Abstract: Embodiments relate to braking high-speed rotational cutting equipment. In particular, some embodiments relate to forestry machinery having a cutting or mower apparatus, and further having a hydraulic brake. The brake includes a counterbalance valve which pressurizes fluid at the motor outlet to a predetermined level when flow of hydraulic fluid from a pump to a motor is discontinued. The hydraulic brake may include a restrictor orifice to reduce sudden pressure increases on the motor. The predetermined pressure level may be between about 2000 psi and about 4000 psi and the orifice may have a diameter of between about 0.025 and 0.040 inches. The counterbalance vent port can hydraulically connect to the motor case line. An anti-cavitation valve can be at the counterbalance valve port and can supply fluid to the motor inlet after the flow from the pump discontinues. Additional embodiments include related hydraulic control systems and methods.