Do you have an expansive land clearing project ahead of you? Brush clearing can be a tedious and time-consuming task. But it doesn’t have to be with the right tools and techniques. When tackling rampant growth, you want to ensure you’re equipped with the close brush clearing tools to lessen the burden. Your time is valuable—wouldn’t it be fantastic to cut your labor in half?

To give you the low-down on brush clearing, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide. With our tips, you’ll be an expert in no time! Rut Manufacturing believes that powerful brush cutters and an efficient process can make your life easier while you’re busy making the most of your land.

Let’s explore how to get started with brush clearing.

Step One: Assess Your Brush Clearing Project

The first step is to assess the brush you’re dealing with. Different brush calls for different brush clearing strategies and proper equipment. For example, if you’re dealing with small, young trees, tree limbs, or vines, you’ll want a brush cutter with a blade attachment. You’ll need a brush cutter with a mulcher or saw attachment if the brush is more mature. You should also consider the blade width and blade length required to handle material.

Types of Brush You May Encounter:

Small, young trees or vines
Mature brush
Dense brush
Light brush

Once you know the project’s scope, you can choose an attachment for your skid steer or excavator that will result in optimal elimination.

Step Two: Choosing a Brush Cutter

Now that you know the types of brush you’ll be dealing with, it’s time to choose a brush cutter. When making your decision, consider the following:

The size of your brush clearing project
The type of brush you’re dealing with
How often you’ll be using your brush cutter

If you have a small brush clearing project, you may not need a brush cutter with all the bells and whistles. If you’re only clearing brush once in a while, you probably don’t need an industrial-strength brush cutter.

But if you have a large brush clearing project or plan to use your brush cutter frequently, you’ll want a brush cutter that can stand up to the task. You’ll also want one that’s easy to operate and maintain.

Here are the best types of attachments for various jobs:

Brush Cutters

Brush cutters are versatile tools that can handle a variety of brush clearing projects. Brush cutters have a cutting blade that quickly clears terrain.

Disc Mulchers

A disc mulcher is your best bet if you’re dealing with large brush, trees, and saplings. Disc mulchers have carbide-tipped teeth that quickly clear brush and other organic material. Rut’s Disc Mulcher Annhilator is a perfect example of a quick-attach mulcher that can quickly mulch brush and trees on any site—especially farmland, right of ways, or trails.

Drum Mulchers

Drum mulchers are ideal for clearing small brush, vines, and undergrowth. They have a heavy-duty steel drum with rotating flails that quickly clear brush.

Stump Grinder

A stump grinder is perfect for removing tree stumps and roots. Stump grinders have a cutting wheel with carbide-tipped teeth that quickly remove stumps.

Mowers

Mowers are excellent for clearing light brush and maintaining already cleared areas. Mowers attach to the front or back of your skid steer or excavator and have a cutting deck with spinning blades that mow down brush. Ensure that the attachment you choose can handle the job site. You may need a hydraulic cutter that can handle hard-to-reach areas and maneuver with ease.

Rut’s Skid Steer Brush Mower Cutter can cut up to 4 inches in diameter with a two-blade system. The Brush Mower is a good option for those looking for a powerful machine that can mow grass and clear small limbs and brush when needed.

String Trimmers

A string trimmer is perfect for clearing light brush, weeds, and invasive species. String trimmers have a cutting head with a nylon or steel line that quickly trims small projects.

Tree Cutters

You’ll need a tree shear like excavator tree shear or brush cutter when dealing with large trees. A suitable brush cutter will quickly and efficiently cut brush and small trees up to 7 inches in diameter. You’ll most likely want an industrial-grade forestry attachment that can handle the workload.

Rut’s Skid Steer Forestry Brush Cutter Gladiator has a cutting capacity of 7 inches—it’s perfect for quickly cutting brush and small trees. The Gladiator has a powerful hydraulic motor that can handle the most challenging brush-clearing projects.

Once you have the right attachment for the job, it’s time to get started.

At Rut Manufacturing, we offer brush cutters for every need. From compact brush cutters to heavy-duty models, we have the perfect brush cutter for your project—and your budget. Browse our brush clearing attachments to find the ideal piece of equipment.

Step Three: Time to Clear That Brush!

Now that you have the right brush cutter and know how to operate it, it’s time to get to work.

Start by assessing the brush you’re dealing with and determining the best strategy for clearing it. If you’re dealing with small brush, you may be able just to mow it down. If you’re dealing with larger brush, you’ll need to use a brush cutter.

Once you’ve determined the best way to clear the brush, it’s time to begin. Start by making a few practice cuts to get a feel for the brush cutter and how it works. Then, start brush clearing in earnest.

How to Use a Brush Clearing Attachment

Consider the following steps as you begin work on your job site.

Read the operator’s manual for your brush cutter—and your skid steer or excavator. It’s essential to understand how to operate the brush cutter and the attached machine.
Inspect your brush cutter before each use. Ensure all the bolts are tight and there are no cracks or damage to the blades.
Wear the proper safety gear. You’ll need to wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection when using a brush cutter.
Have a game plan. Begin by drawing out the region you’ll be mowing, and then develop a timetable for yourself. This will assist you in keeping on track and finishing the job on time.
Start your brush cutter and skid steer or excavator. Check the settings on your machine before you begin. The blade speed, teeth pattern, and depth control are all examples of this. You may now start brush clearing once you’ve found the ideal setting!
Begin cutting the brush, starting with the smaller brush and working your way up to the larger brush. Keep an eye out for obstructions as you brush away debris. If you encounter a limb or root in your way, stop and go around it slowly. And, above all, be aware of other people who may be around the work site.
Work your way around the job site, clearing brush as you go. Keep the brush cutter level to ensure a clean cut.
When you’re finished, turn off your machine and attachment.
Inspect your brush cutter for damage. If you find any damage, repair it before using the brush cutter again.
Clean your brush cutter after each use. Remove any debris from the blades and housing to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to clear brush quickly and efficiently—and without any injuries. With the gear and a little know-how, you can have your brush cleared in no time.

Rut Manufacturing prides itself on being a leading innovator in the industry. We offer a wide range of brush clearing attachments, from compact brush cutters to heavy-duty models. And, we’re always here to answer any questions you may have about brush clearing.

Contact us today to learn more about our brush clearing attachments—and how we can help you clear brush quickly and efficiently.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Brush Clearing