Looking at a used King Cutter II Tiller

lzicc · Jan 29, 2011

I found a used King Kutter II 60" tiller for sale. The guy wants $950 for it. It has been garaged kept and from I could see looks like it is in great condition. I can't really try it out to see how it works, so is there anything I should be looking for? It looks cosmetically in great shape. I don't think there is much that can wrong with a tiller, right? The tractor he had to run it is at his son's house, so I can't try it out. Anything I should be looking for?

wedge40 · Jan 29, 2011

Sounds like a pretty good deal if it works ok. If there was a way to check the gearbox and transmission that would be the only thing I can think of.

Wedge

Don87 · Jan 29, 2011

Gotta hook it up and make sure it works. Should be ok, but ya never know. Great price if it works though.:thumbsup:

Alan L. · Jan 29, 2011

I agree that you gotta try it out. Might be easier to pick it up by mounting it on your tractor any way.

Ford tractor · Jan 30, 2011

They are really robust. Check that the tines are in good shape and not missing. They are not super expensive, but there are a lot of them so it adds up.

$950 sounds reasonable. This time of year you may be able to find one new for 1400.

Ductape · Jan 30, 2011

Ummmm ............ what did you say the seller's phone number was ???

ironpig70 · Jan 30, 2011

Just looked at one today new in the crate and I wanna say it was $1700-$1800 so for $950 I say its a good deal.

Only way I know to check a tiller with out a tractor is to pull the side cover off. It is full of oil so that needs to be drained. You can check the chain if it has one or the gears if it has them. Should be able to check the bearings on the shaft also.

Couple things to look out for on the tiller is twine/rope would up near the end of the shafts. Have seen them wear down bearings.

2458n · Jan 30, 2011

You are buying at the right time of year. Congradulations on your forethought. Kind of like buying your snow plow in July. As soon as the seed companies send their offerings out the price on used tillers goes up. Chains can get slack and wear out the side covers. Tines reflect wear- compare against new machine. Bearings and seals wear along time if oil is kept checked. With it up in the air rotate with the pto. DOES IT TURN SMOOTHLY? How does the sellers Truck or Car look? People that take care of things usually are the type that take the same care of all their "stuff".

IslandTractor · Jan 30, 2011

I'd just check by unscrewing the oil level bolt to insure the hole is wet with oil and then block it up a few inches so you can turn the pto shaft or tines to insure the rotor turns. That plus a general inspection of the tines (worn or not) should be adequate if it looks generally to be in good condition. Not much to go wrong with these things. I have one.

How are you going to move it? The things are way too heavy to just man handle on to a trailer. If there is a tractor around capable of lifting it you should also be able to hook up the PTO and see it run.

dex3361 · Jan 30, 2011

Check the tines for wear.

Check the gear box for oil level and leakage around seals.

Check the side gear housing for oil level and oil leaks.

Check to see if the slip clutch is wore out by looking for a little thickness on the plates.

Rotate the tiller with the PTO input shaft. While turning the shaft feel for grabbing or irregular feeling in the gears.

If it looks that good it likely is in fine shape.