Bush Hog Squealer (SQ148) vs Current Model Cutters

[savaytse66]

I am in the market for a 48" rotary cutter for my BX25. I really like the new Everything Attachments cutter, but it, like anything else I would order, comes with a wait of a couple weeks. My dealer has two Bush Hog Squealers that I can buy TODAY. The problem is, I can find very little information on this particular Bush Hog, other than it is a discontinued model as of 2013. I found a manual online, and I see a little bit of discussion here and there, but what I want to know is if the current models offer anything the SQ148 doesn't. In other words, why was is discontinued?

My dealer said he'd sell one to me for $1,500. For an obsolete model, and considering the EA comes in around $1,200, it seems like it might be a little overpriced. Also, I would think he'd want to clear his inventory. But again, I could be cutting with it later this morning vs. waiting a couple weeks, so that's worth something to me. But it's a long-term investment, so I want to make sure I'm not missing out on current-model features that are out there from EA, Land Pride, Woods, and BH.

Thanks

 

[RickB]

The Bush Hog cutter is a name brand quality R/C with excellent parts availability and an extensive dealer network. The new series of BH cutters offer nothing better or of more value than the SQ series. The blades are the same on the new models as were used on the SQ series of the same widths.

 

[DelSc]

From memory, some of the smaller sized "Bush Hog Squealers" didn't have pans or "stump jumpers" on the hubs of the cutter. This isn't a huge deal, but would make it more prone to breaking shear bolts if you caught the hub on things (like stumps). It should be easy to check on that, and might be worth considering in your decision to wait or not.

 

[poosniffer]

I owned a Squealer a couple of years ago.Broke the transmission due to hitting a stump within 1 hour of owning it.Dealer bought it back.

 

[nybirdman]

I have a 5ft.BH Squealer that I purchased new and has about 800hrs. on it with no problems.They are a nice unit.Just purchased a 6ft.Landpride for our bigger tractor.....jury is still out on this one.It's decent but I broke a blade the first five hours of use.

 

[HEC]

I have a 6 ft.bush hog SQ. that is about 15 years old and still ticking . I will say one thing they must have used a good paint as it sits outside and has zero rust on it .

 

[bullbreaker]

I have the six foot version SQ172 with about 200 hrs use. Its been a winner. Lives outside also. A lot of the bush hogs come with cloned Chinese gear boxes nowadays. One of my reasons for me purchaseing this one was the steel guage difference. Another consederation is size HP of gearbox ! Something you (OP) might want to look into. I'd offer him the $1200 and gave him first shot at completeting a sale. I also think $1500 is steep. I"am sure it comes with rubber trash guards and not chain guards. Chains cost more . Just my :2cents:

 

[brin]

I have a 6 ft.bush hog SQ. that is about 15 years old and still ticking . I will say one thing they must have used a good paint as it sits outside and has zero rust on it .

I have to Ditto this ...I have had my BH Squealer..5 ft. model for 12 yrs. now and it has been great..no problems....I had another brand that was lighter and the top deck split but I welded that one....The Squealer is my choice.

 

[vanb]

I've had a King Kutter XB48 for 2 years, no problems. I cut and maintain ATV trails on 200 acres. It cost $850 new.

 

[JRobyn]

Bushhog seems to have a policy lately of coming out with new, slightly different models every year or two. If you want to know the differences, just go on their website or call them. Randy seems to know the specs best.

- Jay