Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

hello- as I mentioned in a earlyier post, I will be doing some mowing ( I hope) next summer to assist in my retirement from work. I want to look for a ztr this winter when off-season gets you a little better price. I want to look for one needing repair as I'll be pretty much starting from scratch and can't afford a new one. I can fix alot of disabled small equipment so I don't mind labor to get it up to par. but my question is this:  is there any certain ztr's that are on the 'junk' list and ain't worth fixing? separate pumps for each wheel better ..or is there a certain drive system on any of the older ones that was a nightmare? sorry if I sound 'uneducated' here but that is because I am..this will be a new venture for me as I have worked in  bricked indoor factory for last 32 years.  As I mentioned, I want to look at a fixer-upper needing work ( weld-motor-ect..) but want to put the work into one that has potentual-  any definant 'no-no's or info on what to look for is much appreciated        thx-  Gene

thanks Dave- some real good points to consider.  I really missed the boat here awhile back- a commercial scagg needing some attention- $100!  told him I would be over after work..well after agreeing to this he sold it 1 hour later.  he offered to sell me several of them and other equipment for $500 for all..he sold it all before I got there.  Wish I had left work right away, but thats the way things go sometimes. lesson well learned.    thanks again       Gene

Zipper? Who are they? Never heard of that brand for commercial use.