An Ariens EZR 1742 typically costs about $500-$1,800 on the U.S. used market, with many running examples priced near $1,000. The model is an older 42-inch zero-turn mower, so condition, engine health, deck corrosion, local parts availability, and whether repairs are included matter more than its original retail price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonrunning or repair-needed mower | $200 | $400 | $650 | Price depends on completeness and repair diagnosis |
| Running, ordinary condition | $600 | $1,000 | $1,400 | Typical private-sale range for a usable older machine |
| Clean, serviced example | $1,200 | $1,500 | $1,800 | Higher asking prices need documented maintenance and strong condition |
| Pickup and immediate service | $50 | $200 | $500 | Local transport and basic maintenance can add to the purchase |
What a used Ariens EZR 1742 usually sells for
Budget roughly $600-$1,400 for a running EZR 1742, and treat prices above $1,500 as condition-dependent. The 17-horsepower, 42-inch configuration is an older residential zero-turn, not a current new mower with a dealer-backed model-year price. Listings can vary widely because age, hours, service records, and the exact engine or deck setup are not always clear.
A mower that starts, cuts, steers, and charges properly may justify a price around $800-$1,200 in ordinary condition. A clean machine with sound tires, working controls, a straight deck, and recent service may reach $1,200-$1,800. A project with a dead engine, damaged deck, or uncertain hydrostatic drive can be worth only $200-$650, depending on completeness and the cost of diagnosis.
Assumptions: private-party U.S. sale, standard 42-inch deck, no major known mechanical defect, buyer pickup, and no dealer warranty. Asking prices are not completed-sale data; a seller’s high listing may not reflect what local buyers will pay. The original purchase price is less useful than the cost to make this particular mower safe and dependable.
How engine, deck, and labor shape the asking price
On an older zero-turn, engine and transmission condition usually outweigh cosmetic cleanup. A quote for repairs can quickly change the value of a seemingly inexpensive mower. The following ranges are broad repair-shop estimates; parts, engine brand, availability, and local labor rates affect the actual bill.
| Cost item | Typical price | What it covers | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic service materials | $40-$120 | Oil, filters, spark plugs, fuel treatment | Routine upkeep, not a full repair |
| Mechanic labor | $75-$125 per hour | Diagnosis and repair time | Often 1-4 hours for common jobs |
| Battery and installation | $70-$180 | Battery and possible shop installation | Terminals or charging faults can add cost |
| Blade sharpening or replacement | $15-$45 per blade | Sharpening or replacement blade | Damaged spindles cost extra |
| Deck or spindle repair | $100-$500 | Common parts and labor | Rust-through or multiple failures may exceed range |
| Engine or drive repair | $300-$1,500+ | Repair or replacement, scope dependent | Can make a low-priced mower uneconomical |
Repair shops commonly bill $75-$125 per hour, sometimes with a minimum diagnostic charge of $50-$150. A two-hour diagnosis and repair at $90 per hour is $180 in labor before parts, pickup, or tax. Ask whether the estimate includes troubleshooting, parts, shop supplies, and testing after repair.
The deck deserves close inspection because a bent shell, worn spindle mounts, or extensive rust can be more consequential than surface scratches. Replacement availability for an older model may also be limited; confirm the part number and current supply before assigning a repair value. A service record showing recent belts, blades, and fluids adds confidence but does not prove the engine or hydrostatic drive is sound.
Which hours and 42-inch deck problems change the quote?
Hour-meter readings help only when they agree with the mower’s wear and maintenance history. At 500 hours, a well-maintained machine may still be usable; at 1,000 hours or more, engine, deck, and drive wear deserve especially careful evaluation. Some older machines may lack a working hour meter, so control wear, seat condition, service receipts, and cold-start behavior provide additional clues.
