8 Best Brush Cutters of 2023 – Reviews. Weed and brush cutter

Best Brush Cutters of 2023 – [Reviews]

Brush cutters, also known as clearing saws, weed wackers, and weed eaters, are among the most versatile landscaping tools.

These devices can cut through saplings and chop down thick weeds, but which brush cutter is right for your yard and your needs?

To help you sort through dozens of these yard tools, we’ve picked the 8 Best Brush Cutters based on power, weight, and durability.

Top 8 Brush Cutters – Reviews

Wild Badger Power WBP26BCI

Best Overall

Wild Badger Power WBP26BCI

The Badger WPB26BCI straight shaft 2-in-1 grass trimmer and brush cutter is a versatile, powerful tool at an affordable price.

The 2-in-1 Wild Badger Power Brush Cutter and Grass trimmer gives you the power of a commercial-grade tool at the price of most electric versions.

This brush cutter has a shaft length of 57 inches, which allows a fair amount of distance between you and the blade when in use.

Weighing in at 12 pounds, it’s lightweight and comes with a harness so you can tackle large distances with ease.

Noteworthy: This brush cutter includes an automatic kill switch so you can quickly and safely turn the tool on and off, and its ergonomic soft-grip handle allows for comfortable use.

This brush cutter has a cutting diameter of up to 17 inches and has a twist and load string trimmer spool that allows for easy trimming.

Its full crank design also allows for reduced emissions, increased fuel efficiency, and a longer life, which can be a downfall of some other grass cutters.

Big perk: This brush cutter has a warranty of up to six years, which is the highest of any tools on our list.

• Weight: 12 lbs
• Power Source: 26 cc gas engine
• Shaft Length: 57 inches
• Cutting Width: 17 Inches
• Type of handle: One hand loop handle
• Can cut through up to 1-inch saplings
• Warranty: 6 years

✓ Excellent warranty, up to six years✓ Inexpensive✓ Powerful

✗ Can’t cut through thick brush.✗ May vibrate more than some other brush cutters. ✗ May need to purchase a larger guard for extra-protection from debris.

Echo SRM-225U (17″) 21.2cc 2-Cycle Straight Shaft Brush Cutter

Best for Small Yards

Echo SRM-225U Straight Shaft Brush Cutter

The Echo SRM-225’s great fuel efficiency and reliable engine make it perfect for small yards.

The Echo SRM-225’s great fuel efficiency and reliable engine make it perfect for small yards.

With a durable debris shield and cut off knife, you won’t have to worry about debris flying at your face while trimming and cutting.

Noteworthy: This brush cutter has an anti-vibration handle and padded grips to help lessen fatigue and keep you comfortable during your cutting. It also self-lubricates to keep your blades running smoothly.

With a 21.2 cc engine, this brush cutter is on the lower end for some other gas-powered machines. This brush cutter’s engine means it works best for small properties and may not be able to handle small trees, thick branches, or dense bushes.

This brush cutter has a cutting width of 17 inches, which is the average size and should cut through grass with one sweep.

One significant benefit of this brush cutter is its 59-inch shaft, which allows for a large amount of distance between you, the blade, and flying debris for safe use.

Nice feature: This brush cutter’s 2-cycle motor is also great for small properties because its smaller, lighter, and easier to maintain than 4-stroke counterparts.

• Weight: 12 lbs
• Power Source: 21.2 cc gas engine
• Shaft Length: 59 inches
• Cutting Width: 17 inches
• Type of grip: One hand loop handle
• Warranty: 5 years

✓ Lightweight✓ Good cutting width✓ Anti-vibration handle✓ Long shaft

✗ It may be challenging to find replacement pieces. ✗ Doesn’t come with a shoulder strap.✗ Lower power engine than most gas brush cutters

Husqvarna 128LD Detachable Gas String Trimmer

The best-selling 128LD is your go-to gas trimmer when you need a powerful and easy-to-use tool for grass, weeds, and more.

