Rotary Cutter Asking for anyone's 2 cents...

   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents... #1  

Big Wave D

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Tractor
Kubota L35, Kubota B6200E
I'm looking at buying a used 6' King Kutter, and I have a few questions.

1) I'm not to impressed with the latest products labeled King Kutter and sold by my local Tractor Supply Company. However, I've rented and used older products made under that name that seemed to be very stout and well built. I am wondering. Up to what year would you consider them having built a quality product?

2) Is there any way to tell the year of manufacture from a serial number? If so, where is that number usually found?

3) For a visual inspection, what am I looking for that lets me know the gear box is of good quality?

4) Last, any one particular thing that you'd home in on during your inspection that is a walk-away or good-to-go item/issue for you?

I've included some small pictures.

Thanks to any and all who might reply to this post. The wealth of knowledge is incredible on this forum.

Thanks again
 

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   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents... #2  
That looks exactly like my 1990 model and it seems all of them from all years look about the same. Gearboxes seem to be same on the ones I have looked at regardless of year.
Look underneath to see if all banged up from hitting stumps. It should have a "stump jumper" dics with two blades on it rather than just one blase. Wiggle PTO into gear box for slop and then make a judgement call based on overall condition, faith in trustworthyness of seller and price. There are a lot of these and they don't bring a premium price.
If I could afford it and planned to keep it for a number of years, I would buy a new one.
Just my two cents.
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents...
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Thanks sixdogs,

I'd like to have the funds to do just that, but not an option for any kind of foreseeable future.

The seller is asking $325. Comes with some used and a new set of blades. Also 2 used stump jumpers and another tail wheel, used as well.

Can't really argue with the price, and with the spares, seems like it should go for some more years.
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents... #4  
I'm looking at buying a used 6' King Kutter, and I have a few questions.

1) I'm not to impressed with the latest products labeled King Kutter and sold by my local Tractor Supply Company. However, I've rented and used older products made under that name that seemed to be very stout and well built. I am wondering. Up to what year would you consider them having built a quality product?

2) Is there any way to tell the year of manufacture from a serial number? If so, where is that number usually found?

3) For a visual inspection, what am I looking for that lets me know the gear box is of good quality?

4) Last, any one particular thing that you'd home in on during your inspection that is a walk-away or good-to-go item/issue for you?

I've included some small pictures.

Thanks to any and all who might reply to this post. The wealth of knowledge is incredible on this forum.

Thanks again

--------------------------------------------------------------
I only have a penny but you are welcome to it.

QUOTE: 3) For a visual inspection, what am I looking for that lets me know the gear box is of good quality?

Quality on gear boxes is often determined by torque rating but unless you can come up with a manufacturer number that's going to be difficult. Condition is usually easier.

While holding the PTO shaft up with one hand rotate it with the other hand while feeling and listening for anything unusual. If the box is in decent condition it will rotate quiet and smooth. It will take a little effort to get it started rotating and after you quit applying pressure it should coast down quietly with no sudden stops or binding sounds.
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents...
  • Thread Starter
#5  
SandburRanch,

Thanks for your cent. I will certainly make that a part of my inspection.

When I asked to see it in action, the present owner says that he doesn't have a tractor with a working PTO at the moment. Not sure what to make of that. Gives me a bit of a red flag, possibly.

I wish the seller was a bit closer to my home. About an hours drive one way, hate to spend the time and gas on a wild goose chase.

D
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents... #6  
If possible, ask the seller to rig it up so you can hear and see it run...

For the gearbox, I woud pull the fill plug and see if there's any water in there.
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents...
  • Thread Starter
#7  
RoyJackson,

Appreciate the input. Like my previous post says, watching it in action isn't an option.

I was already planning to take some tools and pull the oil plug and see what it looks like. Actual water or milky white, and I am hitting the road, cash still in hand (or wallet).

Thanks again
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents... #8  
Watching it in action is an option if you bring your own tractor. Tell the seller that is what you want to do and see how he responds. If he says "you break it - you buy it", don't.
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents... #9  
Probabally not a bad buy considering a new one just like that would set you back $~900.

As others have suggested, just look it over in general. Look for bent and dented metal as evidence of hitting things other than grass/weeds.

Look over the weld seams and lift frame for any cracks. Not really a big issue if you have a welder.

And pull the plig on the gearbox. Check the oil level. And it may have had grease put in their also. Which isnt necessarially a bad thing, it just means the seal is probabally shot.

And look over the PTO shaft closely also. Check the u-joints and yokes. If it is something that is going to require attention, that can cost up to $150 for a new PTO.

If all that checks out pretty good, it is probabally worth the asking price.

As to the model year and HP rating of the gearbox, best bet is to call customer service at KK. If you happen to go look at this thing during normal business hours, take a cellphone and have KK's phone # with you. You can call tem on the spot.
 
   / Asking for anyone's 2 cents... #10  
Watching it in action is an option if you bring your own tractor. Tell the seller that is what you want to do and see how he responds. If he says "you break it - you buy it", don't.

If the seller won't have a tractor bring yours. Was going to buy a used jinma chipper and fortunetly brought my own tractor. Couldn't get it to run so left it.
 
 
 
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