Looking to buy Lawn Mower -- Need some advice

After paying the lawn boy all summer this year, I've decided it's time for me to get a mower for next year. I've never had a riding mower, because this is the first place I've lived that has a yard big enough to justify one, so that being said, I'm kind of clueless. (big surprise)

I've been watching craigslist for lawn mowers for the past couple months, while also looking at new ones.

I really like the john deere d110 but I don't think I can throw down 1700 on a mower right now.

I found a L110 on craigslist ($575)

http://bgky.craigslist.org/grd/3376795729.html

I also found a D100: ($875)
http://bgky.craigslist.org/grd/3364865286.html

I've emailed the sellers about them and asked the following questions-- (I left off the ones that were answered in the ads)

1. When did you get it and where did you originally purchase it?
2. How many hours are on it?
3. Why are you getting rid of it?
4. Who/Where did repairs/maintenance?
5. What kind of lot have you been mowing with it?
6. Have you had any issues with keeping air in the tires?
7. Has it been properly winterized?
8. How's the transmission holding up; does it shift smoothly?
9. What repairs have been made and what repairs are needed?
10. Does it start easily/quickly or does it take a little while and multiple tries?
11. Where has it been stored? (Garage/Shed or Outdoors)

What do I need to keep in mind and watch for?

Thanks for the help in advance!

 

Just so you know, it doesn't have a transmission, it's hydrostatic meaning it uses hydraulic fluid as a working fluid to drive the tractor. If should be very smooth if you test drive it.

 

Damn that is a good price. It looks clean.

 

Edited OP.

 

L110 has ~350 Hours. The current owner got it as part of a trade, and he's just trying to get some cash.

I'm going to call the owner of the D100 this afternoon.

 

Buy yourself a used commercial walk behind and a sulky to stand on behind it. They leave a much better cut at faster speeds than any lawn tractor. Not to mention they're built much more solid and reliable than any homeowner model. You can get a used one in decent shape for around $1k. I have one that I use for my side business mowing lawns.

I recently mowed my uncle's property with it and he was amazed that it took me about 15 minutes less to mow compared to his lawn tractor. Mine has a 36" deck and his rider has a 42" deck.

Here's mine. It's a '97 model. I bought used off craigslist 3.5 years ago. I've probably put close to 4-500 hours on it.

 

The D100 -- seller bought from a guy who bought it new, and original owner somehow wore out the spindle. Seller replaced spindles and axle, as well as battery & deck belt. only has 56 hours on it. Seller buys, sells & fixes John Deeres.

 

I bought a new John Deere zero turn mower 2 years ago and glad i did.....they are pricey though . $3000... but if you catch one on craigs list for a good price it may well be worth it

 

I have a D100, it run's pretty good. The bagger always get clogged, if you choose to equip. It doesn't matter if the grass is dry with no rain for the past month. It WILL clog. Also check the adjustment bracket for the belt tension on the mower deck itself. It's almost as if there isn't enough adjustment in the part. I had to remove the plastic guards that protect the pulleys because of the slack in the belt to which I cannot adjust any tighter. I replaced the belt, but within a few cuts I was right back to having a lot of slack. All of that in mind, the belt has never come off during normal operation.
The mower does cut great though. It's very easy to service i.e. oil change, filter etc. etc.

Since the seller fixes Deere's, maybe he corrected the issues on the mower deck.

All in all I'd purchase again.
$875 is a good price...IMO
Grease those front wheels normally though, they definitely get to squealing if you don't!

Hope this helps

 

Get the one with the Kohler motor not the B&S.