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!!

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.