By McLaren Industries 
How To Choose a Brush Cutter
Brush cutter attachments are an ideal option for efficiently cutting through thick overgrowth that would typically destroy a standard mower. If your application could benefit from one of these durable attachments, you have two main options to choose from: a gear-driven brush cutter or a direct drive brush cutter. To determine which option will best suit your application, check out these tips on how to choose a brush cutter.
Consider Your Budget
An important factor to consider when choosing a brush cutter is your budget. From a price standpoint, hydraulic gear-driven brush cutters are more economical than hydraulic direct drive brush cutters. As such, if you have to adhere to a tight budget, a gear-driven brush cutter may be the more advantageous option.
Ultimately, a gear-driven brush cutter can perform all the same functions as a direct hydraulic drive brush cutter. However, you should keep in mind that hydraulic direct drive brush cutters provide added protection against damage from running over large objects, which may make their higher price tag worthwhile. Also, with less moving parts than a gear driven system, there is less room for mechanical error, and direct drives will last longer than a gear driven system.
Are You Familiar With the Area That You Will Use It In?
Another tip on how to choose a brush cutter is to consider how well you know the environment where you plan on using it. If you’re using the brush cutter for commercial applications where you mow a large and unfamiliar territory, a hydraulic direct drive brush cutter is preferable. With more power and less room for mechanical error, you can finish the commercial job quicker with a direct drive compared to a gear drive. A gear-driven brush cutter is more for personal use or if a budget needs to be met.
Another option to consider is to go with a closed front or open front style mower. The closed front style will usually be flat on the front of the mower with chains to prevent debris from flying from under the mower. This also means that the front clearance is much lower than an open front mower with a push bar. This gives you the ability to mow under fences, hedges and other low places that a mower with a push bar could not easily reach. If you are going to be mowing more open field type areas with small brush and sapling trees, an open front is best for this scenario. With a sturdy push bar on the front that keeps small trees and saplings from falling back onto the operator, the blades can make quick work of the small diameter trees.
Find a Trusted the Manufacturer
Once you have determined if you want a higher-end brush cutter or a more economical option, the next main factor to consider is the manufacturer. Regardless of which type of brush cutter you want, it’s important to purchase from a trusted manufacturer with a proven track record of creating quality products.
McLaren Industries has over 20 years of experience manufacturing brush cutters that adhere to the highest quality standards in the industry. As such, when you purchase from us, you know that you’re getting an exceptional product that will perform efficiently and effectively. To get matched with the ideal skid steer brush cutter for your specific needs, contact us today at (800) 836 - 0040 or request a quote.