Used Mower Recommendation Needed

[Jellyghost]

Hi. I am 45yo, and I have been moving 6 lawns this summer with 90s era Lawnboys and Milwaukee trimmer/blower. Next summer, I need to mow 9 lawns, and I need it to be easier and faster. What is a good used commercial mower I should consider? My buddy has a Wright Stander, and I am jealous. I don't have any small gates, but there are some slopes on these yards. I am hoping to purchase a mower for $3,000 or less.
Thank you!

 

[TonyPrin]

There are a few John Deere and Ariens zero turn mowers available for under $3,000, but I wouldn't go that route because you're getting a bargain basement machine. Instead, consider a quality new Snapper mower like the SPX could be a better choice. It will allow you several accessories which will help, as well.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

what size are the lawns?

 

[Jellyghost]

They varie, but they average at abou .25 acres. I am browsing used walk behinds, but I don't have a sense of relative quality. I would like one that is easily repairable and known for durability. I also want a trimmer and trimmer head recommendation.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

If you're going for a walk behind, i highly recommend a Honda. As far as trimmers go, Husqvarna, Stihl or Echo.

 

[Jellyghost]

I see hondas that look like standard mowers. Most of the big commercial walkbehinds I find seem to have kawasaki motors. Here are some I found interesting:

36” Ferris mower - farm & garden - by owner - sale

Residential use Ferris mower very low hours as yard only takes 25 min to mow Added pool and bigger drive so yard is too small. You will not find a used mower in nicer shape electric start, hydraulic...

kansascity.craigslist.org

Scag Walk Behind Mower 48” Hydro - farm & garden - by owner - sale

48” Scag Mower Runs Great with no issues A person could sell this mower in Spring for $2000 Curtis

kansascity.craigslist.org

34” Gravely Zero Turn - farm & garden - by owner - sale

Walk behind Gravely self propelled zero turn. Runs well with no issues. Located in Overland Park.

kansascity.craigslist.org

 

[Scrubcadet10]

OOOH, my bad. For some reason my brain took walk behind as meaning a small mower. Now i see what you mean.
Yes, Scag/Gravely and Ferris are good brands and you can't go wrong with a Kawasaki engine.
That 34" Gravely appears to have a Briggs and Stratton intek single, i'd stay away from it as their know for blowing head gaskets and failing camshafts.

 

[Jellyghost]

Is hydro better than a transmission?

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Is hydro better than a transmission?

I'd say yes... i just don't recommend pulling anything with a hydro trans. It can cause an early death for them.

 

[slomo]

Is hydro better than a transmission?

I say no. Get an older machine that has belt drive. Way cheaper to keep running. Keep a pair of belts on the truck. Can get the mower going at the customers house in no time. In comparison having to haul it down to a super busy mower shop during peak mowing season LOL. And spending thousands to get it repaired. Finally you get a call 8 months later, your mower is ready sir LOL.

Stay far away from hydros, their oils and hoses, leaks, pump failures and the like. $$$$

Look for an older belt drive JD, SCAG or Snapper Pro.