The super-versatile Husqvarna 128LD Gas Trimmer is well-suited for small and medium-sized lawns. It has a powerful 28 cc engine and a cutting width of 17 inches, so you can chop down dense weeds and grasses with one swing.

This brush cutter has a 2-cycle engine, which works on a mixture of unleaded gas and oil, and includes a translucent fuel tank to easily check if your ratio is correct.

This brush cutter has a 53.93-inch straight shaft, which protects you while also helping trim hard-to-reach branches.

Nice feature: This brush cutter includes a Tap ‘N Go line release feature that easily releases new trimmer line as you are working.

Some of the attachments for this brush cutter include an edger with a 2-inch cutting depth and a cultivator that’s great for smaller areas and consists of a 6- to 9-inch adjustable tilling width. The Husqvarna 128LD can also attach to a pole saw, which works best for treetop limbs and can cut branches up to 6 inches in diameter.

• Weight: 11 lbs
• Power Source: 28 cc gas engine
• Shaft Length: 53.93 inches
• Cutting Width: 17 inches
• Type of grip: One hand loop handle
• Warranty: 2 years

✓ Lightweight✓ Multifunctional ✓ Great cutting width ✓ Great shaft length

✗ On the higher end for price.✗ Less power than other gas brush cutters

Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Brush Cutter

Most Versatile

Troy-Bilt TB42 BC Gas Brush Cutter

The Troy-Bilt TB42 can cut through most dense vegetation, and its 18-inch cutting path lets you get your yard work done quickly.

The Troy-Bilt TB42’s four-tooth brush steel blade can cut through most types of dense vegetation, and with its 18-inch cutting path, you can get your yard work done quickly.

One Amazon reviewer noted that this Troy-Bilt brush cutter’s adjustable J-shaped handle is ideal for left-handed people (as well as right-handed).

As the jack of all brush cutters, this tool is attachment capable and works with 10 different Trimmerplus additions, transforming from a pole saw to an edger with ease.

The shaft length on this trimming tool is rivaled only by the Ryobi Brush Cutter and is great for getting under shrubs and reaching tall branches.

Nice feature: 27 cc gas engine is Jumpstart capable, so you don’t have to worry about pull cords.

✓ Excellent shaft length✓ Great cutting width✓ Good power rating

Iglobalbuy 52cc 5-in-1 Multifunction Grass Cutter Trimmer

Power Pick

Iglobalbuy 52cc 5 in 1 Multifunction Grass Cutter Trimmer

This Iglobalbuy tool is the most powerful gas brush cutter on our top 10 list, and it’s also one of the most affordable.

This Iglobalbuy multifunctional grass cutter trimmer is the most powerful gas brush cutter on our top 8 list, and it’s also one of the most affordable.

This versatile trimmer comes with a 3-tooth heavy-duty metal blade attachment to cut through brambles, thick overgrowth, nettles, and dense shrubs.

This is a 5-in-1 brush cutter and can be used as a strimmer, hedge trimmer, pruner, extension pole, and trimmer, and can be useful for both residential and commercial landscapers.

Cool added safety perk: Safety is paramount when using a brush cutter; that’s why this trimming tool comes with gloves and earmuffs to keep your hands and ears damage free.

Considerable disadvantage: The biggest downside to this brush cutter is its weight. Because it has such a powerful engine, this brush cutter weighs a heavy 32.6 pounds, which would be hard to carry around your property without a harness.

This brush cutter has a substantial shaft length of 43.31 inches, but you may need the extension pole attachment to reach tall branches.

✓ Great price✓ Excellent power✓ Good cutting width✓ Good shaft length✓ Multifunctional

RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer

This Ryobi string trimmer has a good cutting width of 15 inches, perfect for small to medium yards.

All you have to do is turn on the Ryobi Cordless String Trimmer and get to work — no dealing with the hassle of mixing oil and gas. This is one of the most affordable brush cutters on this list, and with a 40 v engine, it rivals most gas cutters.

This Ryobi string trimmer has a good cutting width of 15 inches for small to medium yards, and you should be able to cut through grasses and weeds with ease and only have to go over spots once.

