Buying Used Rotary Mower

[Industrial Toys]

My first thought. Buy old and heavy or buy newer brand name. Some real (short line) junk out there recently.

Take some wrenches and piece of stiff wire to check oil level. Look for leaking oil around shaft seals. Could mean it's gone dry, especially if filler doesn't look touched.

The GEARBOX is the single most important (and expensive) component.

 

[TerryR]

It appears in the second photo that some alterations or cutting has been made to the top link connecting point. With the chain lying there I would suspect they are using the chain instead of a standard top link. Some folks prefer that.

The chain may have been original equipment. It was on mine from about 1997.

 

[RidgeHiker]

Just talked to the owner. Had the chain on to move it.
Am going to look at it. Anything else to check?

 

[RidgeHiker]

Owner is asking $500. Does that sound reasonable?
Checked and gear box parts are still available for it.

 

[Gregster613]

RidgeHiker. That mower is old and as such was "solidly" built. As mentioned previously, check for oil in gearbox and if possible have owner run in on his tractor to hear for any squealing bearings; otherwise I feel that yes $500 is a reasonable price. Good luck. Greg

 

[Henro]

2. I see adds for a couple mowers around. One is 48" and the owner said like a Country Line. My tractor is 45.6 PTO HP. I expect the 48" mower is rated for less HP. Would this damage a lower rated mower if used carefully?

Usually the HP stated is what the implement needs to do its job. Having excess should not hurt if you are not abusing it. The HP required is determined by what you are doing with the implement. If only normal design use, you should have no problem.

I should think you could easily safely use a 72 inch rotary cutter with your tractor. But that is irrelevant to your question.

If you buy that rotary cutter you should be fine, and so should it, if you use it like you said you intended.

 

[Hay Dude]

Look for milky oil in box. A sign the gearbox has water in it. grasp the pto shaft and twist it clock/counter-clock to check for excess wear.
I'd counteroffer 4 and see what he says..... I got kids in college so I'm a cheap sum-b.... (sorry for the disguised profanity)
Maybe look to settle on $450?

 

[Industrial Toys]

I know people who can get good stuff for nothing. They would get that mower for $200.00 I don't know how they do it. I can't.

 

[ssgp2]

Doesn't look like it has been abused and in pretty good shape. Check the gearbox oil and for signs of leakage underneath on the output shaft. Note: it is common in some areas of the country to remedy leaking seals with bearing grease. Check that the blades rotate freely and are not bent and are even. Check for play in the U-joints . Also noticed that it appears to be set up for a quick-hitch, in that the top link connector is missing.

 

[RidgeHiker]

I bought it. Actually turned out I knew the wife so was a good connection with them. PTO shaft turned freely in both directions. Oil may have been low but don't know how much it takes. Was a couple inches below the top and looked pretty clear. Didn't seem that low because the gear box is large.
The blades were dull. How important is it for them to be sharper if not cutting grass, just brush, some dead branches (not large), and mulching years of oak leaves?
Any thoughts on how much to fill a gear box?
Thanks for all your support so far. Helped me to make my purchase decision.