cheapskate trying to buy a zero turn mower

So I was scanning the CL ads when I came across this https://youngstown.craigslist.org/grd/4965350257.html I was looking at this exact model last fall but I couldn't stomach the $5200 price. I'm not sure I can justify even the $4250 price for a lawnmower to cut my 2 acres but i know my 15year old rider is close to the end of its life. so eventually I will have to consider something like this ferris or go to the big box store and take my chances again. I don't think ferris will transfer the warranty but i'm going to call the dealer tomorrow to see what they will do since the hours are so low. The owner said they never registered with ferris but the receipt would have their name on it. So, I need some opinions on this mower and just how low you think i could go or just talk me out of this and go buy another car/truck with my 4k.

Do what I did and have kids. I never mow the lawn anymore so dreams of a Zero Turn stopped happening. Although the kids may be more money than the lawnmower.

For that kind of cash: https://youngstown.craigslist.org/grd/4902623750.html

But for only 2 acres that would be overkill. I mow most of 5 acres with a front deck Simplicity Sunrunner and way prefer it to the ZTR I use on my Mom's 6 acres. It's not as fast, but it does a better job and is more relaxed to use. If I was going to buy something right now I'd get a front deck Husquavarna from Northern, it's on sale right now and one heck of a deal:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200621575_200621575

To be perfectly honest, briggs engines are junk nowadays, tecumseh is just as bad.

Look for something with a Honda or a Kohler.

I bought Hustler Fastrak in 2003. 20 hp Honda V-twin. It should last another 20 years. It was a stretch back then to pay $5,200, but that decision has been paying off ever since.

Get the best you can afford. Once you mow that 2 acres in 30-45 minutes you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

Ferris makes decent mowers. Whichever brand you choose, make sure you have local dealer support.

Hustler Turf Equipment

I bought a Cub Cadet ZTR with around 300 hours on if for about 3k. It is the commercial version (enforcer at the time) with a 52" deck and 23hp Kawasaki. It has been mostly fault free (new choke cable 2 years ago) until this past week. Drive belt broke and it sat out in a really bad rain storm. It doesn't want to run anymore and I pulled the carb for cleaning and draining. Hope that fixes it. Anyway. I recommend finding a commercial unit that has a few hours on it, like old Opel guy posted. There are deals out there, just keep looking.

trucke wrote: I bought Hustler Fastrak in 2003. 20 hp Honda V-twin. It should last another 20 years. It was a stretch back then to pay $5,200, but that decision has been paying off ever since. Get the best you can afford. Once you mow that 2 acres in 30-45 minutes you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner. Ferris makes decent mowers. Whichever brand you choose, make sure you have local dealer support. Hustler Turf Equipment

We have a 72" side discharge Super Z and a 72" Rear discharge Super Z in the fleet currently......Approx 15 acres to mow. That can be knocked out in about an hour and a half.

Trans_Maro wrote: To be perfectly honest, briggs engines are junk nowadays, tecumseh is just as bad. Look for something with a Honda or a Kohler.

And Kohler isn't what it used to be. Add Kawasaki to the Honda recommendation.

I have a Husqvarna mower with a Kawasaki engine. Very happy with it. The dealer suggested it over the larger Kohler-powered model saying we'd be much happier with it long term despite being down 3hp.

In reply to DaveEstey:

Yep, our newest Super Z has the big HP Kawa on it, amusingly, it has less displacement than the older Super Z's Kohler with fewer HP.

With the Ferris, you're paying for a heavy duty machine and suspension. The rear control arms are so cute!

Seriously though, it does smooth things out a lot. I'm not sure about that motor. They all have their own issues. The Kawasakis run nice, but you need to keep an extra ignition on hand. I know others have carb longevity issues and other things. I don't think its a bad deal especially seeing how clean it is.

He's taking 3500 for the mower probably because the house just sold. As Long as nothing goes wrong I'll pick it up on Saturday. Sounds like a pretty good deal considering he paid 5800 last year and only put eight hours on it.

In reply to oldopelguy:

Thanks! I didn't even know those existed.