Bush Hog 268 a good cutter?

[LD1]

Alot of you know I have been looking for an 8 or 10 foot cutter.

Not much out there in my area used. But a few hrs away, there is a BH 268. Can't seem to find much info online as to weather they are a good cutter.

Seems to be made more like the sq84 multi-spindle with only 2 gearboxes. Where as 8' cutters now have center gearboxes. So it's cause for concern as to why BH abandoned the design. I don't want to buy a cutter that is gonna be problematic or have know issues.

For the same price also about 2 hrs away is a Kodiak HD10.

The more I keep thinking about it I think I am talking myself into a 10' cutter and modify the deck to hinge up on each side to be under 102". Similar to a woods 214.

Prices are $1200 ea. May buy both and keep the one I like???

 

[art]

The 268 I believe was replaced by the 278 which is heavier then the current replacement the 2008. I like brand names and even then at times they disappoint me with parts when 40 years old. If in decent shape the 268 is well worth the money and then some in my area.

 

[LD1]

The 268 I believe was replaced by the 278 which is heavier then the current replacement the 2008. I like brand names and even then at times they disappoint me with parts when 40 years old. If in decent shape the 268 is well worth the money and then some in my area.

Weight really dont concern me. I dont care if its light duty. I am looking for a mower to mow grass and pastures and weeds. If the thing even sees a sapling 3/4"-1" diameter will be a rare occasion. Cause as it is now, I have a 6' mower with high lift blades and high blade speed....I keep those blades sharp like a lawnmower. The 306 is slower blade speed, and heavy. I run blunt blades on that for the nasty stuff. So I will still keep the 306 for those clearing jobs, Just looking for a faster way to do the light pasture clippings.

What concerns me is why they went to a 3-gearbox set instead of the two? What something not working out with it as well as intended?

I think the Kodiak HD 10' is just as good of a deal vs new price. Just trying to decide which way to go. A new 2008 and kodiak HD 10' are both ~$4500 range. So about 25% of new price tag, for some cutters that appear to be in pretty good shape....nothing appears bent or broken....probably 70% paint coverage, and claimed to be field ready.

 

[Turbys_1700]

My only concern would be parts availability on the Bush Hog. If they only made them a few years and if some gearbox parts for example were proprietary on that model it could be an issue. Could you contact your nearest Bush Hog dealer to find out?

 

[RickB]

The LH gearbox on a 268 is complex and expensive to repair. Keep it in grass and keep the slip clutch free and set light and you should be OK. I don't think I'd give $1200 for one. In fact I'm sure I would not. I think the three gearbox models use less complex, less expensive gearboxes that can be used on more models.

 

[LD1]

The LH gearbox on a 268 is complex and expensive to repair. Keep it in grass and keep the slip clutch free and set light and you should be OK. I don't think I'd give $1200 for one. In fact I'm sure I would not. I think the three gearbox models use less complex, less expensive gearboxes that can be used on more models.

Kinda what I was thinking. Looks complex and sorta one-of-a-kind. Not gonna be an aftermarket gearbox thats even close that one could retrofit.

May give the guy a call about the kodiak 10' for $1200

Everything else I am seeing is $3k+.

Heck, the gearboxes, blades and carriers, PTO, and tailwheels is worth $1200 even if the frame/deck is toast.

 

[RickB]

Kinda what I was thinking. Looks complex and sorta one-of-a-kind. Not gonna be an aftermarket gearbox thats even close that one could retrofit.

May give the guy a call about the kodiak 10' for $1200

Everything else I am seeing is $3k+.

Heck, the gearboxes, blades and carriers, PTO, and tailwheels is worth $1200 even if the frame/deck is toast.

Yeah but in the case of the 268 a deck, RH gearbox, blade pans and a-frame aren't worth $1200 with a bum LH box.