Rotary Cutter Deal or steal (literally?) on a Bush Hog finishing mower

[edawg]

Any Bush Hog finishing mower experts out there who can confirm the year of a used side-discharge mower based on serial number?

Model is ATH 720
Serial is 12-08289

Also, what sort of things should I look for mechanically on pulleys, blades, seals, etc. to make sure it's not going to need a bunch of work (see pic)? What are the signs a finish mower is worn out basically? The guy has already agreed to use his tractor to test run it before I buy it.

As for the deal, I'm wary the deal is too good to be true as he's offering it for $400 and "traded for" the mower and doesn't have any paperwork. I put out a "attachments wanted" ad on Craigslist that this guy responded to but I think that's just asking for trouble the more I think about it. Am I just being paranoid?

 

[LarryD]

If he's not to far and has a tractor to spin it up with, what have you got to loose?

I know I get receipts for the attachements I buy but I can't always find them a couple years down the road.

Go see if it works.

 

[George2615]

Price seems good. Check with Messicks. Perhaps he can assist with the year based on serial #. Check for rusted out areas on the decking if any. Blades can be replaced if needed. Turn gearbox feel for any roughness / meshing of gears. Hard to beat for that price and you can still get parts. Best bet is to see it hooked up and running.

 

[edawg]

I finally got the nerve to call the guy and he runs a paving company and had actually already sandblasted the mower and replaced blades and bearings. His tractor is too big and the 6' doesn't cover the tire tracks is why he's selling it. Will meet him Sunday at 2pm to run it up on his tractor. I'd also bet he's hurtin' for cash after the winter and down economy.

Did I mention that we need to also pave a hill on our driveway as part of the horse farm renovation so we can get horse trailers up and down the hill? The Lord works in mysterious ways...

 

[Bird]

I can't help with the serial number, but that sounds like a very good price. Ten years ago, I bought a new RDTH600 and I think I paid $1,595 for it. I preferred the rear discharge, but the salesman said the price was the same for rear or side discharge.

 

[edawg]

Well, very happy ending here folks. The mower had very little rust and was obviously well maintained and greased on all the points. The test run on his monster 90hp tractor was also proof that everything worked and better yet, quietly at 540rpm. The paving company was a pretty big operation and the seller the most clean cut dude I've met in business in a while.

The one thing I noticed is the fiberglass "safety sheath" over the pto shaft on the mower is cracked right near the middle at the intersection between the top half of the shaft near the tractor and the longer shaft that run sto the mower. Anyone have any experience with fixing these? I have a batch of resin, hardener and fiberglass tape that should do the trick, but am not sure of any other better ideas? I'm not interested in removing any safety equipment on PTO. You never know when a vine wraps around the mower's PTO and "WHAM-O", I have a whirling mace of roots, rocks, etc.

 

[kebo]

Sounds like you got a great deal! Lucky for you it hung around for two weeks. So, is he going to pave your driveway for you?? Can't help you with the fiberglass issue but good luck with it.

 

[DIRTROAD]

I purchased one new in '94-'95 and my serial # is much much lower than the one you posted, also mine appears older in comparison to the picture you posted.

 

[MarkLeininger]

The one thing I noticed is the fiberglass "safety sheath" over the pto shaft on the mower is cracked right near the middle at the intersection between the top half of the shaft near the tractor and the longer shaft that run sto the mower. Anyone have any experience with fixing these?

You can buy plastic covers for the PTO shaft, might be easier than fixing it.

 

[kthompson]

I have about the same mower as this. When you get it hooked up to your tractor lift it and see what kind of motion there is in the wheels. Mine at least are made to be greased but there are also sleeve bearings in there that wear rather quickly or mine did. If memory is also correct there is a sleeve in there. Pull them and check for wear before you have to buy new bearings, sleeves and axle bolts. Surly you will check the gear box for proper oil level and such. I find an impact wrench best way to loosen the bolts for the blades. Also suggest BH brand blades, cost more but they are heavier than any other blade for that mower I have seen. Some BH finishing mowers might use a flat blade but neither of mine do, don't like using flat blades on mine as the deck itself must sit lower.

When I went to replace my bearings and found out the price said hey I can buy tire assembly from TSC for low price that fits and has roller bearings and is not solid rubber so might be little smoother. Tried one and it fit like a champ. So installed all four and greased them and aired them up. When the air pressure was filled the tire got too wide to clear the forks. So had to pull them off, clean them up and return.

Realize you said it ran quite, on my full size tractor I am sitting far enough above the deck for the noise is little issue. On my compact tractor too close, and do use ear protection.

Think you will be very pleased with that mower.