I have been trying to read about various equipment and make a reasonably educated buying decision. I am more interested in making a "good value" buy then being in a particular price range but am also not going to go out and spend $20K on a Ferris with a Cat diesel so lets call my upper spending limit in the $5,000 range. I would rather spend $4500 on a great value than $2500 on paying market value. I much prefer to buy used equipment and am reasonably mechanically inclined. Replacement of a an engine or hydrodrive transmission are not outside of the question if needed but would annoy me at the added cost. I will be mowing about 3-4 acres of mostly flat land though I have a couple hills with reasonable landing areas - one is fairly steep but short.. I am undecided on bagging... if I buy a bagger I will advocate bagging. If not I won't. I have several machines that are coming up on various sights (some of which are auctions from services I have been following to judge pricing) that have peeked my interest. I am also curious if my anticipated pricing is out of range
1) Snapper Pro S200XT 28HP / 61" - this is by far the newest of the bunch showing under 150 hours. The seller (third party auction service) calls it in "like new" condition though I would rate it somewhere in the 8/10 range. The Briggs Commercial Turf engine is really the only thing that keeps me leery of this machine. I expect it to go in the $3500 range. I think I am overthinking the concerns others have noted with the Turf engine.
2) Kubota ZD323 60" - this one shows nearly 1800 hours though appears to be in very well maintained condition. While I have complete confidence in the engine I am concerned about the driveline on this (though cannot do more than minor testing - no chance to get it hot and test it). This has the bagging option on it. Perhaps its a budget buster anyways I am thinking this represents value only if it goes in the $4000 to $4500 range but don't really know on the Kubotas.
3) Scag Cougar 25HP Kohler / 48" deck - this one shows 820 hours. Its on the list but barely. Of all the ones listed this is the one I would be least excited to buy. It also appears well maintained. I'll watch it but it would have to go serious low to buy - like $1500 to $2000. Talk me out of this one
4) JD 757 25HP / 60" deck - this one comes off a farm and shows 1175 hours. I'm gathering space was tight cause there is a lot of marking on the rear of the machine but not on the front. Average condition I expect it to go in the $2500 to $3000 range.
5) Simplicity Citation 23HP Vanguard / 52" deck - the hours are unknown (hour meter inop) on this one which is of some concern. There is a hydraulic leak by the right rear tire and for the life of me I cannot find the price of a the hydrogear unit (then again I am likely calling it the wrong thing). I like the Vanguard engine but not the unknown hours. I'm guessing in the $1000 to $1500 range with those issues.
I am most excited about the Snapper and the Kubota and find myself oddly indifferent about the John Deere (and I normally like green equipment). The Simplicity I could easily get excited about. The Scag... still trying to talk myself into it. I figure we have to have experts here with opinions they want to share and beg your indulgence. Of course the "none of these are good options - wait" option is on the table. Any of them would get fresh fluids and filters before use.
1) Snapper Pro S200XT 28HP / 61" - this is by far the newest of the bunch showing under 150 hours. The seller (third party auction service) calls it in "like new" condition though I would rate it somewhere in the 8/10 range. The Briggs Commercial Turf engine is really the only thing that keeps me leery of this machine. I expect it to go in the $3500 range. I think I am overthinking the concerns others have noted with the Turf engine.
2) Kubota ZD323 60" - this one shows nearly 1800 hours though appears to be in very well maintained condition. While I have complete confidence in the engine I am concerned about the driveline on this (though cannot do more than minor testing - no chance to get it hot and test it). This has the bagging option on it. Perhaps its a budget buster anyways I am thinking this represents value only if it goes in the $4000 to $4500 range but don't really know on the Kubotas.
3) Scag Cougar 25HP Kohler / 48" deck - this one shows 820 hours. Its on the list but barely. Of all the ones listed this is the one I would be least excited to buy. It also appears well maintained. I'll watch it but it would have to go serious low to buy - like $1500 to $2000. Talk me out of this one
4) JD 757 25HP / 60" deck - this one comes off a farm and shows 1175 hours. I'm gathering space was tight cause there is a lot of marking on the rear of the machine but not on the front. Average condition I expect it to go in the $2500 to $3000 range.
5) Simplicity Citation 23HP Vanguard / 52" deck - the hours are unknown (hour meter inop) on this one which is of some concern. There is a hydraulic leak by the right rear tire and for the life of me I cannot find the price of a the hydrogear unit (then again I am likely calling it the wrong thing). I like the Vanguard engine but not the unknown hours. I'm guessing in the $1000 to $1500 range with those issues.
I am most excited about the Snapper and the Kubota and find myself oddly indifferent about the John Deere (and I normally like green equipment). The Simplicity I could easily get excited about. The Scag... still trying to talk myself into it. I figure we have to have experts here with opinions they want to share and beg your indulgence. Of course the "none of these are good options - wait" option is on the table. Any of them would get fresh fluids and filters before use.
