Big or small, maintaining a property effectively needs access to the right equipment. Understanding this has helped us with effective grass cutting or lawn maintenance.
Contrarily, an incorrect machine will waste your time as well as leave you with poor results. For instance, for landscaping the yard, you should have the right mower.
And what we usually hear people asking is “what is the difference between a rough cut mower and a finishing mower?”
Now, understanding this difference is critical. That’s why we have created this comparison guide to help you find the right one.
What is a Rough Mower?
For a property with an overgrown lawn that hasn’t been mowed for months, the regular mower won’t do the chopping right.
This thicket will require a brush cutter or rough-cut mower for effective landscaping. Other words used to describe it include trail cutters and brush hogs.
For such cases, we use a rough-cut mower to cut via the thicker undergrowth and let the grass thrive. It works by using quick momentum to power the blades
Brush cutters are considered ideal for big properties and areas, and can also run over bumpy or uneven terrain.
What is a Finish Cut Mower?
Also referred to as trail mowers, finish cut mowers are great tools for the effective maintenance of grass paths or walkways. We love how they cut the grass proficiently.
Finish cut mowers are equipped with fine reel blades that assist in making accurate cuts. This leads to a manicured look for the land being mowed.
You can use a finish cut mower for big lawn areas with the assurance of results staying consistent.
What is the Difference Between a Rough Cut Mower And a Finishing Mower?
Those were the definitions (or say introduction) of the two types of mowers. But there’s more to how we experienced working with both.
Below we will explore a detailed answer to “what is the difference between a rough cut mower and a finishing mower?”
Types and Appearances
A rough-cut mower is a high-powered, tow-behind cutting machine. We use it as a standard push mower or you can attach it to a tractor back also.
It comprises several sharp cutting blades which tear via dense vegetation and heavy brush.
The other one, the finish mower is a type of rotary mower that you can attach to a tractor mower. It features 3 rotating shafts mixed with 3 free-swinging blades.
Another typical feature of this mower type includes staggered wheels which protect soil compaction.
Optional Accessories
For a finish mower, attachments are available to ensure a groomed and clean lawn. For instance, we use discharge bags or shoots to manage the grass clipping disposal.
Similarly, brush mowers also have certain accessories such as those for mulching. And, they also have chipper attachments to transform them into wood chippers.
General Usage
The usual application of a brush mower is to cut dense shrubs, small trees, and tall grass. With a strong engine and multiple blades, it cuts heavy brush with ease.
This is what makes the mower an ideal choice for overgrown areas with woody plants and weeds.
Alternatively, a finish mower offers a finished and smooth appearance on the landscaped lawn. Meant for light cutting, but it isn’t suitable for dense or brush grass.
Reliability
Commonly, finish mowers come with 3 wheels to reduce soil compaction and change direction during use.
Its level and broad deck have several blades and spinning shafts. The blades of this mower spin at higher RPMs and are sharp.
A rough-cut mower comes with one sturdy and heavy but not sharp blade, unlike a regular mower. It can cut dense and thick vegetation.
For this, it blends the heavyweight with rapid blade spinning speed.
It does not use a sharp blade to cut thick vegetation or its edges will rapidly wear and need continuous maintenance.
The mower is a great choice for rapidly cutting big areas of overgrown vegetation.
Cost
Budget is another essential factor you should consider to make the right choice between a rough cut and a finishing mower.
Finish mowers cost less and can be used for several applications while regular cut mowers are costlier.
You can get a former for somewhere around $5000 and the latter for a small tractor costs around $2000 to $4000.
Pros and Cons
If you have a yard full of weeds and grass or need to clean a non-maintained area, a brush mower can help clean dense vegetation. This prepares the area for a regular lawnmower.
It is specially designed for easy movement over stumps and rocks.
On the other hand, a finish mower is suitable for already cleared areas like golf courses and big landscapes.
A finish mower has blades attached lower than those of a standard rotary mower. This allows them to create a uniform cut on uneven and flat landscapes.
Did you get your answer to “what is the difference between a rough cut mower and a finishing mower?”
Well! both mowers also share a common disadvantage. It’s that they are not suitable for mowing in small areas.
A rough-cut mower generally comes with a broad wheelbase and also leaves a wide cutting path.
Similarly, the mower isn’t appropriate for clearing small areas and landscapes with closely located trees.
A finish mower is specially designed to use in open areas. It’s not a good fit for landscapes with narrow cutting paths, featuring obstacles like gardens or shrubs.
FAQs
How tall of grass will a finish mower cut?
If your lawn has grass with a maximum height of 6 inches, you can use a finish mower. Alternatively, use a rough-cut mower if you are doing the spring’s first cut.
How often should a lawn be mowed?
Usually, once a week is enough during the growing season. But the exact frequency depends on your desired height and the rate at which the grass grows.
When should you not cut your grass?
The best times to mow your lawn (or garden) are early mornings and evenings. However, you should never mow it when the sun is at its peak.
Doing this under direct sunlight would cause the loss of water and difficulties in the recovery of the grass.