Risk assesment on purchase of John Deere

10 years ago

I am in need of a used mower, looking at push and riding mowers locally when I found this one. By appearance it looks to be in great shape, moderately new and considering the manufacturer, I am sure more than worth the asking price. I know the information available is slim but wanted the opinions of experts and those with more experience. I understand this could need something as simple as a battery or spark plug....or it could need a motor. What are your thoughts on the risk here? Note that I am mechanically inclined and could do some trouble shooting but I assume this is only something I can do AFTER I risk the $300+. There are a couple of older Murrey riding mowers for $300 available locally that run and are ready to go but wow....IF this JD only needs a little bit, what a steal it would be!

DETAILS;
John Deere 36" Sabre riding lawn mower.

I have no knowledge about this mower except that it currently does not turnover. I received this mower when as part of my closing on my house but we already have one.

It seems like it is in pretty good condition and could be something very small to get going but I am not mechanic nor have the time to investigate, so it could be a steal for the right person.

$350 OBO.

Comments (5)

NoRideTooLow
Original Author
10 years ago
Never mind.....I have been reading some and see that the Sabre is hardly or not even a REAL JD tractor, everything I hear about them screams JUNK. I will steer clear of this Deere...... OK.....I know that was so stupid but I couldn't help myself lol
tomplum
10 years ago
No, they aren't so bad for an LT though. Similar to a Scotts JD or an STX 38. For the price it would hopefully be at least usable. The tractor is ~ 15 years old or so -maybe?
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NoRideTooLow
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the comment, considering all I read then perhaps it would be worth the $350 IF it currently ran but the risk is buying this and I needing a battery or a motor.
User
10 years ago
From the picture it seems to have been well cared for. More than likely the battery is dead. Some people who own L&G stuff seem to ignore battery maintenance.

If you don't have the knowledge and the tools to make that determination then pull the battery and take it to an auto parts store and have it load tested. If the battery is bad replace it with one that has the same CA and CCA.

Along with a new battery dumping the fuel and cleaning the fuel system and carb may be necessary... but may not. If it is then some skill is required.

Seems that it would be worth the buy in and some money for what it may need ... at least a battery and complete service. The Sabre is a better rider than any used disposable Murray you'd find at the same money and they would probably need some work.
NoRideTooLow
Original Author
10 years ago
That's what I thought, looks pretty clean and well maintained. In the long run I didn't want to have to deal with asking the guy if I could try working on it any prior to purchase. My neighbor is out of town a LOT and has offered to let me use his commercial push mower providing I cut his grass when he is out of town. Saves me the cost of a mower for now and from what I understand he has a big nasty mower, the lazy side of me just wishes it was a riding mower lol