Brush Cutter For My Mini Excavator- Off To A Rough Start!!

Brush Cutter For My Mini Excavator- Off To A Rough Start!!
I bought a Rut Manufacturing brush cutter attachment for my Kubota mini excavator. In this video, I have to modify it before I can even use it!

[@jankotze1959]

That tool is awesome Chris, I see the blades are reversible, good thing, your mine excavator is more versatile that I ever could imagine

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

It really was awesome 🙂 This mini excavator is definitely extremely versatile. Thanks Jan!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good to see that you got it up and running. Best of luck with some of your future tasks with it!

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Yes, I was quite disappointed in having to make it fit on my machine. Since then, it has worked great. I have used it on a bunch of small jobs, and one really steep bank cutting project I recently published a video on. I am ok with the smaller cutting capacity because my machine only has so much hydraulic flow. You will have no trouble running a cutter on yours that has a higher capacity. Mine has already paid for itself this year. I think you will really enjoy having one, and the possibilities that come with it. I have fallen behind on watching videos but hope to catch up soon. I look forward to seeing yours!!

[@farmerpete]

I like it! Hope you eventually got the part that fits right. Should be great for cleaning up steep banks you couldn't get to with a skid steer.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

I hope so too, but at least I was able to get it fit on the machine. It is definitely a super versatile piece of equipment 🙂

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

That's nice that they put the diverter valves on. Definitely need to get the hoses tied up better. I would think some clamps for the hoses, follow the center line of the pivot.. loop the excess up above where they plug in, maybe loop them on the thumb?? I'd love to have an excavator that could run one, a bit bigger one too.. Thanks for making me drool Chris 🙄🤣😂👍😎😁

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

🤣🤣🤣 You're welcome Ed! Go buy a new excavator and brush cutter- it's only money, right?? 😁

[@deanbarr5740]

I like the design of this, especially you can flip the double edge blades over as they are made to do that. Also, I work for the Gas Company, and we contract out a lot of our mowing. We have one guy whose really talented with a mini excavator and has a brush hog very similar to yours. They're very handy indeed Chris. You could probably find a lot of work with this setup. Wished I had one, or atleast I wished I could operate one. But I have a weedeater and I'm pretty good with it too hahaha. Being 60 years old I'm not sure I would want to own a excavator. I sure enjoy watching people operate them.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

It does seem like it's well designed. I sure hope to get a lot of work for it. Thanks! 🙂

[@duanemorrison6173]

You're not too old?!?! I just bought a machine identical to Chris', I'm 62. The machines are a kick to run and they are really productive.

[@tangoseal1]

Id'a probably went to MTL attachments since I already bought a tree puller for my front end loader on my L4060 and it has been an amazing tool. But im glad you got it figured out. That KX040 is a nice machine for real man. Im really wanting to get a KX057-5 soon. Lord Willing. Ive got hundreds of hours of dirt work I cant do with my tractor on my property. Need the reach and dig capabilities of a big "steam shovel"

[@kiheidude]

I really appreciate you posting this video. I too have a KX040-04 just like yours and was considering the Rut brush cutter because of the cheaper price. After watching this video, I am persuaded to bite the bullet and pay more from one of the more well known brands like Kapper bought. I’m looking at the Construction Attachments and the new Paladin MX series that just came out a couple of years ago. Paladin also manufactures the Bradco line of attachments (I have a Bradco forester mulcher for my Bobcat T770) and they were recently acquired by Stanley Tools. I have found their customer service to be superb.

[@PremiumFuelOnly]

The disk mulcher they sell allows swapping over to the blade holder as as an option. Form the looks of it, the blade holder isint worth swapping over to since dosent cut clean down to the ground.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Ouch. I am about to order a cutter for my mini, I looked at these, but I decided (tentatively) on CL4 construction/Durattach that has a 6" cutting diameter. Best of luck, I'll finish the video and see how you handled this one! Take care man.

[@ronaldbrennan8787]

I have their brush cutter and found the same thing. You just have to put some pressure on the attachment when it is flexed and they will line up.

[@ProjectNineOaks]

Looks like a fun tool! I remember for forestry attachments on skid steers, they need a pretty high flow hydraulic pump, you need the same for this setup on your mini-ex?

