I'm looking at a used brush hog but don't know squat. The guy had it for sell for $250. When I asked about it he said it wasn't running he mentioned it could be the shear pin, and said he would take $200 as is. How difficult or bad of a deal is it to fix a brush hog if isn't the shear pin missing? Below I will post a pic of the brush hog, and our conversation to try and keep this short. Thank you for any help, I'm new to this gig, and have alot to learn.
Rotary Cutter looking at a brush hog, I need advice
- Thread starter OKSparks
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searcyfarms
Veteran Member
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- Farmall 560D - 706D German w/Cab - Volvo MC110 - 1944JD A - Deere 2038R - IH 5088
simple. turn the pto shaft by hand, or with a screw driver stuck in the ujoint if you cant spin it by hand - if the blades don't turn, look to see if the shaft on the end of the pto is rotating or not - if it is and the blades are not turning that is a bad gearbox - if its not turning but the pto shaft is, it could be a shear pin that is broken - its an easy check
Tractorable
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Go check it out and see if you can get a hand on the PTO shaft close to the gear box and turn it to see if the blades move. There’s not much to these bush hogs just a shaft, gear box, and blades. If you can get the blades to move the gear box is probably fine and that thing is easily worth $200. If the gear box is blown walk away.
MESSMAKER
Veteran Member
If it has grease in it and everything underneath looks reasonably straight, I would get it. 15 minutes with a grinder and wire brush and another 30 min with two cans of spray paint and you will have a good looking unit.
jaxs
Elite Member
Since he didn't answer your last question, the seller is probably lying by omission. I noticed this is taking place near El Reno where there's lots of farms and ranches. For the price of lunch or coffee,you should be able to find someone experienced that will go with you to check it out.
Jaxs ,that's a great idea. I went and bought a five pack of shear pins from tractor supply to maybe help check this brush hog? Not sure if shear pins are universal, and I've read mixed reviews on the ones from tractor supply, but thought they might work to check the unit. I will try and accomplish everything you guys have been telling me to do. Thanks again
jaxs
Elite Member
The mention of auction coupled with seller's evasiveness turn's me off. I'll put it like this. If you were my boots on the ground buying this for me because I couldn't be there,I would tell you unless you find someone experienced to go with you,lets pass. Now I will tell you my feelings about rotery mowers. Considering your inexperience,even if you buy a new mower,please get an old hand to go over operation before starting the tractor. Despite manufacture's attempts to prevent accidents,a rotory mower is extremely dangerous for the operator and anyone within shouting distance.
Jaxs I appreciate the advice and will probably pass. Couple of further questions. If I could talk him down to $100 by pointing out the potential problems question marks, would it be worth my time to do it and have someone with the knowledge to help me with it? Or would it be wiser for me to get a new unit? I don't want to spend the money on new and I'm sure the brush hogs from places like tractor supply are below par, but just wanting thoughts. I know I'm probably frustrating for you veterans, but I'm trying to learn, and I don't take safety lightly. The only experience I have with one is brush hogging 4 of my acres with my father in laws new JD 3032 with a new brush hog. I didn't have to worry about anything other than operating it safely. Unfortunately he live 3 1/2 hrs away and I have to borrow his trailer to bring it. I don't want him to disown me. Besides he doesn't know a whole lot more than me, he just has more money. ��
