Rotary Cutter Brush Hog Question..?

[bspeedy]

In my opinion, the most misunderstood fact about a brush hog is it's simplicity. So,,,, when buying a use one,,,, there are a very few things I need to analyze to determine it's condition. These things can be analyzed in two minutes at most. After that analysis it's a money game of offer, counter offer.

So let's look at worst case scenario. The tail wheel is junk, the gear box is junk, the PTO shaft is junk, it needs blades. Every single time, without exception I can buy that "junk" brush hog for give or take $500. Replace all those parts. Still have less than a new hog.

So,,,, every one of those parts listed above that doesn't need replaced just increased the money savings. Maybe it's better to look at a used brush hog with reverse thoughts. Every major component that's good and doesn't need replaced simply makes the purchase that much more of a value.

I have bought new equipment and used equipment. Some tools aren't worth the risk to go used. A brush hog isn't one of them.

I'll put my $650 6ft brush hog up against anyone's new one. First thing they have to do is disclose what they paid.

Some folks need counseling to deal with the addiction of "new paint".

Right on. I've had 150 dollar brush hogs and 1200 dollar brush hogs and many in between. 150 was junk but cut fine. 1200 was a Bush Hog 286 that was a beast. If the gearbox leaks, fill it with 00 grease. Tail wheel is easy to check when buying, same with shaft and blades.

Most implements can be bought used with little risk for a fraction of the new price. Likewise, most implements do more sitting than working. Even though they look well used, you can tell 'age' from 'wear'.

 

[ovrszd]

Right on. I've had 150 dollar brush hogs and 1200 dollar brush hogs and many in between. 150 was junk but cut fine. 1200 was a Bush Hog 286 that was a beast. If the gearbox leaks, fill it with 00 grease. Tail wheel is easy to check when buying, same with shaft and blades.

Most implements can be bought used with little risk for a fraction of the new price. Likewise, most implements do more sitting than working. Even though they look well used, you can tell 'age' from 'wear'.

Biggest drawback to a used brush cutter looking good is the fact that most are parked outside with the deck completely covered with debris. This holds moisture and within a couple years takes the paint off and makes the deck appear to be rusting out.

My purchased used junk is fortunate to have a machine shed to park in. I clean the deck top and blow them clean with an air gun before parking. I've had my 6ft cutter for 7 or 8 years, bought used, looks just like it did the day I brought it home.

 

[JRobyn]

I don't agree that it's "easy" to check gearbox bearings, especially lower bearings and seals. UNLESS the gearbox is properly filled with (liquid) lube, and unless it is connected and can be observed running.

MY FIL was "gifted" a 4 ft cutter in rough-looking shape, but that should have been ideal for his small area. After it was connected and he tried to run it, it was apparent that the PTO shaft was bent and between the vibration from that and from the horribly out-of-balance blades, all of the gearbox mount bolts had loosened. This resulted in the mounting holes in the (very rusted/weakened) deck being wallowed out. It LOOKED ok, but the whole gearbox was dangerously loose. It's a miracle that cutter parts didn't go flying at deadly velocities.

Just be careful with "used".

 

[ovrszd]

I don't agree that it's "easy" to check gearbox bearings, especially lower bearings and seals. UNLESS the gearbox is properly filled with (liquid) lube, and unless it is connected and can be observed running.

MY FIL was "gifted" a 4 ft cutter in rough-looking shape, but that should have been ideal for his small area. After it was connected and he tried to run it, it was apparent that the PTO shaft was bent and between the vibration from that and from the horribly out-of-balance blades, all of the gearbox mount bolts had loosened. This resulted in the mounting holes in the (very rusted/weakened) deck being wallowed out. It LOOKED ok, but the whole gearbox was dangerously loose. It's a miracle that cutter parts didn't go flying at deadly velocities.

Just be careful with "used".

No argument here. Just saying. Those things should have been noticed when looking at the cutter, especially loosened gear box bolts. But hey, he got a free cutter!!!! So once again,,, he could fix all that and still be in cheaper than a new cutter.

 

[TheMan419]

Yes, god bless them! (I've bought some VERY nice used cars; got a good farm truck, used, of course, for a great price as well) Past year I bought a used dump trailer for $4k; needed tires and a new battery; helped me complete my fencing project, one which would have likely run about $20k if I'd have had someone do it: my total cost was $7k- trailer paid for itself; my new tractor, NX5510, also helped pay itself down a bit (about 100 hours on the job for it).

Pricing here is a WHOLE lot different than elsewhere. LOCATION matters. Here's a new 5' cutter from the local Tractor Supply: CountyLine Rotary Cutter, 5 ft. at Tractor Supply Co. $1,199.99; with my taxes that would be over $1,300.

And for a four-footer (not sure who this is, a local manufacturer?): 4' Rotary cutter - farm & garden - by owner - sale $1,595 (w/o tax)!

Wow that TSC cutter I bought new for $800 plus 7% tax. I realize it is not popular here to like TSC å±*unk but as a newbie who knew nothing buying new was good for me. That cutter has done well for three seasons.

Of course I am mowing 13 acres of pasture/weeds. No hills no stumps... so no I would not advise that cutter if you were working commercial.