Rotary Cutter Approx value of Bush Hog 2315 batwing?

[Richard]

Found a Bush Hog 2315 about an hour away. Currently sitting in someones barn. Looks like they have at least 3 other cutters that I saw but this is the only one that flexes, the others were solid.

The frame looks to be in decent condition meaning no holes or obvious rust. The paint is faded looking. Underside is clean from accumulations but the metal underneith looks to be oxidized. I hate to say it looks rusted because I don't think it's that bad other than normal use.

This is a regular duty, pneumatic tires NO chains and in addition, the little flap (to keep objects from flying out) on 1/2 the rear is missing. There is no circle of metal UNDER the blade to keep it from hitting a rock and glancing up to hit the deck. I don't recall what that ring is called but it's NOT there. The blades would probably need to be replaced, but I'm not very experienced with these kind of blades to know how worn they are.

Brother in law had the guy on the phone asking what he wanted for it and the guy said he was unsure. I'm not so sure what exactly that is telling us, maybe he doesn't REALLY want to sell it... I dunno.

I thought I'd put it here and see if anyone can have any guess. I DID take a picture of it with my cell phone but so far, have never been able to figure out how to get pics from my phone to my email. Being in my cell phone, I know it'll be a poor picture anyway but if I can get it out of the phone, I'll post it.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[capt jack]

I Bought a Rhino 15 ft. Flex wing last year. Of the 3 grades they make this is the mid grade (forget the model #). kind of like the one you are looking at, mine was used but not junk, fade and some rust spots, hyds.good, dull blades. It does have chain guards. I paid $4000.00. My friend the kubota dealer said anything under $5500-6000 was a very good price. I saw noted you said he had more then one mower in his barn. Don't know about where you live, But in Texas the state Hwy. Dept. contracts out Highway right of way mowing. Lots of used big size shredders come from these guys, and they are WOOOOOORN out! I knew where mine was from. Good luck, Let us know how it turns out.
Jack

 

[LoneCowboy]

I would guess about 5000 or so

make sure the wings work.

 

[Richard]

I would guess about 5000 or so

make sure the wings work.

Interesting comment, and one I wouldn't have thought to investigate. Is it reasonable to presume they work since they're currently in the 'up' (folded) position?

The cynic in me surmises they COULD hoist them up with a loader or something so I guess I just answered my own question.

 

[Soundguy]

Around here, used batwings go from 1500-4000$ depending on quality and life left in them.

That 'disc' is a stump jumper. The fact that yours doesn't have one means that it is likely intended for light / medium duty use in already cleared land that just needs mowing.

My jd1517 batwing is in the same boat ( medium duty ). Has solid and rubber debri guards.. rubber on front.. solid on back.. etc.

Also.. don't assume 100% that the wings fold just because they are folded. If it has sat.. the shafts can seize.. I had to pb oil and hammer-tap mine for a couple days while putting it under mild tension with a ratchet strap to get it to pop loose. After that I polished it with a scotchbrite pad, regreased, and slid back together.

Here are some pics of mine.. it had surface rust.. some missing paint... patine/rusty bottom (surface) but no wear marks from blades hitting deck.. rough tires that DO hold air.. etc. Took me about 6 weeks to clean it, reweld a few pieces, repalce a few parts.. repack the wheel bearings, and get it washed ( many times ) degreased 9 many times ) and then primed and painted.

One of the pics shows the underside with the blade carrier and the ring the grass clippings catch at wher ethe blade spins. That may be similar to how your blade carrier looks ( no stump jumper ).

I paid 2000$ for mine. Coulda bought another just like it with different tires for 1500$ .. needed more work. another one came up for sale for 2500 a few weeks later. now thee ones I see are in better contition and in the 3500-4000$ range.. etc. ( mines doin' just fine for the 2g's i put in it.. )

Soundguy

Interesting comment, and one I wouldn't have thought to investigate. Is it reasonable to presume they work since they're currently in the 'up' (folded) position?

The cynic in me surmises they COULD hoist them up with a loader or something so I guess I just answered my own question.

 

[mlauk]

You can look at the Bush Hog website under owners manual and it has the specs in there. It shows that is a light duty cutter (1.5" cutting capacity) and it takes a minimum 50 hp tractor to run. I would check and see what a brand new light duty 15' Bush Hog runs and not pay more than half of that based on the age and condition.

 

[40Kchicks]

Soundguy

That was a very nice job of fixing up that mower. I had to reread your post to see that they were the same mowers. I have been looking for a used mower for awhile and now that it is spring I really need one but I just can’t seem to find one. It looks like you have come across some good deals. If I could find a mower like that for a couple thousand I would buy it for grass cutting and buy a heavy duty 8’ mower for cutting brush and blackberry bushes.

Eric

 

[Richard]

Little update:

Brother in law just called. As a side comment, he's owned a heavy equipment rental place for several years. Point being, he's more in tune with the condition/value of something than I would ever hope to be.

He just called and says he's buying it for $3,500. He's been over it and is confident that it's in as sound shape as the guy says it is. It helps that he "knows" the guy ( indirectly, but it's a VERY small town where everyone knows everyone...or their family)

So, looks like we're soon to be the big bad recipients of a 15' batwing with nothing to pull it with!

That will start part II of the journey however, in the meantime, same brother in law is trying to sell a Kubota M-8200 (if I've got the right model) so he said he might bring it over for while so we can cut the farm and keep it manicured until we figure out what to buy.

We're not at a happy ending yet but we're getting close.