What to inspect on a used midsize WB.

[awdriven]

After doing a little searching I wasn't able to find any information on what problems to look out for on a used WB mower.

Someone in my area is selling a used Scag 36 for a pretty good price, but I'm not familiar with what things tend to go wrong with them, what problems are minor, which are terminal.

I'm ready to look for rust, tweaked frame, rough engine, smoke, etc.

This particular machine is a gear WB unit. Are there any trouble signs to look out for? I hear it's normal for the trans to weep some grease around the drive shafts?

How can you check the spindles, casters, belts, pulleys, clutch?

I'm looking at this scag in particular, but this might be a useful thread to post problems that show up on used machines of other brands or types. (ie: How would you test the drive system of a hydro WB?)

thanks guys

[jdaddy]

When I get the cash to buy a WB it will be used as well. My plan is to take it to my commercial equipment dealer and pay them some small fee to look it over... or just buy a used one from them if I can't find a better deal.

[jgc8fan]

I don't know how you could check those items for longevity, but you can tell if the spindles are bent, and most of the mechanicals can be checked by simply running the mower and testing everything.

As far as rust... If they are only small spots here and there that's pretty normal for a used mower (every one I've seen at least)

Belts... You can check them, but buying a used belt drive I would probably plan on changing them anyway... Or at least carrying a set of spares anticipating breaks.

As far as the driveshafts... they do weep which is why they have to be greased regularly (along with the rest of the mower).

As long as the engine runs good, the trans shifts good, and the blades spin okay then the mower is probably okay. I've never had a spindle problem, but I imagine you would be able to tell if one was damaged by noise, vibration, etc... I know a loose or improperly installed blade will be obvious the second the blades engage... I'd assume a damaged spindle would be just as obvious???