[@TAHDAHFarm]

Nice, I am renting an excavator in a few weeks to clean up fence rows. Will be digging out trees but that would be nice to clean up.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Good idea! It will be faster and clean up better renting a machine. Don't forget to make a video 😉

[@TAHDAHFarm]

It has been so crazy busy here that every time I have started a video I get sidetracked. Then I get focused on what I am working on or have to stop and get an hour or two on it and miss getting any video. But will definitely try to make a video or 2.

[@TF856]

For temporary use I'd recommend putting either a smaller diameter pin in there or even a piece of steel pipe. Those would work for temporaries since that is not a high stress attachment. My dad made mounting pins out of steel pipe on his three point hitch on his Massey Ferguson to use his scraper box with rippers and those held up for years.

[@jimmcknight3021]

You might check out for your hoses a very inexpensive product called hose tamer. Good works tractor is highlighting them and they seem to do a great job on keeping the hoses together without flopping around and getting tangled up. Also, seems to be a lot more effective than zip ties since they sometimes over time where into the hydraulic hose.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Sounds like it might be a good option. Thanks for the tip!! 🙂

[@AgWildNebraska]

Other than the holes not lining up it seems to work good. I think I'd try to run them hoses a different way because they're going to get cut in half lol.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

I'm surprised I didn't get them caught on something and rip them off 🤣

[@HumbleHaymakers]

Looks great!

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Thank you! 🙂

[@roadking7500]

Great informative video ..Looks like you got my kinda luck and tackle it about the same way..I like it..I've been seriously considering doing the same with my Kamatsu PC55MR-3, and have been looking at the very same attachment, but evidently I'm going to have to add a (Case drain?) which is something I'll need to address first.. I agree with you that once I got the thing squared away, that it has $ making potential..Thanks for the video and I'm sure that I'll have a few questions in the future..thanks

[@johnsears3376]

I would like to know if the excavator flail cutters are better or worse than the brush cutters. They may be safer in that they don’t throw things as bad - not sure. I really see a brush cutter on a mini track loader as a first choice - unless dealing with really uneven terrain. Do you have a track loader as well or just the excavator?

[@PETANIROCKER79]

Amazing mini excavator 👍👍

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Thanks 🙂

[@ISXCUMMINS565]

The hoses would make me nervous.. Looks like a good shredder 👍

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

They sure made me nervous too! 🤣

[@parttimefarmer2359]

Attach the middle of the hyd hoses with a long spring and attach boom somehow. Keep the slack up by the boom but still allow the hoses to flex if needed.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Good idea- thanks!! 🙂

[@thomasrobertson672]

You need to get a metal screen for your front window. Eventually you are going to hit something and throw it back at you. At the very least the window will break, even worse if it makes all the way into the cab with you. Serious injury could be a big possibility. The cost of the screen is worth every penny. Also never get the plane of your cutter blade inline with you in the cab. If a blade comes off and happens to enter the cab with you. Well you get the idea. Good luck with your new machine. I have been cutting with a Bobcat E42 and Eterra cyclone cutter for 3 years now. It is a very handy tool. Just upgraded my excavator to a John Deere 60G.

[@TF856]

Make sure you have that brush cutter turning the right direction. And make sure you have it running at full speed.

[@Tcw2019]

How’s the recovery if you hit something larger? Does it spool right back up?

[@robbinstruckinglandclearin786]

Got a42” rut brush eliminater i had no issues works great cleared 5 acres in 2days

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Mine has worked very well since I made this video. Still haven't heard back from the manufacturer about getting a new mounting plate- quite disappointing...

[@plem7210]

Just a safety tip. I would never get my hands by the blades with the engine still running. All it would take is a valve malfunction. No more hands. Shipping company’s are having big issues with lack of help also. Enough stories about extra days to get stuff. Even when they had tracking numbers.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Great advice! It's easy to get busy or in a hurry and forget about basic safety.

[@onehappyfarmer3461]

It definitely beats using an axe. You’re gonna have to do something with them hoses. I bet with your luck even if they send you that new mounting bracket, the holes still won’t line up. Lol

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

LOL 🤣😂🤔 o think we know him too well...

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

I am actually surprised I didn't get one of them caught and rip it off on a stump 🤣 That sounds about right for the new bracket. I'll be sure to let you know!

