Rotary Cutter Bush Hog 285 - Old vs, New

DrPhil · Jun 9, 2008

I was looking at buying a new Bush hog brand rotary cutter, model 285. I like the 2 1/2 in. cutting capacity, weight, and slip clutch.

But I found a guy wanting to sell one that is 9 -10 years old, in great condition.

Can't find any information on this older bush hog...is it the same as a new one? cutting capacity and weight? Is $900 a good price?

scott_vt · Jun 9, 2008

DrPhil said:
I was looking at buying a new Bush hog brand rotary cutter, model 285. I like the 2 1/2 in. cutting capacity, weight, and slip clutch.

But I found a guy wanting to sell one that is 9 -10 years old, in great condition.

Can't find any information on this older bush hog...is it the same as a new one? cutting capacity and weight? Is $900 a good price?

Good Evenin Dr Phil,
I cant comment on that particular model but the Bush Hog brand in general has received great reviews ! I have a SQ60 that was purchased new in 1998 for $950, I have owned it since 2002 and it has been a great attachment for me. I cant tell you how much cutting this machine has done without even a hickup !

If I bought another one tommorrow I would go with that brand again !

BTW I paid $500 when I bought the unit second hand !

Glowplug · Jun 9, 2008

Don't own one but plan to (hopefully) get a 297 soon. The difference between the 280 series and 290 series are the side bands which are deeper on the 290s. I guess it depends on the shape it is in. If the gearbox doesn't leak and the deck doesn't have any holes in it I'd have to say $900 is a good price. I guess my input is a bit worthless. You may want to PM FarmWithJunk. I'm sure he'd know about these. He currently has a 287 and has owned numerous cutters in the past. Maybe he will chime in.

Farmwithjunk · Jun 10, 2008

A 285 in good condition is well worth $900. It'll do anything that a new 295 will do, and at less than 1/2 the price. Good mowers! I've used a 286 in my mowing business for 3 seasons now. It's been used, abused, and it never complains. New blades are less than $60 a pair. If everything else is in good condition, $900 is a BARGAIN.