Start the selection process by determining what type of debris the machine will face. Brush cutters are designed to take on certain heights and thicknesses of brush, and if that is exceeded, it can cause damage to the machine. It’s far better to err on the side of caution by selecting a brush cutter capable of taking on multiple jobs and thicker brush than purchasing a smaller unit that might save you money, but will also limit versatility and opportunity.

Tough jobs, such as clearing vacant lots and establishing trails or paths, require a brush cutter that tackles weeds, heavy brush and overgrown vegetation. Look for a model capable of taking out saplings up to a couple of inches thick and won’t shy away from chest-high weeds. After all, if the brush cutter can’t handle that, it’ll be back to the branch clippers to finish the job.

An efficient machine is capable of clearing an acre of brush or more per hour, which enables contractors to quickly complete the project and move on to the next. To help achieve maximum productivity, consider brush cutters that feature a hydrostatic drive with clutchless variable operating speeds as opposed to a unit with gear selection.

Never overlook maintenance requirements when selecting a brush cutter

The cost of replacement parts and the labor time to fix a brush cutter quickly add up, making the unit’s initial price deceiving. Plus, there’s bound to be lost profits when contractors turn down jobs while their brush cutter is in the shop.

Look for machines designed to simplify maintenance. For example, some manufacturers design the equipment to call attention to greasing points for maintenance technicians. This ensures that technicians can easily locate the grease points and don’t forget to maintain these areas. It may seem small, but this feature helps to achieve the brush cutter’s full service life.

Welded or bolted components also impact maintenance time. For example, wearing components that are bolted, instead of welded, to the brush cutter make it easy for technicians to gain access and replace individual parts. Alternatively, welding requires replacing even more parts, such as the entire cutting deck to make a spindle replacement.

When looking to stretch investments a little further, select a unit that uses reversible blades to double the blade life.

Reliable manufacturer provide strong after sales support

A good indicator is a proven history of developing quality products. Read online blogs and reviews to see what customers say. It’s also important that the machine includes a warranty and a broad servicing dealer network to ensure you can get ready service of the brush cutter if needed.

For additional resources, check the manufacturer’s website for online videos and information on the brush cutter as well as easily accessible support for troubleshooting or ordering spare parts. That combination ensures contractors know not only how to effectively use and maintain the equipment but also that they will get help quickly when it’s needed.

Choosing a quality brush cutter from a reliable manufacturer yields long-term rewards. Although contractors originally front a few extra bucks for value-added features, it pays off. Between time saved on maintenance and repairs, operators soon make up for the initial cost. Remember, the right manufacturer and machine make the cut for long-term results.