There are lots of manufacturers of shredders and there is lots of truth in you get what you pay for, however, I think Bushhog brand is living on name brand recognition more so than superior quality of product. Most brands have economy models that are really thin deck material and little to no bracing. The same company will have heavy duty models that IMO are just as good quality as bush hog brand. Main thing to look for is parts availability. Does the dealer stock any parts.
Just make sure that the unit that you buy has a gear box that is approximately equal to the power of your tractor and you should be ok. Most of the heavy duty models have 1/4" plate decks so they last much longer than the 16 gauge light duty models. I bought a 6' HOWSE light duty model for my 10+ acres and I have to beat it back into shape occasionally from rock damage but the gear train is a 65 HP rated gear box and I have stalled my 45 HP tractor down many times and not even sheared a bolt yet, so I think the power train is good. Same gear as on the heavy duty version (at least they are rated the same). So while I would love to have something heavier built, I can completely replace may deck with 1/4" plate for $500 by a shop close to my house. He will use my mechanical parts and fabricate and paint a new deck for me. So for the $800 that I paid, add 500 for a heavy deck and I have a $2500+ mower.
