I went to a farm consignment auction Saturday and found a couple brush hog field mowers. These were really some rough old pieces that sold in the $200-$300 range. While I'm not opposed to buying used, I'm getting the impression most of those I'll see for sale are going to be pretty tired.

While I was there, I ran into an implement dealer who offered me a new 5' Howse for $450 or a 5' King Kutter for $550. Each came with a stump jumper and shear pins. Neither had chain guards or a slip clutch. How does this pricing sound for what I'm being offered? Has anyone had any experience with either brand? Should I go with chains or a slip clutch or not? Any other advice you can offer? I'll be using it with a Deere 4200 MFWD with 26 HP (20 PTO HP). I'll probably only be mowing 2-3 times a summer. Thanks for your help.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), April 07, 2002

Answers

Gary, What does your land look like? How much land? If your land is pretty rock, stump free then chains may not be neeeded. As for used vs new, It think it would depend on who's new vs who's old. A used John Deere Bush hog is going to be a better deal than a used howse or king cutter. As long as your land is flat a 5ft would be ok for your 4200. I would not go with a 6ft.

When looking at used farm gear, dont worry about a little surface rust. Looks at the machanicals and any through hole rust.

-- Gary (gws@columbus.rr.com), April 07, 2002.

The King Cutter is a heavier made cutter than the Howse units that I've seen.On the other hand you can find some decent used cutters I have an Allis Chalmers cutter I gave $100 for and works good,also bought a Bush Hog brand 5 ft cutter without the hitch in real good shape otherwise for $75.Took me about 2 hours to make the hitch in my shop useing some 3 inch channel.

-- Gary (burnett_gary@msn.com), April 07, 2002.

It's eleven fairly flat, level acres. There's a chance I could end up with an additional 27 but don't think I'd worry about mowing that.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), April 07, 2002.

I had an old John Deere cutter for many years and it finally gave up the ghost. I bought a King Cutter and it has worked fine for 4 years now. I mow about 20 acres of old pasture with it to keep the brush down. Only problem I had was one bolt that held one of the cutters on came off after about 2 hours of mowing. I found the cutter but not the bolt. If you get a King check the tightness of these bolts. I tightened up the second one and replaced the other and have not had a repeat problem.

-- Paul (treewizard@buffalo.com), April 08, 2002.

No matter what brand you buy it is worth the extra money for the slip clutch IMO. I use a 6 foot land pride behind a similar size ford tractor. I have the wide turf tires and wanted the extra width to cover the rear tire tracks, if you have ag tires its not worth the extra money for a 6 footer. I think also that you can purchase other new 5'brush cutters for about $550. I looked at the king kutter and the metal is thinner than the other models I looked at(Land pride and Bush Hog). I'd keep shopping.

-- Brian N. E. Ohio (brilas@hotmail.com), April 08, 2002.