Buying a used bush hog...

Mainah · Apr 20, 2003

I'd like to pick up a used bush hog for my L3710. Our local buy/sell guide has a few 5' models for around $350.
Name brands aside, what are some things I should look for in a used hog? I'd expect some dents and scrapes...but know little else to check out. Any particular 'red flags' I should be looking for? Thanks!

RickB · Apr 20, 2003

Make sure the hitch A frame is straight, no breaks, any repairs are neat and sturdy. Turn the cutter's PTO shaft through a full blade rotation, check for rough bearings and gear tooth failure by sound AND feel. Check the gearbox oil; if it is fresh and new, check the downshaft seal and blade bar/ stumpjumper for signs of leakage. Blade bar/ stumpjumper should be tight on downshaft; no cracks or extra welds. PTO shaft telescopes easily, U-Joints sound, shielding complete and functional. Tailwheel frame straight, wheel castors and rolls smoothly on good bearings/ bushing. Discount for any shortcomings you decide to accept. Buy a brand you can get parts for readily.

JohnMiller3 · Apr 20, 2003

...for another $150-200... you can buy brand new with a warranty... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Gary_in_Indiana · Apr 20, 2003

John, you beat me to it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I can't imagine why I'd want to pay $350 for a used one I essentially know nothing about when for a little more I can buy new with warranty. On the other hand, I would like to buy a new one every few years if it only cost me a couple hundred bucks each time I did it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Taylortractornut · Apr 20, 2003

I refurbvish Bushhogs in my spare time and a used one unless in exelent condition and upgraded will only bring 250 I have 3 roughed up hogs that mow good but haf rusted through sheet metal i picked up for 75 dollars. I may skin them this week. I have a freind of mine that sell bushogs a friend makes, i can get factory seconds that have minor breaks and ma have a few things wrong pretty cheap. A good place to look is behind a tractor or implement dealer, alot of them take in trade ins and alot of the times you can find a great back lot beauty cheap.

Mainah · Apr 20, 2003

Thanks all...what you've said makes sense about buying new. What brands can you get new in the $500 range though?
Local dealers in my neck of the woods have Woods and Land Pride. Same buy/sell mag has two 5' Woods for $900 and $750 used...I don't think you can touch a new W/LP hog around here for $1000...but I am only just starting to look around.

RickB · Apr 20, 2003

You won't find a name brand R/C new for $500. These guys are talking about no-name ultra shortline bargain priced cutters. Not that they are a bad thing. Personally, I would (and have) paid a price in your range for a used name brand cutter in good shape. That is still much less than 1/2 the new price for the same machine. Check them over carefully though.

Pacesetter300 · Apr 20, 2003

Jim, I saw some inexpensive ones at Hammond Equipment in Auburn. He also had some decent deals on new Woods cutters. Personally I would rather have a used Woods for the same price as a new cheaper brand, as long as it wasn't abused. You can also check with Rick at Scamman in Saco. They have some good prices on new Befco.
Pacesetter

Soundguy · Apr 20, 2003

Not 500 even.. but you should be able to find 5' cutters by KK or even store brand names.. like Tractor supply in the 500 range. I picked up my 5' KK hog at TSC... got a great deal.. opened one of their credit cards and got 10% off... kept the cutter under 550 with tax and all.. originally was only something like 550?.. but was an economy model.. but heck.. for that price.. I just had to try it.

No problems or leaks yet after 1 season of cutting mostly heavy briars and tall dogweed/ragweed.. occasional rock.

Soundguy

Bird · Apr 20, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What brands can you get new in the $500 range though? )</font>

King Kutter and Howse are the ones I've seen and heard of the most.

Mainah · Apr 21, 2003

Thanks for the info. I've noticed KK and Howse mentioned often in the various discussions but they're hard to find around here. I think there's a Howse dealer in Brewer.
The CFO is letting me get a Woods 9000 backhoe (new) and she sorta cringed and roller her eyes when I mentioned a hog...which is why I asked about 'used' in the first place /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Anyway, thanks again to all for the info and thoughts. I'll keep looking around and most importantly, reading what you and others post.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 21, 2003

Mainah

I just bought a new International five footer in Benton,Maine. It was bought at Farmers's choice for $675.00
plus tax. It is built rugged, I beleive it is considered med duty uses a shear pin.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 21, 2003

Hello--Although, we sell other brands of New Brush Hogs, we do have 1 display model of the International 5 ft model with slip clutch (IM 500)--Paint is a little faded but new and with warranty--Discounted priceing--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 21, 2003

If you were closer to Lousiana, I could help us both out. I bought a new Bush Hog brand model sq 600 for 850 + tax 1 and a half year ago. Well built, heavy duty gear box. Have used it to clear 2 acres and to upkeep about 10 total. Used it behind a Kubota L 3000. Traded up the L3000 to a Kubota MX5000 and now I need a bigger cutter. The sq 600 is rated for max 40 hp and The 50 hp MX snapps the shear pens regulary even on small stuff. Never snapped the shear bolt once the year I used it behind the L3000

Anonymous Poster · Apr 22, 2003

I'm in Louisiana. I could be interested in your hog. Let me know more info.

Mainah · Apr 22, 2003

mainiak1...
Thanks for the info, I'll check it out...and hello to a fellow member from the Pine Tree State!

Anonymous Poster · Apr 22, 2003

Mainah
Hello to you too! I was in the market for a rotary cutter one month ago also. I checked out a local JD dealer, their $1500.00 + cutters are nice but I didn't want to spend that much. Their $1100.00 cutters aren't as rugged as the one I got. I checked Uncle Henry's, and for a couple hundred dollars more I could buy new. For two hundred dollars I couldn't see taking a chance. I also talked to a coworker who bought one of these three years ago and trouble free.

Good luck,
Mainiak1