I have an orange mower made by John Deer some 14 years ago. It has been a great machine. I do not have a lot of hours on it for the age, about 420, but I'm having to use it more due to a bad knee. About 1/4 of the total hours came last summer. I still have my "beast" a big 34" walk behind but simply cannot get it done with that any longer. Question: I came across an identical mower that is said to have only 43 hours on it. I'd buy it quickly except for fear of long periods of no use. This mower has not been made since 2001, so I know it is at least the same age as the one I own and perhaps a year or two older. Before that, the orange mowers were made by Murray and not John Deere. I'm not a very good mechanic; I just know how to change a few parts when needed and I'm good at preventive maintenance. ANY Help is appreciated on what to look for beyond the obvious. Start it, listen, cut grass, inspect the deck.
Thanks in advance