would you use this bush hog?

[RickB]

Paralysis by over analysis.
Is anyone like just check the obvious things, hook it up and run low speed, and once that’s cleared, just start mowing? :laughing:

Would you not have extra shear bolts?

 

[aczlan]

I would take the shear bolt out and make sure the yoke is not rusted to the shaft......

I would also make sure that the circlip on the end of the shaft is still there, that is all that keeps the shaft in place and makes it so it can't flop around when you break the shear bolt.

Aaron Z

 

[Hay Dude]

Would you not have extra shear bolts?

Oh yeah, sure I would once I establish its a working machine. Why go out to the hardware store and buy extra shear bolts before you spin the dang little beast up first to see if it runs??
I just mean all this preparation, walking the property, preparing for the worst.., etc
Better call the building and zoning inspectors and make sure theyre ok with it. :laughing:
Maybe see if you need a permit? :laughing:

 

[RickB]

Oh yeah, sure I would once I establish its a working machine. Why go out to the hardware store and buy extra shear bolts before you spin the dang little beast up first to see if it runs??
I just mean all this preparation, walking the property, preparing for the worst.., etc
Better call the building and zoning inspectors and make sure theyre ok with it. :laughing:
Maybe see if you need a permit? :laughing:

Gotcha
I will rely on the OP to further investigate the condition of the cutter before he invests in it.
If he doesn’t know to do that, the best way to learn is by doing.

 

[rush389]

I would also make sure that the circlip on the end of the shaft is still there, that is all that keeps the shaft in place and makes it so it can't flop around when you break the shear bolt.

Aaron Z

great tip. i just ordered some shear bolts and an external snap ring assortment.

ok. the bush hog turns over by hand. i will pull it in the shop once i get the tractor, get it safely turned over and inspect the blades and stump jumper. remove the shear bolt, ensure the shaft is not rusted shut, replace shear bolt and add snap ring.

only thing left is the gearbox lube. on something like this, is it worth trying gear oil or should i assume seal is shot and go straight to corn head grease?

also is it worth the effort and expense to weld something like this to the front?

King Kutter Front Chain Guard, 5 ft

 

[Peter 315]

great tip. i just ordered some shear bolts and an external snap ring assortment.

ok. the bush hog turns over by hand. i will pull it in the shop once i get the tractor, get it safely turned over and inspect the blades and stump jumper. remove the shear bolt, ensure the shaft is not rusted shut, replace shear bolt and add snap ring.

only thing left is the gearbox lube. on something like this, is it worth trying gear oil or should i assume seal is shot and go straight to corn head grease?

also is it worth the effort and expense to weld something like this to the front?

King Kutter Front Chain Guard, 5 ft

Look it might still have gear oil in it then mow a little and recheck.....

 

[airbiscuit]

Before everyone gets all worked up about walking the property, I don't do that if I know the property and I am confident there are no "surprises" lurking about. I do walk the grounds if I think there might be surprises.

For example, I walked through this before I just started plunging through 8' tall brush (which kept me from hitting a few stumps).

 

[Hay Dude]

Gotcha
I will rely on the OP to further investigate the condition of the cutter before he invests in it.
If he doesn’t know to do that, the best way to learn is by doing.

Yeah ok, I hear ya....
Just seems like theres some good solid steps to take when buying a simple brush mower (I actually thought he had bought it by now) and theres the “ overkill “ on the analysis.
I mean what’s next? Run the serial number through a local dealer to see if it has any recall campaigns??

Ya know that’s actually not a bad idea.....

 

[Hay Dude]

Before everyone gets all worked up about walking the property, I don't do that if I know the property and I am confident there are no "surprises" lurking about. I do walk the grounds if I think there might be surprises.

For example, I walked through this before I just started plunging through 8' tall brush (which kept me from hitting a few stumps).

View attachment 654857

I used to do that, too. Then I realized Lyme Disease is pretty bad. Now instead of walking the property if its a new customer, I mow it very slowly. Usually I will hang my 8 foot bucket on the front of the loader, curl it all the way back and let it hang about 8 inches off the ground with the loader in soft ride mode.
If I hit something, the loader will ride up over it, and I can stop to investigate.
I just cut this place for the first time after customer let it go 2 years. I hit one stump and an area of rocks. Loader found them in the overgrowth real easy. No big deal.

 

[airbiscuit]

The OP doesn't have to buy the mower. It was left on his property - FREE - FREE - FREE!