Sometimes the best piece of equipment that can be obtained for lawn and garden maintenance comes from someone else’s yard as opposed to a dealer showroom floor. Often times, the current owner of the equipment piece will be able to provide far more information than a dealer could.
This is a direct result of the previous owner having first hand experience and knowledge of how the garden tractor operates in a real world setting. Maintenance information as well as upgrades and other changes to the garden tractor are also available. Many times, just looking at a garden tractor tells how well an owner maintained the machine.
A garden tractor that shows no visible signs of cracking or discoloration in the paint job is a visual indication that the equipment was never left out in the rain or sun. Other visual signs of this is an almost mint condition seat with nothing outside of normal wear and tear present. Inside the tractor, clean debris free gears and other internal mechanisms indicate routine maintenance schedules being upheld.
On the down side, air screens showing clogged straw particles or chaff clogs indicate the tractor has an overheating problem. The owner should also be able to provide a user manual that has some sign of use over time. Be leery of a manual provided in its original plastic wrapping. This indicates that little, if any, maintenance or other work has been done on the garden tractor.
Another thing to keep an eye on when making a used purchase is where the engine-hour meter stands. This is not standard on all tractors. When there is one present, it reveals a lot about the remaining life of the tractor. Although not a valid indicator in how a machine was used, it is something to keep in mind. 1,000 hours on a well maintained garden tractor is better than 10 hours on a garden tractor operated with dirty oil and debris filled air filters.
Take a look at the oil gauge to get an idea of how often oil levels were changed in the tractor. Routine oil changes will present clear or dark colored oil. Thick, gritty oil is a direct indication that the oil has rarely been changed. This can result in clogging the tractor engine which will require an entirely new engine to be installed. Save money and look elsewhere for a used garden tractor.
There are several questions that should be asked of the current owner. Start by asking to see the air cleaner. If the owner is unable to find this compartment, it is a direct indication that the filters have never been changed. Likewise, if the owner does open it and the filters are debris filled, look elsewhere for a garden tractor. The cost to replace the filters and engine is not worth the hassle. The same applies in the event an owner is unable to locate transmission and differential lube compartments.
There are high quality used garden tractors available. Just be educated in knowing what to look for when making a used purchase.
Used Garden Tractors