Guys, any thoughts on where I can look for a decent used riding mower in Or around Clearwater/Tampa? I’m trying to help my folks get back on their feet here and my dad needs a “new” rider to get around in his yard and haul things back and forth (as well as actually mow). Of course, I’m leery because of the flooding last fall. Any advice/direction would be appreciated.

How mechanically inclined are you ?

How long do you need it to last ?
I got two very good deals on some single stage snow blowers at garage sales here.

I got lucky.

Look for a residential owned mower in very good cosmetic condition. Typically an owner that cares about cosmetics will care about oil changes. I like Hustler mowers, made in Kansas parts ez to come by and they don't rape you with proprietary items that only fit John Deere.

I've bought and sold dozens over the years making a little walking around money and never been burned. I prefer Kawasaki engines but Briggs and Kohler are fine.

this looks good
https://www.facebook.com/marke...18-8176-4d05837b2468

I wouldn’t. The whole area just went through two hurricanes, and any used small engine would be suspect, IMNSHO.

Now, if you’re comfortable tearing down the engine to look for saltwater damage, I’d be a little less leery…but even then you’ve got to worry about electrical.

Bendable,
My dad is very mechanically inclined. That said, I would like them to have more of a turnkey situation (he’s mid 80’s, doesn’t want to screw around too much- he likes a project, but this needs to be reliable.

There are a lot of guys that buy old mowers, push type to the small lawn tractors, and are very good at refurbishing them and selling them at a fair price.

See if you can find them in the Clearwater/Tampa area.

I believe you will get the best overall deal with them as they play the long game and sell to those they live amongst.

Theres alot of lawn maintenance stores that sell used stuff, they usually go over them before they resale them. Bought a rider for my father a few years ago and it worked fine but the area wasn’t as affected by hurricanes as where your looking at.

I don’t know how bad the flooding was in Tampa, but if it was like it was here, I wouldn’t buy used off the internet. I’d do like sigmonkey or valkyrie1 suggested.

Can’t generalize for the area because some parts flooded while others didn’t. Even if the seller claims it didn’t flood, I’d have it inspected first.

FB Marketplace can really be hit or miss. A serious and established seller will have a good description and some decent feedback but the feedback part isn’t always guaranteed as most don’t leave feedback.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
I don’t know how bad the flooding was in Tampa, but if it was like it was here, I wouldn’t buy used off the internet. I’d do like sigmonkey or valkyrie1 suggested.

This is what we did today- found a seller that refurbished lawnmowers as a side, and went to visit. He seemed like a nice man, knew what he was talking about with engines, and was willing to follow up. There were 2-3 to look at, and more in pieces around the yard. He will deliver tomorrow, and did not require a down payment. I’m excited for my dad, because if all works out, he will have the means to get around the property comfortably and maybe have made a new friend. Both engine knowledgeable and chatty with the right like minded guy.
Thanks again! I’ll keep you posted on the result.

^^^ Sounds like a good solution!

Everything seems to be as described so far! It’s here, delivered early, looks good, is running good so far, and the gent was kind enough to leave us his card if we had any follow-up questions. Thanks again- I’m feeling good about this, and my dad seems pleased.

Glade you found one. I have found a lot of good buys on Craigslist.

My father couldn't get around very well so he changed the gearing on the Toro mower so it would go faster.

Sometime later, a neighbor's older father saw what was going on so he bought a John Deere riding mower to get around.

But the riding around on the street didn't go over too well when the police found out.

I am glad you found a good solution.

Being able to satisfy your dad's desires without too much complication is a blessing.

Enjoy every moment.

My experience with Marketplace from an investigative standpoint is 1/3 listings are scammers, 1/3 listings are stolen property, and 1/3 are actual listings of lower quality.

FB is full of people trying to separate you from your money. Have a plan to deal with all three of it comes down to it. And never PayPal or Venmo a deposit.

^^^^^
That's good to know. Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
My experience with Marketplace from an investigative standpoint is 1/3 listings are scammers, 1/3 listings are stolen property, and 1/3 are actual listings of lower quality.

FB is full of people trying to separate you from your money. Have a plan to deal with all three of it comes down to it. And never PayPal or Venmo a deposit.

I hear you, which was one of the reasons I was so leery and asked to go with. We had some real problems with people taking advantage of my folks these last couple years, so I’m extra panicky and suspicious of anyone coming near them or our property, or wanting to “help”.

As I said, so far, so good, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed. The guy seemed like a straight shooter, but I’m ever cautious. Without question, it’s been refurbished. He made no bones about that, and he’s only guaranteeing the engine for 30 days- the mower body he won’t guarantee at all, but he was clearly an engine guy, up to his elbows with the oil you can’t get off even if you scrub, and parts all over his garage and yard. My dad worked in the auto industry in his younger days, so he recognized a kindred spirit right away. The guy said any problems, he’ll do repairs, too. Dad is savvy enough to fix the basics or recognize by sound where any trouble might be with an engine, but he’s not physically able to really work on them anymore.
I hope he made a new friend down here as well as getting a means of moving around the yard comfortably

And I appreciate the word of caution, as well as the kind words from all of you.