Disadvantage: This brush cutter has a shaft length of 29.5 inches, which is still long enough to be protective, but may not be the best for reaching high branches.

Advantage: This brush cutter has a great warranty of up to five years.

• Weight: 11.3 lbs
• Power Source: 40 V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery
• Shaft Length: 29.5 inches
• Cutting Width: 15 inches
• Type of grip: One hand loop handle
• Warranty: 5 years

✓ Lightweight✓ Affordable✓ Great cutting width✓ Great warranty✓ Can cut saplings up to an inch thick.

Best Grass Trimmer | Top 10 Best Electric Grass Trimmers in 2023

✗ Possibly too short of a shaft length depending on the job.

Makita EM2650UH 4-Stroke Brush Cutter

The Makita EM2650UH brush cutter has a 4-stroke engine, making it quieter and lowering the amount of toxic emissions it releases.

With the longest shaft of any tool on this list, the Makita EM2650UH can cut even top-tier branches. This brush cutter has a 4-stroke engine, making it quieter and lowers the amount of toxic emissions it releases.

This brush cutter works best if you have a small to medium-sized yard and was designed to be compact and easy to store. This brush cutter’s shaft is also made of steel, which helps keep its vibrating to a minimum to lower fatigue and increase your tool’s life.

Unique features: This brush cutter includes a Mechanical Automatic Decompression System, which encourages quick and easy stops and starts. You also can access the filter without tools for easy maintenance.

Disadvantages: Compared to other brush cutters, this Makita tool has a smaller cutting width and puts out less power, and it is one of the most expensive on this list.

✓ Lightweight✓ Excellent shaft length✓ The adjustable bike shaped handle helps keep you balanced when cutting.

✗ Expensive✗ Small cutting width✗ Lower engine power for the price

Husqvarna 336FR 966604702 Pro Brush Cutter

The Husqvarna 336FR costs close to a commercial-grade tool, with the features to make it worthy of that price point.

As the Cadillac of the brush cutter world, the Husqvarna 336R costs close to a commercial-grade tool, with the features to make it worthy of that price point.

• A 34.6 cc X-torq engine that helps reduce harmful emissions without limiting power.
• A shaft length of 58.4 inches means this brush cutter provides a significant amount of protection between you and the blade, and the bike handlebar allows for greater control and comfort.
• With a weight of 15.4 pounds, the Husqvarna 336R comes with a harness that helps to distribute the weight across your back, shoulders, and chest so you can carry it for long distances.
• Versatility: This brush cutter comes with a trimmer head, grass blade, and saw blade and cuts a substantial 17-inch path, so you can easily handle a variety of landscaping projects with one tool.

Important to note: The cutting guard attachment works with both the grass blade and trimmer attachment to help keep you protected.

✓ Powerful engine ✓ Lightweight✓ Great cutting width ✓ Great shaft length ✓ eco-friendly than other gas-powered tools ✓ Includes a harness

✗ Expensive ✗ The engine may seize if you don’t use the proper oil to gas ratio.

Buyers Guide

How To Choose The Right Brush Cutter For Your Property

If this is your first time shopping for brush cutters, where do you begin? How do you find the right brush cutter for your yard and your needs?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a brush cutter and short definitions for some key terms:

Yard size: For a small yard, an electric brush trimmer likely is perfect. For larger yards, gas cutters are easier to maneuver (because they aren’t tied to a cord), but these tools tend to be heavier. If you have a lot of ground to cover, look for a gas-powered brush cutter with shoulder straps to make your yard work easier on your back.

Head size: The larger the head, the more distance you can cover with one swath. This means you can get the job done faster, but it might be difficult to cut around small corners. Smaller heads can get in those nooks and crannies of your yard but may require you to go over the same spot more than once to cut all of the brush.

The right-size blade: Brush cutters can be dangerous, and using the right-size blade can help keep you safe. For example, using a small blade on a thick branch or rigid tree can result in injuries to the user and the breakdown of your equipment.

Knowing the size of the blade recommended for the materials your cutting is essential to keeping you safe and increasing your equipment’s life.

