If you’re in the market for a skid steer brush cutter, you’ve probably asked: Should I buy an open front or closed front brush cutter?
It’s a smart question—and the answer depends on the type of work you’re doing. Each design has its strengths. In this guide, we’ll break down both types and also cover related tips on sizing, safety, maintenance, and use cases to help you make the right investment.
What Is a Brush Cutter Attachment and How Does It Work?
A brush cutter is a heavy-duty attachment for skid steers or tractors that clears vegetation. It uses high-speed rotating blades to slice through grass, weeds, brush, and even trees. Think of it as a serious upgrade from a mower—it’s built for rugged land management.
Open Front vs Closed Front Brush Cutter: What’s the Difference?
Open Front Brush Cutters
The Open Front Brush Cutters have an exposed blade area with a push bar in front. They’re designed to tackle thick brush, saplings, and small trees fast. Perfect for aggressive cutting and land clearing.
Closed Front Brush Cutters
The Closed Front Brush Cutters have a fully enclosed front with a reinforced bumper. They’re safer, more controlled, and better for cutting near buildings, fences, or landscaping.
Pros and Cons: Open Front Brush Cutter
Pros:
- Handles dense brush and trees: The open front design lets the blades hit material directly, making it great for cutting thick brush, saplings, and even small trees.
- Clears large areas fast: With no front cover to slow it down, it powers through overgrowth quickly—ideal for big jobs.
- Built for tough terrain: These cutters are rugged, with heavy-duty blades and reinforced decks made to handle uneven ground, rocks, and thick vegetation.
Cons:
- Higher cost: They tend to be more expensive due to their power and durability.
- Less safe in tight areas: The open front can throw debris, which makes it riskier near buildings, fences, or people.
Pros and Cons: Closed Front Brush Cutter
Pros:
Safer around buildings and people: The fully enclosed front helps contain flying debris, making it a better option when working near homes, fences, or in public areas.
More affordable: Closed front models typically cost less than open front versions, which makes them a solid choice for lighter-duty work or smaller budgets.
Ideal for precision and finish work: Closed front cutters offer better control and cleaner cuts, making them great for landscaping, mowing along property lines, or working in tighter spaces.
Cons:
Not built for heavy brush or trees: The front enclosure limits access to the blades, so it struggles with thicker vegetation or saplings over a few inches.
Slower on large jobs: Because it’s more about precision than power, it takes longer to clear large or overgrown areas compared to an open front cutter.
Open Front vs Closed Front: Which Is Safer?
Closed front cutters are safer, especially in residential or urban environments. They contain flying debris better and are ideal for jobs that require caution. Open front cutters, while powerful, pose a higher risk due to exposed blades and debris ejection.
How to Choose the Right Brush Cutter Size for Your Skid Steer
Match the cutter width to your skid steer’s hydraulic capacity. Common sizes:
- 60″ – Best for tight spaces or light-duty jobs
- 72″ – A balanced choice for versatility
- 78″ or more – For large properties and commercial work
Under sizing or oversizing can lead to poor performance or damage.
Quick Comparison Table:
Feature | Open Front Brush Cutter | Closed Front Brush Cutter |
Cutting Power | High – Handles trees/saplings | Medium – Grass and light brush |
Safety | Lower – Exposed blades | Higher – Enclosed front |
Speed | Fast for large areas | Slower, more precise |
Ideal Use | Land clearing, trails | Landscaping, urban work |
Cost | Higher | More budget-friendly |
Best Uses for Open Front Brush Cutters
These work best for:
- Land clearing
- Trail and hunting path creation
- Pasture maintenance
- Brush and sapling removal
- Reclaiming overgrown fields
Best Uses for Closed Front Brush Cutters
These work best for:
- Municipal mowing
- Park or golf course maintenance
- Around fences, buildings, or landscaping
- Residential lot clearing
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Brush Cutter
Keeping your brush cutter well-maintained not only prevents breakdowns, but also helps it cut cleaner, run smoother, and last longer. Here are key areas to stay on top of:
- Blade Sharpness: Dull blades tear instead of cutting, which stresses the motor and reduces efficiency. Check for nicks, cracks, and wear. Sharpen or replace blades regularly—especially after hitting rocks or hard debris.
- Hydraulic Fittings and Hoses: Inspect all hydraulic connections for leaks, cracks, or loose fittings. A damaged hose can lead to power loss or system failure. Tighten fittings and replace worn hoses immediately.
- Deck and Motor Cleanliness: Keep the deck and motor area clean from dust, sap, or grass buildup. This helps with cooling, prevents corrosion, and makes it easier to spot issues before they become problems.
- Debris Buildup: After every use, clear out leaves, twigs, and grass from under the deck and around moving parts. Built-up debris can block blade movement and damage internal components over time.
- Grease Fittings and Pivot Points: Lubricate all grease points on schedule. Proper greasing reduces wear on bearings and pivot arms, and prevents rust or binding—especially on rotating parts and blade carriers.
Should You Buy or Rent a Brush Cutter Attachment?
Not sure whether to buy or rent a brush cutter? The right choice depends on how often you’ll use it, your budget, and your long-term plans. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Buy if:
- You have ongoing land management needs: If you regularly maintain large properties, trails, farms, or development sites, owning a cutter saves time and money over the long haul.
- You’re a contractor or property manager: For professionals, having the right equipment on hand increases productivity, helps win jobs, and avoids rental downtime or scheduling conflicts.
- Long-term cost savings matter: Rentals add up. If you’ll use the cutter multiple times a year, owning becomes more cost-effective within 12–24 months.
Rent if:
- You only need it for one project: If you’re clearing a single lot, trail, or overgrown property, a short-term rental is more practical.
- You’re trying out different types: Not sure if you need an open or closed front cutter? Renting first gives you hands-on experience without the commitment.
- You’re on a tight budget: Buying a heavy-duty cutter is an investment. Renting lets you get the job done without the upfront cost.
Final Thought: Which One Should You Get?
Choose an open front brush cutter if:
- You need raw power and speed
- You’re clearing dense brush, saplings, or small trees
- You’re working on large, open properties
Choose a closed front brush cutter if:
- You need precision
- You’re cutting near structures or landscaped areas
- Safety and control matter most
Ready to Choose the Right Brush Cutter?
If you’re leaning toward a closed front design, the Closed Front Industrial Cutter offers durability, safety, and cutting precision—perfect for pros who demand control without sacrificing performance in detailed or high-traffic areas.
But if you’re tackling heavy brush, saplings, or large land-clearing jobs, you might need something with even more bite. That’s where our Open Front Industrial Brush Cutters come in—built to take on the toughest terrain with raw cutting power and speed.
Skid Pro offers a range of skid steer brush cutters, so you get the best fit for your job—no compromises.
Need help choosing? Contact Skid Pro for a quick consultation or custom quote.