you won't have a warranty, it will probably have a few marks on it, but it will probably be built better.

Up to you! :wink:


#36

C

crazyoldtractor

Get one that is used. There is no question. New mowers are so overpriced and just not worth it for the quality that you get. New mowers are expensive and usually made from cheap materials. You will see a lot of plastic and crappy parts incorperated into the mower and even the motor. If you are buying a used one and plan on doing a lot of towing, or pulling with it, get one with a manual transmision. If you get on with a hydro, over time, pulling and towing, you will see that the hydro pump will start to get worn. If you are just going to be mowing with it don't be hesitant to get the hydro. The hydros are more ergonomic and easy to use. Witch makes them great for just mowing. Hydros are also better for snowplowing because you can quickly change from reverse to forward without having the change gears.

If you just have to buy a new one please DONT buy it at a box store like Home Depot, or Lowes, or ACE. Just dont make a mower purchase there. Go to a local lawn mower shop or dealer. You will be glad you did. They offer service and much better qualitly models that they do at the box stores. Please take that advice.


#37

E

earthworm

Which do you think is better?

New, with a warranty, or used with no warranty, but 10 times the machine for the same (or less) money?

IMO, warranties are nearly worthless..
Better a used Mercedes than a new Yugo.... more easily said than done...
But a man has to be able to identify each....names mean little in todays world..
The quality of the selling dealer is vital, and it helps a ton to be a good DIY.


#38

E

earthworm

Why not? I get them used all the time....usually for a couple bucks at yard sales.....if they need parts, I mothball them until I get another just like it at a yard sale.....$5-10, and it's good as new! Happened over and over.......
A good way of doing things, if one has the organization and space....and time for shopping...
Also, the same thing wears out on all machines - generally...
The best way...IMO, still an unknown.


#39

B

benski

Yep, it's a tough one. How much time, talent, and interest one has in tracking down a good used machine is certainly part of the equation. Probably the dream for the people that still want to mow their own lawns, but "have arrived" financially, is a nice commercial mower, purchased new, with a warranty and a first class shop nearby at the other end of the phone. I'll let everyone know if that ever happens in to me in my life..:rolleyes::wink::biggrin:


#40

R

robert

jmurray, crazy; your point about getting higher quality with used is well taken. As for buying new and getting a 'warranty', from my experience with a new, very major brand zt, it ain't worth the extra cost.

Going used, as you mention, most probably will provide one with more quality for the dollar and will in all likelyhood be far less frustrating WHEN it comes time to make repairs. I did not expect to be without my zt for weeks at a time, starting at hour 1/2 or so whereas had I purchased a used unit I would have expected something to go amiss.

Its just that finding a good used mower, not being sold by either a thief or psycho (or both) is nearly impossible-here in the US anyway...


#41

B

benski

jmurray, crazy; your point about getting higher quality with used is well taken. As for buying new and getting a 'warranty', from my experience with a new, very major brand zt, it ain't worth the extra cost.

Going used, as you mention, most probably will provide one with more quality for the dollar and will in all likelyhood be far less frustrating WHEN it comes time to make repairs. I did not expect to be without my zt for weeks at a time, starting at hour 1/2 or so whereas had I purchased a used unit I would have expected something to go amiss.

Its just that finding a good used mower, not being sold by either a thief or psycho (or both) is nearly impossible-here in the US anyway...
Yep, it's tedious. There isn't too much to do except educate yourself as best you can and use caution.


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