Gas vs. Electric Brush Cutters

Almost all options on our list for the 9 Best Brush Cutters are gas-powered, but there are several capable electric choices out there. Gas-powered and electric brush cutters each have advantages and disadvantages, and here is a quick summary of the differences.

Electric brush cutters

Electric brush cutters tend to be more similar to string trimmers, as they are lightweight, quiet, and easier to maneuver. Like their trimmer counterparts, though, some of the downsides of electric brush cutters are their lower power and distance limitations because of their cord.

For small properties and lower budgets, electric brush cutters could be the way to go.

Gas brush cutters

Gas brush cutters are excellent for large yards in terms of power but these tools tend to be heavy. Gas brush cutters can be more expensive, but with multiple attachments and increased maneuverability, these tools give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Most gas brush cutters also come with anti-vibration technology, which many electric cutters don’t have.

How We Chose Our Top 8 Brush Cutters

When you are shopping for brush cutters, these are key factors to consider:

Weight: Weight is always something to consider when buying any landscaping tool, but it is crucial when purchasing a brush cutter. You need to carry this tool around your yard, so if you don’t have a harness or shoulder strap, you may not be able to get through trimming your yard without taking a break or two or three. Having too heavy of a brush cutter also can lead to lowered maneuverability and injury.

Price: The brush cutters on our list vary greatly in price. Some are under 200, and some cost more than a riding lawn mower. Most homeowners don’t need commercial grade equipment, and there are affordable and quality options for your personal landscaping needs.

Power: Electric brush cutters on our list range in power from 18 to 84 volts. The gas options on this range between 21.2 and 54 cc. For medium to larger yards, a gas-powered brush cutter with more than 27 cc of power is the way to go.

Shaft length: Shaft length is important for a few reasons. The longer the shaft, the more distance between you and the blade, which is important for safe landscaping. A longer shaft also helps you reach branches without needing an extension pole, but too long of a rod can be challenging to maneuver, leading to fatigue.

Cutting width: Cutting width is the cutting head’s diameter on your tool and the cutting width on most brush cutters ranges from 10 to 18 inches. The length of your cutting head determines the amount of greenery your device can cut in one pass. Having a larger cutting width helps if you have a large yard and/or dense vegetation, but a shorter cutting width is best to maneuver through small spaces.

FAQ About Brush Cutters

Because of their benefits, 4-cycle engines tend to be the more praised of the two.

4-cycle engines are fuel-efficient, quiet, environmentally friendly, and pack more of a punch as they generate power through torque instead of RPMs.

They’re so eco-friendly that some states even require landscapers to use only 4-stroke trimmers for their limited impact on the environment.

2-stroke engines, however, are cheaper, more lightweight, and are easier to store and maintain. These engines work on fewer parts and offer less vibration, which can help lower fatigue.

Most of the brush cutters on our list run on a 2-cycle engine, and for small residential properties, staying within your budget and saving on storage may be more appealing.

Brush cutters can be dangerous, so follow this safety checklist whenever you’re using a power tool to trim, prune, or cut thick grass or tree limbs:

— Wear protective goggles or face shields, and long pants, gloves, and boots. — Don’t wear loose clothing or long jewelry.— Do tie your hair back to avoid it getting caught in the brush cutter.— Use a brush cutter with a long shaft and deck guard to keep your face and body protected fr om the blade and flying debris. — Wear a shoulder strap or harness to lessen the brush cutter’s weight on your arms, lowering fatigue and preventing injury.— Pay attention while adding or mixing fuel with a gas-powered brush cutter, and always make sure the engine has stopped before removing the fuel cap.— The final and most important safety tip: If you feel you’re unable to use a brush cutter properly, hire a landscaping professional for your safety and the safety of others.

Conclusion

We compiled this buying guide and list of 9 best brush cutters to help you save time and money when shopping for one of these versatile tools.

There’s a brush cutter for every budget, yard size, and power preference, and adding this landscaping tool may change your lawn care game forever.

