If you’re trying to choose the best skid steer brush cutter, the biggest question usually comes down to this: standard flow or high flow?
Here’s the short answer.
Standard flow works well for light to medium brush, small trees, and general land clearing. High flow is built for heavy-duty jobs, thick timber, faster cutting speeds, and commercial-level production.
The right choice depends on your skid steer’s hydraulic capacity, the size of material you’re cutting, and how often you plan to use the attachment. In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly so you can buy the right cutter the first time.
What Is a Skid Steer Brush Cutter?
A skid steer brush cutter is a hydraulic-powered attachment used for:
- Clearing thick brush
- Cutting saplings and small trees
- Maintaining trails and fence lines
- Preparing land for development
- Agricultural property maintenance
Unlike a finish mower, a brush cutter is built for rough, uneven terrain and heavy vegetation. It uses heavy blades or a drum system to shred material instead of trimming it neatly.
Standard Flow vs High Flow: What’s the Real Difference?
The difference comes down to hydraulic flow and power.
Standard Flow
Most standard flow skid steers operate between:
- 17–25 gallons per minute (GPM)
- These machines are common in residential, light commercial, and small farm operations.
Standard flow brush cutters are designed for:
- Grass and thick weeds
- Light to medium brush
- Saplings up to about 3-4 inches
- Occasional land clearing
They cost less and work well for property maintenance.
High Flow
High flow skid steers typically run:
- 26–40+ GPM
- These machines deliver significantly more hydraulic power.
High flow brush cutters are built for:
- Dense, overgrown land
- Heavy brush
- Trees 4-8 inches (sometimes more, depending on model)
- Commercial land clearing
- Forestry applications
They cut faster, handle thicker material, and stay productive under heavy use.
How to Know What Your Skid Steer Supports
Before shopping, check:
- Your machine’s rated GPM
- Auxiliary hydraulic pressure
- Whether it has a high-flow package installed
You can find this in the operator manual or on the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
Important: You cannot safely run a high-flow attachments on a standard-flow machine. It won’t perform correctly and may damage components.
When Standard Flow Is the Better Choice
Standard flow is ideal if:
- You maintain acreage occasionally
- You clear fence lines and pasture edges
- You cut brush under 4 inches
- You want a lower upfront cost
- Your machine does not have high-flow hydraulics
For most property owners, farmers, and small contractors, standard flow is more than enough.
It’s also lighter, which helps if your skid steer is smaller.
When High Flow Is Worth It
High flow makes sense if:
- You run a land clearing business
- You clear heavily wooded lots
- You cut large saplings regularly
- You need faster job completion
- You work long hours under heavy load
High flow attachments spin blades or drums faster and maintain torque in thick material. That translates into higher productivity and less bogging down.
If time equals money for you, high flow often pays for itself.
Blade vs Drum Style: Another Important Decision
Beyond flow type, you’ll also choose between blade-style and drum-style cutters (Brush Mulcher).
Blade-Style Brush Cutter
- Open deck design
- Heavy swinging blades
- Lower cost
- Great for general brush clearing
Best for: pasture work and lighter land clearing.
Drum-Style (Forestry Mulcher Style)
- Enclosed drum system
- Carbide teeth
- More precise cutting
- Handles thicker material
- Higher cost
Best for: commercial land clearing and forestry applications.
Open Front vs Closed Front Brush Cutter: What’s the Difference?
Another important factor is deck design. Deck design affects cutting speed, debris control, and overall safety. Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Open Front Brush Cutter | Closed Front Brush Cutter |
| Front Design | Large open cutting area | Solid steel front deck |
| Best For | Aggressive land clearing | Pasture and property maintenance |
| Ideal Environment | Dense, overgrown areas | Areas near homes, roads, livestock |
| Cutting Style | Drive directly into brush | Cuts from underneath the deck |
| Speed | Faster in heavy growth | Slower in dense material |
| Handling Thick Saplings | Better for larger saplings | Less aggressive in thick brush |
| Debris Control | Throws debris more easily | Better debris containment |
| Safety Level | Requires more caution | Safer near structures and animals |
| Common Users | Commercial contractors | Property owners and farmers |
Choose open front if speed and production are your top priorities.
Choose closed front if safety and control matter more than cutting speed.
Key Features to Look For
No matter which flow you choose, pay attention to:
1. Cutting Capacity
Check the maximum recommended tree diameter.
2. Deck Construction
Look for:
- Heavy-gauge steel
- Reinforced sides
- Replaceable skid shoes
3. Motor Protection
Hydraulic motors should be shielded from debris.
4. Safety Features
- Chain curtains
- Debris deflectors
- Proper guarding
5. Maintenance Access
Easy blade access saves time and money.
Cost Comparison: Standard vs High Flow
Here’s a general price range:
- Standard flow brush cutter: $3,000-$9,000
- High flow brush cutter: $9,000-$20,000+
Drum-style forestry cutters/mulchers can go much higher.
The real cost decision is about usage frequency. If you use it weekly for heavy clearing, high flow can improve efficiency and job profitability.
Productivity Differences
Here’s how they compare in real-world terms:
| Feature | Standard Flow | High Flow |
| Brush Thickness | Light–Medium | Medium–Heavy |
| Tree Diameter | Up to 4″ | 4-8″+ |
| Cutting Speed | Moderate | Fast |
| Ideal User | Property Owner | Contractor |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
If you only clear land a few times per year, standard flow is practical.
If you run crews and bill by the job, high flow is often the better long-term investment.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
- Buying high flow without owning a high-flow machine
- Overestimating the thickness of material they actually cut
- Ignoring machine weight compatibility
- Choosing the cheapest model instead of the most durable
- Not considering resale value
Think about the jobs you do 80 percent of the time, not the rare extreme scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my skid steer to high flow?
Some machines allow factory or dealer-installed upgrades. Others do not. It depends on your model and hydraulic system design.
Does high flow mean more torque?
It means more hydraulic power overall. That typically results in higher blade speed and better performance in heavy material.
Is high flow always better?
Not always. If you’re cutting light brush, high flow may be unnecessary and more expensive than needed.
How long do brush cutter blades last?
It depends on usage and terrain. Rocky soil and heavy hardwood reduce blade life. Regular inspection is essential.
Final Recommendation
If you’re maintaining property, clearing fence lines, or managing pasture, a standard flow brush cutter is usually the smart and cost-effective choice.
If you’re running commercial land clearing jobs or cutting thick timber regularly, a high flow cutter delivers better performance, faster results, and higher productivity.
The best skid steer brush cutter isn’t about buying the biggest option. It’s about matching hydraulic capacity, workload, and long-term use.
Choose based on how you actually work, and you’ll get years of reliable performance.