A brush cutter is one of the most productive attachments in land clearing, lot maintenance, and vegetation management. But if used improperly, it can become a source of downtime, equipment damage, or safety risk. Here’s a guide to the most common mistakes operators make with skid steer brush cutters and how to avoid them.
1. Using the Wrong Hydraulic Flow Rate
Brush cutters require specific hydraulic flow rates to operate correctly. Using a high-flow cutter on a standard-flow machine (or vice versa) leads to poor performance and potential damage
How to avoid it:
- Always match your skid steer’s GPM to the attachment’s required flow.
- Running a high-flow cutter on a standard-flow machine will result in underpowered cutting and can burn out the motor over time.
- Skid Pro offers both standard and high-flow models—check your machine’s rating before purchase to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Cutting Material That Exceeds the Attachment’s Design
Most brush cutters handle grass, undergrowth, and saplings up to 8-10 inches in diameter. For larger trees or dense hardwood, use a forestry mulcher or tree shear.
Why it matters: Overloading the cutter can stall the motor, dull or snap blades, and shorten the cutter’s lifespan. It can also put excessive strain on your skid steer’s hydraulics, leading to overheating or fluid leaks. Use the right tool for the right job to protect both your attachment and machine.
3. Running Too Close to the Ground
While it might seem effective to scalp the terrain, cutting too low increases the risk of:
- Kicking up rocks and debris, which can damage blades and become flying hazards
- Damaging the deck or blades by hitting stumps or uneven ground
- Wearing out skid shoes prematurely, increasing maintenance costs
Best practice: Maintain a 2″-4″ cutting height above grade. This ensures a cleaner cut and prolongs the life of your cutter.
4. Skipping Daily Inspections
Brush cutters take a beating. Skipping inspections often leads to:
- Loose blades or missing bolts that could fly off during operation
- Leaking couplers or hoses, which can lead to pressure drops or hazardous fluid sprays
- Worn or missing safety curtains that expose operators to dangerous debris
Before each use:
- Inspect blades, couplers, safety chains, and deck welds.
- Check hydraulic fittings for leaks and tighten any loose connections.
5. Not Scouting the Terrain for Hidden Hazards
Brush often conceals stumps, wire, posts, or metal debris. Hitting these at full RPM can:
- Shatter blades or jam the spindle
- Damage the cutter deck or skid steer loader arms
- Create dangerous kickback or flying debris
Pro tip: Walk the site or scout with a spotter when visibility is limited. Flag any visible obstacles and plan your cuts accordingly.
6. Not Breaking In New Blades or Motors Properly
Running a brand-new cutter at full load from the first minute can overheat motors or stress seals.
Pro tip: Break in new units with 15–30 minutes of light-duty operation at 50–75% throttle. This allows seals to seat properly, components to warm evenly, and blades to settle into the rotation path. It’s a simple step that can extend the life of your new investment.
7. Ignoring Cold Weather Prep
In freezing temps, cold hydraulic oil thickens and can create backpressure.
What to do:
- Idle the machine for 5–10 minutes to let the oil warm
- Cycle the hydraulic circuit to circulate warm fluid through the attachment
- Use winter-grade hydraulic fluid when necessary to prevent slow response or damage to the pump and motor
Cold starts require patience. Rushing the warm-up can lead to cracked seals or slow blade response.
Final Thoughts: Get the Most from Your Cutter
Avoiding these common and overlooked mistakes helps protect your cutter, your machine, and your crew. At Skid Pro, we design brush cutters that deliver power, durability, and safety.
Need help choosing the right brush cutter for your machine and application? Contact us for expert support.