Utility of finish mower vs. bushhog

[LMan1967]

Utility of finish mower vs. rotary cutter

Pardon my ignorance, but I have a question.

I know that a finish mower is for grass, fields and the like, and a rotary cutter is for clearing brush, etc (heavier work).

Will a rotary cutter cut grass? I have both brush to clear and grass to cut in a field, but I can't afford both implements. Will one of these implements do both jobs?


thanks

 

[EverythingAttachments]

A bush hog will not give you the finished, manicured cut that a finish mower does but it will cut grass. I definitely wouldn't use a finish mower for brush at all because you'll snap belts and mangle the blades! If you only have the money to invest in one, the bush hog(rotary cutter) will be the wiser first purchase.

 

[TripleR]

I am sure you will get a lot of opinions, but I have a finish mower that hasn't left the shed in three years. My rotary cutter does a good enough job to keep me from going to the trouble of switching implements. I don't use one to mow my yard, but have in the past. Either will be a compromise, but for me a rotary cutter is more versatile.

 

[RoyJackson]

For field work, definitely go with the bush hog (correct name is rotary cutter). A much more robust piece of equipment.

 

[KTurner]

Will a bushhog cut grass? I have both brush to clear and grass to cut in a field, but I can't afford both implements. Will one of these implements do both jobs?

As others mentioned already, the rotary cutter is definitely more versatile. some potential considerations - a rotary cutter is more dangerous. It'll sling rocks/etc at impressive distances. I'll use the finish mower much closer to the house than I will the rotary cutter for this reason. The rotary cutter is also more difficult to control, you'll dig the edges in on turns, scalp high spots and get uneven cuts compared to the finish mower. But, it'll cut basically whatever you can drive the tractor over (bushes. tall grass, branches, small trees, etc). The finish mower starts squealing the belts if normal lawn gets too tall/thick. The rotary cutter will also leave rows of cuttings.

Keith

 

[LMan1967]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like a rotary cutter (got it :thumbsup: ) is what I need. Thanks!

 

[Sackett2]

Also gonna vote for the brush hog style over finish. Unless your lawn is very smooth, some finish mowers will scalp on the up and downs. I bought one and used it 2 times then sold it. I stick with a standard riding mower for the lawns, the brush hog for EVERYTHING else...

 

[LD1]

Since you said it is a FIELD of grass, get the bushhog. If this is something you are only going to mow a few times a year, that will be ALL you need. If it is something you plan on making a finished yard and to mow every week, then you will need a finish mower in the future. But for now, rotary cutter is all you need.:thumbsup:

 

[lungdoc]

A third option is a flail mower: can cut brush but also leaves a nicer finish on fields/grass than a brush hog. Can also change the knives depending on the type of work but even the type designed for brush works better than a brush hog on nicer stuff. More costly to buy and run. Do a search for Caroni flails and you'll have lots of reading.

For a bush hog you can sharpen the blades more to give a better cut on grass, not as useful for bush as the blades will dull/chip more easily and leave sharp stumps. Could have a sharp set and a duller set for different work.

 

[Soundguy]

Re: Utility of finish mower vs. rotary cutter

you can take a brush mower and put a bit of an edge on the blades.. not like a lawnmower.. but a bit more than it comes with.. it will cut brush fine, and will give the grass a 'shaggy' lawn look, say a couple days after a rider mower cut it.

if you can afford one.. get the brush mower.

you will RUIN a finish mower cutting brush with it.