King Kutter

N80 · Aug 2, 2005

I'm looking at the King Kutter 6' rotary mower. I'm on a tight budget. I'm looking at the tag along model with two rear wheels and a screw jack for height adjustment. I'll replace the screw jack with a small hydraulic ram for on-the-fly cutting height changes.

My brother-in-law, who is a farmer nearby, recommends this type of setup for the hilly and uneven terrain that I'll be mowing.

This unit costs less than $1000. Far less than most other major brands. Is it absolute junk? Is the gearbox decent? anyone have any experience with this brand, good or bad?

It will get fairly light duty in grass and light brush, a few small persimmon trees here and there, blackberries, etc. Will be used twice a month at the most.

Any opinions appreciated. Thanks,

George

jjcc246 · Aug 2, 2005

a lot of guys aren't happy with kk. but i had a 60" for 5 years (sold it with the tractor and still regret it) i never, not once, not even a little bit did i have trouble with that kk. and i did not baby it. i think for the money you can't go wrong with a twice a month mow.

TonyV · Aug 2, 2005

I've had a 5' KK bush hog for about 10 years and used it to clear just a couple acres of field every few months. I just used it over this past weekend to clear about 3 acres of very heavily overgrown field with literally thousands of tree trunks in the 1 to 1 1/2 inch range. I stayed clear of anything larger than that after I broke my 2nd shear bolt....but that was the only problem that I'd ever had. I don't think you can go wrong for the price for light duty clearing.

...Tony

DK35vince · Aug 2, 2005

I run a 6' King Kutter brush mower. I like it, works good, no problems.
Its a h### of a lot better cutter than the JD 513 I previously had.

Cactus · Aug 3, 2005

( a lot of guys aren't happy with kk )

And a lot are happy with King Kutter.

MajMac392 · Aug 3, 2005

I don’t have a KK and I know there are different quality cutters but I ended up with a International 4’ model made in Bethel, OH. It isn’t anywhere near as pretty as say a Woods but the $250-300 difference and only using it occasionally swayed me to it. I’ve only used it a few times but I am using mine on fairly hilly ground clearing brush, small (1” or so maybe larger) maple, oak, wild cherry, birch, and pine slash and limbs and it works great. I am even amazed at the rocks that I have gone over, not intentionally because I can’t see them, but it just rumbles, and clunks, then keeps on going. I guess the bottom line if the KK is reasonably tough looking, the gearbox is got a high enough margin for your tractor, I’d go for it. It’s your money and if the KK will handle go for it. I like ‘nice’ equipment but I also like good value for my money as well. Let us know what you decide.

MMM · Aug 3, 2005

I'll do the nay saying. I ruined a 72-60 in 2 yrs of fairly hard use in 2" gum/post oak thickets. I found the deck didn't hold together from vibration of heavy cutting. For your purpose could be ok.

Soundguy · Aug 3, 2005

I have a 5' KK mower.. had it for over 5ys now.. I pulled it behind a NH 1920 for a few years.. now behind a ford NAA.. both thos tractors will pull a 6' mower.. so that kk gets a workout. never had a minutes trouble with it.

Soundguy

gamble77 · Aug 3, 2005

I always tell people that a KK is a pasture mower. It's not a mower that you want to go clear land with...and therefore they are priced accordingly. I'm sure some of you have been through some pretty tuff stuff with your KK's but bottom line is they won't ever hold a stick to a BushHog brand mower.

N80 · Aug 3, 2005

While I agree with you about quality and bitterness, I also believe it is equally unwise to to expend very limited resources on quality or features I don't need. It is a fine balance.

I can get the six foot, tag along King Kutter with 60hp gearbox and 10 ga decking for around $1000. A little more if I add the slipper clutch. I doubt it will ever see any brush bigger than 1/2".

So, maybe the KK is no Bush Hog. Why? If I get a KK I will use it within its recommended specs. So is it going to fail doing what it was designed to do? Where? Gearbox? Deck? It will be stored in a shed so rust/etc won't be an issue.

So maybe I should rephrase my question. What brands should I look at for a 6' tag along rotary cutter for around $1000? Or does that price lock me into serious quality compromises?