| Regardless of whether it is a tough economy or | | | | new model. |
| good economic times, turf maintenance accounts | | | | Ensure A Good Buy With A Thorough Inspection |
| for roughly half of the total expenses that golf | | | | There is one exception to buying used turf |
| courses accrue every year. However, the | | | | equipment. Any piece of heavy machinery, used |
| condition of the greens and overall turf health are | | | | or new, should come with a warranty or have |
| two of the most important factors for an | | | | undergone an extensive inspection prior to |
| appealing course that both attracts players and | | | | purchase. Golf course maintenance equipment is |
| meets professional standards. Accordingly, many | | | | durable and dependable, so pre owned turf |
| superintendents can be hesitant when it comes to | | | | equipment will enjoy a long service life after it |
| trimming the fat from maintenance budgets for | | | | passes inspection. |
| fear of a loss in course quality. | | | | When buying that used Toro, make sure to find a |
| The Economics Of Used Turf Equipment Versus | | | | dealer who offers a thorough inspection, proof of |
| Buying New | | | | service, and some form of guarantee. Ask for a |
| To get a sense of how the cost of maintenance | | | | copy of the inspection report and do not hesitate |
| has been increasing, in 1990, a new fairway | | | | to ask the dealer to inspect any items that are |
| mower cost $20,000, buy 2000, the same piece | | | | not checked off. |
| of equipment new cost $35,000. Clearly, there is | | | | Specifically, all filters, fluid level, and hoses should |
| potential for pre owned turf equipment to | | | | be inspected for leaks and proper seals. The |
| dramatically lower grounds keeping costs. | | | | electrical system from the ignition system and |
| A used Toro has as much utility as a new model. | | | | charging system to fuses and headlight should all |
| A used Toro's blades and bed-knives do not need | | | | be verified in working order. Mounts, pivots, and |
| any more maintenance than a new model. Used | | | | pins should be checked and all fitting should be well |
| turf equipment in general is just as effective as | | | | lubricated. All PTO functions, drive belts, and drive |
| new models. The basic function of new or used | | | | shafts should be in good working order. Engine |
| turf equipment has not really changed in dramatic | | | | function is paramount and an inspection specific to |
| ways; cutting grass to length today is not much | | | | the type of engine used is required. Finally, all |
| different than it was yesterday. | | | | controls and safety features have to be in good |
| When considering interest on loans, the cost | | | | working order. |
| savings between buying new or pre owned turf | | | | In the end, remember that used turf equipment |
| equipment skews more heavily to buying used. | | | | offers substantial cost savings for facility |
| Depreciation can be leveraged to the buyers | | | | superintendants. That used Toro does the job |
| advantage for both used and new models as well. | | | | just as well as a new model, but the cost savings |
| In the end, the cost of ownership for a used | | | | are essential. |
| Toro mower would be lower than a comparable | | | | |