How much to take off for used over new

Same with a guy at church who has a brush hog. He hasn't used it much, low hours, but it's been stored outside for a couple of years. It needs a pto driveshaft--around $130 he says. The top is reinforced with angle iron--don't know the brand. It's a five-foot unit. Looks to be in pretty good shape--paint still decent.

He has another that the previous owner welded the pto driveshaft for some reason. The top is just metal. He'd take $100.00 for it. Any thoughts? Sorry I don't have any more information.

I expect to use it only occasionally to mow weeds and keep a tote rode/two track clear of brush sprouts.

Would I be out of line to ask him to hook it up to see if it works or ask for a guarantee?

Larry in Michigan

Cutter, I also paid about $500 for a new 5 ft cutter, Howse brand, I got what I paid for, its not a top of line John Deere or anything but it works and this gives you a price line.

I am sure if drive shaft is missing it will be at least $150 range to replace. So if you say the cutter is in good shape otherwise, maybe a top offer of $300 minus the price of the driveshaft. Be sure the stump jumper is not bent, problem with light cutters, they are made to cut grass only and we all take them out and try to cut bushes, rocks and stumps. Bend stump jumper.

Get the best cutter you can buy as they are dangerous tools, not only for you as operator, but for anyone standing around if parts start flying out from under the machine.

Probably more people get hurt working with rotary cutters and chain saws.

Good luck and be safe.