Hello all. I'm in the market for a USED Rough Cut Mower (a.k.a. brush cutter....seems that the two terms are used interchangably, but I'm talking about a self-propelled walk-behind model). Renting is not really an option, since, due to my job, I really never have a whole day or a string of days that I can take off, not to mention I'd like to have the machine around for future projects, loaning to family, etc.

I have about a half-acre of brush I want to clear (including blackberry bushes, very overgrown forsyhia, weed, and vines). Said brush is VERY dense. I've found a couple of different machines for sale in my area, but was unsure of how good they were and if they would do the job. I basically have found a new (never been used) Troy-Bilt 4 HP sickle bar mower for around $450, a Bachtold 32" "rough cut" mower with a new Honda 8HP engine for $550, and a Gravely walk-behind tractor with 30" brush hog attachment for somewhere in the neighborhood of $750 (though this one is an eBay auction, so Lord only knows how much it would go for). Would any of these be better than the other? I'd say I'm more likely to be able to get either the Bachtold or the Troy-Bilt (especially the Troy-Bilt since it's down teh street from my house). I appreciate everyone's help. Thank you.