Combines questions on the R52

[T__langan]

The Series II's had updates almost every year - mostly small updates, but worthwhile. The biggest leap came in '96 when they went to a longer shoe, different concave, and the wide-spaced cylinder bars, along with a hp increase. Sooooo, the later model you can find and_or afford, the better machine you'll get, but all of the 2 series seem to have been quite reliable compared to the older rotaries. There haven't seemed to have been any serious trouble spots in any of them that a used buyer needs to be aware of. Just check for the typical wear areas when looking at a used machine - sprockets, bars, concave, augers, etc, and check the accelerator roll lugs.

 

[Southpaw]

We are running a late 1995 model R52, 520 flex head, 630 hugger, and Mud Hog rear assist and very satisfied with the machine. Will be starting on hyper mod in the processor in a few weeks. Not that there is a problem with it, but wanted to enhance the performance while replacing a leaking oil seal. If you do a lot of your own work, look closely at serviceablily and you soon realize how much easier the machine will be to work with. Also in my area the Cummins powered machines are preferred but also expect to pay a higher price than the Deutz. Where I'm from, we can't find anybody who would want to help you with an air-cooled engine close by.