zero-turn mowers?

[Don B.]

I hope its OK to post this here since this doesn't "look like" a tractor. I am looking at a Woods "1250" front-mount deck mower. I am not working and am thinking of this to try and make a few bucks, using. 12 HP Kohler Magnum (basically a electronic ignition version of a K K 301) and a 42-44" cut. theres one like it on Ebay (but 1/2 a country away) with a K 301 which leads me to believe this one I am looking at has been re powered at some point in its life. A lil peeling paint on the edges, good tires, etc; I guess this is the same mower as a Grasshopper except for the Woods decals. Anyone have a clue what would be a reasonable price to pay for this machine? I know it is JUST a mower; not meant for a blower, a blade etc.

(but if we dont get some rain, there won't BE any grass left TO cut) everything is turning brown, and to dust.

 

[lucas boy]

how old is it? .i gave 500.00 for a 1855 woods zero turn that was 10 years old. a new one was 6000.00 at the time 10 years ago. engine needed an overhaul.i look at what a new one isas,how old it is and condition,what they are selling for at other places.

 

[Harvestmoonpuller]

I used to work a lawn mower dealer/repair shop. Woods mowers are grasshoppers with different paint decals. I own one myself really good mowers. For one you described i would pay 1000 maybe 1500 but no much more. sounds like a smaller zero turn mower which is ok but if you plan on making money i wouldnt suggest goin that route. i would look at one with a little bigger deck and some more ponies. The number one mower i would recommend is a country clipper. Kinda unheard of in some parts but really good mowers. I would stay clear of anything john deere, simplicity, and ferris. I know these mowers all too well since those were my money makers being in the shop all the time. remember you might only pay 1000 for a mower that you think is a good deal but figure in your costs driving half way acrossed the country and back and it might be worth your time and money to buy one closer to home with a little bigger price tag and save your fuel. Just my 2 cents

 

[Don B.]

no idea on age.(I was hoping that you guys could shed some light on answering that one) this thing is ~10 mi away at a Case IH dealer. I am not looking to get into it hard core; the ZTR of it is the draw; I'm thinking that I want something that will (hopefully) fit thru standard gates if necessary. there was an identical one on Ebay last week, same mower, a few states away (seems like everything on Ebay is in either OH or PA).The ebay one was either $1350-1500. it had a Kohler K series. this one has a Magnum, making me think it was repowered some time in its life; judging by how clean the eng. is compared to the peeling paint (not bad, just a couple spots) I'd guess not very long ago (hours of use wise) and their asking price is less than the Ebay one so that tells me that they are "in line" with what to expect.
I do not mind replacing belts bearings or even a couple tires if need be over the winter as long as I make at least a few bux off of its use this late summer and fall. I may be interested in either finding or adapting a collector system for the upcoming leaf season.

 

[Don B.]

got it! brought it home tonite; once I drained the water out of the gas tank and carb it actually runs quite well too; got it for less than you guys suggested; (but a "lil" more than the 1855 someone mentioned they got w/a bad motor) figures; theres one on Ebay now for $100 that runs with a B-I-N a lil (not much) cheaper than I got this one for; but by the time I drive from IL to MI I think I'm money ahead even though I did spend a bit more; this one was a whole 11 miles away.