Bush Hog 296 compared to MX6

[Rmd8136]

For you knowledgeable guys, is the JD MX6 as good as BH 296? Is appears the 296 is heavier duty as it can cut 3 inch material. It looks like it had 2 tail wheels . The blade access looks better. It they can be had at same price, which is better ?

 

[greasemonkeyok]

JD has had problems with shafts breaking, and no replacement of the individual parts. As the owner of a MX6 worrying about if, or when, the shaft will break, I won't be purchasing any more JD cutters. That said, it hasn't broken yet and I have been perfectly happy with the way it has performed to date, including the use of cutting down saplings 3" or more.

 

[AKfish]

JD has had problems with shafts breaking, and no replacement of the individual parts. As the owner of a MX6 worrying about if, or when, the shaft will break, I won't be purchasing any more JD cutters. That said, it hasn't broken yet and I have been perfectly happy with the way it has performed to date, including the use of cutting down saplings 3" or more.

I recall the same issue being discussed here. Gear box drive shaft failure. Seem to recall a difference between mowers built in Mexico versus Canada built. Don't remember which was the bad one, though. Also, are the newer versions built in China? Have not heard if the newest generation suffers from the same shaft failure.

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

I recall the same issue being discussed here. Gear box drive shaft failure. Seem to recall a difference between mowers built in Mexico versus Canada built. Don't remember which was the bad one, though. Also, are the newer versions built in China? Have not heard if the newest generation suffers from the same shaft failure.

AKfish

Yep, I have one of the MX6's with the gear box made in Spain (the faulty one). The new ones have a China made gear box without problems. Cost to change to the new gear box is around $1,500 and I have worried about whether mine will fail. I have decided to move on and if it does break then just fix it, reasoniing that while I am not happy about it $1500 won't by another good mower either. Lesser of a few evils I guess.

 

[AKfish]

Unless, you buy a semi-mount MX-8, Steve... I'd bet your 4520 would just sing with an MX-8!! :thumbsup: Semi-mount would give you that added flexibility cornering and tight spots and less scalping than with a 3pt mount. Plus, there's alot less weight hanging off the back axles!

AKfish

 

[Tx Jim]

I run my 709 as if it's a semi-mount because I haven't figured out how to attach the top hook on my HF quick hitch to the center link bracket on the 709.

 

[AKfish]

I run my 709 as if it's a semi-mount because I haven't figured out how to attach the top hook on my HF quick hitch to the center link bracket on the 709.

For all the iron in those '09 series you could build 2 MX mowers! :laughing:

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

Unless, you buy a semi-mount MX-8, Steve... I'd bet your 4520 would just sing with an MX-8!! :thumbsup: Semi-mount would give you that added flexibility cornering and tight spots and less scalping than with a 3pt mount. Plus, there's alot less weight hanging off the back axles!

AKfish

Larry,
Fortunately for me I don't use my MX6 much, maybe one or two jobs a year so it is 8 years old with about 30 acres of cutting use. It is there if I need it but mostly it is yard art.

 

[Zebrafive]

For you knowledgeable guys, is the JD MX6 as good as BH 296? Is appears the 296 is heavier duty as it can cut 3 inch material. It looks like it had 2 tail wheels . The blade access looks better. It they can be had at same price, which is better ?

In a word NO! Two tailwheels (BH) is an option. For same price BUSH HOG!

 

[Ken]

Yep, I have one of the MX6's with the gear box made in Spain (the faulty one). The new ones have a China made gear box without problems. Cost to change to the new gear box is around $1,500 and I have worried about whether mine will fail. I have decided to move on and if it does break then just fix it, reasoniing that while I am not happy about it $1500 won't by another good mower either. Lesser of a few evils I guess.

I have a MX6 with Chinese gear box and a broken shaft where the retainer ring was cut into hold the shaft in place. estimated 20 hours total use and was cutting level grass when broke.
Purchased a Bush hog 286 and have been satisfied it will work. Those after 2010 have 2year warranty. Bush hog it is 10 year .
My MX6 still sitting on junk pile awaiting a $1200 decision at to sell for junk or make a rock boat out of it,
ken

 

[sawtooth]

I have a MX6 with Chinese gear box and a broken shaft where the retainer ring was cut into hold the shaft in place. estimated 20 hours total use and was cutting level grass when broke.
Purchased a Bush hog 286 and have been satisfied it will work. Those after 2010 have 2year warranty. Bush hog it is 10 year .
My MX6 still sitting on junk pile awaiting a $1200 decision at to sell for junk or make a rock boat out of it,
ken

Yes i would stay away form the MX6. Doesnt mean yours will fail but too much money to risk when you can buy a land pride 2772, bush hog 296 or brown 472 and we all know these are great units.

 

[arlen4720]

I have a MX6 with Chinese gear box and a broken shaft where the retainer ring was cut into hold the shaft in place. estimated 20 hours total use and was cutting level grass when broke.
Purchased a Bush hog 286 and have been satisfied it will work. Those after 2010 have 2year warranty. Bush hog it is 10 year .
My MX6 still sitting on junk pile awaiting a $1200 decision at to sell for junk or make a rock boat out of it,
ken

The new Chinese ones have a 5 year warranty, started in 2010 or so. I have not heard of the Chinese ones failing.

 

[jenkinsph]

I have an MX6 that has not failed YET, might not ever fail or might fail tommorow. If I were buying a new one tommorow it would be a Bushhog brand. I did have a Bush Hog brand 6' heavy duty model fail years ago but I was able to replace the shaft without buying the whole gearbox. I feel Deere has fallen short on this issue and would rather give Bush Hog the nudge in this case.

 

[Zebrafive]

I have an MX6 that has not failed YET, might not ever fail or might fail tommorow. If I were buying a new one tommorow it would be a Bushhog brand. I did have a Bush Hog brand 6' heavy duty model fail years ago but I was able to replace the shaft without buying the whole gearbox. I feel Deere has fallen short on this issue and would rather give Bush Hog the nudge in this case.

Agreed! If buying new you can get JD green too.