Mid priced rough cut mower

[MESSMAKER]

I got the box blade so now to the mower. I need a decent 5' model. I have looked at CL at tractor supply, King Kutter, Howse,and International and they all look more or less the same. Do I shop by price or one better than the rest? Is their another brand I need too look for?

 

[greg_g]

I tend to shop by the pound. Find out the weight, and buy the one that costs the least per pound. I think you'll find it's the International. I had the five footer (IM500) for several years. It was a good enough value for the money, that I traded up to a six footer with slip clutch (IM602)

//greg//

 

[Lineman North Florida]

If you buy the howse brand buy the one with the 6'' channel sides not the rolled sheet metal, I had one and it was indestructible and would cut so close you would have thought that it was done with a finishing mower, I now have a bush hog brand and the fit and finish is nicer but I dont believe it cuts as good as the howse did, it definately is not as stout as the howse that I described but I am sure it probably has a better gear box than the howse which it should cause it cost twiced as much. Good luck I hope this helps, you should hear from someone with every brand if this thread goes like some of the rest.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I found a couple more with prices
Big Bee 625
Howse 650(is about 800 most places)
Kodiak 750

The Kodiak is the only one I have seen in person but it looked very well built. Any advice?

 

[kebo]

I tend to shop by the pound. Find out the weight, and buy the one that costs the least per pound. I think you'll find it's the International. I had the five footer (IM500) for several years. It was a good enough value for the money, that I traded up to a six footer with slip clutch (IM602)

//greg//

Out of that group, I would have to vote for the International as well. While I have had my IM502 model only 8 months now, it seems to be a very well made unit with solid contruction and good welds. I've seen the ones at TSC and just cannot get real impressed about them. They work for a lot of folks though. Heck, my hunt club has a KK bush hog at our lease that we have tried to destroy for several years but it keeps coming back for more. However, it's about 15 or more years old and I think it was made better than the current units at TSC. I will also add that my IM502 runs quieter than all the KK's that I've heard running.

 

[deere755]

If you are near a Rural King I bought a Farm Star and have had real good luck with it. I did not think we wouold use it as much as we have but I was wrong. It seems to mow as well as my woods.

 

[greg_g]

If you are near a Rural King I bought a Farm Star and have had real good luck with it.

Don't have any experience with their Farm Star mower, but I did buy that 5' Chinese rotary cutter from Rural King. The little manual that came with it called it a Futon. It's a real POS, and I strongly advise others to learn from my mistake - don't be tempted by the low price.

//greg//