How to Choose a Best-Bargain Used Lawn Mower
Due to budget limitations or other reasons, you may be considering purchasing a used lawn mower instead of a brand new one.
Buying a secondhand product does not mean you have to accept poor quality.
With a little knowledge, you will get what you need at great bargain price.
1.
Consider what you need There are a few types of mowers and you must first understand them to be able to use them properly.
- Push reel: perfect for a small turf.
- Gas/electric rotary: suitable for a large area consisting of bluegrass or fescue.
- Gas reel: for large areas consisting of Bermuda or bent grass.
- Mulching: clippings are cut very finely and evenly distributed on the lawn for those who would prefer not to clean up the clippings.
- Self-propelled: perfect for a large and hilly yard.
- Riding lawn mower: specially used for a huge area of grass.
2.
Consider the seller The type of previous owner of the mower can suggest the degree of wear and tear of the unit.
For instance, a private owner uses a mower about 20 times a year.
However, professionals might use it up to 20 times per day.
Hence, a 6 month-old used mower from a professional is generally less valuable than a 3 year-old unit from a regular household.
3.
Check the appearance Find out which parts are missing and which parts are still intact by examining the mower carefully.
Small dents, peeling paint or missing stickers are some usual and acceptable defects.
However, you should be aware of chassis cracks, rusted or oxidized parts, bent or missing metal parts, and wobbly axles as they indicate improper maintenance, which can lead to unwanted accidents or expensive repairs.
Have a picture of a new mower of the same model to compare which parts are absent from the unit.
4.
Check the engine This last guide is especially for 4-stroke gas mower.
Make sure the unit works properly by checking: - Oil color and level; after you make sure the oil is at the right position on the dip stick, check if the engine smokes during use.
Wait for 2 minutes or more since some brands typically and normally smoke at start-up.
- Fuel; make sure you use the right fuel to operate the engine.
- Air filter; usually a 4-stroke engine has a 2 stage air filter - a spongy outer layer and a paper inner layer.
If both of these are dirty, you can wash the sponge outer filament with soapy water and rinse dry but you should replace the paper inner filament with a new one.
- Spark plug; if the spark plug of the machine is pitch black or has buildups, consider cleaning it with a wire brush or change it to a new one.
Buying a secondhand product does not mean you have to accept poor quality.
With a little knowledge, you will get what you need at great bargain price.
1.
Consider what you need There are a few types of mowers and you must first understand them to be able to use them properly.
- Push reel: perfect for a small turf.
- Gas/electric rotary: suitable for a large area consisting of bluegrass or fescue.
- Gas reel: for large areas consisting of Bermuda or bent grass.
- Mulching: clippings are cut very finely and evenly distributed on the lawn for those who would prefer not to clean up the clippings.
- Self-propelled: perfect for a large and hilly yard.
- Riding lawn mower: specially used for a huge area of grass.
2.
Consider the seller The type of previous owner of the mower can suggest the degree of wear and tear of the unit.
For instance, a private owner uses a mower about 20 times a year.
However, professionals might use it up to 20 times per day.
Hence, a 6 month-old used mower from a professional is generally less valuable than a 3 year-old unit from a regular household.
3.
Check the appearance Find out which parts are missing and which parts are still intact by examining the mower carefully.
Small dents, peeling paint or missing stickers are some usual and acceptable defects.
However, you should be aware of chassis cracks, rusted or oxidized parts, bent or missing metal parts, and wobbly axles as they indicate improper maintenance, which can lead to unwanted accidents or expensive repairs.
Have a picture of a new mower of the same model to compare which parts are absent from the unit.
4.
Check the engine This last guide is especially for 4-stroke gas mower.
Make sure the unit works properly by checking: - Oil color and level; after you make sure the oil is at the right position on the dip stick, check if the engine smokes during use.
Wait for 2 minutes or more since some brands typically and normally smoke at start-up.
- Fuel; make sure you use the right fuel to operate the engine.
- Air filter; usually a 4-stroke engine has a 2 stage air filter - a spongy outer layer and a paper inner layer.
If both of these are dirty, you can wash the sponge outer filament with soapy water and rinse dry but you should replace the paper inner filament with a new one.
- Spark plug; if the spark plug of the machine is pitch black or has buildups, consider cleaning it with a wire brush or change it to a new one.
