Rotary Cutter Asking for anyone's 2 cents...

[Big Wave D]

I'm looking at buying a used 6' King Kutter, and I have a few questions.

1) I'm not to impressed with the latest products labeled King Kutter and sold by my local Tractor Supply Company. However, I've rented and used older products made under that name that seemed to be very stout and well built. I am wondering. Up to what year would you consider them having built a quality product?

2) Is there any way to tell the year of manufacture from a serial number? If so, where is that number usually found?

3) For a visual inspection, what am I looking for that lets me know the gear box is of good quality?

4) Last, any one particular thing that you'd home in on during your inspection that is a walk-away or good-to-go item/issue for you?

I've included some small pictures.

Thanks to any and all who might reply to this post. The wealth of knowledge is incredible on this forum.

Thanks again

 

[sixdogs]

That looks exactly like my 1990 model and it seems all of them from all years look about the same. Gearboxes seem to be same on the ones I have looked at regardless of year.
Look underneath to see if all banged up from hitting stumps. It should have a "stump jumper" dics with two blades on it rather than just one blase. Wiggle PTO into gear box for slop and then make a judgement call based on overall condition, faith in trustworthyness of seller and price. There are a lot of these and they don't bring a premium price.
If I could afford it and planned to keep it for a number of years, I would buy a new one.
Just my two cents.

 

[Big Wave D]

Thanks sixdogs,

I'd like to have the funds to do just that, but not an option for any kind of foreseeable future.

The seller is asking $325. Comes with some used and a new set of blades. Also 2 used stump jumpers and another tail wheel, used as well.

Can't really argue with the price, and with the spares, seems like it should go for some more years.

 

[SandburRanch]

I'm looking at buying a used 6' King Kutter, and I have a few questions.

1) I'm not to impressed with the latest products labeled King Kutter and sold by my local Tractor Supply Company. However, I've rented and used older products made under that name that seemed to be very stout and well built. I am wondering. Up to what year would you consider them having built a quality product?

2) Is there any way to tell the year of manufacture from a serial number? If so, where is that number usually found?

3) For a visual inspection, what am I looking for that lets me know the gear box is of good quality?

4) Last, any one particular thing that you'd home in on during your inspection that is a walk-away or good-to-go item/issue for you?

I've included some small pictures.

Thanks to any and all who might reply to this post. The wealth of knowledge is incredible on this forum.

Thanks again

--------------------------------------------------------------
I only have a penny but you are welcome to it.

QUOTE: 3) For a visual inspection, what am I looking for that lets me know the gear box is of good quality?

Quality on gear boxes is often determined by torque rating but unless you can come up with a manufacturer number that's going to be difficult. Condition is usually easier.

While holding the PTO shaft up with one hand rotate it with the other hand while feeling and listening for anything unusual. If the box is in decent condition it will rotate quiet and smooth. It will take a little effort to get it started rotating and after you quit applying pressure it should coast down quietly with no sudden stops or binding sounds.

 

[Big Wave D]

SandburRanch,

Thanks for your cent. I will certainly make that a part of my inspection.

When I asked to see it in action, the present owner says that he doesn't have a tractor with a working PTO at the moment. Not sure what to make of that. Gives me a bit of a red flag, possibly.

I wish the seller was a bit closer to my home. About an hours drive one way, hate to spend the time and gas on a wild goose chase.

D

 

[RoyJackson]

If possible, ask the seller to rig it up so you can hear and see it run...

For the gearbox, I woud pull the fill plug and see if there's any water in there.

 

[Big Wave D]

RoyJackson,

Appreciate the input. Like my previous post says, watching it in action isn't an option.

I was already planning to take some tools and pull the oil plug and see what it looks like. Actual water or milky white, and I am hitting the road, cash still in hand (or wallet).

Thanks again

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Watching it in action is an option if you bring your own tractor. Tell the seller that is what you want to do and see how he responds. If he says "you break it - you buy it", don't.

 

[LD1]

Probabally not a bad buy considering a new one just like that would set you back $~900.

