Rear Finish Mower King Kutter RFM-72-YK good deal?

[Jim1764]

I'm looking at a King Kutter RFM-72-YK mower for sale by an individual locally. Seller states it's never been used and basically it's in new condition. He wants $1200 for it. I'm going to look at it Saturday and wanted to get the groups thoughts on this mower and the price. What should I be looking for when I go check it out? Also does anyone know what the "YK" stands for in the part number?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[beenthere]

Have you searched TBN for the King Kutter threads? I recall only that some of the new hookup fittings have been discussed and that may be what the YK is about. When I looked at the new feature, I wasn't impressed that it would work well.

 

[McGeesEquip]

The "YK" stands for Yellow color. Raise the deck up and see if the bottom still has paint under it. Take off the plastic black cover and look at the belt. Look at the grease fittings and check to see if the unit has been greased and if the fittings are still on the wheel fork arms.:thumbsup:

 

[beenthere]

I'm thinking that the YK stands for the "free-floating" feature that KK has, as the RFM-72 model shows only rigid connections. But color may be right. How could an equipment dealer be wrong.

 

[Jim1764]

beenthere, I did do a search but couldn't find the thread on the new hookups you mentioned.
I've attached a pic of the mower in question.

Jim

 

[JoeinTX]

Don't know what the "YK" stands for.

But, as far as the pic goes, that things looks pretty un-used. Like mentioned above, did you check underneath the deck, the blades, and the belts/pulleys for signs of wear? I would think it should be pretty clear.

I notice the new ones are $1499 currently.

 

[RoyJackson]

I notice the new ones are $1499 currently.

Which means the seller is a bit high. If the mower looks good, offer him a thousand. If you have the cash with you, it can be mighty persuasive.

BTW, I'd ask the seller to have it hooked up to his tractor for a test run.

 

[Jim1764]

Joe, I'm going to see it this weekend. I'll definitely kick the tires and check it over. Thanks

Roy, that's a good idea, I'll see if he can hook it up before I get there so I can see it run. Thanks.

Jim

 

[Elcid76]

I got a "good deal" on a KK finish mower last year. It had been at the local farm supply for a few years. I happily loaded it up and went to work... I did all that the manual specified, greasing, lubing, and checking. Use it for about 5 hours and the gearbox gave out... I took it back and convinced them that they needed to fix it. After about three weeks of getting the same song and dance about parts availability I made enough noise to get a full refund. Lesson learned. You get what you pay for. I have a REAL GOOD KK rear blade, but my box blade is a bush hog. Quality costs. You could get lucky, but a finish mower is a pretty quality item. Even though I may be tempted by price, I will never buy an inexpensive "moving part" implement.

 

[Jim1764]

I'm starting to get a bad feeling about King Kutter finish mowers from what I'm reading in this thread and others on TBN. Is King Kutter considered a low end product? should I pass this up and look for a more "mid range" mower? Now you guys have got me wondering.

Jim