If you’re shopping for a brush cutter attachment, one of the first questions you’ll run into is this:
How much hydraulic flow does my machine need to run it properly?
Get this wrong, and you’ll deal with weak cutting power, overheating, slow blade speed, or even damage to your attachment. Get it right, and your brush cutter will power through thick grass, saplings, and heavy overgrowth without hesitation.
Let’s break it down in simple terms, so you can confidently match your skid steer or compact track loader to the right brush cutter.
What Is Hydraulic Flow?
Hydraulic flow is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). It tells you how much hydraulic fluid your machine can send to an attachment.
Think of it like water pressure in a hose:
- More flow = more power to spin the motor
- Less flow = slower blade speed and reduced cutting performance
Brush cutters rely on hydraulic motors to spin heavy blades at high RPM. If your machine doesn’t provide enough flow, performance drops fast.
Standard Flow vs. High Flow: What’s the Difference?
Most skid steers fall into one of these two categories:
Standard Flow
- Typically, 17-25 GPM
- Suitable for light to medium-duty brush cutting
- Ideal for grass, weeds, and smaller saplings
High Flow
- Typically, 26-40+ GPM
- Designed for heavy-duty cutting
- Handles thick brush and larger trees
Some larger machines may even offer super high flow, but most brush cutters are designed for standard or high flow systems.
If you’re unsure what your machine provides, check your owner’s manual or the hydraulic specifications listed by the manufacturer.
How Much Hydraulic Flow Does a Brush Cutter Actually Need?
The answer depends on the size and duty rating of the cutter.
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Brush Cutter Type | Recommended Flow |
| Light-Duty | 15-20 GPM |
| Medium-Duty | 20-30 GPM |
| Heavy-Duty | 30-40+ GPM |
For example:
- A property owner clearing pasture grass may only need a standard flow cutter.
- A contractor cutting 3-5 inch trees daily will likely need a high flow model for consistent torque and blade speed.
Always match the cutter’s required GPM range with your machine’s rated output. Too little flow reduces performance. Too much can cause overheating or premature wear if the attachment isn’t designed for it.
Why Hydraulic Flow Matters More Than You Think
Hydraulic flow affects more than just blade speed.
1. Cutting Power
Higher flow increases torque and keeps blade RPM steady under load. That means smoother cutting and less stalling in dense material.
2. Efficiency
A properly matched system clears material faster. You spend less time backing up or making repeat passes.
3. Equipment Life
Running a high-flow cutter on a low-flow machine strains both the attachment and your skid steer. Matching them correctly protects your investment.
What About Hydraulic Pressure?
Flow gets most of the attention, but hydraulic pressure (PSI) matters too.
- Flow (GPM) = speed
- Pressure (PSI) = force
Most skid steers operate between 3,000-3,500 PSI. Brush cutters are designed within specific PSI ranges. Always confirm both GPM and PSI compatibility before buying.
Signs Your Machine Doesn’t Have Enough Flow
If your brush cutter is underpowered, you may notice:
- Blades slow down easily in thick brush
- Excess vibration
- Frequent stalling
- Hydraulic system overheating
- Slower-than-expected clearing time
These are strong indicators that your attachment requires more GPM than your machine can supply.
How to Check Your Skid Steer’s Hydraulic Flow
Here’s how to find your machine’s rating:
- Check your operator’s manual
- Look up your model on the manufacturer’s website
- Check the spec plate inside the cab
- Contact your equipment dealer
Make sure you’re looking at auxiliary hydraulic flow, not just total pump capacity.
Choosing the Right Brush Cutter for Your Machine
When selecting a brush cutter, consider:
- Your skid steer’s GPM and PSI rating
- The thickness of material you’ll be cutting
- Frequency of use
- Standard flow or high flow compatibility
At Skid Pro, brush cutters are clearly labeled by flow requirements so you can quickly match them to your machine. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to confirm before ordering.
Standard Flow Brush Cutters: When They Make Sense
Standard flow models are ideal if you:
- Maintain fields or trails
- Clear fence lines
- Cut thick grass and light brush
- Operate a mid-size skid steer
They offer excellent performance without requiring a high-flow hydraulic system.
High Flow Brush Cutters: When You Need More Power
High flow models are built for:
- Land clearing projects
- Heavy commercial work
- Cutting larger saplings and dense brush
- Maximizing productivity
If your machine supports high flow, upgrading to a compatible cutter can significantly increase cutting efficiency.
Skid Pro Standard Flow Brush Cutters are engineered to perform like other companies’ high-flow cutters – even at standard flow pressures.
That performance comes from Skid Pro’s purpose-built design features, including:
- An industry-leading integrated flywheel and drive train
- Drop dual-beveled down blades for aggressive cutting
- An industry-leading deck height for better material flow and clearance
The result? Serious cutting power – without needing high-flow hydraulics.
But is high flow worth it? Let’s dig in.
High flow takes that legendary Skid Pro performance and turns it up. You get higher RPMs, faster blade recovery in heavy material, and even more momentum when you’re pushing into thick brush or saplings.
So do you need high flow? Not necessarily.
Will it increase performance? Absolutely.
Standard flow gives you high-flow-level cutting power.
High flow just adds more speed, more recovery, and more productivity in extreme conditions.
Final Thoughts: Match the Tool to the Machine
So, how much hydraulic flow do you need for a brush cutter?
It comes down to three things:
- Your skid steer’s GPM rating
- The type of material you’re cutting
- The duty level of the brush cutter
For most property maintenance work, 17-25 GPM standard flow is sufficient. For aggressive land clearing and thick material, 30+ GPM high flow is often necessary.
Choosing the correct hydraulic match ensures:
- Better cutting performance
- Faster job completion
- Longer equipment life
- Lower maintenance costs
If you’re unsure which brush cutter fits your machine, the team at Skid Pro can help you select the right option based on your hydraulic specs and application.
Need Help Choosing?
Browse Skid Pro’s full line of brush cutters or contact our team with your skid steer model and hydraulic flow rating. We’ll help you match the right attachment so you can clear more and worry less.