How do I find out the value/worth of a lawn mower/lawn tractor?

Question

Are there "blue books"? How do I know how much I should pay for a used one?

Specifically a 12 year old cub cadet.... how long do they last anyways?

Answer 1

100 bucks if it runs and cuts!

Answer 2

I have never seen a "blue book" for lawn tractors. It is what the customer will pay. Remember, after 12 years there are things that will wear out on these things. The bearings in the mower deck, of course the belts, and the engine depending on the amount of use it gets. I bought a Sears garden tractor that was 5 years old when I got it for $500. It was used on a rather large but flat lawn and was in excellent shape. Still had to do some work to the mower deck. How long they last depends on how many hours the engine has run and under what conditions. Working them hard will shorten the life as will dusty/dirty conditions. The maintenance done on them will also help determine the life span. I know that this is just a bunch of personnel thoughts but when buying used things it is buyer beware. Some of the things to look at are the spindels on the mower deck. If you grab hold of the blades there should be no movement other than around. If they move up and down the bearing are bad. Spindels cost $50-75 each. Look at the conditons of the tires. Look at the oil, is it clean? When you start it does it smoke or make strange noises. It is best if you get to see it start cold. How does the transmission shift and does the brake work? Is the steering loose?

Answer 3

At 12 years old and still runs between $100-$200 but I would check it out more to make sure it operates with no problems & take it thru some tall grass to see how much it boggs down cause that old could be an enormous loss of horse power

Answer 4

Check on E-bay.com for similar mowers.

Answer 5

As above, check on e-bay, but I would also check craigs list.