County Line Brand Bush Hog

gdk22984 · Oct 2, 2016

Ive been in the market for a bush hog for my 4400 John Deere. I'd like to get a used MX5 or 6, but prices of used bush hogs in my area are steep. Some are beat to death!

I Saw a County Line 5' hog at tractor supply today for 999.00. This is less than some used junk I've seen. Anyone have any advise on these? Are they complete trash? I'm using it for myself only on a small farm, 3 or so acres. I hate to buy expensive items from tractor supply.

Thanks!

newbury · Oct 2, 2016

What are you going to be cutting and how fast? 3 or so acres of grown up hardwood saplings 2 inches thick or a field that was hayed last year?
Slowly pulling a 5' CL hog behind a your tractor cutting a flat formerly hayed field is less stressful on the cutter equipment than bushwacking 15 year old growth with it at high speed through rugged rocky terrain.

Look at some of the videos Everything Attachments produces and you see some real equipment "testing", many which should not be done at home.

WM75Guy · Oct 2, 2016

For my implements I stick with a tractor dealer. That way I know I can get service and parts if needed. If you want to do an apples to apples comparison it would be to most other another brands light duty cutter.

The County Line brand seems to be hit or miss as far as quality and longevity, the big issue being the gearbox. If you do buy one make sure it is full of grease before you use it. Not all TSCs do a complete assemble job at the store including filling the gearbox when it comes off the truck. Check with your store to see if warranty repairs are available locally or will they just furnish you the parts.

If you decide to buy check other TSC stores online for price. That cutter shows $899 at my local store but $849 at a store 35 miles away that has an Atwoods for competition just up the street. A little driving could save you some money or your local store may price match the other TSC store. Mine does when I show the other store's price.

Sign up online to receive coupons. I received one 2 weeks ago for 10% off the entire purchase. I often ask the store manager if the listed price is final or can I get 10% off. Sometimes it works especially if he knows there is a promotion coming out.

gdk22984 · Oct 2, 2016

Thanks guys. It's 3 acres of light weedy material and a small amount of woody material (1/2 inch or so). My goal is to eventually hay this area but its been neglected and needs TLC.

I'll check out other prices and nearby stores. Never thought of using a coupon either... thanks for the advise!

DuckSlayer1017 · Oct 2, 2016

I have a country line and it will perform great for what you will use it for. Mine is 3 years old and has been trouble free. They are definitely light duty but if you are only going to do light cutting then you don't necessarily need to spend $2k on a Woods.

avc8130 · Oct 2, 2016

I have a 6' CL that I've used regularly for 5 years. I've beaten the heck out of it. The skirts are bent in every direction. I've had it jump off the ground multiple times. I've backed it into countless trees and fences and rocks. You know what, it still cuts down anything in its path. I'm 100% satisfied.

Fallon · Oct 2, 2016

County Line is usually rebadged King Kutter or Tarter Gate depending on sourcing & where in the country you are. Not a bad thing really, both are OK to good brands, depending on the line (cheaper consumer vs premium models, etc.). KK offers parts & stuff direct. Tarter only works through resellers I believe.

gdk22984 · Oct 3, 2016

Great, thanks again guys.

I'll go back and check at my local store again. It's the end of cutting season here, and they have one that looks like it's been sitting all summer. Maybe they will discount it some to move it along... Most they'll say is no!

If read some reviews about the gearbox burning out because it was dry. Can't really blame the cutter for that!

RjCorazza · Oct 4, 2016

X2 on the gearbox comments. My KK tiller came dry, but at least the tags on it said so. Not the same with my Lucknow blower. I ran the snowblower dry for a minute or two before thinking about confirming gear lube in the gearbox.
I have several Tractor Supply type implements (King Kutter, County Line) and find them to be well built for the price. My 7' rear blade is 15 years old and gets used every season for snow.