In short: The brush cutter is unbeatable along edges, posts and trees. For the actual area on the slope, the remote-controlled crawler mower is faster, safer and needs fewer staff – the operator steers it by radio from up to 200 m away, on gradients of up to 100 %.
Updated on 01.10.2026
Why the brush cutter reaches its limits on slopes
On many farms, in municipalities and maintenance depots, the brush cutter is the standard tool for steep embankments. For small spots that is ideal – on larger slopes it becomes a constant burden:
- Manual work metre by metre. Larger areas need several people or many working days.
- Risk of falling on the slope. The operator stands with a running machine on steep, often damp ground.
- Vibration and noise right at the body. Hand-arm vibration and engine noise are recognised strains in occupational medicine.
- Flying stones and cuttings. Visor, ear protection and protective clothing are mandatory – and exhausting in the heat.
- Strain on back and shoulders. The machine is carried on a harness for hours.
What the remote-controlled crawler mower does differently
With a crawler mower, the machine goes onto the slope instead of the person. The operator stands at the roadside or on top of the embankment and steers by radio. Steel-reinforced tracks provide grip on gradients of up to 100 %, and with up to 4,000 m² per hour one person covers far more ground than with a brush cutter.
Brush cutter and crawler mower compared
| Criterion | Brush cutter | Remote-controlled crawler mower (e.g. JACK) |
|---|---|---|
| Operator position | on the slope, machine on the body | up to 200 m away, off the slope |
| Staff for large areas | often several people | one person at the remote control |
| Physical strain | high | low |
| Vibration for the operator | yes | no |
| Area output | low, manual work | up to 4,000 m²/h (JACK Mini: up to 2,000 m²/h) |
| Gradient | limited by sure footing | up to 100 % (45°) |
| Edges, posts, trees | very good | limited |
| Purchase | inexpensive | higher, price on request |
When the brush cutter remains indispensable
To be honest: the brush cutter has its place. It is the better choice for:
- edges, fences and crash barriers
- the area right next to tree trunks and posts
- very small or awkward areas
- spots no machine can reach
The best solution: combine crawler mower and brush cutter
In practice, both tools work best together: the crawler mower mows the area, and the brush cutter only handles edges and obstacles. This keeps manual work to a minimum – and the machine takes over the most strenuous work on steep ground.
Which JACK model fits?
- JACK Mini: compact at 120 cm wide and 61 cm high, 65 cm cutting width, up to 2,000 m²/h – for smaller areas and narrow rows.
- JACK Mulcher: 27 hp hybrid, up to 4,000 m²/h, 76 cm height – for embankments, alpine pastures and solar parks.
- JACK Schlegel: flail rotor with Y-blades for dense, vigorous growth, up to 4,000 m²/h.
You will find all technical data at a glance in our crawler mower comparison.
Buy or use a mowing service?
Owning a machine pays off with regular use and your own staff. If you only mow seasonally, you can outsource the work: our mowing service operates in Styria, Carinthia and Burgenland. Prices for machines and the mowing service are available on request.
Frequently asked questions
No. The crawler mower takes over the open area; for edges, posts, fences and right next to tree trunks the brush cutter remains the right tool. In practice, the combination saves the most time.
There is no fixed threshold. The larger and steeper the area and the more often it is mown, the sooner a crawler mower pays off. Send us photos of your site – we are happy to assess it for you.
JACK models work on gradients of up to 100 %, which equals 45°. The operator does not stand on the slope but steers the machine by radio.
The JACK Mulcher and JACK Schlegel have a radio range of up to 200 m. If the connection is lost, the machine switches off automatically; there is also an emergency stop on the transmitter.
Yes. In Styria, Carinthia and Burgenland, our mowing service takes care of your land with machine and operator.
We demonstrate the JACK models without obligation directly on your site – in Austria as well as in Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and other countries. Request a demonstration.
Conclusion
The brush cutter remains indispensable for edges and obstacles. For the area on steep slopes, the remote-controlled crawler mower is the safer and more efficient solution – less manual work, fewer staff and no operator in the danger zone.
See JACK on your own site
- Non-binding demonstration directly on your site
- In Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and beyond
- With honest advice on model choice, purchase or mowing service