As these machines are high and long term investment, you should be well-informed to make the right choice. Some important factors to consider while purchasing brush cutter include…
- Type – Brush cutters come in three different types.
Handheld – Among the three types, this one is the smallest one. they are perfect for cutting saplings, grass and overgrown weeds. Walk-Behind – Walk-behind brush cutter are perfect for larger areas and overgrown brushes. Tow-Behind – They are suitable for working on a very thick brush and large landscaping areas like abandoned field, and similar.
- Motor Power If you are buying a complete trimmer along with the brush cutter attachments, then the motor power is also quite important. A gas-powered motor like 26 or 28 cc should be more than enough. Similarly, electric ones have their voltage like 36v or 80v along with RPM ratings like 6000 RPM or 7000 RPM.
- Cutting Width The cutting width tells you about the amount of grass or weed it can cut at a time. It is the diameter of the cutting head of your brush cutter. Any brush cutter of a cutting width of 10 inches or more should be more than enough for your backyard. You can check out other features in our “BUYING GUIDE“. Furthermore, we have provided a list of 7 Best Brush Cutters.
Best Brush Cutter Trimmer in 2023
Top 7 Brush Cutter Reviews
1. Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer
Husqvarna is mainly known for its powerful chainsaws and lawnmowers. But it also makes other power tools including the brush cutters present in this article. This Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft brush cutter is present in the 1st position in this article as it is one of the best gas-powered options out there. It comes with a 28 cc gas engine that has a total of 2 cycles. And this offers more than enough power to its 17-inch cutting head. As a result, you can easily cut all of the grass and weeds in the lawn of your backyard. It uses a mixture of unleaded gas and a 2 cycle oil mixture for running the engine. You get a very long shaft of 52 inches in this brush cutter. And this is quite long when compared with other options out there. As a result, you can easily work on your lawn without any back pain issues. It even comes with a small handle on the shaft that results in a highly ergonomic design. This brush cutter comes included with the T25 trimmer head that easily cuts grass. Best Features:
28 cc gas-powered engine 2 cycle oil engine 17-inch cutting head Sharp and effective blades 52-inch shaft length Handle for an ergonomic shape Highly reliable and durable 2-year warranty Supports various other attachments
Components:
Brush Cutter Gas Motor User manual Warranty card
2. Greenworks PRO 16-Inch 80V Cordless String Trimmer
Greenworks is another highly popular brand of electric power tools. And we are here with a great electric brush cutter option from Greenworks in this article. Greenworks claims that this PRO 16 inch brush cutter has an 80-volt motor that offers power equivalent to a 26 cc gas-powered engine. This means that it is a highly powerful tool that can be used to easily cut the grass, weeds, and other plants in the lawn of your backyard. Another great thing about this brush cutter is that it is compatible with a wide range of attachments. You can even use attachments made for gas-powered brush cutters. As per its name, you get a 16-inch cutting head in this brush cutter. And this is one of the largest electric brush cutter options available out there. Due to this, it can easily cut a lot of grass at once. Unfortunately, you do not get included batteries with this electric brush cutter. And if you want to use it in cordless mode, you have to buy its 2.0 Ah batteries separately. Best Features:
26 cc gas-powered engine equivalent power 80-volt electric motor Support various attachments 16-inch cutting head Uses 2.0 Ah batteries for cordless power Grab handle on the shaft 4-year warranty Up to 45 minutes of battery life
Components:
Brush Cutter Electric Motor User manual Warranty card
3. Trimmer Plus BC720 Brushcutter
As per the name, TrimmerPlus offers all kinds of accessories and tools related to trimmers and brush cutters. And you can find a great brush cutter attachment from TrimmerPlus in this article. The TrimmerPlus BC720 brush cutter attachment is in the 2nd position in this article as it one of the highest-rated options out there. It offers an 8-inch cutting head for cutting grass and weeds. While it is not the widest or the largest options out there, it still works quite great due to its sharp blades. You can find a 4 tip steel blade in this brush cutter which is also reversible if needed. And this results in an excellent cutting performance from this cutter. As per its name, it comes with a J-handle for its attachment mechanism. This means that you can use it with any string trimmer of your choice that offers a J-handle mechanism. Another great thing about this brush cutter is that it comes with a shoulder strap. As you would expect, this makes it a highly ergonomic tool for cutting grass in your backyard. Best Features:
J-handle cutting attachment Works with string trimmers, pole saws, and powerheads 8-inch cutting head Sharp and effective blades 4 tip steel blade Includes a shoulder strap 2-year warranty High-performance blade
Components:
