Uses for a Skid Steer Brush Cutter

Uses for a skid steer brush cutter may range from mowing overgrown fields to trimming hard-to-reach areas around a pond.

When most of us think skid steer, we visualize a Bobcat-like machine with a bucket attached to the front. It is a highly modular vehicle that can be adapted to fill the needs of any job site or property. In this case, we are talking about uses for a skid steer brush cutter. There's more to brush cutting, or bush hogging, than just plowing into the underbrush. We will go through the different styles of brush cutters, their best applications, and where their weaknesses lay. 

Uses for a skid steer brush cutter may range from mowing overgrown fields to trimming hard-to-reach areas around a pond.

When to Use a Brush Cutter

The brush cutter is an essential attachment for property owners or landscapers who need to clear large lots overgrown with vegetation. With an average cutting deck between four and five feet, this attachment works well for a multitude of jobs, including the creation of paths and clearing around hard-to-reach areas such as between trees or around ponds. This could help increase property value or peace of mind. With the skid steer's terrain limitations, brush cutters should be used on relatively flat spaces. 

Think Safety

Because of the risk posed by flying debris from the brush cutter, it is recommended that bystanders remain at least 300 feet from the machine. For this reason, equip your skid steer with a shatterproof cab door. Never lift the brush cutter above the cab; keep the attachment close to the ground as safe for travel. 

Before starting to clear the brush, it is important to learn the lay of the land. Walk the property to find hidden ditches, fallen logs, boulders, or fencing that could damage the cutter. While inspecting the area, take note of any wet areas - wet ground is soft ground - and a wheeled skid steer with a heavy brush cutter can get bogged down. 

Keep the brush cutter out of the dirt. Plunging it in the soil will dull the blades and put a strain on the entire machine, risking damage and costly repairs. When in doubt, err on the high side when cutting unfamiliar areas. Make a second pass if needed.

Rotary Cutters

Rotary cutters function in the same way that a lawnmower does. A blade is attached to a vertical shaft that chops the brush that it comes in contact with. Rotary brush cutters can feature a single blade that works well on trees or brush up to four inches.

Single blade cutters are inexpensive to maintain, but do have some drawbacks. Namely, a rotary cutter will leave a fair amount of debris behind. If your property requires a more refined appearance, a rotary cutter with a mulching blade is the best option. 

Rotary brush cutters can feature a single blade that works well on trees or brush up to four inches.

Mulching blades feature multiple blades or teeth to create a more uniform cut. They also increase the size of the tree or shrub that your skid steer can cut down. Some of which are capable of mulching trees up to six inches in diameter and cutting down ones twice that size.

Drum Cutter

If the desire is to cut large swaths of brush uniformly, the drum cutter is the best option for your skid steer. They work by pushing over and grinding away brush with multiple teeth or blades on a rotating shaft. This grinding method not only prevents debris from being flung away from the machine, but creates a more manicured look to the area by scattering it evenly. 

Drum cutters are more expensive than rotary cutters on the initial investment. However, most have a higher life expectancy than their single-blade counterparts.

Brush cutters are just another attachment that solidifies the skid steer as the dominant multi-purpose machine. Being able to remove even sizable bushes and saplings from an area rapidly makes clearing properties a much more cost-effective option than renting a bulldozer. Remember to always keep safety top of mind. Whether clearing property for construction or adding a new path, the brush cutter-equipped skid steer is sure to be the star of the show.