We researched and compared the top side mowers for skid steer loaders, evaluating manufacturer specifications, published industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback. Our guide covers essential factors like cutting width, hydraulic flow requirements, deck construction, and safety features to help you choose the right attachment for your property and machine.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bobcat Flail Mower Attachment Best Overall 72-inch cutting width, requires 20-30 GPM hydraulic flow |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Land Pride RCR1872 Rotary Cutter Best Value 72-inch cutting width, requires 15-25 GPM, 540 RPM PTO drive |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Blue Diamond 72" Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter Best for Heavy Brush 72-inch cutting width, 40 HP gearbox, 7-gauge deck |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Titan Attachments 60" Skid Steer Brush Cutter Best Compact 60-inch cutting width, 15-25 GPM, 1,050 lbs |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Eterra 66" Skid Steer Flail Mower Best Flail Design 66-inch cutting width, 18-28 GPM, 1,100 lbs |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Spartan 72" Skid Steer Boom Mower Best Reach 72-inch cutting head, 15-foot reach, hydraulic tilt |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Virnig Manufacturing VRC-60-2 Rotary Cutter Budget Pick 60-inch cutting width, 12-20 GPM, 950 lbs |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Bobcat Flail Mower Attachment: Best Overall
The Bobcat Flail Mower Attachment is our top pick for its robust construction and superior mulching performance. In our evaluation, the 72-inch model delivers clean cuts even in thick brush, and owner feedback highlights its durability over years of use. The flail design reduces debris throw, making it safer near roads and buildings. However, its weight (over 1,200 lbs) can be a downside for smaller skid steers with limited lift capacity. If your machine is under 3,000 lbs operating weight, consider a lighter rotary mower.
We found that the hydraulic flow requirement (20-30 GPM) is standard for mid-size skid steers, but owners with lower-flow machines reported reduced cutting performance. The reversible cutting edge and heat-treated hammers are genuine long-life features, but replacement parts can be costly. Overall, this is a premium choice for professionals who need a rugged, low-maintenance mower.
- Heavy-duty flail design mulches grass, brush, and saplings up to 2 inches thick
- Reversible cutting edge and heat-treated flail hammers extend service life
- Integrated safety chain shielding and rear roller for stable operation
Pros: Excellent mulching capability with low discharge velocity; Built to withstand demanding commercial use
Cons: Heavier than comparable rotary cutters, may reduce lift capacity
2. Land Pride RCR1872 Rotary Cutter: Best Value
The Land Pride RCR1872 offers an excellent balance of performance and cost. We compared its 10-gauge deck to similar priced models and found it to be noticeably more durable. Owner feedback consistently praises its clean cut on pastures and light brush. The slip-clutch driveline is a valuable feature that prevents damage when hitting obstacles. However, this rotary cutter struggles with saplings thicker than 1 inch; for heavy brush, a flail or heavier-duty cutter is better.
We noted that the 540 RPM PTO requirement means it’s best suited for skid steers with a PTO adapter. Some owners reported that the deck can scalp on uneven ground without proper adjustment. It’s a great value for landowners with mostly grass and occasional light brush, but if you regularly clear thick woody material, look at the Bobcat or Blue Diamond options.
- 10-gauge deck with reinforced side skirts for impact resistance
- Slip-clutch driveline protects against shock loads
- Quick-hitch compatible for easy attachment changes
Pros: Affordable without sacrificing build quality; Easy to maintain with accessible grease points
Cons: Not ideal for heavy brush over 1 inch diameter
3. Blue Diamond 72" Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter: Best for Heavy Brush
For operators who regularly clear dense brush and small trees, the Blue Diamond Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter is a beast. Our research shows its 7-gauge deck and 200 HP gearbox are among the strongest in its class. Owner feedback confirms it can handle 3-inch saplings without issue. The adjustable skid shoes and tail wheel help maintain a consistent cut on rough terrain. However, the weight is a major drawback: it requires a large skid steer (over 4,000 lbs operating weight) to handle safely.
We also note that the price is higher than many competitors, and replacement blades are proprietary. If your skid steer is on the smaller side, you’ll struggle with lift capacity and may risk tipping. This mower is best suited for commercial contractors or landowners with powerful machines and heavy brush to tame.
- 7-gauge steel deck with 1/2-inch thick side bands
- 200 HP rated gearbox handles dense brush and small trees
- Adjustable skid shoes and tail wheel for terrain following
Pros: Extremely tough construction for heavy-duty clearing; High gearbox rating provides reliability under load
Cons: Very heavy (over 1,500 lbs) reduces lift capacity significantly
4. Titan Attachments 60" Skid Steer Brush Cutter: Best Compact
The Titan Attachments 60-inch brush cutter is a solid choice for compact skid steers like the Bobcat S70 or Kubota SVL65. We found it performs well on grass and light brush up to 1 inch thick. Owner feedback appreciates its light weight (1,050 lbs) and easy maneuverability. The reversible blades are a nice touch for longevity. However, the deck is not as heavily built as premium models; owners who hit rocks repeatedly reported dents and weld cracks.
We caution that the safety chain guards are adequate but not as robust as full steel shrouds. This unit is best for homeowners and light-duty commercial use on relatively clear land. If you need to clear heavy brush or work in rocky terrain, we recommend stepping up to the Land Pride or Blue Diamond.
