Buying Advice Thinking of buying a 2010 John Deere Z445 48" Zero Turn with 40 hours

Ed2010 · Mar 28, 2017

We're getting ready to buy a zero turn mower for the yard at our farm and just started to research them. Someone I know mentioned he has a 2010 John Deere Z445 48" Kawasaki engine with 40 hours on it. He bought it to mow 2 acres he owned in Arkansas but his lot in Houston is too small to use it so it's just taking up space in his garage. He's asking $2800 for it.

I realize it has very low miles but I'm a bit concerned about a 7 year old machine so thought I'd check here to get your thoughts. For those who own a 2010 Z445, do these machines hold up well? Any major issues? Should I be concerned about buying a 7 year old machine?

MF283 · Apr 1, 2017

For the past 2 years, I was mowing 4 acres on a 2014 ZTR, 120 hours on it. We sold the one place, it took 45 minutes to mow each 2 acre yard not running wide open. I wonder how long the mower hasn't been used(run) with that low hour count.
I also thought they ran B&S in most of their residential unit's???

Ronnie

RickB · Apr 1, 2017

Regarding the long term lack of running, if it starts and runs when you go look at it, that would be enough for me. What does a comparable new unit sell for?

Ed2010 · Apr 1, 2017

He said he only used it a few times each year but not sure how long it's just been sitting. They ran Kawasaki engines in this model in 2007.

My budget is around $6k so I'm thinking I'll see what I can get new for that price.
We have about an acre fenced in that will be mowed regularly.

RickB · Apr 1, 2017

If you insist on spending $6K, that's a fast way to your goal.

My point was that if it starts and runs well there is no fuel system damage from sitting. That would be my #1 concern about any small gasoline engine.

Buying something with essentially 4 days' use at a substantial discount always appealed to me. But somebody has to figure out what an equivalent new unit would cost to make a fair comparison.

Ed2010 · Apr 1, 2017

True on the fuel system. How do belts, hoses and tires age? As I'm researching I see quite a few older ZTR's with a lot of hours.

RickB · Apr 1, 2017

Stored inside and kept inflated, tires are a non-issue. Stored outside, good tires wont weather appreciably. Belts and hoses are normal maintenence items. If they have to come out of the discount from new price, so be it. If you don't buy it cheap enough to afford several sets of belts & hoses, move on.

Ed2010 · Apr 1, 2017

Found a 2015 with6 hours for $6.200

RickB · Apr 1, 2017

I'd be ALL over that 2010 for $2800. I mean all over it. If it truly looks like a 40 hour machine, you will get tired of it before you wear it out.

Ed2010 · Apr 1, 2017

Took a look at it and test drove it this afternoon. It looks almost new and has been sitting in his garage unused for the past year. Prior to that it was garage kept and used several times a year.

Test drive had some issues. When I pull the right side towards me to go in reverse, the lever feels spongy and it barely moves. Going forward the right side goes a little slower than the left. I'm not sure if this is a minor adjustment or a major failure. He's going to take it to a John Deere dealer and have it checked out. In the meantime he has dropped the price to $2600.