[@brittcofarms5620]

I have alway's had great resuilts with Rutt Mfg. I have purchased quiet a few pieces of equipment from them but most of the time when you have a quick attachment they seem to be a bit different from one to another and some adjustment has to be made. I am about to buy a new mower for an excavator which will be the fourth mower I have that they made. You may want to tie the hoses up out of the way. I think more time using equipment would do you a lot of good. Good luck!

[@m2autoworks]

do you know what size fitting you needed to fit the diverter? wondering what size the diverter threads are?

[@vincentacunto6777]

I am currently waiting for the rut mulching head. Hope it comes soon

[@brandonwall8338]

Did you plug the hydro lines right into the thumb?

[@houndsmanone4563]

Glad you got your new cutter. I'm going to get some form of cutter for my tractor loader. I saw Tractor Time with Tim and he had a friend (Glen) on his channel who used a New Holland tractor with a mean looking and tough built front cutter made by Quick Attach. I am saving pennies to afford a cutter to clear unruly vegetation growth. Good work grinding the holes on your cutter. I've had to do a few minor grinding touch-ups on various items to make things fit. You're making quick work clearing the area with your new cutter. Be safe out there and hope the cutter continues to perform perfectly for you. The hydraulic hoses do seem a bit long. Maybe you'll find a way to snug them closer to the boom for safety. Chris, I think you maneuvered the cutter well. I've never done one of these myself and you did well. I can imagine the mess I would have made on my 1st try but that's what anything new is about. Thanks for sharing this video. It appears to be a pretty sturdy cutter. I'd definitely get the hydraulic lines shortened or get something that would keep the lines from drooping as much. Enjoyed a full-watch. Have a fine week, Chris. 👍🏽🙂

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Thank you for the kind words! Yes, definitely will be securing the hoses better. I have seen quite a few different styles of brush cutters for tractors. They seem handy, but are a bit pricey. If I didn't have this mini, I probably would have looked at something like that 🙂

[@bobbybourgoin9129]

For the hoses, the best would be to shorten them, but, You could loosly wrap them around the thumb just enough so they don't drag around. Not sure but the head should be as parallel to the ground, and from the look of your opening cut in a right to left swing.

[@scottkerlee4849]

Will that head work on a 6000 lbs yanmar 1990 B27-1 mini excavator? thanks.

[@southerndirt9589]

Awesome video

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Thank you!! 🙂

[@joepaullawncare7222]

Any update on the new piece?

[@duanemorrison6173]

Thanks for the video Chris. I bought a used KX 033-4 about two months ago. Watching your video taught me how to use the screen to adjust for different tools. My machine didn't come with an owners manual. Do you know how to adjust the flow? I bought a tilt bucket and it is way too fast when I try to tilt it. I'm sure there is a way to adjust the flow. Just haven't figured it out yet.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

The flow can be adjusted via one of the screens on the monitor.

[@duanemorrison6173]

@@dehavenfamilyfarm tha

[@johngeiselbreth8397]

clockwise rotation cut left to right counterclock thows material back at u if u run left to right

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

Worked really well! I hate to admit it, being from NC but unfortunately your trials seem to be the norm anymore from the equipment manufactors here. Seems years back there were a select few, then all of the sudden there is one on every corner anymore. I think the fab guys thought they could make it big, quit and went out on there own, but lack true customer quality and service. Never dealt directly with that company, and may just be a one time thing, but alot around central NC have gotten a bad reputation for lack of quality control. We run all Kubota stuff at the fulltime gig, all three size mini ex, and 3 svl 95 skids. We have been round and round with numerous companies over brush cutters and attachments. None seem to be like they used to be. Will be handy for sure in those hard to reach places!! Look fwd to seeing more of it later!! Thank you Mr Chris for bringing us along!!

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

That is interesting to hear- hopefully this company will stand behind their products. I am thinking maybe they got overwhelmed with orders like a lot of manufacturers. Really neat to hear you get to run some of these toys at your job!!

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

@@dehavenfamilyfarm Hopefully so my friend!! Yes sir, it's like a kid at Christmas most days!!

