EDIT: I finally bit the bullet and ordered a brush cutter. I decided to go with the ES Steel 36” model. I chose this one because of a few items, but honestly don’t know if some of the reasons are that big of a deal. Time will tell once I get it and give it a try.
> 3 blades
> bolt on side covers (which can be removed)
> motor cover
> direct drive
> 4” capacity
> 36” size to fit through tight spaces, between trees and around buildings
I have a JCB 55Z-1 that I bought a month or two ago as a dealer demo. It’s a 2022 model that had 84 hours when i got it and came with full 2 year / 2000 hr warranty. It’s the cab model with heat/AC. Offers almost 24 gpm on the auxiliary high flow line (has separate low flow plumbing for thumb) So far I love it. it replaced my 2021 Kubota KX71-3 that had 675 hours on it as I wanted something bigger.
In looking for a brush cutter that can handle pond bank grass and brush, as well as some basic clearing of small brush/trees and vines, I’ve centered on a few models. I want to be able to edge around objects like a building or tree, so at least one edge without blade protrusion is necessary, but I also want to be able to handle something like 4” scrub brush trees when I need to clear road edges and some select areas around our woods. We have 62 acres of pine trees and lakes with wild blueberries. Would be nice to keep paths to them cleared and around the bush clear.
The models I’m torn between are these:
VMC Standard Duty EXG42 = $4,500
RUT MFG Brush Cutter 36 or 42 = $3,400 to $3,500
ES Steel 36” = $3,700 (plus mount which may be $600 or more)
MTL Attachments 36” = $4,400 (mount is extra)
Carolina Attachments 42” = $4,900 with mount
Budget wise, these are the ones that fit closest to what I’d like to spend. The VMG hybrid heavy duty models are nice but the price jumps to $6k. I’m not sure if that’s worth it or not for my needs but haven’t ruled it out.
How do I narrow this down further? At 23+ gpm I think I have enough flow for any of these to work once they put the appropriate motor on it. Also, I think I can handle the weight of any of these, including possibly the 36” VMC HDMT version.
Thanks for any tips or insight.
View attachment IMG_2200.jpeg
> 3 blades
> bolt on side covers (which can be removed)
> motor cover
> direct drive
> 4” capacity
> 36” size to fit through tight spaces, between trees and around buildings
I have a JCB 55Z-1 that I bought a month or two ago as a dealer demo. It’s a 2022 model that had 84 hours when i got it and came with full 2 year / 2000 hr warranty. It’s the cab model with heat/AC. Offers almost 24 gpm on the auxiliary high flow line (has separate low flow plumbing for thumb) So far I love it. it replaced my 2021 Kubota KX71-3 that had 675 hours on it as I wanted something bigger.
In looking for a brush cutter that can handle pond bank grass and brush, as well as some basic clearing of small brush/trees and vines, I’ve centered on a few models. I want to be able to edge around objects like a building or tree, so at least one edge without blade protrusion is necessary, but I also want to be able to handle something like 4” scrub brush trees when I need to clear road edges and some select areas around our woods. We have 62 acres of pine trees and lakes with wild blueberries. Would be nice to keep paths to them cleared and around the bush clear.
The models I’m torn between are these:
VMC Standard Duty EXG42 = $4,500
RUT MFG Brush Cutter 36 or 42 = $3,400 to $3,500
ES Steel 36” = $3,700 (plus mount which may be $600 or more)
MTL Attachments 36” = $4,400 (mount is extra)
Carolina Attachments 42” = $4,900 with mount
Budget wise, these are the ones that fit closest to what I’d like to spend. The VMG hybrid heavy duty models are nice but the price jumps to $6k. I’m not sure if that’s worth it or not for my needs but haven’t ruled it out.
How do I narrow this down further? At 23+ gpm I think I have enough flow for any of these to work once they put the appropriate motor on it. Also, I think I can handle the weight of any of these, including possibly the 36” VMC HDMT version.
Thanks for any tips or insight.
View attachment IMG_2200.jpeg
Last edited: