First Choice Vs Kingkutter

[JohnMiller3]

I love competition. Competition keeps everyone honest, products keep improving, and the prices stay in check... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jason,

I'm sorry you had some problems with your KingKutter... Mine had served me well for about 2 1/2 years... I "abused" the old girl... I didn't mow grass... I cut brush, brush, and more brush... Last, I started cutting down "trees" and knew it was time to retire my dependable unit...

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/forumfiles/5-175795-KingKutter6%27-1024.jpg>My retired 6' KingKutter standard duty... that went way beyond the call of duty...</A>

 

[Scott_in_WVA]

You must not have used that Kingkutter too much...Because my JD 513 looked at lot worse than that after 2 weeks of use.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...You must not have used that Kingkutter too much...</font color=blue>

Don't hold me too it... I'm guessing I put 550-600 tough hours on the girl.. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

If you opened your back discharge on the x13 series... for the debris to "escape"... you can extend its life drastically... Those rears are designed more for safety than anything else... and in turn it's tearing up that thin 10/11 ga. steel rear skirt...

 

[JohnMiller3]

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/forumfiles/5-175820-9JPropertyBrushexample-1024.jpg>Here's one example of some brush on our property...</A> /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[RichZ]

As usual, I'm with John on this one. I'm very happy with my KK. I brush hogged about five very rough acres with it yesterday. I've put many hours on mine, and it's served me well.

But as John said, competition is a good thing. It makes everyone do a better job. I hope First Choice gives KK a run for their money, it will make them both have a better product for a better price. And that's good for us!!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Scott_in_WVA]

That baby really looks good for that much use,and looks like you really are able to test a bush hog by the looks of the brush in your picture.I had a 36" KingKutter on the back of my old Mitsubishi for years...I really give it a workout.I would been happy if my JD 513 was 1/2 the bush hog the KingKutter was.
You are right about the back discharge on the 513.

 

[Mosey]

I have 3 KK products, a 5' bush hog, a 5' tiller, and a 30" rear scoop. I've been happy with all of them. They are definitely a "no frills" product, but they're built sturdy. The tiller is the only KK product I was able to put right to use without having to make any modifications. On the bush hog I had to lower the bottom 3pt hitch pins and modify the "U" shaped piece you referred to get it to work properly. Now it works good and I'm happy with it. I got it new for $500. The rear scoop also needed some work to get the dump to work right, but now I'm happy with it. I got it new for $180.

As for the bush hog, I'd really like to see a First Choice 5' mower and see how it compares and see a price on one. If it has the hitch pins lower and the top link pivot works correctly, I think it would be worth another $100. Otherwise, the KK is a good buy. I’ve seen KK bush hogs in the field after 10 or more years of use/abuse and they’re still going.

I guess the reason KK doesn’t resolve some of the problems, like the top link pivot not working properly, is because they have such a good price for an otherwise good durable product that people, like me, are buying them anyway and then fixing the problems. I would not recommend KK products to non-do-it-yourself folks, since you’ll spend too much money hiring someone to get it working right.

 

[fishman]

Wow John, if that rotary cutter is due to be retired, then mine should be in the scrap heap!/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[tdenny]

Brett,

I sent you a private email. I promised Pieter that I would not advertise any specific prices out here on the forum. I don't know where you are located but there is most likely a connection to First Choice available for you. It's only out West where this becomes more difficult.

 

[BrettW]

Got the message, looks like I'll be a First Choice owner soon enough. I live in Maryland but will be using it in NC. I can drive out to Wilson,NC which is where FC is located I think. thanks again, sent you a reply as well. brett w