Should I buy an open front or closed front brush hog?

Should I buy an open front or closed front brush hog?

x4 closed front industrial cutter

If you are looking for a skid steer attachment that can handle tough vegetation and brush, you might be wondering whether to choose an open front brush cutter or a closed front brush cutter. In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of each type of brush cutter and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

An open front brush cutter has a large opening at the front with a heavily reinforced push bar that allows it to cut through thick and tall grass, weeds, saplings, and even mid sized trees. An open front brush cutter is ideal for clearing large areas of land quickly and efficiently, no matter what you may encounter.

A closed front brush cutter has a smaller opening at the front that is covered by a heavily reinforced bumper. This bumper protects the blades and the operator from flying debris and rocks. A closed front brush cutter can cut through grass, weeds, and light brush, but it won’t have the extra large cutting capacity that an open front has, mainly due to the lack of access to the blades. A closed front brush cutter is ideal for a low finish with precision cut areas such as cutting right up to a building edge or fence line.

The main advantages of an open front brush cutter are:

  • It can cut through almost any type of vegetation, including mature trees and saplings.
  • It can clear large areas of land faster than a closed front brush cutter.
  • It can handle rough terrain and rocks without getting stuck or damaged.
 

The main disadvantages of an open front brush cutter are:

  • It can be more expensive than a closed front brush cutter.
  • It is less safe than a closed front brush cutter, as it can throw debris and rocks at high speed.
 

The main advantages of a closed front brush cutter are:

  • It can be cheaper than an open front brush cutter.
  • It is safer than an open front brush cutter, as it has a shield that prevents debris and rocks from flying out.
  • It can provide a more precise cut quicker as you do not have to worry about the blades reaching past the bumper.

The main disadvantages of a closed front brush cutter are:

  • It cannot cut through thick and tall vegetation as well as an open front brush cutter.
  • It cannot clear large areas of land as fast as an open front brush cutter.

To summarize, an open front brush cutter is better suited for heavy-duty applications that require cutting through tough vegetation and clearing large areas of land. A closed front brush cutter is better suited for medium-duty applications that require cutting thick grass, small brush, and landscaped areas. The choice depends on your budget, preferences, and the type of job you need to do.