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

I am looking for recommendation on used lawn tractors. I have about 1 acre to mow and it is pretty flat. My budget is about $1,000. I have been looking at older Snapper, Simplicity, and John Deere so far.

I came across a 92 Snapper with 48 inch deck, electric PTO, original owner, and 500 hours on it. Asking price is $900.

Not sure if that is a decent price for that machine?

As with most things, the older machines appear to be much better made. I am looking for recommendation on what Make\Models to look for.

Thanks for the help!!

If it's in good running order and well taken care of, I'd be scooping it up!

It is a model  YT18H484K  It looks like they went for $4,300 back in 1992. Is anyone framiliar with this model?

That's a good price. You should scour the CL listings in your area as well - decent tractors pop up all the time. Kind of a "right place at the right time"  type of deal.  You can also score some real good deals at the end of the season if not in a hurry. Try searchtempest.com to expand the geographical search area 50, 100, 250 miles, etc...

John Deere, Cub Cadet, Toro Wheel Horse, Wheel Horse, Bolens, Ariens are just a few of the names of well built, older tractors. With a flat acre like you have, you could go with an LT if all you're going to do is cut grass. I'd move up to a GT if you have plans for heavy hauling or using ground breaking implements for a garden.

I ended up getting a 2000 Simplicity Landlord DLX. It has a Kawasaki 17 HP Liquid Cooled motor and a 50 inch deck. The ad said "engine needs work" and he was asking $1,200. When I got there, it was blowing smoke pretty bad. He had no idea what the problem was and neither did I. I offered him $800 and he accepted.

I got it home and the first thing I did was check the oil. It was WAY over full!! I drained it to the normal level and it runs perfectly!!  400 original hours on it and he was the original owner. It is in mint condition. He paid $6,000 for it new in 2000. I have all of the original paperwork.

I think i did pretty well!!

You may want to change the oil on the Kaw... Sometimes if they sit and have a carb issue with flooding,  the carb can fill the engine case with fuel and dilute the oil...

Just something to check and keep a eye on...

Friiy

There are many models to choose from, with that size of a plot I would recommend buying something second hand, search this forum or ebay and find something with less than 500 hours on the clock.