Guide to Used a new Lawn Mower
You need a lawn mower. You cannot afford a new one. One option - buy a used machine. It is a distinct possibility you can find a good used machine, even a top-of- the- line lawn mower, at a reasonable price. You might manage to get as much as half to 75 per cent off the original selling price. It is simply a matter of knowing what you want, and where to look for it. It also helps considerably if you can distinguish between a lawn mower on its last legs, totally beyond repair, and one that is functioning up to par.
The first rule of thumb is this - if you do not know a good used machine from a bad one, find out. Read up on the subject and talk to people who can discern between the two. Read consumer reports on lawn mower brand longevity. Check out the internet and talk to lawn mower repair persons as well as hardware and lawn and garden specialists. Know what the weak points are of any preferred brand. Does its engine stay kicking long after the body falls apart? Does the deck remain solid, while the engine dies? Is it a machine with a short operating life, never making it into the used bin?
If you are not mechanically inclined, find someone who is so. Talk to this person. Bring him or her along to help you figure out what machine to buy. This will save you expense, time and sanity. It will help you select the optimum used machine steering you away from the junker.
Remember, as well, buying a used lawn mower is similar to buying anything else second-hand, particularly a vehicle. Know the brands, know the dealers and know your best options. Realize the outlets for a used product vary. Like car dealers, you can find some used lawn mowers sharing the space with the new models. Some companies buy-back and sell their own brand of used mowers. Check the manufacturers' various web sites to see if the brand you prefer is available from the company as a used model. Also, ask if any of your local lawn mower dealers sell used name brand lawn mowers.
Another source is small repair shops. See if anyone locally repairs lawn mowers and then sells them. Consider looking at garage sales and in the local papers. There are also various specialized papers. You can check out web sites and forums for ideas, brand suggestions and even the product, itself. It all depends upon your ability to navigate through the sea of disinformation and deliberate swindling to reach the shores of reality and clarity. In other words, it is always best to remember the two adages: "Buyer, beware," and "You get what you pay for."
When you find a used lawn mower listed in the paper or on the net, plan to go and examine it in person or send a knowledgeable friend. When you do go to see the mower, bear in mind there are a number of specific areas you need to consider. Make sure you scrutinize the machine carefully and take it on a test run to see how it sounds, how it handles and how it cuts.
Ask to see the papers on the machine and the owner's manual. It is a good idea to know how old the machine is; the papers and owner's manual will tell you the basic information. If possible, find out when the machine was last in the shop for a tune-up, repairs or any other type of maintenance work.
Before purchasing the lawn mower, carefully study the three major components. Check out the condition of the engine. Does it start up immediately? Does it run smooth or ragged? How does it sound? What type of motor is it? What are its specifications? How does it fit into the original warranty of the machine? Sometimes, the company guarantees the engine for the life of the mower; sometimes the engine is the only solid and dependable part of the mower.
Examine the body of the lawn mower. What is the construction? Does it have any dings or nicks? Is there any sign of deterioration? Is there any indication of rust? Are any of the safety components missing, damaged or malfunctioning?
Next, look at the blade of the used lawn mower. Flip the machine on its side and examine the blade closely. Is it in good shape or does it require replacing? You can always buy a new blade, providing the correct part is still available and it does not cost more than the machine is really worth.
If you are smart and follow these basic and practical suggestions, you should be able to buy yourself a good used lawn mower - one that will satisfy both you and your pocketbook.