Rotary Cutter Used Brushhog Advice

[TJP89]

OK, here's the deal. I just purchased a new 35 HP Kioti and, not wanting to spend another 1500+ on a new brushhog, I started looking used. What I found is rather interesting. It is a 60" hunk of steel brushhog. It looks like someone made it themselves or completely rebuilt it. However, it is rock solid, almost zero rust, gearbox does not leak, gears are in like new condition, shaft extends out and in no problem, everything moves the way it should. All the welds look rock solid and the attachment points are correctly placed, with several holes for top link attachment. The seller (small business actually) doesn't know what it weighs, but thinks 600# at least, probably more. The rear wheel turns fine, and its placement can be adjusted up and down, though that bolt looks like it might take some doing to get off. On the down side it needs the mechanism that locks the PTO shaft onto the PTO (cheap at TSC), and shear bolts. It also may need new blades (not so cheap). $250 gets it delivered to my house (good since how I'd get it on or off my truck I don't know).

So, what do you guys think? To me it looks good, doesn't seem to much else to go wrong, but then, what do I know. Even with new blades it I'll come out ahead than if I bought a new one. So tell me, anything I need to look for, are used brushhogs notorious, or is this a decent deal and I should move ahead on it?

Thanks

Tony

 

[Ed of all trades]

I got a used 4' for less than $500 and had to buy some sheer bolts and that is it. The plastic cover on the pto shaft is flopping around but otherwise it is great, and I don't think I got a super deal just a good one.

 

[vabiker23518]

Buying a used bush hog is like buying a used car. Everyone has a history and everyone is different. If at all possible (and you may have) see it operate hooked up to a tractor....listen for noises, vibration etc. and make sure the gear box isn't leaking. From what you've said, $250 delivered for a good used 5' bush hog is great...if you don't want it, I do!

 

[boggen]

just because PTO shaft came with it. doesn't mean the PTO shaft will work with your tractor. once ya get it hooked up. take your measurements, and then pull the PTO shaft apart in 2. and double check you have correct overlap and at same time not to long either.

most rotatory cutters come with a "slip clutch" normally between the PTO shaft, and gear box of the rotatory cutter. (bush hog = name brand).

Tractor Attachments And Skid Steer Attachments For Any Tractor Or Skid Steer has a better video and detailed text than what i could explain of how to double check PTO shaft length / overlap along with adjusting slip clutches.

 

[HEC]

To bad you didn't make a deal with the Kioti dealer on a new one at his cost . I got mine at a real good discount when I bought the tractor . I'm sure he got a real good deal when I bought the tractor .

 

[Fallon]

Used ones around here go for double that. Sounds like a good deal & the basics sound solid. Gear box & PTO is most of the potential problem spots.

 

[TJP89]

I got a used 4' for less than $500 and had to buy some sheer bolts and that is it. The plastic cover on the pto shaft is flopping around but otherwise it is great, and I don't think I got a super deal just a good one.

There isn't a piece of plastic on this thing so that's not a worry. Other than the PTO shaft, you all seem to think it's a good deal. I'll run by there sometime this week and double check the PTO shaft measurements. If they're good I'll seal the deal.

Thanks for the quick replies,

Tony

 

[engine29]

What about when you need a part down the road and the parts guy asks you the brand? That may be a problem.

 

[schmism]

hindsight is 50/50 IF you really needed it shortly after you bought the tractor you should have negotiated to include it into the tractor package.

I had about a month or so before i took delivery of mine and spent the time combing craigslist. within 2 months i had found an HD rear blade and 5' sq back brushhog. the blade cost me $75 and the hog was $250. Been very happy with both. I use the hog a couple of times a year mostly late summer and late fall. Its blades were somewhat worn when i bought it, i put a sorta edge on them with a hand grinder with the intention of getting replacements. 8 years later, the org's are still on it and working fine still. Always something else to spend $$ on.

 

[Fallon]

What about when you need a part down the road and the parts guy asks you the brand? That may be a problem.

If math & memory serves me 600lbs should scrap out at $40, worst case scenario. You should also be able to cart the old gear box or blades down to TSC & find a replacement.

New a rotary cutter is going to be over $1,000 + delivery or hauling it yourself. $250 including delivery wouldn't be that bad of a deal if you only get 1 season out of it. After that you'll have figured stuff out enough to know what to look for when you hunt down another used one.

I regret buying my scraper blade & rotary cutter new simply due to paying double what I could find a used one for with 75% of it's usable life left on it. The kicker is when I bought them new I didn't know enough about tractor stuff to know what to look for or where to look when buying used (which I have now figured out). Paying for an education one way or the other.