Deck condition can shift value by several hundred dollars. Light surface rust and dull blades are ordinary upkeep; holes, cracked welds, or a deck that vibrates at mowing speed suggest a larger repair. A spindle that feels rough or has noticeable play can need replacement. A 42-inch deck may require roughly $100-$250 for a single common spindle repair with labor, while multiple damaged components or shell work can push the bill toward $500 or more.
Engine symptoms matter too. Smoke, knocking, hard starting, fuel leaks, or repeated stalling should not be treated as a minor tune-up without diagnosis. An engine repair or replacement can cost $300-$1,500 or more, depending on whether the work is limited to carburetor and ignition service or involves major engine components. Hydrostatic drive trouble can be similarly expensive relative to the mower’s market value.
Check that both steering levers respond evenly and the mower moves forward and backward without hesitation. Test the deck engagement, brakes, charging system, and safety interlocks. Confirm the model and serial information from the machine itself; seller descriptions can confuse EZR variants or deck sizes. A short test on level ground is useful, but it cannot replace an inspection of the underside and a cold start.
How regional listings differ for older Ariens zero-turns
Local supply and mowing season can move an asking price by roughly 10%-25%. In parts of the Midwest and Northeast, spring demand can bring more buyers just as homeowners prepare equipment, while winter listings may be more negotiable. In warm-weather states, longer mowing seasons can support year-round demand, although heavy use may mean more wear on available machines.
Rural listings may have lower asking prices but fewer nearby repair shops or parts sources. That can increase the practical cost if the buyer needs to transport the mower a long distance or arrange service. Urban and suburban sellers may ask more because local demand is stronger, but pickup access, trailer requirements, and limited storage can affect buyer interest. These are broad market patterns, not guaranteed regional price rules.
Compare at least three local listings with the same basic configuration and similar running condition. Adjust for transportation and immediate repairs rather than comparing only the advertised amount. A mower listed at $750 that needs a $400 deck repair and a $150 pickup may cost more to put into service than a $1,100 example with documented maintenance and a clean test run.
Seasonal timing is only one part of the negotiation. A seller may discount a mower that has been listed for weeks, but an unusually low price can signal a problem that needs diagnosis. Request a video of a cold start and deck operation if an in-person visit is not immediately possible, then inspect before paying a deposit or arranging delivery.
Three EZR 1742 purchase examples with realistic totals
Compare the price paid plus likely first-season expenses, not the mower price alone. These examples are planning estimates for a buyer who can arrange local pickup; actual repairs depend on inspection findings and parts availability.
| Example | Purchase | Immediate costs | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair project, engine starts inconsistently | $350 | $250-$700 diagnosis and repairs | $600-$1,050 |
| Average runner, routine service due | $950 | $100-$250 fluids, blades, and minor work | $1,050-$1,200 |
| Clean serviced mower, trailer pickup | $1,450 | $75-$200 transport and checks | $1,525-$1,650 |
In the repair-project example, the final cost can exceed the value of a sound running mower if the diagnosis finds a failed engine or drive unit. The buyer should set a repair ceiling before purchase, such as $500 beyond the sale price, and walk away if likely repairs exceed it. Parts that cannot be sourced can also make an otherwise repairable machine impractical.
The average-runner example assumes no major engine or hydrostatic issue. A basic service may include oil and filter changes, a new air filter, spark plugs, and blade work. If the seller has receipts for recent service, some of that budget may be unnecessary, but the mower should still be inspected for leaks, worn belts, deck damage, and charging problems.
The clean example is near the upper end of the expected used range. That price makes more sense when condition is verifiable, the deck is sound, and the machine passes a full operating test. A polished exterior alone does not warrant a premium. Assumptions: U.S. private-party prices, ordinary local transport, and no major undisclosed defect.
What repairs and pickup can add before the first mow
Plan for $100-$300 in ordinary first-season maintenance, with a larger reserve for unknown history. Oil, filters, fuel-system cleaning, battery condition, belts, blades, and tire repairs are common budget items on older equipment. If the mower has been stored with fuel in the carburetor, cleaning or replacement may add roughly $100-$300, depending on labor and parts.