Brush Cutter Shoulder strap User manual Warranty card
4. Makita Brushless Cordless Trimmer
Makita is a highly reputable and premium brand of power tools that offers all kinds of tools. It even makes an excellent brush cutter that we have mentioned in this article. Makita’s XUX01ZM5 is present in the 3rd position in this article as it one of the best performing electric brush cutters out there. As per its name, it uses a total of 2 batteries, where each battery is of 18 volts. In other words, it is a highly powerful 36-volt brush cutter that works flawlessly for cutting grass and weeds. And as it uses lithium-ion batteries, they can be easily charged and replaced while offering decent power to the motors. Due to these batteries, this brush cutter can offer a total of 3-speed options. And these range from 4200 RPM to 7100 RPM. You can even attach other shaft attachments in this brush cutter without any issues. As a result, it can be sued for various operations. The electric motor of this tool can offer sufficient torque for these attachments. Best Features:
36-volt electric brush cutters Uses two 18 volt batteries 10-inch cutting head High torque electric motor Supports various attachments Ergonomic handle 7100 RPM high power motor 1-year warranty
Components:
Brush Cutter Electric Motor User manual Warranty card
5. Trimmer Plus TPB720 Brush Cutter
Trimmer Plus offers a wide range of accessories and tools related to trimmers and brush cutters at an affordable price. This TrimmerPlus TPB720 brush cutter attachment is one of the best gas-powered options with a straight shaft design. Its shape lets you trim easily even at hard-to-reach places like under low branches or shrubs. They offer an 8-inch cutting head for cutting grass and weeds. There is a 4-tip steel reversible blade with a cutoff guard feature for excellent cutting performance to cut through heavy brush. With its J-handle attachment mechanism, the brush cutter allows you to use it with any string trimmer of your choice. They come with a shoulder strap that makes a highly ergonomic tool to cut grass in the backyard. Thus, it provides more control, and comfortability while taking care of and maintenance of lawn and other garden works. It is compatible to use with Remington, Troy-Belt, Snapper, Craftsman, Yardman, Ryobi, Kobalt, Greenworks, and other popular brands. However, the diameter of the inner coupler tube is 1.65 inches, and the 1/5-inch female square shape drive shaft connector. The product offers a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects to enhance its longevity. Best Features:
J-Handle cutting attachment 8-inch cutting head Works with string trimmers, powerheads, and pole saws High-performance blade 4-tip steep blade for sharp and effective cutting Includes a shoulder strap Comes with a 2-year warranty
Components:
Brush cutter User manual Shoulder strap Warranty card
6. Poulan Pro PP4000C Brush Cutter Trimmer
Coming to the last option in this list of brush cutters, we have an option from Poulan Pro. And just like various other options out there, this one is also a brush cutter attachment. One of the best things about this brush cutter attachment is that it offers a powerful blade. The blade is quite sharp and provides a total of 4 weed blades. This means that you can easily cut grass, weeds as well as plants using this brush cutter attachment. Another great thing about this attachment is that it is highly reliable. It offers a heavy-duty gearbox and a 2-year warranty for peace of mind. You also get a hassle-free head in this brush cutter attachment. As per the name of this brush cutter attachment, you get an 8-inch cutting head. And this makes it quite similar to the various compact brush cutter headers present in this article. You can use this attachment with a wide range of string trimmers out there. It offers support for Weed Eater, John Deere, Snapper, Ryobi, Craftsman, Homelite, and others. Best Features:
Supports various string trimmers 8-inch cutting head 4 teeth weed and grass blade Decent build quality Inbuilt deflector Heavy-duty gearbox Hassle-free head 2-year warranty
Components:
Brush Cutter User manual Warranty card
7. Ryobi Expand-It 8 in. Brush-Cutter Trimmer
Ryobi is one of the less popular brands of brush cutters out there but still offers a great cutting performance. And as per its name, it is another brush cutter attachment present in this article. Ryobi offers one of the most unique brush cutter attachments available out there. As per its name, it is quite different from other options since it has an expandable design. In other words, it allows you to adjust the shaft length of this brush cutter as per your needs and requirements. As per its name, it has an 8-inch cutting head which makes it one of the more compact options out there. Thankfully, you can attach it to a powerful motor or a string trimmer to easily cut grass. A great thing about this brush cutter attachment is that it is compatible with a lot of options out there. You also get a deflector in this brush cutter which can be quite useful for stopping flying debris. Best Features:
Compatible with various string trimmers 8-inch cutting head Extendable design Inbuilt deflector Easy to use Decent build quality
Components:
Brush Cutter User manual Warranty card
Buying Guide for Brush Cutter
What is a Brush Cutter?
Also referred as brush mower, it is a stronger and convenient version of a lawn mower. It used to cut tall grass (4” or above), brush, shrubs, woody material, saplings and weeds. These machines are either operated by a motor or battery. It provides more power than any other garden gear.
What are the Uses of a Brush Cutter?
Usually, string hammer is used to tackle brush or any other similar work. But it is not powerful enough to trim a thick brush. For such works, brush cutter is the right tool. They are much similar to line trimmer. However, line trimmer uses a nylon string in order to cut the vegetation like weeds or long grass. Whereas a brush cutter has metal blade which is strong enough to chop any dense vegetation like tree trunks, even up to 4 inches thick. Uses of a Brush Cutter: Tapering, scything, mowing and weeding are the most important times when brush cutter becomes a necessity. It can also be used for following purposes…
When you have to chop heavy foliate that has grown around the fens that cannot be reached with a mower or tractor. If the overgrown foliage is brambles, thick grasses, woody grasses, nettles, tall grasses, saplings, and underbrush. If you have to work on a hill or a grade where you cannot drive a tractor safely.
How to Purchase a Brush Cutter?
If everything else has failed, then brush cutter is the right tool to reply on. They are incredibly tough, strong and can cut anything. Being powerful, they can be an expensive investment. However, it is the best choice you can make for your garden. For purchasing the best brush cutter for your lawn, garden or landscaping, you have to consider certain factors. We have mentioned them below for your reference.
1. Types of Brush Cutter
Basically, there are three types of brush cutters like handheld, walk-behind and tow-behind.
Handheld
Among the three types, this one is the smallest one. As they have thicker lines, larger engines, and metal brushes, they are perfect for cutting saplings, grass and overgrown weeds. They are available in 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines. Based on your convenience on mixing gas and oil, you can choose any one among them.
Walk-Behind
The design of this type of brush cutter is similar to a lawn mower. If you have less time to handle large project, then this is the right tool. Handheld crush cutter is suitable for dealing with small patches of work. Whereas walk-behind brush cutter are perfect for larger areas and overgrown brushes. If you want to trim a vacant plot or unused property area, then these are the perfect type of brush cutters.
Tow-behind
This type of brush cutter is also similar to a lawn mower but at the bottom. As its name implies, you have to two it behind your tractor or any other vehicle. They are suitable for working on a very thick brush and large landscaping areas like abandoned field, section of prairie, wild brush area or weeds along the edge of a big property.
2. Gas Vs Electric
Brush cutter are powered by either gas or electric. Some prefer gas version while other prefer electric. We have mentioned a detail description of each type below. Read it carefully to know which one suits you best.
Electric Brush Cutter
Electric brush cutters come in two different options – electric and cordless. Electric ones run by a plug-in extension cord, while battery ones are powered with battery pack. Battery powered technology has evolved in the years however it is still unpredictable. Both these models come with limited power and may not support for long time as you require.
Gas Power Brush Cutter
This model can be taken to anywhere you want without worrying about wires or power source. It can deal with any heavy tasks like thick weeds, tangled grasses, high grasses and small saplings. Note: If you keep environment things aside, gas powered electric brush cutter is the right choice. It can be used until you have gas present in the tank. It provides same performance like electric brush cutter. However, you don’t need any electrical outlet or battery changer. You can just add gas and work with it. Gas powered engines are more powerful than other brush cutters.
3. Type of Engine
Brush cutters come with either 2-stroke engine or 4-stroke engine. 2-stroke engine is reliable, has fewer moving parts and powerful but it makes annoying sounds and smell. Due to power stroke, it stays unbalanced. However, it required only small space, affordable and easier to maintain. They are perfect for handheld maintenance costs. 4-stroke engine is much heavy, has complicated design, runs unbalanced and expensive. However, it can handle more output and still run cooler.
4. Motor Power
How much power you require usually depends on the type of jobs you have to run. For rigorous works, you need more power. But using too much power can also be dangerous, especially for people who don’t have much experience. Electric brush cutter come with 2o to 80 volts. 20V is suitable for small to medium yards. For more substantial or heavy works, go for 40 to 80 volts. Brush cutter with medium power is sufficient enough for general yard maintenance. For more details, read the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to know which works can be accomplished by the brush cutter.
5. Cutting Width
It is one of the important things to check out before purchasing a brush cutter. This represents the capacity of the tool – like how much weeds, plants or grass, it can trim at once. Cutting width of brush cutter is calculated based by the diameter of the cutting head. Larger cutting width (10 inches) is suitable for quickly cutting and trimming the grass in the lawn. An 8-inch cutting width will take more time to handle same amount of cutting, trimming. Because it has lower contact surface area.
6. Features
Usually, features of a particular product wary depending on the style and brand. However, few of them are more important to have before making the purchase.
Shaft
It connects engine and spinning head. It comes in two different types – straight or bent. A bent shaft provides a closer job. Bent shaft models are prone to mechanical problem as the linking systems are prone required to provide the bend. Straight shaft models usually have more power as they have a direct line to the power source. Most of the straight models come work better as they come with multiple attachments.
Shaft Length
Shaft length is also important to check for. It is the distance between motor and cutting head. Actually, it doesn’t impact the performance the performance of brush cutter or string trimmer motor. In fact, it helps the brush cutter in a positive way. Shaft length of 52 to 65 inches long, then you can use it easily without bending forward. If you use smaller brush cutter, then it can lead to back pain issues as you have to bend forward in order to trim or cut the brush. Straight trimmer is the best choice as they have curved handles. However, it should be a factor based on which you can confirm your decision.
Quick Change Heads
A good brush trimmer comes with changeable heads which lets you switch between nylon cord and steel based, according to your requirement. Interchangeable heads and multiple attachment options make it versatile and more useful. It also makes them more affordable in the longer run as they can do multiple tasks from small to large. Some of the popular attachments are string trimmer and blade attachment. They allow you to use a brush cutter as an edger and weed wacker. Quick-change feature lets you change the heads using a simple tool or lever. With this option, you don’t have to unscrew the complete head unit.
Handles
Brush cutter are heavy duty tools, in order to use them safely, you should have good grip. Handles of a brush cutter comes in two designs – two handed or one-handed. 2-handed ones have handles that are similar to bull horns (side by side). While 1-handed one comes with a loop handle. Always ensure that the model you choose comes with safety harness or sturdy handle. Best handle to choose depends on work you have to complete using this tool. Heavy duty jobs take a lot of time, so two-handed types are the best choice. They allow more control over the tool while using. As you will be using blades and saws, grip is definitely the important factor to consider. So, choose wisely so that your hands don’t get fatigued while using it.
Vibration
most of the small engine brush cutters come with anti-vibration factor. This increases the comfort and makes it more steady and smoother while cutting through the skin. Some quality brush cutters also come with little vibration while using. However, some models with high power output vibrate more. This factor is personal preference, so it is difficult to pin point which factor is the best. Checking out the previous customer reviews help you determine the vibration levels.
