New, or used?
- Thread starter twall
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That's a tough call... and it depends on the type of equipment. A chainsaw or trimmer? New. Riding mower? Used up to mid-90s... compact tractor? Probably new. Thing is, there's used... and then there's USED. 
I like the better machine by a wide margin, problem is living in the sticks there isn't much good used stuff to find.
twall
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That's a tough call... and it depends on the type of equipment. A chainsaw or trimmer? New. Riding mower? Used up to mid-90s... compact tractor? Probably new. Thing is, there's used... and then there's USED.
True, but there's cheap, and then there's CHEAP, too......:tongue:
Two-Stroke
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I like to buy used but I am picky about what I buy. CraigsList has been a great source for the last few years. I'm currently on the trail of a used Lawn Boy but the guy who has it is very hard to get in touch with.
I asked the same question several years ago on another forum, and the answer I got was...go used! I did a lot of homework on-line and decided I wanted a John Deere. It took a while to find, but I found a nice 165 locally, and have not regretted purchasing it. I knew I could still find parts and even though I recently replaced the motor, it was still a great investment.
The older units are very well made, and are heavy. When looking, try to find a model you think you'll like, then start searching E-Bay and Craig's List for parts. If you don't see many parts, that should be a clue.
As with anything, you can get burned buying older equipment. If my unit finally gives up the ghost, I'll more than likely buy another Deere, something like the 300 series.
One more note, if you buy a new unit (any brand), make sure you can get service from a business that supports your unit. The problem with many of the big box stores is that they don't do repairs.
The older units are very well made, and are heavy. When looking, try to find a model you think you'll like, then start searching E-Bay and Craig's List for parts. If you don't see many parts, that should be a clue.
As with anything, you can get burned buying older equipment. If my unit finally gives up the ghost, I'll more than likely buy another Deere, something like the 300 series.
One more note, if you buy a new unit (any brand), make sure you can get service from a business that supports your unit. The problem with many of the big box stores is that they don't do repairs.
Used is always going to be the best value...
Used but not Used up.. and you will get to know how to determine the difference if you just give it some time.
As to repairs, all equipment will need them. I much rather do ANY repair than have anyone else do it... If it's something I have done, It's going to go smoothly, if it's something I haven't ... it will give me the chance to do something new or different.
:smile:KennyV
Used but not Used up.. and you will get to know how to determine the difference if you just give it some time.
As to repairs, all equipment will need them. I much rather do ANY repair than have anyone else do it... If it's something I have done, It's going to go smoothly, if it's something I haven't ... it will give me the chance to do something new or different.
:smile:KennyV
I like the price of used and if you're handy then that's definitely the way to go. For someone like me, I will go new so that I can get a warranty; you wouldn't want to see me try to fix something. Let's just say it would end up "falling" off the truck.
mystreba
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Because of the steep depreciation, I always buy used cars - about 3 years old. They're beautiful cars, generally coming off lease - low mileage, well-maintained and showroom condition. I can buy a $50k car for less than $30k. It's never failed me.
I'm not so sure about tractors. I think it's a lot like investing - high risk, high reward. If you get the right machine, it's a great way to go. If you get the wrong machine, it could be a complete headache. But you have to wonder why someone is selling (or trading in) a fairly new tractor. Bottom line - you've got to be able to invest some time to research these used machines.
I have been searching for a used mower - looking to buy this weekend. Focus was on JD GX300 and X300 series, and Kubota GR2100. What I found is that it's a total PITA to shop for used equipment. Lots of internet searching, calling people on the phone with questions, driving to check equipment out, etc. It's all very time consuming and frustrating. If you know what you're doing, and you have the time - go for it.
In the end, I've decided that it's too much work and too much risk. I can't afford the down-time if things go wrong. I need something reliable. So I'm buying new.
I think what convinced me is seeing several postings here and in other forums about people who had purchased lemon tractors - always in the shop, costing hundreds of dollars each visit. What did these people do with their tractors? Cleaned them up and traded them in or sold them. Hm......
I'm not so sure about tractors. I think it's a lot like investing - high risk, high reward. If you get the right machine, it's a great way to go. If you get the wrong machine, it could be a complete headache. But you have to wonder why someone is selling (or trading in) a fairly new tractor. Bottom line - you've got to be able to invest some time to research these used machines.
I have been searching for a used mower - looking to buy this weekend. Focus was on JD GX300 and X300 series, and Kubota GR2100. What I found is that it's a total PITA to shop for used equipment. Lots of internet searching, calling people on the phone with questions, driving to check equipment out, etc. It's all very time consuming and frustrating. If you know what you're doing, and you have the time - go for it.
In the end, I've decided that it's too much work and too much risk. I can't afford the down-time if things go wrong. I need something reliable. So I'm buying new.
I think what convinced me is seeing several postings here and in other forums about people who had purchased lemon tractors - always in the shop, costing hundreds of dollars each visit. What did these people do with their tractors? Cleaned them up and traded them in or sold them. Hm......