Best Used Lawnmowers Buying Pro-Tips

Saving money by purchasing used goods can help you stay within your budget. There are, however, several things to keep in mind when purchasing a lawn mower. We have gathered information on everything you need to know about when buying a used lawnmower, so you don’t have to.

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The best 5 Lawnmower Buying Pro-Tips are below, scroll down to read them all.

• Key Takeaways
• What Lawnmower Do You Need?
• 1. Ask About The History Of The Mower
• 2. Look For Damage/Wear & Tear
• 3. Compare Prices With Newer Model
• 4. Riding Lawnmower Vs. Push Lawnmower
  • Using Walk Mowers
  • Using Ride Mowers
• 5. Should You Buy Online Or From A Dealer
• Related Questions
  • How Long Should A Mower Last?
  • What Are Some Of The Best Brands Of Mowers?
  • How Often Should You Sharpen/Replace Your Lawnmower Blades

Key Takeaways

• Used lawnmowers can be cheap and reliable if you find the right seller.
• Riding lawnmowers are meant for more extensive lawns but using a push lawnmower is still a good option.
• Always check for tear and wear before buying a used lawnmower.
• Buying from a dealer means that you could receive a better history of the lawnmower before buying it.

What Lawnmower Do You Need?

The width of a deck can vary from 42 inches to 54 inches in total length. If you want to know what acreage a particular mower can handle, divide the deck size by 12. So a 54-inch deck mower can mow up to 4.5 acres for residential use. That’s a lot of grass, and a season with a residential mower would put a lot of strain on it, but it could do it.

Additionally, the following questions can help you narrow down your search for the ideal lawn mower:

• In terms of size, how big is your lawn?
• Does your property have a level, uneven, or steep terrain?
• Is your lawn open or heavily forested, with sprinklers, trees, gardens, and playground equipment?
• Do you intend to mow for exercise or to complete the task?
• How much noise can you bear?
• How much money do you want to spend on a lawnmower?

1. Ask About The History Of The Mower

Without being the first owner, you won’t be able to learn about the equipment’s past. You have every right to ask the owner as many questions as you want about his lawnmower.

Ask the seller some questions about the lawnmower, regardless of whether it’s electric, gas, or riding. How old is the lawn mower? Why is the seller getting rid of it? Specifically, has the lawnmower vendor had any documentation (warranties, guarantees, or instructions)?

Lawnmowers must get regularly serviced and looked after adequately to avoid frequent breakdowns. To avoid purchasing a used lawnmower that has been neglected and is in a poor state of repair, inspect it thoroughly. A seller’s maintenance and service history should always be discussed in full detail when negotiating a sale.

Questions you should ask the owner/seller before buying

• Information About Oil Changes
• Air Filters
• Have The Spark Plugs Been Replaced?
• Have The Blades Been Looked After/Sharpened
• Conditions of the tires or wheels

Your lawnmower’s tires, handlebars, and other parts are critical to its performance. The dealer or seller should be able to give you a copy of any maintenance records they have.

2. Look For Damage/Wear & Tear

When trying to sell a set of neglected lawn tools, a seller may tell a story of low usage and meticulous care. Nevertheless, the condition of the mower will tell you how it has been used and cared for over time. When buying from a seller instead of a dealer, you may feel pressured to make a quick decision and assume that the mower works well after a short demonstration if the seller is standing there.

Examine the lawn mower’s body, engine, and blade for any signs of wear and damage. That doesn’t mean that the lawnmower is in good working order because of how it sounds and looks. Is the condition of the parts worn, brittle, or good? Check for any signs of oil leakage. Check the state of the spark plugs.

Start the mower for at least five minutes before shutting it down. Even though the mower appears to be operating normally, you should not assume it is in good working order just because it runs.

3. Compare Prices With Newer Model

For a used lawnmower, it’s obvious that price is a significant factor to take into account. One of the best ways to know you’re getting a good deal on a lawnmower is to search for similar models online. If you’re getting overcharged, you may be able to lower your cost by finding alternative listings.

Begin your research by looking at the features and prices of new lawn mowers to set a reasonable benchmark for the used lawn mowers you’ll be considering. Unless the mower is in excellent condition, we recommend paying no more than 60 to 70 percent of retail for a two or three-year-old mower.

Lawnmowers get sold at various prices depending on their brand and model. One thousand dollars is the average price for a used lawn mower that is self-propelled. It’s not uncommon for riding mowers to cost more than $1,000, but you can usually find cheaper models. Negotiating with the owner is a common way to get a lower price than other used goods.

4. Riding Lawnmower Vs. Push Lawnmower

Firstly you need to decide between a riding mower and a walk-behind mower. You should consider a riding lawn mower if you mow more than a quarter of an acre. Finding the right lawnmower for your yard can be a complicated process. However, you can rest easy knowing that this is not necessary.

Using Walk Mowers

Compared to automobiles, walk mowers offer a wide range of options, all of which add to the price and complexity of the machine. To determine whether or not certain product features will be helpful to you, examine the product’s hang tag and speak with the sales staff. Then, consider it in this light: Mowers can be either front- or rear-drive or standard push mowers.

