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Mowers for Tall Grass, Weeds & Brush

Sometimes the mowing job at hand is too much to ask of a standard lawn mower. Tall grass and brush can overpower the small engines and enclosed blades of the typical home mower, resulting in equipment damage, safety concerns and a job not well done. Brush mowers, however, are designed to do the big jobs, and many of them are capable of tackling the tallest grass, heaviest brush and even small trees.
  1. Walk-Behind Mowers

    • Walk-behind mowers are the most maneuverable type of brush-cutting mower. Similar in design to standard walk-behind lawn mowers, these brush mowers feature rotary blades and are operated by a user who controls the mower via handlebars in the rear. These brush mowers typically have large, open decks, in contrast to the closed decks of lawn mowers, and more powerful engines than lawn mowers. Many models can be fitted with optional attachments that allow them to operate as a snow blower, generator or wood chipper.

    Tow-Behind Mowers

    • Tow-behind brush mowers are designed to be pulled by tractors or all-terrain vehicles and are typically less maneuverable than walk-behind mowers. They generally have a wider cutting radius than walk-behind mowers, however, and some models have drop-down wings equipped with additional blades that allow the mower to cut an even wider path. This type of mower is self-powered by an engine like those that power walk-behind mowers, and many models feature on-board tool storage areas.

    PTO Mowers

    • Some large two-behind brush mowers are not self-powered but instead draw power from the engine of the towing vehicle via a power take-off, or PTO. The PTO is a driveshaft driven by the vehicle's engine which can be easily connected and disconnected to accessory equipment. PTO mowers are typically built to withstand heavy use, and their relatively simple design makes them easier to operate and maintain than self-powered mowers.

    Sickle Bar Mowers

    • Sickle bar mowers are large mowers intended to be towed behind tractors or ATVs. They feature a reciprocating toothed blade that extends horizontally from the mower, allowing the mower to cut areas that are not directly accessible to the tractor. Sickle bar mowers are used to cut tall grass and brush in ditches and on steep slopes, as well as along the banks of bodies of water. These mowers are PTO-driven, drawing power from the towing vehicle.