As others have suggested, just look it over in general. Look for bent and dented metal as evidence of hitting things other than grass/weeds.

Look over the weld seams and lift frame for any cracks. Not really a big issue if you have a welder.

And pull the plig on the gearbox. Check the oil level. And it may have had grease put in their also. Which isnt necessarially a bad thing, it just means the seal is probabally shot.

And look over the PTO shaft closely also. Check the u-joints and yokes. If it is something that is going to require attention, that can cost up to $150 for a new PTO.

If all that checks out pretty good, it is probabally worth the asking price.

As to the model year and HP rating of the gearbox, best bet is to call customer service at KK. If you happen to go look at this thing during normal business hours, take a cellphone and have KK's phone # with you. You can call tem on the spot.

 

[Combustix]

Watching it in action is an option if you bring your own tractor. Tell the seller that is what you want to do and see how he responds. If he says "you break it - you buy it", don't.

If the seller won't have a tractor bring yours. Was going to buy a used jinma chipper and fortunetly brought my own tractor. Couldn't get it to run so left it.

 

[flusher]

Thanks sixdogs,

I'd like to have the funds to do just that, but not an option for any kind of foreseeable future.

The seller is asking $325. Comes with some used and a new set of blades. Also 2 used stump jumpers and another tail wheel, used as well.

Can't really argue with the price, and with the spares, seems like it should go for some more years.

If it has grease on the pto U-joints and gear oil in the gearbox and if you can spin it effortlessly by hand-turning the pto shaft, it's probably OK. And you'll have enough spare parts to fix the business end of that mower.

 

[Big Wave D]

Watching it in action is an option if you bring your own tractor. Tell the seller that is what you want to do and see how he responds. If he says "you break it - you buy it", don't.

Unfortunately , I don't have a trailer capable of hauling my tractor, but the idea is an excellent one.

Look over the weld seams and lift frame for any cracks. Not really a big issue if you have a welder.

And pull the plig on the gearbox. Check the oil level. And it may have had grease put in their also. Which isnt necessarially a bad thing, it just means the seal is probabally shot.

I do have a welder, so small cracks aren't a problem. As for the grease in the gearbox, thanks for the heads up on that. I hadn't heard of that one and should I have seen that, might have caused me to pass. Now that I know why it's there, I can evaluate the rest of the cutter for what kind of overall condition it is in.

If the seller won't have a tractor bring yours. Was going to buy a used jinma chipper and fortunetly brought my own tractor. Couldn't get it to run so left it.

Once again, great idea, I wish that I could take my tractor and truly see it in action.

If it has grease on the pto U-joints and gear oil in the gearbox and if you can spin it effortlessly by hand-turning the pto shaft, it's probably OK. And you'll have enough spare parts to fix the business end of that mower.

You are describing what I'll have to likely go on for a buy/don't buy decision





Thanks to all for the wonderful pointers and ideas. I truly appreciate all the help and advice.

 

[sixdogs]

Glad that "no running tractor PTO" thing raises flags. That would bother me as well and might, depending on other things, make me queston more issues. The fact you are traveling an hour certainly raises the price and adds $25 to $75 to the actual price, depending on accounting. Plus your time.
In years past I have gone on many a road trip and, while even the bad ones were good, I could have been a little more cautions. If a seller is the least bit vague, I keep restating the question until I figure out what's going on. Vague to me that remains unanswered is a big warning sign.

 

[Big Wave D]

sixdogs,

I asked the standard, "Why are you selling question?" His answer was that he bought it, used it once, and it has been sitting in a garage or shed for 3 years. Said the area that he intended to use it he had a change of mind about and finish mows it, not rough cut.

It kind of sounded like he might just have a riding mower and nothing with a PTO takeoff, period. Though he did say "tractors".

I've passed on numerous ones so far. So this isn't a great loss. My problem is that I want one that is 6' or 7' in size, and there aren't a lot of those floating around. 7' is almost impossible to come by.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[sixdogs]

sixdogs,

I asked the standard, "Why are you selling question?" His answer was that he bought it, used it once, and it has been sitting in a garage or shed for 3 years. Said the area that he intended to use it he had a change of mind about and finish mows it, not rough cut.

