used brush cutter-what to look for

[jdrotert]

There's a used brush cutter sitting at the end of someone's driveway near me. The sign says: "$275". It's been repainted, so I know to look closer, but what to look for? If we flip it sideways and the gearbox feels good, what else do I look for? Can I get a good used cutter for around $200?

 

[golfer]

I think there was an article at HoyeTractor's site about some things to look for. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://hoyetractor.com>http://hoyetractor.com</A> Good luck.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Check for a stump jumper (round or oval plate that holds the blades so you can ride over stumps/rocks without breaking anything). Don't buy one without it. A deck with holes rusted through might not be very safe. Check that the 3 point hitch components are sturdy and not bent out of shape. You want a PTO driveline that telescopes freely, good U-joints that have been lubed regularly, and the plastic shields intact.

Personally, I have never found a used brush hog worth buying for anything close to a reasonable price.

 

[Von]

John,I got a used Howse 5ft cutter 2 years ago used from the local Kubota dealer for $175.00. It was only a few years old but had been backed into some thick stuff, and the sides were bent and it was missing a skid on one side. I figured for that price I could weld it back up and make it whole again. The sales man said he would put it on a tractor for 1/2 hour to check that the gear box was good for me. Said it was smooth and quiet and was not even warm after the 1/2 hour run test. He said he would not sell it if the gear box was not good. I took it all apart and repainted it after welding, straighting, and reinforcing the deck. Put about 3 hours of work into it. I have used it with no problems for the past two years and have cut some thick stuff with it. So there are some deals out there if you look hard for them, or can see a diamond in the rough.

 

[pennwalk]

John,
$275 seem pretty reasonable to me for a 4' rotary cutter in working order. It would be real nice if the PTO shaft was all there. Replacement PTO shafts are expensive. Is the body of the cutter very dented? Can you see evidence of serious rust? Do you know what brand it is?

Chris

 

[jdrotert]

All right, I'll look for a stump jumper, make sure the PTO shaft telescopes and the u-joints are greased and free. Anything else? BTW, this is a 5' cutter.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

In the next few weeks... many TSC will have Grand Openings and Grand Re-openings...

They currently sell the KingKutter, brand new, with stump-jumper 5' for $499. with warranty... maybe an extra 5-10% off...? even at this price... it spells value... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[MikePA]

<font color=blue>They currently sell the KingKutter, brand new, with stump-jumper 5' for $499.</font color=blue>

Hmm, when I called two local TSCs they told me the price of a 5' KK was $999.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The KingKutter finish mower sells for that...

I thought we were discussing rotary cutters... or "brush cutters"...? /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[PCNH]

J. M. III, how do you think these would stack up to a Brown? I know, not apples to apples but what do you think?