Makes one wonder if a product warranty might break the ice for that kind of decision.
"Backyarders" and where to buy used equipment
- Thread starter GearHead36
- Start date
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
How much will anything sell for? It depends on how much the buyer wants it and is willing to pay at the time. Cash is what most sellers want, not financing headaches.
The one problem I see much of the time is people think a credit card or a bank check is the instant solution to spontaneous purchases. (I've had only one customer dispute the CC charge, and two others write me a worthless check in the past)
The other problem is people don't deal in cash as much as they used to and going to the bank is an inconvenience for most.
I have heard the line: "Will you sell it cheaper for cash" many times and all I say is that is my cash price.
The one problem I see much of the time is people think a credit card or a bank check is the instant solution to spontaneous purchases. (I've had only one customer dispute the CC charge, and two others write me a worthless check in the past)
The other problem is people don't deal in cash as much as they used to and going to the bank is an inconvenience for most.
I have heard the line: "Will you sell it cheaper for cash" many times and all I say is that is my cash price.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Hello B.,
The only warranty I would advise on used equipment is to have a buyer thoroughly test run and cut with the machine while I am present to confirm everything is in good working order. Once it leaves my place the "warranty period" is over.
I have an area designated for "test runs and cutting".
I've tried 3- and 6-month warranties (for a couple of machines) before, and the machines would come back destroyed from abuse. There is no profit in refunding for a used machine and then having to repair it again or scrap it.
I will not even rent machines anymore because people have the "it's not mine to worry about it" mentality. Respect for anyone else's property is a rare quality in today's world.
At an auction you are buying a pig in a poke.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Hello H.,
I only consider auction equipment for needed hard to find parts most of the time.
Most of the stuff that no longer runs ends up at an auction usually because they have major non-running issues.
Ive only been lucky a couple of times on some of the ones that looked like they had actually been cared for.
It is interesting to see what they get for some of the much older JD and early Cub riders. I guess there are collectors who love them. Some of them were a lot worse to work on than a few of the newer models.
I only consider auction equipment for needed hard to find parts most of the time.
Most of the stuff that no longer runs ends up at an auction usually because they have major non-running issues.
Ive only been lucky a couple of times on some of the ones that looked like they had actually been cared for.
It is interesting to see what they get for some of the much older JD and early Cub riders. I guess there are collectors who love them. Some of them were a lot worse to work on than a few of the newer models.
GearHead36
Well-Known Member
Do you think a 5 yr old mower that's for sale has been maintained well enough to last another 5 yrs? I wouldn't. If it were good for another 5 yrs, why is it for sale?
GearHead36
Well-Known Member
That policy allows flippers to put junk up for sale. Mowers that work just well enough to generate a sale. I wouldn't buy anything from a "flipper" with less than a 30 day warranty. If it doesn't fall apart in 30 days, IMO it's not junk. If the blown head gasket blows out all the oil in 4 hrs of operation....
Skippydiesel
Well-Known Member
I don't know if I fit the characterisation of a "flipper".
I have never ever purchased a mower of any description.
People give me their "basket cases" just to avoid the disposal effort/cost. I either bring them back to life or keep them for spare parts.
I have renovated a few push mowers and brush cutters but these are not really my thing. Two strokes are pain in the rear and push mowers are not much better.
Ride- On's always get me intersted.
Up until Covid hit, I had a nice little "pocket money" business going. Don't know why, the market just dried up. It got so tight, I gave one of my smaller (17 hp) renovations to a friend of my son, who needed a helping hand, on the condition he return it (for spares) if he went upmarket or it broke down - He still visits from time to time, mower still giving good service, so I won't see it any time soon.
I currently have 4 ride-ons in working order from 15 hp - 25 hp. Two in the pipeline a Hustler Super Z /60"/ Kohler FI 27 hp and Toro Proline / Kubota Diesel. The Toro I havent started, is really old - engine runs but she don't move - quite the challenge. The Hustler seem to be comming good, engine & hydraulic transmission work - deck needs a lot TLC.
I don't just "get them going enough to sell" - They all get a full service (including cleaning the cooling system), plugs/filters, belts, bearings & blades, etc if required. I don't usually paint but will panel beat & weld (this gets painted).
I have had two "odd" customers;
Despite a "test drive" I had one ride-on returned a few days later, supposedly not working. It was bent! I recon the new owner had driven if off the back of his utility. Wanted his money back - I offered him half, pointing out that the damaged machine was now unusable. He grudgingly accepted.
The other was realy strange - My first ever ride-on, made up out of three old mowers (God knows how old it actually was). Pull start, rear mounted 12 hp B&S. I advertised it for $50 (with photos) not really expecting a sale. I got one middle aged man, in a brand new utility, who drove about 3 hrs to get this "gem". I felt guilty - gave him $5 back to purchase a coffee on his way home. As far as I know he remains happy with his purchase.
I have never ever purchased a mower of any description.
People give me their "basket cases" just to avoid the disposal effort/cost. I either bring them back to life or keep them for spare parts.
I have renovated a few push mowers and brush cutters but these are not really my thing. Two strokes are pain in the rear and push mowers are not much better.
Ride- On's always get me intersted.
Up until Covid hit, I had a nice little "pocket money" business going. Don't know why, the market just dried up. It got so tight, I gave one of my smaller (17 hp) renovations to a friend of my son, who needed a helping hand, on the condition he return it (for spares) if he went upmarket or it broke down - He still visits from time to time, mower still giving good service, so I won't see it any time soon.
I currently have 4 ride-ons in working order from 15 hp - 25 hp. Two in the pipeline a Hustler Super Z /60"/ Kohler FI 27 hp and Toro Proline / Kubota Diesel. The Toro I havent started, is really old - engine runs but she don't move - quite the challenge. The Hustler seem to be comming good, engine & hydraulic transmission work - deck needs a lot TLC.
I don't just "get them going enough to sell" - They all get a full service (including cleaning the cooling system), plugs/filters, belts, bearings & blades, etc if required. I don't usually paint but will panel beat & weld (this gets painted).
I have had two "odd" customers;
Despite a "test drive" I had one ride-on returned a few days later, supposedly not working. It was bent! I recon the new owner had driven if off the back of his utility. Wanted his money back - I offered him half, pointing out that the damaged machine was now unusable. He grudgingly accepted.
The other was realy strange - My first ever ride-on, made up out of three old mowers (God knows how old it actually was). Pull start, rear mounted 12 hp B&S. I advertised it for $50 (with photos) not really expecting a sale. I got one middle aged man, in a brand new utility, who drove about 3 hrs to get this "gem". I felt guilty - gave him $5 back to purchase a coffee on his way home. As far as I know he remains happy with his purchase.