...
Thanks for your advice.

If true, I like that answer he gave.

 

[LD1]

My problem is that I want one that is 6' or 7' in size, and there aren't a lot of those floating around. 7' is almost impossible to come by.

Thanks for your advice.

Very true indeed.

5' hogs are by far the most numerous and cheapest. "dime a dozen" around here. 4 footers are still commanding a premium. 6' bushhogs are hit and miss. And kep in mind that not all 6' cutters are alike. There are the ones that are built just like a 5' cutter and are lighter duty. Most likely similar to the one you are looking at. 600-700lbs and dont cost much more than a 5 footer new.

And then there are the 6 footers that are built like tanks. over 1000lbs and cost 2x's as much new. THOSE are good cutters and sometimes you can get a steal on them, because people selling them just assume they are like all the other 6' cutters on c-list bringing $300-$500.

My $200 score on a Bushhog 306 is a prime example. It is older and needed a little welding. But there is no arguing with a 90HP gearbox and 1100lb cutter

Point being, kingkutter DOES make a heavier version cutter. Allthough I dont know if they did back when that one was made. The newer ones can be identified by the i-beam sides. IF this one happens to be one of them heavier units, I'd say it is a steal at that price. If it is the lighter one, the price is still very fair provided you check it out and it is still in good working condition.

 

[scott_vt]

If it has grease on the pto U-joints and gear oil in the gearbox and if you can spin it effortlessly by hand-turning the pto shaft, it's probably OK. And you'll have enough spare parts to fix the business end of that mower.

Good Afternoon Big Wave D,
I agree with Flusher on this one, and Roy Jackson made a good point on checking the fluid in the gearbox...

A number of years ago I bought a Bush hog Squealer used and paid $500 for it, other than touching up the blades now and then its been maintainence free...

The mower came from one owner, and appeared to be in pretty good structual condition, actually not much different than yours, although the paint on my unit wasnt quite as faded as yours...

I dont know if the seller will dicker, but you might be able to offer $300, and thats a good buy in my eyes if your gearbox is in good shape !

 

[whistlepig]

As RoyJackson suggested watch it run. Some will vibrate so badly they will shake you off your tractor. Something a visual check won't always catch.

 

[Big Wave D]

Point being, kingkutter DOES make a heavier version cutter. Allthough I dont know if they did back when that one was made. The newer ones can be identified by the i-beam sides. IF this one happens to be one of them heavier units, I'd say it is a steal at that price. If it is the lighter one, the price is still very fair provided you check it out and it is still in good working condition.

I've seen what you are talking about, differing grades of build or construction. Hard to tell from picture, but it appears to be lighter duty build. However, sometimes on the older units, lighter duty is almost what they pass off as "heavy duty" today. We shall see.

Good Afternoon Big Wave D,
I agree with Flusher on this one, and Roy Jackson made a good point on checking the fluid in the gearbox...

A number of years ago I bought a Bush hog Squealer used and paid $500 for it, other than touching up the blades now and then its been maintainence free...

Kind of what I'm hoping for myself. "... and they lived happily ever after..." :laughing:

As RoyJackson suggested watch it run. Some will vibrate so badly they will shake you off your tractor. Something a visual check won't always catch.

Been there, experienced that. Totally agree. Only things is, I don't have a way to either take my tractor or see it work behind something of his. Haven't figured out yet how to take it for a test drive. We don't live in an overly trusting society any more and that's a shame.

Have a fellow down the road, let me try out his flail mower. He said I could use it for a bit. That's been over a year ago. I've stopped and asked him if he wanted it back. He said he wasn't concerned. I was treating it better than he was. Saw it rotting in a fence row oringinally. Lives in a barn now.

 

[cowski]

them cutters are light ,grass cutting is what it is for.turn the shaft if the blades turn its probably alright. one other thing to look for is the gear box being loose . high hour hogs loosen up the bolts holding the box on.