From slicing through saplings to chopping down thick brambles, whatever your yard needs, choosing one of these brush cutters can help you do it all.

LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Note: Amazon star ratings and the number of reviews for the products listed above may have changed since that material was collected.

Leanna Doolittle

Leanna Doolittle is a freelance writer and photographer with a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida-Saint Petersburg. She enjoys spending time with her cat Oscar and tending to her many indoor plants and succulents.

Brush Cutter Vs String Trimmer – Which One Should You Buy?

Having a backyard means dealing with the unavoidable problem of overgrowing weed on your turf. Most of us deal with this problem by using tools like a lawnmower, a brush cutter, or a string trimmer (also known as a weed wacker).

While the difference between a lawnmower and a handheld tool like a brush cutter or a string trimmer is easily identifiable, that is not so much the case when it comes to spotting a difference between a string trimmer and a brush cutter.

Mainly because of their remarkably similar design language. This leads to confusion as to what you should buy for use in your backyard.

If you, too, are confused about this, then you are in the right place. In this article, we have talked about everything you need to know to get rid of this confusion.

We have also included their pros and cons and talked about the factors you should consider to decide which one will be best suited for your backyard. So let us begin with a brief introduction of each one of them.

What Are String Trimmers?

A string trimmer is a tool used to cut unwanted weeds and grass on a field. String trimmers usually have a long pipe-like design, with the cutting mechanism on one end and the engine and handle on the other.

As the name suggests, a string trimmer uses a Nylon string to cut the grass or weed. However, some trimmers allow you to replace the string with a weed wacker blade.

• LST140 40 volt max string trimmer/edger with power drive high torque transmission for clean, fast.
• Automatic Feed Spool AFS automatically feeds trimmer line as needed
• LSW40 40 volt max sweeper a wind speed of up to 130 MPH easily clear debris from hard surfaces
• Low noise design for quiet operation. Up to 130MPH
• Both units offer a ‘state of charge’ indicator which shows your battery charge level. Products are.

The unique design of a string trimmer allows it to reach in tight spaces and corners where a lawnmower would never reach. However, a compact and slim design means that it will not be as powerful as a lawnmower and is not suitable for heavy-duty work or working on large fields.

String trimmers are best used for lightweight weed and grass cutting in a small area like a lawn or a backyard. However, string trimmers come in different kinds based on the design and type of power source.

Some high-powered string trimmers can be used for the mid-sized backyard as well. Let us look at the different types of string trimmers you can buy.

Pros

• Available in different types based on the power source, giving users the option to buy the cheaper ones if they do not need the extra power.
• Less powerful models are lighter and hence easier to maneuver.
• Electric powered models are eco-friendly.

Cons

• The nylon-string used in the cutting head is weaker compared to a blade and may break down if used for heavy-duty work (we recommend replacing it with a weedwhacker blade if you want to do a more solemn task than usual)
• Even the most potent models will not be ideal for working on dense vegetation and thicker scrubs.
• It can be dangerous as it can deflect a small rock in your way while being used.

Types of String Trimmers

Usually, all the string trimmers are the same in their operations, as they all use a nylon-string (replaceable by a weed wacker blade). However, there are some ways in which a string trimmer can differ from the other. Which are:

Shaft Shape: The long pipe-like part of the string trimmer between the handle and the cutting blade is called its shaft. A string trimmer usually comes in two different shaft shape, namely, straight and curved.

Straight shaft string trimmers are usually ideal for tall users, as it is longer compared to curved shaft trimmers, meaning they will not have to bend or lean forward to use it.

On the other hand, curved shaft ones are ideal for short users, since it is easier to maneuver and move around. Another advantage with a curved shaft trimmer is that it can access tight spaces and corners with much more ease than extended straight shaft trimmers.

Power Source: Based on the power source, string trimmers can be classified into three types, namely, Corded Electric, Battery-Powered, and Gas String Trimmers.

Corded electric string trimmers are powered using an electrical outlet on a wall. This put corded electric trimmers at a significant disadvantage since it limits these trimmers’ maneuverability and range.