- Compact 60-inch width fits smaller skid steers and tight spaces
- Reversible blades for extended cutting life
- Built-in chain guards for debris deflection
Pros: Lightweight design for smaller loaders; Good value for the price
Cons: Less durable deck than heavier models, may dent in rocky areas
5. Eterra 66" Skid Steer Flail Mower: Best Flail Design
The Eterra 66-inch flail mower is a versatile tool for operators who need a clean, manicured cut. In our evaluation, its offset design and side shift make it ideal for trimming along fences and walls. Owner feedback highlights the fine mulch it produces, which is great for pasture management. The hydraulic side shift is a unique feature that adds precision. However, the Y-blades wear quickly in sandy or rocky soil, leading to higher maintenance costs.
We also found that the hydraulic flow requirement (18-28 GPM) may not suit all machines; some owners with lower flow reported reduced cutting speed. This mower is best for those who prioritize finish quality and safety over extreme durability. If you’re cutting in rocky terrain, a heavy-duty rotary cutter may be more economical long-term.
- Flail system with 40 Y-blades for fine mulching
- Offset design allows cutting close to fences and buildings
- Hydraulic side shift for precise trimming
Pros: Excellent for finish mowing and roadside maintenance; Low discharge reduces debris hazards
Cons: Flail blades require frequent replacement in abrasive conditions
6. Spartan 72" Skid Steer Boom Mower: Best Reach
The Spartan 72-inch boom mower is designed for operators who need to mow ditches, embankments, and overhanging brush. We researched its reach and articulation, which are impressive for the price. Owner feedback appreciates the ability to cut slopes without repositioning the skid steer. However, the boom mechanism introduces additional wear points; some owners reported hydraulic leaks and pin wear after heavy use. Safety is also a concern: the extended boom can create leverage that reduces stability, requiring careful operation.
We recommend this only for experienced operators who understand load dynamics. It is not a primary mower for flat fields but a specialized tool for roadside and drainage maintenance. If you primarily mow open areas, a standard side mower is simpler and more reliable.
- Articulated boom with 15-foot reach for ditches and slopes
- Hydraulic tilt and rotation for angled cutting
- Quick-attach plate for easy mounting
Pros: Excellent for mowing hard-to-reach areas; Versatile with tilt and rotation controls
Cons: Boom adds complexity and potential maintenance issues
7. Virnig Manufacturing VRC-60-2 Rotary Cutter: Budget Pick
The Virnig VRC-60-2 is a budget-friendly rotary cutter for infrequent, light-duty mowing. We found it adequate for grass and weeds up to 1/2 inch thick. Owner feedback notes that it works well on well-maintained lawns but struggles with thicker brush. The 12-gauge deck is the thinnest in our lineup; owners who hit rocks reported dents and cracks. The single-piece blade bar is simple but less durable than multi-blade designs.
We advise against this mower for commercial use or rocky terrain. It’s best suited for homeowners with a small skid steer who need to mow a few acres of grass occasionally. If you have any significant brush or uneven ground, investing in a heavier model will save money on repairs.
- Economical rotary cutter for light-duty mowing
- Single-piece blade bar for simple maintenance
- Adjustable skid shoes for cut height control
Pros: Lowest cost option in our comparison; Lightweight for small skid steers
Cons: Thin deck (12-gauge) prone to damage in rocky conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What hydraulic flow does my skid steer need for a side mower?
Most side mowers require between 15 and 30 GPM (gallons per minute) of hydraulic flow. Check your machine’s auxiliary flow rating before purchasing. Lower-flow machines (under 20 GPM) may struggle with larger cutters or heavy brush. We recommend matching the mower’s flow requirements to your skid steer’s output to ensure proper cutting speed and performance.
Can I use a side mower on slopes and uneven terrain?
Yes, but with caution. Rotary cutters with tail wheels or skid shoes can follow contours, but steep slopes increase the risk of tipping. Flail mowers are generally safer on slopes due to lower center of gravity. Always follow the manufacturer’s slope limits and use a skid steer with a low center of gravity. For extremely steep banks, a boom mower is a better choice.
What is the difference between a rotary cutter and a flail mower?
Rotary cutters use a spinning blade to slice vegetation, ideal for thick brush but can throw debris. Flail mowers use multiple small blades (flails) that chop material finely and discharge it downward, making them safer near roads and buildings. Flail mowers produce a better finish but may require more maintenance and are less effective on very thick saplings.
How do I maintain a skid steer side mower?
Regular maintenance includes greasing all pivot points and U-joints, checking blade sharpness and balance, inspecting belts and chains (if applicable), and tightening loose bolts. For rotary cutters, ensure the blade bar is balanced to avoid vibration. Flail mowers need periodic flail replacement. Always follow the owner’s manual for specific intervals.
What safety precautions should I take when using a side mower?
Always wear hearing and eye protection. Inspect the area for rocks, stumps, and debris before mowing. Use the mower’s chain guards or safety shields. Never exceed the recommended hydraulic flow or RPM. Be aware of the mower’s width when turning and avoid operating near bystanders. For boom mowers, be cautious of overhead power lines and stability issues.
Our Verdict
After comparing specifications, owner feedback, and industry standards, our top pick is the Bobcat Flail Mower Attachment for its rugged build, excellent mulching, and safety features. For a more budget-friendly option with great value, the Land Pride RCR1872 Rotary Cutter is our runner up, offering solid performance for lighter duty. Choose based on your skid steer size and typical mowing conditions.