There are a lot of obstacles on an uneven surface, so the front-wheel drive is the best option. In addition, it’s possible to reduce traction on the front wheels by pressing down on a handle, allowing you to turn into and out of corners.

Uphill and sidehill mowing is made easier with rear-wheel drive. In this situation, rear-wheel drive is preferable because it prevents the front tires from losing traction when applying pressure to the handle while climbing a hill.

You can also manually push a mower. A self-propelled mower makes it easier to mow hills or mow and bag your lawn. However, it’s impossible to appreciate a self-propelled mower until you’ve tried pushing a fully loaded one up a steep hill.

Groups of one, two, or four-deck levers models are available. Many linkages add weight and must be lubricated to work correctly with one lever. A two-lever system is an excellent compromise between single and four-lever systems.

Two levers. Even though these mowers have more linkage than a four-lever mower, they are easier to adjust the height of the blades. The standard, tried-and-true design features four levers.

Using Ride Mowers

A riding mower is a perfect investment for your lawn if you have the funds available. Nothing beats a riding mower when mowing a large lawn quickly and efficiently. These vehicles look and feel familiar because they have a steering wheel and a front-mounted engine. Small engines have a single cylinder and produce 18-25 horsepower; larger machines have a V-twin as an option.

Electronic fuel injection is an option on more expensive models. Rear-engine riding mowers are popular for homeowners whose lawns are too large for a walk-behind mower but not large enough for more extensive tools like a tractor or zero-turn. Rear-engine residential/commercial mowers with a deck in front of the operator are exempt from these specifications.

Finally, what is the maximum amount of area that can get mowed? It’s a lot more than a simple lawn mower. Deck lengths range from 42 inches to 54 inches in length. Use this formula to determine how many acres the mower can handle: divide the mower deck size by 12 to get a rough estimate.

So a 54-inch deck mower can mow up to 4.5 acres for residential use. Of course, that’s a lot of grass, and a residential-grade mower would wear out quickly throughout the season.

5. Should You Buy Online Or From A Dealer

Shopping online has numerous advantages, including convenience and time savings. However, before making a final purchase, you should either see the equipment in person or purchase it from a source you can trust.

To find a perfect solution that meets both your needs and budget, sales experts at a dealership should be looking to build a relationship so that you consider using their location for service or your next purchase. Trust and honesty are often the foundations of these relationships.

There are many places to buy used equipment, but working with a local dealer has several advantages. If the first used lawn mower you see doesn’t meet your needs, you can take a few steps to check out something else at a dealer’s lot. There is usually only one choice when you connect with a seller online.

When you buy from a dealer, you can easily see the records of all the work done on the used equipment to prepare it for sale. For example, if the previous owner had the lawn mower serviced at the dealer, they might be able to provide a detailed history of the machine.

Buying used lawn mowers on Craigslist means dealing with an individual who may not have remembered to keep service records while they owned it, so you’re relying on what they remember or claim to be true.

Related Questions

After reading the information above, you should better understand what to consider when buying a used lawnmower. Then, continue reading for some frequently asked questions.

How Long Should A Mower Last?

Many lawn mowers have a warranty for the first few years of use. Without a warranty, lawn mower repairs can be expensive. Generally speaking, a new lawn mower should last 7 to 10 years. But that can differ on how often you use them, the climate, and the size of your lawn. If your lawnmower exhibits significant problems, it may be time to consider replacing it.

What Are Some Of The Best Brands Of Mowers?

Many property owners aspire to have a well-kept lawn that is the envy of their neighbors, but this is only possible with the best lawn mower brand. There are numerous brands to choose from when it comes to riding lawnmowers, whether you need one for a large yard or want to go green.

Honda: Although lawnmowers are an essential part of Honda’s product lineup, the automaker is well-known for its pickup trucks, motorcycles, jet planes, and helicopter. Tokyo-based Honda is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, and that reputation extends to its lawnmowers.

John Deere: The steel-bladed plow, invented by John Deere’s founder in the early nineteenth century, made the company famous and one of the world’s oldest lawn mower manufacturers. In 1963, the company unveiled its first lawn tractor nearly a century later.

Toro: mowers have been around for ages, making them durable and long-lasting. Since it entered the push-mower market in 1948, Toro has continued innovating and improving its line of push-mowers. Their Briggs & Stratton engines and thick-gauge steel construction make them easy to start and last longer than many other mower types.

How Often Should You Sharpen/Replace Your Lawnmower Blades

To keep your lawn mower blades in the best shape possible, we recommend sharpening them after every 25 hours of use or every few seasons. In addition, the blades should be re-sharpened after hitting rocks. The blades can easily damage by hitting a stone or other hard surfaces. Sharpening your mower blades is also an excellent way to tell if you need to replace them.

We recommend that the average homeowner replace their mower blades once a year or if they are damaged. Regularly sharpening your mower blades can extend their lifespan. Remember to protect yourself by disconnecting the spark plugs or electric cord when sharpening or replacing the mower’s blades.