Tips When Using A Brush Hog

cutting tall grass during grounds maintenance

Using a brush hog is not something you just decide to do one day and then do.  It requires some expertise and some preparation, and that is what this article is all about.  We are Keith’s Tractor Mowing, serving the Greater Fort Worth area. Call us for all of your acreage mowing and brush hogging services.

What is a brush hog (or bush hog)?

A brush hog, or bush hog, is an attachment to your tractor or riding mower which is used to tackle tall grass and/or brush.  It has extra sharp blades made from the strongest steel, and it revolves at a very high rate of speed (more than 1000 revolutions per minute).

Proper attachment

The first safety tip for those attempting to use a brush hog is to make sure it is properly attached to your tractor. This may seem overly-simplistic, but even the most experienced lot mowing professionals take their time with this first step and make sure they have done it correctly.

Walk the property you are going to cut

Rocks and other debris are missiles when struck by a brush hog, capable of flying several hundred feet when struck by those blades.  To avoid very painful and expensive accidents, walk the property first and remove such debris.  We have seen parked vehicles damaged by flying debris; we have seen home windows broken; and we have seen small animals severely injured. You can avoid all of that by taking the time to walk the property.

Go slowly at first

A brush hog is a heavy piece of equipment and should not be operated by amateurs who are in a hurry. Take your time and get to know your brush hog before kicking your tractor into a higher gear. Your first few passes on the acreage should be very slow until you are comfortable with your brush hog attachment.

Make sure there are no people or animals nearby

Clear the area of living beings. We cannot overemphasize this point enough.  For the safety of everyone, clear the area before mowing/brush hogging.

Turn slowly

Take turns slowly. Centrifugal force can create some very high rates of speed when turning, and speed is the number one reason for damage to a brush hog attachment.

Avoid dips in the land

Dips and shallows in the land can damage your brush hog.  Go around these and tackle them with a conventional mower to avoid damage and very uneven cuts.

Call a pro if need be

Yes, it may cost you some money, but if you are unsure of what you are doing, or you are ultra-nervous about trying a brush hog, don’t tackle the job. Instead, call the pros like Keith’s Tractor Mowing and let them do the job they are trained to do.

About Keith’s Tractor Mowing

For over twenty years Keith has provided quality citation mowing, pipeline mowing, farm mowing, crop mowing, and other acreage jobs for homeowners and farm owners and communities in and around Fort Worth.  For over twenty years . . . that kind of longevity in business can only happen if quality work and friendly service are provided.

Call us for all of your tractor mowing needs.