Buying Used Rotary Mower

[RidgeHiker]

Maybe call German Bilss Parts (an online Bush Hog supplier), and ask.
1-855-667-0970

Thanks Fried. Called German Bliss. Between model number and describing the gear box was able to find out that gear box parts are available.

 

[Zebrafive]

$500 is/was a GREAT price!!!!!!!!!!!!
It looks like it has a heavy deck, that's not all beat up.
Even if needed new blades, I would pay $500
Fill the gearbox to the center of the input shaft. A lot of guys use "corn head grease" if the seals leak.
Did you determine what model it is?
For your safety, buy the plastic PTO shields. If it has slip clutch, you might need new discs.

 

[TheMan419]

Yes County Line is the low end of the spectrum..... however OP wnats to mow LESS THAN AN ACRE. If he is not abusing the thing by mowing down 3" trees all the time it will be fine.

 

[nybirdman]

I have that same exact mower(5') and purchased new in 2004;I would guess it has 1K+ hours on it and still very good.Beat up more than that one.They have shear pins;had a gear box leak so filled with grease.Buy it.

 

[JethroB]

I bought a BH15 model (5ft) new in 2017 which I bet is the successor model to the OP’s purchase. Paid $1650 pre tax. Few model changes that I can see. Fine machine for medium duty. I would recommend front chains. The sun fades the paint pretty quickly. Good buy I think at $500.

 

[ovrszd]

Congrats on the cutter. Hope it serves you well.

Is it wider than your tractor?

In regards to HP. The gear box will have a HP rating. That's it's maximum. Applying higher HP will increase risk of box failure. Usually appears in shaft shear. Better to have a 60hp box on a 45hp tractor than a 30hp box.

 

[Smokeydog]

You made a good choice. You’ll find it will cut brush just fine. Usually replace the blades and blade bolts at the same time. Enjoy.

 

[RidgeHiker]

Seller brought it over today. We hooked it up, ran it, and he gave me some pointers. I didn't negotiate the price because I had a nice connection with the sellers, liked them, and price felt fair. The thing is a beast. Everything is solid and heavy duty. Greased fittings today, will make sure everything is tight tomorrow, and hopefully get started on my project in a day or two. Been watching you tube videos for pointers.

Blades are definitely dull and may have them sharpened. Main reason is that there are as much as 10" of old oak leaves in places that I am hoping will mulch. Sharper blades seem like they may help.

I bought it knowing that my tractor HP would probably be rated high for it. Turns out that it is rated up to 40 HP and assuming they are referring to PTO HP, my tractor is about 4.6 HP over. Also my outer wheel width is about 66" and cutting width is 60". Was not my preference but well priced cutters don't come on the market often and it should work out fine for my needs.

I noticed that the new Bush Hogs are very red. This one is more faded pink. Expect it started out red as well. Definitely has been kept outside which is good since I won't have reservations about doing the same

So grateful for all your assistance. Certainly helped a lot! Now the real education begins.......

 

[MESSMAKER]

That was a fair price to start with. You got a good deal. Shear pins on a high HP tractor can be problematic. Make sure you keep throttle low when you engage the PTO.

 

[Zebrafive]

Seller brought it over today. We hooked it up, ran it, and he gave me some pointers. I didn't negotiate the price because I had a nice connection with the sellers, liked them, and price felt fair. The thing is a beast. Everything is solid and heavy duty. Greased fittings today, will make sure everything is tight tomorrow, and hopefully get started on my project in a day or two. Been watching you tube videos for pointers.

Blades are definitely dull and may have them sharpened. Main reason is that there are as much as 10" of old oak leaves in places that I am hoping will mulch. Sharper blades seem like they may help.

I bought it knowing that my tractor HP would probably be rated high for it. Turns out that it is rated up to 40 HP and assuming they are referring to PTO HP, my tractor is about 4.6 HP over. Also my outer wheel width is about 66" and cutting width is 60". Was not my preference but well priced cutters don't come on the market often and it should work out fine for my needs.

I noticed that the new Bush Hogs are very red. This one is more faded pink. Expect it started out red as well. Definitely has been kept outside which is good since I won't have reservations about doing the same

So grateful for all your assistance. Certainly helped a lot! Now the real education begins.......

You have not posted what model it is.
I am guessing from the pictures it's a Bush Hog SQ600, which would have a 55HP gear box.
Good buy for $500.
I would probably just buy new blades and blade bolts and call it good.