Transport can be an overlooked expense. Local pickup with a suitable trailer may cost little beyond fuel, while a hired local delivery could run about $75-$250. Longer-distance transport can cost more, and loading a nonrunning mower may require a winch or extra labor. Confirm the mower’s condition before paying for delivery; a seller’s assurance that it is “easy to fix” is not a substitute for a diagnosis.
Safety and setup also matter. A missing discharge guard, damaged seat switch, faulty brake, or nonworking safety interlock should be corrected rather than bypassed. Repair costs depend on the specific parts and wiring condition. Before mowing, check tire pressure, blade condition, belt routing, steering response, and whether the deck is level. These checks help reveal problems that a quick engine start will not show.
Some repair shops charge a minimum fee or pickup charge even when the final repair is small. Ask for the diagnostic rate and authorization threshold before leaving the mower. If a shop finds a major failure, request a written estimate with parts and labor separated. That makes it easier to decide whether the repair is sensible compared with another used mower or a newer machine.
How the EZR 1742 compares with repair and replacement options
Compare the total ready-to-mow expense against another used mower before investing in a major repair. A serviceable EZR 1742 can be a reasonable low-cost option when the engine and drive are sound and parts are available. It is less attractive when both the deck and transmission need work, because those costs can approach or exceed the mower’s usable value.
A basic tune-up is often a better choice than replacing a functioning engine for cosmetic reasons. Conversely, a $900 used mower that needs a $1,200 engine or drive repair is rarely a bargain unless the deck and other components are unusually good and the owner has a clear reason to keep it. A comparable used zero-turn may cost more upfront but require fewer immediate repairs; inspect any alternative with the same attention to deck and drive condition.
A lawn tractor is another possible substitute for buyers who do not need zero-turn maneuverability. Older used lawn tractors may be found around $500-$1,500, while newer or better-equipped models can cost more. Their turning radius is wider, but some parts and service may be easier to find locally. A current entry-level zero-turn generally costs several thousand dollars new, so a used EZR can still be cheaper if it is sound and the buyer accepts the maintenance risk.
Do not base a purchase on the 17-horsepower rating or 42-inch deck alone. Deck width helps estimate mowing coverage, but terrain, grass height, obstacles, and mower speed affect real productivity. For a small, open yard, an older machine may provide adequate value; for frequent heavy use, steep slopes, or a large property, reliability and service access may matter more than saving several hundred dollars at purchase.
How to negotiate an EZR 1742 price without skipping repairs
Use documented defects and a written repair estimate to negotiate, rather than making a discount request based only on age. Before meeting, ask when the mower last ran, what maintenance was completed, whether it has been stored indoors, and whether any engine, deck, or drive parts have been replaced. Request clear photos of the deck underside, tires, controls, engine area, and model identification.
During inspection, start the engine cold if possible and run the mower long enough to test forward and reverse travel, steering, blade engagement, charging, and braking. Check for oil or fuel leaks and listen for unusual engine or spindle noise. If the seller refuses a basic operating test, include that uncertainty in the price or decline the purchase. A mower that starts but cannot be driven or tested should be priced as a project.
Get a shop estimate for a suspected major repair before agreeing to a premium. For example, a $1,300 asking price may be reasonable for a well-maintained, operational example but not if the deck needs $400 in repairs and the hydrostatic drive has not been tested. A $300-$500 nonrunning mower can still become expensive if the engine failure is unknown, so the discount should reflect the full risk rather than the apparent missing part.
Keep the budget tied to a usable total: purchase, transport, immediate maintenance, and likely repairs. Avoid paying extra for accessories unless they are wanted and functional. A spare blade set or cover has limited value if the mower itself has serious defects. Assumptions: repairs are completed by a local small-engine shop at approximately $75-$125 per labor hour.