Dilemma on a used mower, please add 2 cents

1742 Views 56 Replies 21 Participants Last post by Devils10acres, 6 d ago

Devils10acres

Discussion Starter · 11 d ago (Edited)

I know this is connected to another thread but this goes in a different direction.

Briefly, my mower is down and dead (Taps playing). I went back to the tractor dealer and they have a 14 year old Z860A - was $5,000 give or take, they didn’t give me a break yet because it had to be run through the shop first.

It was repaired and now they say it’s $6,000! That’s just about half the price of a new one at $12,600 for a 2023 930M with Twheels And a deluxe adjustable seat.

What makes the best sense to you? I’m inclined to go . . . . . .(guess).

Rich

1 - 20 of 57 Posts

Devils10acres

Discussion Starter · #2 · 11 d ago (Edited)

New or used? I was going to call but I guess a visit is better. The new mower is only a 25 hp motor. How’s that work comparing to a 34 hp?

added edit: How do you feel about this story:
The dealer says the JD advertisement on their website for 0% for 48 months makes the quote they gave me for $12,650 go up another $500 To pay for the no interest rate. Sounds like a bait and switch technique To me.

Reactions: 3

MTB98

· #3 · 11 d ago

Devils10acres said:
The dealer says the JD advertisement on their website for 0% for 48 months makes the quote they gave me for $12,650 go up another $500 To pay for the no interest rate. Sounds like a bait and switch technique To me.

You need to read all the fine print. Years ago the other tractor colors had a cash price and a financed price. Deere just had a price regardless how you paid for it. That’s seems to be changing now.
Half price for a mower that is probably more than half used up… you decide what’s best for you.

Reactions: 1

VintageOkieDriver

· #4 · 11 d ago

I love my 930. Bought new last year. If the used one was available to me & I had the need that’s the way

Reactions: 1

Shawn T. W.

· #5 · 11 d ago

A Z960M should have a Kawasaki 31 HP engine ... Mine works well with the 60" 7 Iron ...

Are you sure you didn't get a quote for a Z915E, as that has a 25 HP engine ... Tweels are almost $1200 extra!

The older 8 series had some transmission troubles in the early years, then they came out with an upgrade ... Did this one have it?

See less See more

Reactions: 1

quackaddict

· #6 · 11 d ago

I wouldnt buy a 14 year old z period.

The finance cost can be a point of negotiation for you and your dealer. Last two Z950's I have purchased they ate the finance cost as part of the deal.

What do you need a 960 for? 31hp on a 60" is complete overkill. You could save some money and look at a 950m (27) which runs a 60" deck just fine. If cost is a concern id also skip the tweels.

Reactions: 3

Drifterbike

· #7 · 11 d ago

Get the new one for the cheap interest and warranty. Get the biggest you can afford. It's your money get what you want.

Reactions: 1

Shawn T. W.

· #8 · 11 d ago

quackaddict said:
What do you need a 960 for? 31hp on a 60" is complete overkill.

I don't mow every week, sometimes I'm gone for 3 weeks ... I don't want to dilly-dally cutting the grass, the Z960 will easily take 12"-15" off the top without needing to slow down much or at all!

I cut at 3" ... All 1.5 acres!

I would have been completely happy with 35 HP!

I grew up with the moto "There is no replacement for displacement"!

Reactions: 4

dieselshadow

· #9 · 11 d ago

How many threads does it take to buy a new Z?

Reactions: 5

akadave

· #10 · 11 d ago

Depends on the hours and overall condition but I wouldn't have a problem buying an older mower in good shape. I've got an '05 JD zero turn that I still consider my best mower even though I also own newer ones.

I can't really imagine what they did that added 1k to the price. Maybe take cash and try to get it for 5k or a bit more if they can show you what they did to increase the value. I don't think blowing it off and changing the oil is enough.

That's probably a nickel. Keep the change. 😆

Reactions: 1

makenlittle

· #11 · 10 d ago

I wouldn't even look at a 14 year old mower unless real low hours.
And I wouldn't buy from a dealer that jacks up the price on everything I'm looking at.

Reactions: 5

Devils10acres

Discussion Starter · #12 · 10 d ago

dieselshadow said:
How many threads does it take to buy a new Z?

Real mature from a mod

Rule292

· #13 · 10 d ago

My 2 cents Rich - Pay someone to do the grass and grunt work and spend your time on the big tractor having fun.

Or get a new lawn machine that has has zero headaches. And if it gives you headaches dump it for another new machine. Pick the one that's the comfortable.

No condescension here but that's what I'd do if I had your abilities. This working class schmuck has to pinch pennies and compromise so I can't. But if I could, I would. With all of the other real annoyances around, life is way too short to be annoyed by crap that doesn't work.

