REICycling 4 #1 Posted May 27 Hey everyone. New to Red Square. I am looking at buying my first tractor. I found this one on a market place priced at 800. I have my reservations of being fairly priced given some of the rust spots and seller explaining their are holes in the deck and there is a bungee cord seemingly holding the battery in place. let me know your thought am I off base here? Pasted Graphic.tiff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,049 #2 Posted May 27 (edited) to the That does seem to be a bit high but even with some rust holes that can be patched, that 48" deck with greasable spindles is a good deck. The entire machine needs to be checked and as problems are uncovered, the price may come down. The 414-8 and 48" SD deck is a monster mowing machine and can also run a snow blower and tiller. @ebinmaine has a list of items to be checked. Edited May 27 by Ed Kennell 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,454 #3 Posted May 27 The "New to Herd Checklist".... LOT's of good info on what to look for before you drop the cash. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skwerl58 763 #4 Posted May 28 My 414-8 is a great tractor. Plenty of power and ddependable. Check it out good and like said earlier the decks can be repaired. Most price high on market place so make an offer that you would pay for just the tractor and go from there. You may get a great deal it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,784 #5 Posted May 28 (edited) It somewhat irks me when the seller doesn't even give it a bath. Typical MP. Holes in the deck wouldn't bother me too much but the condition of the blades & spindles would. Personally I wouldn't go a nickel over 500. Has been known to get pricey to properly go through a deck these days. Edited May 28 by WHX?? speeling 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ineedanother 1,668 #6 Posted May 28 33 minutes ago, WHX?? said: It somewhat irks me when the seller doesn't even give it a bath. ...and not to mention that their MIL must have sat on the hood at some point They definitely should have sprayed it down after that Still a good looking machine. Far and above what anyone might get at a big box store regardless of the marketing spit and polish being put on that use-and-discard stuff. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
REICycling 4 #7 Posted May 28 2 minutes ago, ineedanother said: ...and not to mention that their MIL must have sat on the hood at some point They definitely should have sprayed it down after that Still a good looking machine. Far and above what anyone might get at a big box store regardless of the marketing spit and polish being put on that use-and-discard stuff. You recon it can be strained back out? I did see that bump in the front of it. looks kinda messed up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
REICycling 4 #8 Posted May 28 47 minutes ago, WHX?? said: It somewhat irks me when the seller doesn't even give it a bath. Typical MP. Holes in the deck wouldn't bother me too much but the condition of the blades & spindles would. Personally I wouldn't go a nickel over 500. Has been know to get pricey to properly go through a deck these days. I figured I could pound something out and rivet something back over the rusty holes till I get the rear discharge deck I want. Yeah well I offered them 650... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,766 #9 Posted May 28 Good advice as usual. I would also note the air filter cover seems to be missing so might see if he has that. There's a metal plate/bowl thing that is supposed to go inside the air filter to be pressed on by a nut as well. Not a big deal with it being a magnum kohler engine so that part is available I'm sure...but those little things can add up at some point. That's a good rig though so I would pursue it till you hit a deal breaker. Keep us updated! We like to root for new owners and these old rigs to keep living on 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
REICycling 4 #10 Posted May 28 6 hours ago, ri702bill said: The "New to Herd Checklist".... LOT's of good info on what to look for before you drop the cash. This post is great. I am going to print it out and take it with me as a check list. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ineedanother 1,668 #11 Posted May 28 14 minutes ago, REICycling said: You recon it can be strained back out? I did see that bump in the front of it. looks kinda messed up. That's for you to decide and probably a point for negotiation. A limb fell on my 312-8 and it hurt, but I just took the hood off and haven't lost a night of sleep. It really depends on what you're looking for and what your expectations are. Hoods can be replaced. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,784 #12 Posted May 28 Another thing I like to advise first time horse buyers is don't marry the first one you date. Always other horses in the pasture so to speak. If it doesn't feel right pass with no regrets. If it's not to far when you go to look take pics of EVERTHING you suspect might be amiss. Even things that look right. Bring those pics back here. The guys here have eagle eyes and know these tractors like their wife. For example here is a 314-8 for 475 I wouldn't be afraid to jump on. Well taken care of. It needs a deck but child's play for us. Not a good Pic but you get the idea Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 622 #13 Posted May 28 This is what not to buy unless you want a GIANT project: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,454 #14 Posted May 28 5 hours ago, WHX?? said: don't marry the first one you date Excellent advise - in oh so many ways... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHS 1,546 #15 Posted May 28 6 hours ago, REICycling said: I figured I could pound something out and rivet something back over the rusty holes till I get the rear discharge deck I want. Yeah well I offered them 650... A good offer. I like to have a welder at hand for most of the decks that i buy. I have a 414-8 myself; that thing has thrown snow at it max and chopped up 1’ high grass on a 48” deck!! What a brute of a machine!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,248 #16 Posted May 28 11 hours ago, WHX?? said: It somewhat irks me when the seller doesn't even give it a bath. Typical MP. Holes in the deck wouldn't bother me too much but the condition of the blades & spindles would. Personally I wouldn't go a nickel over 500. Has been know to get pricey to properly go through a deck these days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,248 #17 Posted May 28 11 hours ago, REICycling said: This post is great. I am going to print it out and take it with me as a check list. First thing always, ask how long have you owned it and why are you selling it. Sometimes their answers may tell you a little more about the tractors condition. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HyperPete 872 #18 Posted May 28 I recently bought a 414-8 for $300, but the one you're looking at appears to be in significantly better condition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
