Honda HT3813...is it worth the gamble?

[jedjoe]

I get that this barely qualifies as a tractor, but still curious to hear from the TBN community...

My old JD LX172 finally passed away into lawn mower heaven. I'm in need of two riding mowers; one I already have and use (a Husqvarna) but I need a second to live at another site. Someone local is selling a Honda HT3813. It's an old lawn tractor (1989), but it has had meticulous care and is in remarkable shape. Unlike most lawn machines, this is a 2 cylinder liquid cooled engine with a mechanical PTO and none of the modern crap that tends to go wrong. Also, it has a frame like an ox and needs nothing to take it over. I've bargained the seller down to $650. Should I pull the trigger an buy it? I really like older machines (my ag tractor is a NH TC35 2004 which I will keep to my dying days). I suspect parts for the Honda HT3813 could be tough to find, but given it's condition I am not too worried.

 

[aesanders]

Doesn’t sound like much money to take a gamble on. I’d snag it if you like it.

 

[oldnslo]

My friend had one of those Honda riders and it was a dependable machine. He passed away a few years ago but I do not recall having any problems with finding parts. I do recall there was some adjustments on the mower deck clutch that required occasional tuning but not a difficult task.

For that money I would buy it.