Example – Fall & Winter are among some of the best times to tackle land clearing projects. When the majority of the country is looking to purchase attachments in the Spring, oftentimes consumers can get a better deal purchasing in the off-peak season. During the Fall & Winter season, dead vegetation allows for better visibility and the lack of moisture content promotes a better mulching effect. There are specific engineering differences in Skid Steer operated brush cutters which destroy trees and thick brush regardless of the season.

The weight of the flywheel is important as that provides the momentum which deals the devastating blow to the tree. The more momentum, the more efficient the operator. Many companies will serrate the flywheel as an added “cutting effect” however, true forestry professionals know that this is a marketing gimmick as opposed to a useful feature. You will pay handsomely for this feature without any noticeable benefit.

The Drive Shaft – In order to handle a 500lb flywheel which the premier manufacturers employ, a driveshaft of at least 3.5” in diameter is recommended to withstand the impact of 6”+ diameter hardwood trees. This also serves to ensure that larger bearing assemblies are employed to prevent premature failure.

The motor – there are 3 main direct-drive hydraulic motors. Gear Motors, Roller-Vane Motors, and Bent Axis Piston Motors. Bent Axis piston motors are the most efficient at 95% and are commonly found on some high-flow brush cutters. Although they boast a high efficiency they are commonly two to three times the cost to replace compared to a Gear Motor and require a case drain to operate. The Roller Vane Motor is the least efficient at 75% and is typically used in low-speed operations, which usually aren’t suitable for brush cutting applications. The best motor is the Gear motor, which is based on a 90% efficiency rating, cost, durability, commonality, and the ratio of torque to speed. Gear motors do not commonly require a case drain which is important as some skid steers will experience backflow issues with the case drain on their machine. This occurs when the seals degrade in the carrier machine over time. This causes hydraulic fluid to travel through the case-drain blowing seals on the very expensive Bent Axis Piston Motor. It is our feeling that the best bang for the buck with the highest reliability is the direct drive hydraulic gear motor.

When the drive train is put together with a heavy flywheel, thick driveshaft, and a direct drive Gear Motor, you have the beginnings of a world-class brush cutter that the operator can confidently use day in and day out. Buckthorn, Kudzu, Cedar, and all types of hardwoods cannot withstand the devastating impact of an industrial drivetrain.

The last thing to look out for when shopping for a new brush cutter should be the Gauge of steel on the deck as well as the gusseting. Both horizontal and vertical gusseting that runs from the back to the front of the brush cutter is as important as the drivetrain because the true industrial units come in weighing 1500+lbs. Combine the weight with the inertia of the spinning flywheel and full-length gussets becomes important to counteract torque on the frame of the attachment. Under no circumstances should an operator consider purchasing a unit with build in float features. These can be identified by the two tow straps which run from the QA plate to the front of the cutter. These should not be considered industrial grade and are a moot point when the vast majority of carrier machines have a float function already.