Brush Hog - used?

[doxford jim]

Hi,

I am new to this tractor world but am learning as I go along. I have had my old MF-65 for two years now and am wanting to get some implements to use with it.

My property is some 150 acres that was logged about thrity years ago - not completely, but say 75%. Of course there are lots of mixed trees growing to replace those logged. Anyway, I thought the old logging roads - there are about five, would make good tracks for atv's or even just walking or biking. They have a lot of small growth trees that need removng along with a lot of grass and weeds. I thought the Bush Hog would be perfect for this task.

Today I came across a used one - owner said used only about 10 hours at most. Has stump jumper and a slip clutch - he believes it is a medium duty implement. Up here in Canada these go for around $1800 new. He wants $800 for it. I am going to look at it on Monday. What do you experienced guys think if in good condition - fair buy?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thx

Jim

 

[RoyJackson]

That's $800 Canadian?
Price sounds OK...but one cannot evaluate an implement of a computer forum, of course.

How big is this cutter? How many acres do you plan to clean up?

 

[doxford jim]

That's $800 Canadian?
Price sounds OK...but one cannot evaluate an implement of a computer forum, of course.

How big is this cutter? How many acres do you plan to clean up?

OOops!

Yes Roy, That is Canadian $'s. The cutter is 6ft (72"). Of course I realize that the true value is what I would pay for it. However, I can only go with what I was told - about 10 hours use only and in good condition. Regarding amount of cleaning up - I don't know yet. However, I would like to get most of the old roads opened up and made into trails. It will also allow me to keep the property boundaries/fence line clear - for the most part anyway. And of course, a few clearings scattered around on the trails would be nice too.

Anyway, since I am new to the area - tractors and tools (toys), I was just trying to get a feel for the price.

Thanks for taking the time to reply - much appreciated.

Jim.

 

[RoyJackson]

I do suggest you hook it to your tractor first (or the seller's tractor) and see how it runs.
If you're not familar with bush hogs (rotary cutter is the correct name), they'll vibrate some until up to speed.

It's probably a good deal. I'm curious why the person selling it is letting it go so cheap, with so few hours. He's taking a 56% loss on this implement.
Of course, few hours doesn't mean new, necessarily. The cutter may have been setting in his barn for a few years and just not used much.

 

[EddieWalker]

Never trust a seller as to what something is worth. Go to the store and find out for sure what it sells for. Depending on the brand, it might be a great price, or not.

With only ten hours on it, I'd expect it to be in pretty good condition. Check the oil in the geerbox to see if it's in good shape. No oil is bad, but brand new oil might be hiding something. Being so new, it's gonna be hard to tell, but worth taking a look. Ask if there is a warantee on the gearbox and for how long. My gearbox had a three year warantee on it and after one year, it started to make a very loud whine. My dealer ordered a new gearbox for me and told me to keep using it until it arrived. Said it's wasted anyway, might as well keep working with it. hahaha

Look at the blades. They should be fairl dull looking. That's the way they are supposed to be, so don't worry about that. Look for dents and if they are both straight. Damaged blades will tell you if it's been abused and he's selling because it's ruined.

I don't know much about slip clutches except they add value to the mower and save the gear box from allot of abuse. That alone might make this a very good deal. Hopefully somebody can give you some advice on what to look for there.

Look at the drive shaft to make sure it's straight. Check out the tail wheel to be sure it's aligned and spins properly.

There's not allot that goes wrong with these things and it really is the most usefull implement you can have for clearing old roads and maintaining your land.

I go through a set of blades about every year. They will wear out on you, so be sure to figure out how to change them. I had to buy a bigger impact wrench and a very expensive 1 11/16 socket to take mine off. It just takes a few minutes with the right tools, but without them, it's probably just about impossible.

Eddie

 

[jbrumberg]

doxford jim:

The only thing I can add to Roy's and Eddie's posts is to check the gaskets' integrity, check how freely the blades spin on the blade pan/stump jumper, check for gouges and cracks on the blades, and see if the bottom seal is dry or damp. A lot of rotary cutter problems start with leaking seals and gaskets. Jay