Tips for Picking the Right Used Mower or Tractor
3/11/2025
As we look to stretch the dollar there is no better time to maximize savings and buy a used mower or tractor. To help with this buying journey we have created a guide to help you make a purchase that has you leaving the dealership with equipment that is within your price range and is high quality.
Before you head out, take some time to think about the brands you've used before and your experiences with them in addition remember how much you spent on each of those brands. Buying used is about saving money it can be easy to get carried away with spending, so we recommend setting a budget beforehand. If you're concerned about sticking to it, consider bringing a friend along to help keep you on track.
Finding a reliable dealership is crucial. If you have a preferred dealer from past experiences, that’s a great start. If you are starting from scratch, we suggest checking out Google and seeing locations near you that sell the brands you are interested in. Once you land on a few dealerships you like, check out their reviews and make sure there is an easy way to get ahold of them if there is an issue. Additionally, scroll through their online inventories to see what they have in stock.
You are your best inspector. Once you have picked a dealership stop in and see the inventory for yourself. As you go through and check out each piece check fluid levels and look for any signs of wear, such as peeling paint, cracked or bulging tires, dents, mismatched parts, and loose components. Once the first check is done turn the engine on so that you can pay attention to the sound and the color of the smoke. Regarding smoke, a small puff of smoke followed by no exhaust smoke means there is no indication of anything wrong. If you see white smoke, there could be an issue with the head gasket or water in the fuel system. When it comes to blue smoke it’s most likely an oil issue and if it’s black the issue could be a fuel or air-related issue.
Get the facts! While during the initial inspection, you were able to understand the surface-level issues and now it’s time to get a little deeper. Ask your sales representative to see the maintenance records. At this point, you are checking for any major work that has been done that is out of the ordinary and if something doesn’t seem right make sure to ask about it.
Buying used usually includes choosing an older model. While things don’t change greatly year after year review the differences in the features and capabilities. Additionally, inquire about the latest models and whether there were any issues with the previous versions. This can save some buyer's remorse.
It doesn’t hurt to check for extra protection. Ask to see if there are manufacturer warranties still attached to the equipment and if so, get a list of the requirements to maintain the said warranty. Furthermore, consider reaching out to the financing team to learn about any special offers available through the dealer.
Sometimes used equipment may be from a brand that no longer manufactures new equipment or a brand that the dealer doesn’t usually carry. It’s important to ask and make sure service can completed at the dealer and if not find out where it can be serviced.
While your grass may be growing fast, don’t jump on the first piece of equipment you see. Ask your sales representative to show you more options, and if nothing catches your eye, follow up a few days later to see if new inventory has arrived. Interested in finding a piece of used equipment send us a message today and we will let you know if we see anything you may like.