Buying a used ride-on mower. What do you have to look out for?
It's not always necessary to buy a new riding mower. Sometimes it is enough to purchase a used model. To help ensure that the purchase does not turn into a disappointment, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The purchase of a used ride-on mower is generally not recommended for continual professional use. After all, despite the maintenance and general overhaul performed by a dealer, the device may have some defects. In addition, there is no manufacturer's warranty to back up the desired functionality, at least for the first few years. However, the situation is different in the private sector. A used model can provide valuable services. In order to avoid frustration before your purchase, you should consider one or two things when buying a used ride-on mower.
Lawn tractor or ride-on mower?
When searching for a used ride-on mower, both lawn tractors and the so-called mini-riders appear among search results. Both belong to the group of ride-on lawn mowers, which differ from push mowers in the way they operate.
Whether the purchase of a lawn tractor or a mini-rider is worthwhile depends not only on the lawn area: Other distinguishing features include engine power, the versatility of the accessories that make a lawn tractor suitable for year-round work around the house and garden and also the amount of space it takes up. A ride-on mower is more compact, but not always inferior to a full-fledged lawn tractor in terms of performance.
Buying criteria for a used ride-on mower
If you have decided to purchase a ride-on mower, there are a few criteria to consider when buying a used machine. There is nothing worse than being disappointed shortly after time your purchase.
Purchase from private vs. dealer?
When buying privately, bargains on seldom used equipment are always tempting. Nevetheless, it is extremely difficult to verify whether the seller’s statements about the condition of the device are accurate. Likewise, you may only be entitled to a refund if you can prove that the seller was deceptive, i.e. that a defect existed before the sale and was known to the seller. Even if successful, returning the product can prove to be an extremely strenuous matter.
In order to at least reduce your risks, it is highly recommended to inspect the riding mower and test it on site before buying. The device should not make any abnormal noises, nor should the lawn's cutting pattern be inconsistent unless there is a proven defect in the mowing deck.
At a dealer, you will usually pay a slightly higher purchase price for a used riding mower. With that being said, you should have the security that the device has been overhauled and / or serviced and is therefore ready for use. In addition, dealers usually provide a warranty, within which they are responsible for some defects.
The equipment features of the ride-on mower
The price of a used ride-on mower generally depends on how old it is (year of manufacture) and the intensity of use. As with a new product, the equipment features of the ride-on mower also determine the acquisition costs. If you want to get the best bargain possible, you should really consider in advance which features the machine must have and what you can easily do without.
Cutting width and area output
The area output of a ride-on mower depends not least on the cutting width. As a rule, this is less than that of a lawn tractor, but with a cutting width of up to 76 cm (30 in), it provides excellent services for efficient and accurate lawn cutting on areas up to 3,000 m² (32292 ft2). However, these figures are only indicative, as larger lawns can, of course, be mowed with the corresponding additional time required.
Drive and transmission
Most Mini-Riders are equipped with either a transmatic or a hydrostatic transmission. The transmatic drive allows convenient shifting while driving. You have to ability to change speeds by simply selecting the appropriate forward or reverse gear using the shift lever. With a hydrostatic transmission, driving is done by means of a brake and accelerator pedal, similar to a motor vehicle.
Fuel and engine power
Most ride-on mowers come equipped with gasoline engines. Increased engine power is expressed mainly in terms of horsepower. The larger the fuel tank, the greater the range. Meanwhile, ride-on mowers with electric motors are also available.
Maneuverability and compact design
Ride-on mowers are basically more compact than lawn tractors. First of all, this is a plus for winter storage. Under certain circumstances, it also affects the turning circle, which helps make it easy to maneuver around obstacles. If you want to maneuver around numerous trees and flower beds in your garden, a device with a very small turning circle is recommended.
Other equipment features
An important question when choosing a used riding mower is that of side or rear discharge, which determines where the clippings are displaced on the lawn. If that's not enough, you'd do well to look for a model with a grass catcher or mulch kit. These kits finely shred grass clippings allowing them to act as natural fertilizer on the lawn. Mulch kits are optional on many models.
Cutting height adjustment options provide flexibility for different types of lawns. Most ride-on mowers are basically suitable for a variety f lawn types. However, if you want to trim your ornamental lawn to just a few inches, you should consider a very low cutting height when buying a used riding mower.
There is also a whole range of other equipment features: from parking assistance, to equipment with headlights, to the possibility of using the mower deck even when reversing. In some cases, ride-on mowers can also be supplemented with a trailer hitch and used as towing machines.
Ride-on mower for uneven terrain
If the ride-on mower is to be used on uneven terrain, it is advisable to choose a model with extra-large tires that not only help to protect the lawn but can also provide extra grip.
A large track width is often suitable for use on slopes to helps provide stability of the vehicle.
A pendulum-suspended mower deck follows the contour of the ground and helps provide a uniform cut even on bumps and other irregularities.
Buying a used riding mower may be worthwhile in some circumstances. However, you would do well to think about the features you want in advance. In order to exclude trouble when buying from a private source, it is advisable to visit a dealer who can also directly explain the features of a device and advise you on individual machines. Despite that, the security in terms of functionality and warranty is offered by the purchase of a new ride-on mower.
