Seven Simple Steps to Purchasing Used Lawnmowers

I can remember it as if it were yesterday. I was smiling as I drove my "new to me" lawnmower home from a pawn shop in a neighboring city. I had found the mower I was looking for (a 3.5 horse power, self propelled push mower) at a price that was reasonable - only $50! I was severely impressed with this deal...until I got home and started to mow.

About 20 minutes into the lawn mowing, a huge puff of black smoke flew into the air and a black sludge covered the entire body of the mower. The engine block had a crack in it. A patch job had been covered by paint. Once the engine got hot, the temporary patch work came undone. All I could see was the "All Sales Are Final" sign that was on the cash register when I paid for the mower less than an hour ago. Here are a few tips that will hopefully help you avoid this mistake.

1. Know what you are looking for when you start your search. What kind of mower do you need? Push, riding, self propelled, manual, gas, or electric? After you have decided what type of mower you want, check all available sources. Look for your mower at yard sales, check the classifieds, look at pawn shops, and small engine repair shops (who will sometimes offer warranties on their mowers).

2. Know your price range. Most used lawn mowers are priced anywhere from 25-50% of the original purchase price. Research how much the mower you want cost new-then multiply by the listed percentages for the maximum you should spend.

3. Check the engine. For reasons listed above, this is one of the most important steps. Look for any signs of damage to the engine-any cracks in the block, any sludge build up around the base, etc. Make the seller start the engine, and let it run 5-10 minutes until it gets hot. Does it continuously smoke (a sign of internal damage)? Does it run rough (could be a number of faults-bad carburetor, improper air mixture, clogged filter, etc). Remember, you are the purchaser and are in charge. If they do not want to take the time or energy to help you-move on to the next location.

4. Check the body. On push mowers check the areas where the engine mounts to the body, where the wheels are bolted to the frame, and the place where the handles connect to the body. If any of these areas show extensive damage or rust it would be a good idea to move on. On riding mowers check all of the above, as well as the deck that houses the blades.

5. Check the blades. What kind of shape are they in? Are they severely nicked? Do they show signs of neglect? Will it be easy and economical to replace them?

6. Check the oil. The life of the engine is its oil. Is the oil at the proper level? Does it contain air bubbles (a sign of internal engine trouble)? Is it excessively thick? Does it smell burnt?

7. Lastly, check your wheels. Are they in good condition? Do they roll smoothly? Any nicks or dings on the rims?

Take your time, check all these suggestions that you can, and have a happy mowing season!

Sources

Lawnmower Guide "Guide to Choosing and Using a Lawnmower" www.alawnmowerguide.com

The.Lawn.Mower "Your Guide to Buyin a Used Lawnmower" http://thelawnmower.info

Kelly Richardson "Choosing the Right Lawnmower" www.allaboutlawns.com