Considering buying a used bobcat 48" hydro.

[buschwacker]

I have read several equipment discussions here and would like input on this bobcat ransome. Just starting out I am trying to keep my costs down but be able to take the acre + contracts I have picked up. The mower is about 4 years old and is a dual hydro walkbehind with 14 hp kaw. Owner states it was recently serviced with new deckbelts, blades, oil, and filter. Tires look about 60%. Looks cosmetically good with normal amount of wear marks from pictures. Saw flyer in my bobcat dealer's board. He is asking $1000 which I think is a pretty fair price. Concern is obviously without hour meter how much life is left on engine. Currently I plan on starting it cold and looking for excessive smoking. Checking greasable joints for signs of maintainence. Checking hydro fluid. Any input is appreciated.

Or would I be better served getting a new bobcat ransome 36" belt drive 15 kaw for around $2100 locally. I am split between used hydro 48" or new 36" belt.

Buschwacker

[Phil Nilsson]

Or would I be better served getting a new bobcat ransome 36" belt drive 15 kaw for around $2100 locally. I am split between used hydro 48" or new 36" belt.Buschwacker

Go with the 48 as your primary mower ... buy it NEW

[Seascape]

From your description,,, and if you dont find anything obviously wrong or sketchy,, id take a chance,

Make sure to inspect the deck where the motor bolts on,,, check for small cracks around all bolts.

[A+ Lawncare]

bushwacker, you asked the question of wht size deck, whether it be a 36'' or a 48'', you really gotta think about what size yards your goin to cut, and whether its gonna be fences or not? if you have 5yards w/fences outta 35 yards w/o your better off gettin the 48'' due to the large productivity level you'de be losin on the other 30 yards w/o gates/fences....except for the 48'' to be a lil shy of 1/3 as fast as the 36'' to cut an hr

Most chances are if their an acre or larger their gonna be w/o fences in a neighorbood..... but, then again i may be wrong, sense i have not seen your accounts/potential customers.... if your cuttin acre + lawns i'de defiantely get the 48'' w/b, due to the fact of the 1/3 as fast, as i mentioned above.....

[Mike J]

Lol

A+.....where did you get the information that a 48 is 1/3 as fast as a 36"....lol

[buschwacker]

I'm not much on cutting corners and agree with you guys to buy the new 48. I talked to the guy today in person and he didn't look nor sound the least bit credible on the history of the mower, commercial use, maintainence etc. I think he ran it into the ground and then spruced it up with new fluids and cosmetics. Thanks again for the good insight.

Buschwacker

[Woody]

Mike J.:

Probably the same place he got his 48 customers in 2 weeks time. Or learned the english language! LOL!

Woody

[A+ Lawncare]

actually i've done my research guys.... they are between 35-50% more productive go to www.exmark.com search for the productivity chart.....

[Mike J]

Nevermind A+

Maybe you should look again at what you posted and then check the chart for yourself again.

[A+ Lawncare]

1/3 = 33% so i'm a little off..... are we all math wizards here are we grass cutters?

[theweedman]

stay in school.

1/3 = 33% so i'm a little off..... are we all math wizards here are we grass cutters?

[RatherbeBassin']

Great productivity chart on Ferris' website!

Factors in deck size, speed and conditions! GREAT lil' tool to have access too!