Reactions: 3

Devils10acres

Discussion Starter · #14 · 10 d ago

Yes Shawn I did make a mistake, it’s a Z930M with Twheels and the top seat. My dilemma comes from too many configurations really close To each other. $15,000 is lot of money for a mower that’s seems just about average. No mulching, hydraulic raising or lowering deck, lights ect. I had so many unexpected extra expenses so far this year, $15,000 is more than lunch money.

Jeff B

· #15 · 10 d ago

What was your appraisal of the condition of the used unit prior to its trip through the shop?
My puzzler don't work as good as it once did but I was under the impression that you were in really good shape financially? Am I wrong or is the path to wealth made by not spending more than required and that is your habit?
I prefer minty new machinery myself but I cannot evaluate the used machine like you can.
Best of luck either way.

Reactions: 1

dieselshadow

· #16 · 10 d ago

Devils10acres said:
Real mature from a mod

The question still stands. Nothing wrong with asking. You’re the one starting many threads regarding the same subject. It’s confusing and hard to follow when many threads of the same subject are started.

Nothing wrong with starting threads and asking questions. That’s what the forum is for. But if you have many questions around the same subject, please keep it contained to one thread. It’s easier to follow and respond.

Reactions: 4

Devils10acres

Discussion Starter · #17 · 10 d ago (Edited)

Rule292 said:
My 2 cents Rich - Pay someone to do the grass and grunt work and spend your time on the big tractor having fun.

Or get a new lawn machine that has has zero headaches. And if it gives you headaches dump it for another new machine. Pick the one that's the comfortable.

No condescension here but that's what I'd do if I had your abilities. This working class schmuck has to pinch pennies and compromise so I can't. But if I could, I would. With all of the other real annoyances around, life is way too short to be annoyed by crap that doesn't work.

Rule, I was just about to say what happened today. I did buy the new one, a ‘23 Z930M with best seat and Twheels. I was trying to curb spending this year, but it seems never to work for me. I was going for the 860A with 635 hrs but they raised the price enough To change the game. A 700 series has a better warranty and $4,000 less but not as stout as I would like. I went with a new one - as you pointed out it has to be trouble free for a long while. I would have felt better with more hp for those times when a week or more goes by between cuts and the grass is taller I can still zip through it.
There was one - still created from the factory They are getting it ready in the morning and it’s scheduled for delivery tomorrow afternoon. Platinum II gave me $400 discount and buying it on the store‘s website saved the the $90 delivery down the road 8 miles! The state gave me a sales tax credit to use by June 30, that saved me a little over $900 sales tax and the discount the dealer gave brought it to $13,008 including $360 something for the JD insurance.

See less See more

Reactions: 5

Mike21

· #18 · 10 d ago

quackaddict said:
I wouldnt buy a 14 year old z period.

The finance cost can be a point of negotiation for you and your dealer. Last two Z950's I have purchased they ate the finance cost as part of the deal.

What do you need a 960 for? 31hp on a 60" is complete overkill. You could save some money and look at a 950m (27) which runs a 60" deck just fine. If cost is a concern id also skip the tweels.

Yeah me too. $6000 sounds a bit much. Depends on how much you mow. I have a 20 year old kubota diesel that still runs and cuts but it is showing it’s age. I bought a newer one from an individual. My son wants the old one. Tweel see.

Also on the tweels. I know a couple of guys got those. They don’t like them. Seems they deteriorate pretty quickly.

Reactions: 1

Devils10acres

Discussion Starter · #19 · 10 d ago

dieselshadow said:
The question still stands. Nothing wrong with asking. You’re the one starting many threads regarding the same subject. It’s confusing and hard to follow when many threads of the same subject are started.

Nothing wrong with starting threads and asking questions. That’s what the forum is for. But if you have many questions around the same subject, please keep it contained to one thread. It’s easier to follow and respond.

Because I have noticed with threads by Anyone (not just by myself) when time goes by and people don’t have a shared interest - helpful replies drop off. I said straight off in the first sentence that this was related to another thread but there was a turn I would like some more input over the models. I post very little anymore I guess that’s not little enough for you.

dieselshadow

· #20 · 10 d ago

Devils10acres said:
Because I have noticed with threads by Anyone (not just by myself) when time goes by and people don’t have a shared interest - helpful replies drop off. I said straight off in the first sentence that this was related to another thread but there was a turn I would like some more input over the models. I post very little anymore I guess that’s not little enough for you.

Don’t get all wound up here. Many threads on the same subject is hard to follow and confusing at best. Perhaps that’s the reason you’re having little success? At least perceived success? You can post as much or as little as you like. Nothing in the rules regarding that. I encourage you to get the answers you are looking for. I just ask that you follow our simple guidelines and rules and not start many threads on the same subject.

🍻

1 - 20 of 57 Posts