Another type of string trimmer is also made to overcome this limitation of range, which are called battery-powered string trimmers. These string trimmers are powered using an in-built rechargeable battery. While the use of a battery removes the range limitation, it does limit the duration of use since once the battery runs out, you will have to recharge it before being able to use it again.

The third type of string trimmers, the gas string trimmers, are designed to overcome both limitations. These string trimmers are powered using combustible fuel engines, meaning neither they need to be connected to a power source, nor are they required to be recharged.

You can refuel them once it runs out of fuel, and you will be good to go. They are also the most powerful ones out of the three.

However, being powered by combustible fuel, gas string trimmers also give out harmful emissions, causing pollution, and their engines also make a lot of noise.

Now that we have talked about string trimmers, let us look at brush cutters.

What Are Brush Cutters?

A Brush Cutter is another tool used for cutting weed and grass on a field. But that is what String Trimmers are also for. So what makes it different from a String Trimmer? The main difference between a Brush Cutter and a String Trimmer is using a blade for the cutting purpose instead of a nylon string. However, as mentioned earlier, in some cases, you can replace the string of a string trimmer with a weed wacker blade.

In terms of design, a brush cutter is more or less the same as a string trimmer. The primary purpose of a brush cutter is to cut grass that is too dense to be cut by a string. Hence, apart from having a blade instead of a string, they also have more powerful 2-cycle engines to deliver the required horsepower for heavy-duty work.

Since brush cutters are better in terms of performance, they only make sense that they are also more expensive than a string trimmer. Other than that, they are almost the same as a string trimmer. Now, let us look at the different pros and cons of brush cutters and string trimmers.

Pros

• It uses blades instead of strings for cutting purposes, making it ideal for cutting dense vegetation.
• The blades are replaceable and come in different shapes and sizes to do different tasks.
• Build quality is better since it is meant to do heavy-duty tasks.

Cons

• If a rock hits the blade at a specific area, it can come flying at you.
• It is heavier than string trimmers and is harder to maneuver and use for more extended periods.

So, Which One Should You Buy?

So far, we have told you everything you need to know about a gas string trimmer and a brush cutter and the differences between them. But now that you are clear of the differences, you must be wondering which one should you buy. And to help you make that decision, we have included this section in the article.

A few factors will play a significant role in your decision, which will be based on your needs and requirements. Those factors are:

Power Needs: What you need a weed cutter for will decide your power needs. If you want to clear some light weed or grass on your backyard or clear your fence lines or walkways, then an electric string trimmer will work just fine for you. Not to mention, you will also have the option of replacing the string with a weed wacker blade to do a more solemn task.

If, however, you need to cut weed professionally or work on dense grass and scrub, then you should go for a brush cutter.

Budget: Budget is another factor that will affect your decision. As mentioned above, brush cutters are more expensive as compared to string trimmers. So, if you are tight on budget, you should consider going for a string trimmer.

Physical Capabilities: Since brush cutters are more powerful, they also tend to be heavier and produce more vibrations and kickback when used. If you think you would not handle that, string trimmers, with lighter weight and fewer vibrations would be a better choice for you.

Mow the ditches and clean up the back with a tough, dependable machine.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Brush cutters easily grind through tall, overgrown fields, up steep hillsides, and into deep ditches where regular lawn equipment doesn’t work. When a lawnmower and weedwacker won’t cut it, a brush cutter might be the answer.

Plenty of powerful tools and attachments can help you cut through heavy and overgrown weeds, vines, briars, and brambles. Keep reading to learn about the key features to consider when shopping, and then explore the picks for the best brush cutter products on today’s market. An in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting went into assembling the list of top picks.

