Cutting brush

UK78ALUM · Oct 16, 2013

I am looking for a solution to fill a trimming gap on my property. I have a Ford tractor and bush hog for my paddocks, a Grasshopper for my lawn, an Ariens walk behind string trimmer for the big jobs and any number of hand held string trimmers for smaller work.

The "gap" I am talking about is between my bush hog and the Ariens trimmer. Eventually I get to the point (particularly along my creek bank) where it is too dangerous to get any closer with the tractor AND what's left is too heavy for the Ariens. So I have some very small saplings, heavy/thick weeds, etc. that I have no solution for.

I have been unsuccessfully looking for a generic brush blade kit for the Ariens. The reason I say generic is that the canned corporate response from any dealers is "Ariens does not offer that attachment". OK, I got that part. Understood. But I just assumed someone would have a universal fit brush blade that comes with various size shafts, collars, whatever it takes. Clearly this happens all the time on the lighter duty trimmers with every sort of string, plasctic blade, super-duper head, as seen on TV miracle cutter, that you could ever want.

So, I'd appreciate any leads on finding something similar for the walk behind. Thanks!

rd_macgregor · Oct 16, 2013

I use a Stihl brush cutter (Online Product Catalogue | STIHL | Stihl, chain saws, brushcutters, hedge trimmers, clearing saws, high-pressure cleaners, lawn mowers, trimmers) for that kind of job, but you might also consider one of the DR products (Outdoor Power Equipment for Property Owners | DR Power Equipment).

I used to just drive my ride-on mower over saplings up to .75" or so...my mechanic said that really wasn't a good idea, so I've dropped the upper limit to .5" or less. If it is on a steep area, a ride-on obviously isn't going to work for your job, though.

Gary Fowler · Oct 16, 2013

I bought the Gator Head string trimmer attachment for my string trimmer. It comes with either nylon blades or steel, I got the steel blades. They are about $20 at Walmart. They have 3 blades on the head and they will cut up to about 1" saplings if you just easy into them.

I am not recommending you do this, but I also jury rigged a 7 1/4" skilsaw blade to my weedwhacker to clear an over grown fence line and it would cut 2-3" saplings like a chain saw. I have a lot of rocks on my place and they took a toll on the teeth, but I got thru over a quarter mile of rough cutting with that blade before I knocked most of the carbide teeth off it.

Stihl makes several types of brush blades for their machine but most have a 1" arbor which wont fit most other string trimmers. They are supposed to only be installed on machines with the bicycle type handle bars for control. If you have a lot of trimming, I would look into a Stihl machine with slasher blade or one of many other types. I would stay away from the one with a chainsaw chain as I think that the first time you got it into the dirt it would be too dull to cut any more. There are some good You tube videos of stihl machines in action.

orangeandgreen · Oct 16, 2013

I have good luck keeping my field edges and creek banks in control with 2 4 D (Gordon's USA) applied a couple times a summer. Doesn't kill the grass, but takes care of the small trees, brushy stuff, and weeds.

moship · Oct 16, 2013

For what it's worth I use a Stihl FS130 heavy duty trimmer equipped with a chisel tooth blade. It is amazing how fast this will cut through saplings 2" and under. Over the years I used both a Scratcher blade and Chisel tooth and found the chisel tooth to be both faster and more durable.

Trimmer: FS 130 Bike Handle Trimmer - Heavy-Duty Professional Use Grass/Weed Trimmers | STIHL USA Mobile

Blade: STIHL Trimmer Chisel Tooth Circular Saw Blade | STIHL USA Mobile

Sorry I have no leads on options for the walk behind option.

Coyote machine · Oct 16, 2013

Dr. Trimmer/mower/ self- propelled with 'beaverblade' attachment.
I have used most everything with handlebars, from early 'green machine' to Stihl, Jonserhed, and now the Dr. line of equipment. I have their 42" Dr. brush mower, and the 6.5 HP walk behind trimmer/mower. Each tool does it's specific range of work, some better than others.
The Dr. brush mower can use either real thick line trimmer string for rocky areas or a very heavy lawnmower type blade meant to knock down thick saplings, up to 2". The Trimmer mower can also use thick line or the beaver blade, chainsaw chain on a disk, and it cuts well. The chainsaw type beaver blade may fit some of your existing string trimmers BUT use caution and a metal guard when working with it. I suggest weed eater chaps too to keep grass, etc from wrapping around/on the operator, and heavy gloves and safety glasses with side shielding. Bring a strong back too, and be REAL careful going downhill with the brush mower, it can take one places they don't want to go.:2cents:

Ken45101 · Oct 17, 2013

I have found a pole saw (chain saw head) to handle just about anything. Yes, you need to keep it out of the dirt, but that's not hard. The only place it doesn't work well is around field fence, too much chance of catching the wires.