Walk behind brush mower or brush cutter (hand held)

[dadmire]

Good afternoon!

As a "first poster" let me say that I've enjoyed reading the posts here and getting a general education on all things related to tractors and clearing land.

I'm a very recently retired army officer, with a newly acquired 4.5 acre piece of land in North Texas with the future intentions of fencing for a horse and building a house.

Here's my situation:

It's 4.5 acres of land in the North Texas hill country near Gordon/Lake Palo Pinto. It's got numerous "cedar trees" really ashe junipers that I intend to take down with my chain saw. It's also got oaks with a thick, woody plant, growing in thickets around the base of many of them. The locals have called it "Cat's Claw" but it doesn't fit the description that I've found on the net. Some of the stems of the plant are probably up to 2 inches in diameter. Once I take this thick stuff down the first time, maintenance shouldn't be that hard.

My question:

I've been thinking about buying or renting a walk-behind brush mower. There's a rental place 45 min up the road with an Outback Billy Goat. There aren't any DR's or other brands that I've been able to find. The initial cost has me shying away from purchase because I think that once I get the stuff cut, I won't really need the machine again.

Or....would a hand held brush cutter make more sense? I've got a $400 gift card from Home Depot in hand and have been looking at an Echo SRM 41 OU. I think I would likely use the Echo even after the initial thicket take down as a general use trimmer for around the place. Would the Echo be up to the task and work as efficiently?

I've thought about hiring someone to clear the land, but the cost, and the fact that they will likely tear up the existing grass has me pretty much deciding against that idea. Plus, I hate paying someone to do something that I am able to do myself.

Any words of advice?

Thanks!

David

 

[newbury]

Buy a brush cutter (I'd prefer a Stihl regardless of cost) and see if it works. You'll need it eventually anyways. And then decide if you want to rent the Billy Goat.

 

[RoyJackson]

With 4.5 acres to contend with, I expect you'll eventually buy something robust enough to handle that brush...any probably something with wheels.
Other then that comment, I suggest you go with Newbury's post.

 

[dadmire]

Thanks for the responses.

I've got a Stihl chainsaw that I like alot, but unfortunately I can't find a Stihl brushcutter anywhere near me.

Plus I've got this $400 free money at Home Depot - hence the interest in what they carry - the Echo.

But it doesn't look like a bad machine.......42.7 cc's seems like plenty of power......10" brush blade......and the 5 year warranty seems more than reasonable.

I think the general recommendation to start with a brush cutter makes sense, and is likely the direction I'll go.

 

[deanwerden]

I have a Stihl fs 90 and 1 inch Is fine if your going to be doing a lot of bigger stuff I would look at a 130. compare that to the echo. The stihl are a hybrid 4 stroke and work awsome

 

[Pa Pa Jack]

If you go with the brush cutter make sure you get a good harness and make sure it has handle bars. If you are cutting 1 or 2 inch saplings, a "D" handle will wear you out and it is not safe. You need the bars to keep control of the cutter better.

 

[fishfactor]

If you are leaning the brush saw route, go with Stihl. It will last a lifetime in your application, and when you are finished clearing you can put a string head on it. In my opinion, the Echo is more of a string trimmer with a blade, and designed for homeowner applications cutting briars and such. The true brush saws are safe, come with a great harness, and will cut through 2" stuff instantly. We use these for removing hardwood growth in Red Cockaded woodpecker habitats. We use this model and they are great Object moved. Any stihl dealer in your area should be able to order and have in a couple days. As far as the HD gift card. If you are building a house, there will be plenty more opportunities to use that.

 

[TripleR]

We used a hand held Stihl several years ago, but even the big one with bicycle handlebars is quickly going to wear you out on large areas as to use them properly it takes a bit of force on anything over an inch or so and a bit of shock back through the handles that can throw you off balance.

 

[fishfactor]

We used a hand held Stihl several years ago, but even the big one with bicycle handlebars is quickly going to wear you out on large areas as to use them properly it takes a bit of force on anything over an inch or so and a bit of shock back through the handles that can throw you off balance.

They may have improved them since yours. When we do a job with them, we run them 10 hours a day, and I am no spring chicken. We use the blades that came on them. You sharpen them with a chainsaw file. Sharpen in the morning and at lunch. They will cut 2 inch material instantly. No holding it there as it saws through the tree. When you start, use a aggressive swing using the right side of the blade with force about like a long golf put. It will go right through. As you get experience, start moving towards the front of the blade until you find the sweet spot in the kick back zone. Then you just tap it and let the kickback force it through the tree, instantly. This method can be dangerous, so be careful, but it is extremely effective. You quickly develop a feel for the forces generated and how to let them do the work for you.

 

[joecoin]

I use a 30 year old commercial grade Stihl quite a bit during summer. It's really a question of balance and keeping the blades sharp. There is a rig you can get that comes over the top and takes a lot of the weight off your arms. I don't have one but may get one someday. Here's a link to one from the UK:

Hedge Trimmers & Long Reach Hedge Cutters >Home >Best Buy Mowers

I bought a Grillo two wheel tractor this year with the brush mower attachment. It's a thing of beauty.