[@wpog8453]

@@dehavenfamilyfarm Rut isn't a mom and pop company. The Matney brothers that own Rut are the same that started CID Attachments years ago. They sold CID and started Rut

[@sammaglitto8922]

I like the round mulcher set up better

[@andrewpettey5297]

Get a hose tamer or tie those hoses up before they get chopped up or ripped off lol

[@EronIler]

What is your day rate for that service?

[@apatchofheavenfarm2814]

Owners manual is an option you have to ask and pay for, at least with new cars just trying to save money and make more profit

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

I agree, but it would be nice to have information about the machine. They could at least put one online so people could download it lol

[@davidhorne2326]

Do you have an update? I am considering RUT, but may take them off my list.

[@deepsouthcowfarmer7908]

I just got a 36” tree slayer from rut mfg for my new bobcat e42 . I’ve only used it about 5 hours but I haven’t had any problems. Works great .

[@martinkapusnik2970]

Any update on how you're liking it? Looking at one of their slayers with mulching kit. Curious how they stand up to work. Thanks.

[@jamesbagos3459]

Weld a collar onto the bracket that is correct pin diameter that way the pin will have the snug fit intended

[@michaelshin69]

I am on the process of buying one as well. Based on your experience, i am passing on this brand.

[@brandonschmitt2609]

Did you try adjusting your bucket curl to line up your pin?

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

There is nothing to adjust.

[@brandonschmitt2609]

@@dehavenfamilyfarm curl out 1/4”

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

@@brandonschmitt2609 can't. The plates are touching- it won't go any further.

[@williamclontz9728]

Cost?

[@wildcatwilly]

Getting ready to buy one of these would you recommend it?

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

The cutter itself has been good- no breakdowns. The dealer support hasn't been great. I am not sure if there are any other manufacturers out there that have a machine at this price point though.

[@wildcatwilly]

Yes I believe you are correct. I would want a spare set of blades in case they call it quits.

[@wildcatwilly]

It seems to me the attachment companies are here today and gone tomorrow.

[@mikeharper9905]

Well, i watched you and just bought one?

[@brittcofarms5620]

I have a few of these mowers and have had great luck and the people at Rutt have alway's been great to work with. You know as well as I do when you buy things for a quick coupler you have do a bit of adjusting because they wear some and from one mfg to another may get something off a quarter of an inch so you may have to grind something a bit but if you own equipment you need tools.

[@ikonseesmrno7300]

Hmmmm.... for some reason, the song "Return To Sender" comes to mind, but I'm not a fan of companies that do things half donkey'd. Was it advertised as an exact fit model or some modification required? While I have your attention, I'm curious as to what you do to keep weeds out of your pumpkins. Haven't had time to search & see if you have a video on it yet.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

No, it was supposed to be an exact fit. We lay plastic with a plastic layer that goes on the tractor and then plant the pumpkins in the plastic. Works great!

[@johngeiselbreth8397]

u can reverse flow inside machine

[@TheGrumpyFarmer]

Bring it right on over I’ll put you to work 😁

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

You let me know, and I'll be there! 😉

[@calebdiefendorf6102]

Do you really have a need for a service like this? Maintenance of right of way or pushing back or reclaiming field edges that have grown in?

[@TheGrumpyFarmer]

@@calebdiefendorf6102 absolutely especially trimming overhead branches on trees that are hanging over fields and driveways

[@woodylittle9816]

How much does this cutter cost

[@RobertGarcia-mr8fc]

bought a mower deck for your excavator but your afriad to grind it you can buy a air filer from harbor freight for a few bucks would file that down in no time

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

I shouldn't have to grind it as the mount came built incorrectly from the factory.

[@TF856]

Those hoses are way too long, they could snag and break.

[@johngoodridge4682]

sharpen them blades up a bit and it will cut those stems better.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

They can't get much sharper- they are brand new! 🤣

[@johngoodridge4682]

@@dehavenfamilyfarm i have that same cutter. look again. I dont know why but they dont send them very sharp.

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

@@johngoodridge4682 ok thanks, I will check.

[@johngeiselbreth8397]

i dont c a problem put a smaller pin in it

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Unless I can find one very close in size and strength to the one that is supposed to be in there, it won't work correctly.

[@woodylittle9816]

Flail mower works better

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Crikey, buy a die grinder. You'd have that ground down in a couple of minutes. Every farm should at least one. One of handiest tools you never knew you needed. Cuts wood/metal/plastic whatever.