Rotary Cutter Brush Hog Question..?

[Buckchaser]

I'm looking for a good used brush hog ( vs. new ) Does anyone have any thoughts on the best brands out there from your experience ?? I'm going to look at a used Woods ( Dixie Cutter ) next week..Don't know anything about this model but I've heard Woods makes pretty good equip. I used to own a 6 ' Bush Hog several years ago, but had to give it up..It went through a lot of hard use and still held up well.. I'd rather try to find a good used one vs. new. Any advice from you guys would be helpful.

 

[JRobyn]

First, you'll have to decide if Ford or Chevy is better. :stirthepot:

In my experience, there are almost NO decent used cutters in the market. Everything I found was rusted or beat all to ****. With a shot (or questionable) lower gearbox seal.

So my :2cents: if you can find any, is just to stick with a long-term manufacturer with a good reputation for customer service so that you have some chance of finding parts. And accept that you will likely have to invest some labor in reconditioning.

 

[ovrszd]

I agree concerning parts availability. Check your local area for new cutters and remember what brand they sell. Try to find one of those.

I can't think of any situation where I'd buy a new brush cutter. Used cutters in excellent condition can be found for 70% of new price and down. Very nice cutters can be found for 50% of new price. If you are mechanically inclined and patient you'll find a very good used cutter for 25% of new price.

I've got a JDM1008 10ft 3pt mounted cutter that I've got $2300 in. Very dependable tool that will outlast me.

I've got a Rhino 6ft mounted that I've got $650 in. Very dependable tool that will outlast me.

 

[bspeedy]

I'd go with Bush Hog or Woods. The Dixie Cutters seem to be on the far lighter end of the Woods line. I have not had good luck with Howse cutters - the hitch is weak and prone to warp / bend. If your used cutter has a leaking gearbox, double aught (00) grease works well. 800 bucks will buy an excellent used 5' cutter around here. 1000 to 1200 will buy a really great 6-footer. Good luck.

 

[ovrszd]

I'd go with Bush Hog or Woods. The Dixie Cutters seem to be on the far lighter end of the Woods line. I have not had good luck with Howse cutters - the hitch is weak and prone to warp / bend. If your used cutter has a leaking gearbox, double aught (00) grease works well. 800 bucks will buy an excellent used 5' cutter around here. 1000 to 1200 will buy a really great 6-footer. Good luck.

Yep, your prices are very comparable to ours at a dealer. Knock off 20% if buying from an individual.

 

[Turbys_1700]

That is spot on the market around here also. I had to drive 160 miles one way to get a lightly used Brown 472. At $1150 I was a happy camper.

 

[LD1]

How big are you looking?
How much tractor do you have?(your profile says none)
And what do you want to cut? Pastures 3-4 times a year is a whole lot different than than virgin crp ground that hasn't. Been Touched in 8 years

 

[Buckchaser]

How big are you looking?
How much tractor do you have?(your profile says none)
And what do you want to cut? Pastures 3-4 times a year is a whole lot different than than virgin crp ground that hasn't. Been Touched in 8 years

I should have said what I would be using the brush hog for.. I have about 15 - 20 acres of field . It was mowed last year and has no brush.. Just rough hay and weeds and mostly flat with no hidden stumps or rocks. I'll probably be mowing a couple times a year with a 34 horse Massey F. I'm looking at getting a 5' brush hog.. /wasn't sure if a 6' brush hog would perform as well with 27 PTO HP.

 

[oldnslo]

Will a 5 ft cover your tire tracks? If not I recommend going with a unit that is at least as wide as your tractor.

 

[ovrszd]

Yep, definitely cover your tracks.

I think your tractor would power a 6ft in the conditions you described. If you get behind, just go slower.

 

[amodel55]

Anybody know a good starting torque for the clutch on bush hog? Im thinking start around 15-20ft lb and tighten 1lb until non slip?
Thanks/Robert

 

[LD1]

Usually not a torque setting

Rather a measurement of the amount of spring compression if it has coil springs.

And a gap setting if it has a big belleville washer/spring

 

[ovrszd]

Here's some very good reading on the subject provided by Google search.

adjusting slip clutch bush hog - Google Search

 

[amodel55]

Here's some very good reading on the subject provided by Google search.

adjusting slip clutch bush hog - Google Search

Yes Sir, That is good reading, I think I can go from there. Thanks/Robert

 

[ovrszd]

Yes Sir, That is good reading, I think I can go from there. Thanks/Robert

You are welcome. I didn't want to offer specific numbers because of variations. Hoping you can find your model amongst all that info. Ain't Google great!!!!

 

[oosik]

Again - you guys are so fortunate. I've searched every internet sales site for ANY used ag equipment - zero, zilch - natta. Ea WA and surrounding environs are a true wasteland for any such equipment. I've simply resigned myself to new purchases.

 

[ovrszd]

Again - you guys are so fortunate. I've searched every internet sales site for ANY used ag equipment - zero, zilch - natta. Ea WA and surrounding environs are a true wasteland for any such equipment. I've simply resigned myself to new purchases.

I've heard others say that too. I've never looked for a used piece of equipment that I couldn't find in 60 days, condition and price matching my criteria. Sometimes they can be found in a couple days. Totally depends on what the item is and how picky I am.

 

[oosik]

Ah - I'll have to retract my previous statement - a bit. About 8 to 10 years ago there was an ad in the local newspaper for a tractor and attached sickle mower. Went and saw it because it WAS in this area. Couldn't even begin to match the selling price. Reason - the combined tractor/mower was so DAM old that it was purchased by some museum as a true antique.

The sickle mower was driven by a gear arrangement off the inboard cogged wheel - no PTO on this system.

And that is the total extent of what I've found to be available in this area for the last 8 to 10 years - period.

 

[jdtractor]

I don't know about anybody else but IMO your gambling when you buy a used bush hog . I realize money comes hard I can promise you that..... but if I'm going to buy a bush hog 2 things are on my list 1st buy a good unit with good part supply if needed 2nd It will be new for warranty..... I will be the 1 to tare it up or try too. Every used unit Ive ever looked at was a complete gamble..... from gear box to the deck to the drive line and lastly the 3pth..... Liquid over haul (paint) covers a lot and people will say and do anything to sell it. I say the **** with that I will buy new that way I know what I have! Its your $$$$$ You get what you pay for...... but also if you buy new you have something for your hard earned $$$$$ not a lot of headaches and no production. Have a good 1

 

[oosik]

Besides that we basically don't have any used ag equipment in this area - in the 100 hp and under range. I feel EXACTLY as jdtractor does. If I'm going to spend my $$$ - I don't want to be buying somebody else's problems. Problems can come soon enough with brand new equipment.