Blades
As you are investing in such a pricey tool, you should consider blade quality and cost of the replacement as well. For cutting grass and weeds, blades with eight teeth are suitable. For cutting through thick plants, brush and shrubs, 9 to 40 teeth are suitable. For small trees, saplings and brush, choose a blade with more than 40 teeth.
7. Durability
To maintain landscaping and gardening chores easy, it is better to invest in a brush cutter that is not only ideal to your requirements but also durable. As they don’t come in small budget, you have to make sure it will last for at least few years and capable of handling all the gardening work you require, To check the durability of brush cutter, you have to check shaft formation and blade material. Choose the ones with metallic material as they have to survive heavy tasks.
8. Price and Warranty
Compared to string trimmer, brush cutters are costlier and need maintenance as well. If you are still unsure whether to purchase this product or not, we recommend you to weigh the options before investing in it, especially if you will use it only once in a while. Price plays an important role in the quality. Affordable and cheap cutters usually come with cheap quality. So, we recommend to avoid any cheap ones. When it comes to warranty, most of them come with at least 2-years warranty. Make sure to analyze the quality, price and warranty before making the purchase.
Tips to Use Brush Cutters Safely
As brush cutters are used for cutting down heavier and larger plants, you should be very careful while using them. Some tips to consider while using them are mentioned below.
Before using the brush cutter, we recommend to read the product manual carefully. And make sure to follow all the safety standards. Make sure to wear hard hat, eye protection and hearing protection while wearing brush cutter. When it comes to costume, you should wear padded gloves, long clothes and boots. It is recommended to keep your children away from working area.
How to Sharpen Blade of a Brush Cutter?
Over the time, due to regular wear and tear, blades will become blunt which will lead to ineffective weeding, tapering and mowing. However, this doesn’t mean you have to purchase a new one. The blades can be sharpened easily at home without any shelling out any money. While sharpening, it is important to wear protective gear and make sure the device is not plugged in or switched on. In order to sharpen the brush cutter, you have to follow the below…
First, wash your blade with warm soapy water. Angle the blade and line up your sharpening tool. Make sure to drag the stone across the blade.
Keep continuing the process until the blade is sharpened according to your wishes. Make sure the process is repeated once every few months to maintain the blades in prime condition.
What is the Difference Between String Trimmer and Brush Cutter?
The main difference between these two is that a string trimmer use nylon cord to chop the vegetation. Though heads can be interchanged but brush cutter has more durable choices and it is easy to change the head. A string trimmer is perfect for trimming down small to medium weeds, down grasses, and overhands where a mower cannot reach. Brush cutter uses a metal blade to cut down the thick weeds, small saplings and other others that are hard to reach. As it has a lot of power, they can handle even heavy-duty jobs. It is heavier than string trimmer and comes with a harness which allows you to carry more weight.
Conclusion
If you also want to maintain the lawn in your backyard, then brush cutters and trimmers can be a great option. These are considered to be an all in one tool for cutting various things like grass and weeds. Therefore, we have mentioned some of the best brush cutters in this article along with their details. You can also find a detailed buying guide for the best brush cutters out there. It contains various details which can be quite useful for learning more about these brush cutters and choosing the best one for you.
If you are looking for a gas-powered brush cutter, then you can go with the Husqvarna 128LD. It offers a 28 cc gas-powered motor which is quite powerful for your backyard. You also get a 17-inch cutting width that allows you to cut a lot of grass at once. And it even features a 2-year warranty for reliability over a long period. The Makita XUX01ZM5 is one of the best electric brush cutters out there. It uses two 18v batteries for its 7100 RPM motor. And this means that it is highly powerful for powering its 10-inch cutting width head. Even though it only has a 1-year warranty, Makita is a highly reputable brand that makes products including brush cutters that can last for a long time. Although, if you just want a brush cutter attachment without a motor, you can go with the Snapper XD SBC82A brush cutter. It works with most 82v string trimmers without any issues. And it uses a 10-inch cutting head for easily cutting a lot of grass at once. It cuts the grass quite easily since it uses a total of 3 steel blades.
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