• BEST OVERALL:Forester Chainsaw Tooth 9″ Brush Blade
• RUNNER-UP:ATIE 8″ 80T Carbide Tip Brush Blade
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Pool Supply Town 12″ x 3 Teeth Brush Blade
• UPGRADE PICK:WW Brush Cutter
• BEST ATTACHMENT:TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter with J-Handle
• BEST TRIMMER LINE:Oregon 20-108 Platinum Gatorline.155 Trimmer
• GAS PICK:Husqvarna 17″ 2 Cycle Gas Powered String Trimmer
• ELECTRIC PICK:Greenworks 80V Cordless String Trimmer Powerhead

Before You Buy a Brush Cutter

A complete brush cutter can be an expensive, heavy-duty machine. Handheld brush cutters are heavier, more powerful, and cost two to three times more than an average weedwacker or cordless string trimmer. Depending on how heavy the brush needing cutting is, plenty of attachments and adapters can help you do the job with other tools in your shed.

High-quality string trimmers can knock down patches of dense weeds on occasion, and they see regular use grooming the yard every week or so. A good solution could be to purchase a brush-cutter head for an existing string trimmer. But if the weeds are extra heavy, the area is large, and the chore occurs frequently, it makes sense to invest in a dedicated brush cutter.

Types of Brush Cutters

Buying a new machine is a long-term investment no one should take lightly. Of course, it’s wise to buy quality tools for many years of dependable use. However, it is equally important to choose the right type of brush cutter for a property. An undersized machine wastes time, while an oversized machine wastes money and space. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of brush cutters and how they work.

String Trimmer Conversion

Instead of buying a new machine, you can simply convert a string trimmer into a brush cutter. Most string trimmers have motors between 20 and 30cc, which is not suitable for daily use as a brush cutter, but adequate for occasional heavy use. For example, use them to cut brush for a few hours, once a month.

There are two ways to convert from a string trimmer head to a rigid brush cutting head. The simplest is to use a powerhead with changeable attachments. These machines have a short drive shaft and a quick-connection system for easily switching from tool to tool in a matter of seconds. String trimmer and brush cutter attachments are just two of many attachments that powerheads can operate.

Converting a fixed string trimmer into a brush cutter requires an adapter. The adapter is unique for each brand of trimmer, but nearly all brands offer one. It takes 5 minutes or less with simple hand tools to remove the trimmer line spool and replace it with a brush-cutting head.

There are four basic types of brush cutter heads:

• Knife blades are the most common. They use a sharpened front edge to slice through weeds. Choose knife blades, either a disc knife or tri-knife, for general purpose brush cutting. They are inexpensive and long-lasting.
• Chisel knives are smaller and more aggressive than knife blades. These include the circular saw and chainsaw types. They work very well on heavier brush and small saplings but require larger engines, around 30cc and bigger, to work efficiently.
• Smasher blades, also called flails, use thin edges and high velocity to smash through vegetation. These are not suitable for heavy, woody material, but work quite well on tall weedy grass.
• Mulching blades look like knife blades, however, the blade tips bend at a nearly 90-degree angle. These are not common and are best for grinding up weeds, leaves, and branches.

Handheld

If you care for a large suburban or rural property, a handheld brush cutter might be right for you. Handheld brush cutters efficiently take down heavy weeds and thick brush areas that are not accessible by a mower. A handheld brush cutter looks like a string trimmer, only it uses a specialized brush cutting head. In fact, it is possible to retrofit a string trimmer with a brush-cutting head.

Brush-cutting heads use heavy-duty trimmer string, rigid flails, or a circular saw-type blade to cut through woody material cleanly, quickly, and efficiently. Handheld electric brush cutters and gas brush cutters with engines smaller than 40cc work well for smaller jobs, like cleaning up a vegetable garden at the end of the season. For larger areas and more aggressive cutting capability, choose a gas-powered brush cutter with an engine larger than 40cc. These heavy-duty models can cut through saplings up to 2 inches thick.

Walk-Behind

Hobby farmers and other small acreage owners choose walk-behind brush cutters for occasional maintenance of fields and pastures up to an acre. Walk-behind brush cutters have heavy-duty rotary mowers, sometimes called rough-cut mowers. These machines can cut down tall, coarse, thick grass, weeds, and weedy shrubs. Some can cut down saplings up to 2 inches in diameter or larger.

