riding mower w/snow thrower attachment

[bueller]

I've been keeping my eyes open for a riding mower. Just ran across one that a neighbor of mine is selling. I remember reading somewhere that pushing snow is tough on the transmission of a riding mower. This thing has a 2 stage snow blower attachment. Is this setup also rough on the drivetrain and/or engine on a mower? The mower appears to be in good shape. Guy says he bought it new 7-10 years ago and only used the mower attachment the first year. Since then its basically been a riding snow blower. This is in a suburban area with an average sized residential driveway and sidewalk so its not like this thing was run for hours on end each time it snowed.

I don't necessarily need the snow thrower attachment so I would consider selling it if its worth a decent dollar. The mower is a 42" MTD industrial/commercial model with 18.5 HP Briggs engine. The snow thrower is 40". Any thoughts on whether this is a decent buy or not? Guy is asking $1000 which seems high to me.

 

[Jim Timber]

Do you have an atv? The plow for mine was one of the best purchases I made. Cut time for our driveway in half - literally. I can do 2 driveways in under a half hour with the plow (used to do the elderly neighbor's until she went into assisted living last fall).

 

[bueller]

Do you have an atv? The plow for mine was one of the best purchases I made. Cut time for our driveway in half - literally. I can do 2 driveways in under a half hour with the plow (used to do the elderly neighbor's until she went into assisted living last fall).

I do have an ATV. Neighbor plows us in the winter. I'm in need of something to cut the 1/2 acre yard and trails up north.

 

[kl9]

Not sure on quality or brand, but price doesn't seem far off at all.

 

[bueller]

Not sure on quality or brand, but price doesn't seem far off at all.

I know MTD isn't the greatest but their industrial/commercial stuff should be a step up. My main concern is if the snow blower attachment shortens the life of a mower in any substantial way. And how much the snow blower attachment is worth. If I can get him down some and sell the snow blower for around $300 I think I would have a good deal. I'm willing to pay a bit more for a unit like this that I know the history on compared to something that has been beat up and patched up for a quick sale.

 

[kl9]

I know MTD isn't the greatest but their industrial/commercial stuff should be a step up. My main concern is if the snow blower attachment shortens the life of a mower in any substantial way. And how much the snow blower attachment is worth. If I can get him down some and sell the snow blower for around $300 I think I would have a good deal. I'm willing to pay a bit more for a unit like this that I know the history on compared to something that has been beat up and patched up for a quick sale.

Sorry I missed the MTB brand... may be a little high for pricing.

http://eauclaire.craigslist.org/for/4997047090.html

Here is a comparable without blower in my area.