Bush Hog Brand Cutter

[JRobyn]

The Bush Hog "Squealer" line is what used to be their lighter duty cutters, but that one is a HOSS. It appears to have the same gearbox and nearly the same deck construction as my model 286 medium duty 7ft cutter. The only thing I see "light" about that one is the skinny hard-rubber tailwheel vs their laminated one. Whutta deal!

 

[Turbys_1700]

You bought that cutter $250- $350 under market value. I would get a slip clutch and put it to work. Hard to find used cutters in that good of a condition. I would have bought it myself for that price and I don't even need it.

 

[ehenry]

I wonder that since bush hog doesn't make the SQ420 any longer if a slip clutch is still available for it. If I can still get one I'll will. I'd really like to have a stump jumper and a laminated wheel as well.

 

[JRobyn]

The slip clutch is nothing proprietary or OEM specific. Any that will fit your PTO and gearbox shaft sizes/splines will work fine. Tractor Supply or AgriSupply, etc., have them. And I doubt you would really need a laminated tailwheel. My FIL has a late-model BushHog Squealer 5ft with that same tailwheel (and just a blade mount bar - no stump jumper). It looks like it will hold up very well over a long time. If you really expect to be running over stumps or rocks, a stump jumper would be a worthwhile enhancement. I see no reason why you couldn't swap the bar for a stump jumper provided that one could be sourced. Just be aware that the mount to the gearbox is usually a BEAR to get apart!!

Also be advised that slip clutches require a once-a-season maintenance routine to intentionally "slip" the clutch disc to ensure that it's not frozen by rust/corrosion. Not a big deal; wife and I can usually do ours in about 15-30 minutes.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

If you have any terraces, uneven terrain or fire ant mounds you probably want a slip clutch or you can put a grade 8 bolt in place of the shearbolt- NOT!