A rotary cutter is one of the most versatile and cost-effective attachments for skid steer operators who need to manage grass, weeds, light brush, and overgrown vegetation. Simpler than a flail mower, more aggressive than a brush cutter for open ground — here's how to choose the right one for your machine and terrain.
A rotary cutter (also called a brush hog, bush hog, or rotary brush cutter) is a hydraulically driven mowing attachment that mounts to the skid steer's quick-attach plate. It uses one or two large horizontal blades rotating at high speed beneath a protective deck to cut vegetation. Unlike a flail mower's many individual hammers, a rotary cutter uses a small number of large blades — typically 1–3 — that swing freely on pivots so they can fold back on impact and then swing back out.
This design makes rotary cutters fast and efficient for open-ground vegetation work: tall grass, weeds, small saplings, crop residue, and light brush up to 1.5–2 inches in diameter. The tradeoff is projectile risk — a rotary cutter blade strikes debris and can launch rocks or sticks at high velocity. Most rotary cutters have rear discharge guards, but they are not appropriate for work near structures, livestock, or people without proper clearance distance.
For most Canadian operations — roadside mowing, acreage maintenance, municipal parks, and rural property management — a rotary cutter is the workhorse choice. They're less expensive than flail mowers, require less hydraulic flow on many standard-flow models, and have simpler blade replacement. When terrain is rocky or debris-heavy, a flail mower is the safer choice. In clean open ground, the rotary cutter wins on productivity and price.
Most rotary cutters use free-swinging blades on pivot pins — typically 2–4 blades per deck. Free-swing blades fold back on rock impact and re-extend, absorbing the shock rather than transmitting it to the motor shaft. Fixed-blade rotary cutters exist but are less common for skid steers. Blade thickness and steel grade affect longevity: look for heat-treated or AR-grade steel blades on commercial-use units.
Rotary cutters for skid steers range from 48 inches to 108 inches (9 feet). Width selection should be matched to your machine class and job type:
| Cutting Width | Typical Use | Machine Class |
|---|---|---|
| 48–60 in | Mini skid steers, tight fence lines, small acreages | Mini to compact frame |
| 72 in | Most popular; mid-frame skid steers; general acreage mowing | Mid-frame (S450–S590 class) |
| 84–96 in | Large-frame, high-flow required; commercial clearing | Large-frame (S650–S750 class) |
| 96–108 in | Maximum productivity; high-flow large machines | Large-frame high-flow only |
Rotary cutters are more forgiving than flail mowers when it comes to hydraulic requirements. Many standard-flow models in the 60–72 inch range run effectively on 15–25 GPM. Larger high-flow models (84–108 in) require 25–30+ GPM. This means many mid-frame skid steers that don't have high-flow can run a quality 60–72 inch rotary cutter:
| Width | Typical Flow Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 48–60 in | 15–20 GPM | Standard flow compatible |
| 72 in standard | 15–25 GPM | Most mid-frame machines qualify |
| 72 in high-flow | 25–30 GPM | High-flow recommended for dense brush |
| 84–108 in | 25–35 GPM | High-flow required |
Rotary cutters for skid steers typically range from 500–1,675 lbs depending on width and construction. An Erskine 60-inch model weighs around 500–700 lbs; 84–96 inch commercial units push 1,200+ lbs. Always confirm the attachment weight fits within your machine's ROC with appropriate margin for slope stability.
Rotary cutters make sense for a wide range of operators:
Operator experience requirements are moderate. A rotary cutter is straightforward to run, but new operators should understand the projectile hazard and maintain safe clearance distances. Open deck designs (some brands offer open-front designs for pushing into tall brush) require extra situational awareness about what's under the deck before engagement.
Rotary cutter attachments connect via the universal skid steer quick-attach (SSQA) plate, compatible with all major brands — Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, John Deere, New Holland, Kubota, Gehl, and others. Points to verify:
| Brand | Origin | Common Widths | Positioning | Canadian Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erskine Attachments | USA (Canadian dealer coverage) | 60–72 in | Quality mid-range; agricultural focus | Widely available through Canadian equipment dealers; strong reputation for build quality |
| Bobcat | USA / OEM | 60–96 in | OEM-quality; dealer-backed | Full Bobcat dealer network in Canada; premium pricing but seamless machine integration |
| John Deere | USA / OEM | 60–108 in (RC series) | OEM-quality; broad width range | Full John Deere dealer network; RC series has wide width coverage including 108 in |
| Gehl | USA | 72 in | Mid-range OEM | Available through Gehl/Manitou dealers in Canada |
| Loftness | USA | 48–96 in (BV series) | High-quality US brand; commercial to agricultural | Available through specialty dealers; BV series covers a wide range of widths |
| Baumalight | Kelowna, BC | 48–72 in (RC series) | Canadian-built quality | Domestic parts, warranty support, and dealer network; solid choice for Canadian buyers |
Rotary cutter pricing in CAD varies considerably by width, brand, and construction quality:
Rotary cutters are more commonly available for short-term rental than flail mowers. Check Sunbelt Rentals, BET (Battlefield Equipment/Toromont), and local equipment dealers. For seasonal or recurring mowing work, ownership typically pays off within one to two seasons versus regular rental.