Walk-behind brush cutters are single-purpose machines, but brush cutter attachments are available for walk-behind tractors. Some lightweight models are string trimmers on wheels, but most walk-behinds are much more robust, with heavy gauge metal parts that help them grind through thick, weedy areas. They are self-propelled, with rear-mounted engines and large rear pneumatic tires. This design allows the forward mower deck to easily glide up over tall vegetation.

Tow-Behind

Farmers and managers of large-acreage properties choose tow-behind brush cutters for regular maintenance of trails, large fields, wildlife food plots, roadside areas, and utility rights-of-way. Tow-behind brush cutters, also known as brush hogs, are large rotary mowers that owners pull behind tractors or ATVs.

Some tow-behind brush cutters have their own engine that engages the blade while the user drives over the area to cut. Other tow-behinds need the tow vehicle to supply the power. They connect to the towing vehicle’s power take off (PTO) by a drive shaft that turns the mower blade.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Brush Cutter

There are several factors to consider while shopping for a brush cutter. If shopping for handheld models, you can go with a powerful cordless electric or a long-lasting gas-powered model. Repeat use for cutting thick vines and woody brush requires more power than mowing tall grass. Ahead, learn about the factors that should drive buying decisions.

Gas vs. Electric

Handheld brush cutters come with gas or electric power; there are no electric models in the other types of brush cutters. Gas-powered cutters provide plenty of power and extended cutting time. Electric brush cutters operate quietly, keep the air clean, and eliminate cost, handling, and storage of liquid fuels.

Electric brush cutters work great for mowing down an overgrown vegetable garden at season’s end or maintaining small natural areas that are not regularly mowed. Electric is an especially good choice if the tool is only used a few times a year because it eliminates the worry over stored fuel going bad. Power and battery life both limit the use of electric brush cutters on larger properties.

Although a few 4-cycle models are available, most handheld models feature 2-cycle engines that require mixed fuel (2-cycle oil mixed into the gasoline). That adds a layer of preparation time and expense. The 4-cycle alternatives are heavier, which increases user fatigue, but adds power and pollutes less than 2-cycle models.

Motor Power

Power translates directly to working ability. A more powerful brush cutter cuts faster and more smoothly than its less-powerful competitor. Increased power helps where the conditions become more adverse, such as thicker weeds and brush or uneven terrain. When all else is equal, the more powerful machine is more capable.

Best Brush Cutters 2023

Cordless electric brush cutters measure power in volts (V) and are rated between 18 and 84V. Gas-powered engines measure in cubic centimeters of displacement (cc). Handheld brush cutters range from 24 to 50cc. Handheld brush cutters with power over 56V or 35cc are considered heavy duty.

Walk-behind brush cutters and tow-behind cutters with their own engines normally list the engine size in horsepower (HP), although some manufacturers may show it in cc. There are approximately 14cc per 1 HP. You can easily convert cc to HP for an equal comparison (cc/14 = HP.) Most walk-behinds produce between 11 and 20 HP.

Tow-behind brush cutters that run via power take-off (PTO) need enough horsepower to run efficiently. Consult the tractor or ATV manufacturer’s information to learn how much horsepower a PTO supplies. The rule of thumb is that for every foot of cutter width, the PTO must supply 5 HP. A 5-foot brush cutter needs about 25 HP from the PTO.

Cutting Width

The cutting width is the width of a single pass with the brush cutter. It determines both how quickly a cutter can complete the work, and how much space the machine requires for access to the site. Handhelds range from 9 to 18 inches, walk-behinds are 24 to 26 inches, and tow-behind cutters range from 4 to 15 feet.

Wider cutters use more power, and can more easily bog down in dense vegetation. Narrow models are slower. Tow-behind brush cutters should cut wider than the width of the tractor; otherwise, the tractor will drive over some vegetation twice before the mower passes over it. Also consider the width of narrow access points the machine must pass, such as gates or closely growing trees.

Durability

Walk-behind and tow-behind brush cutters come with heavy gauge steel housing, rugged pneumatic tires, and powerful engines that hold up in rough working conditions. Handheld brush cutters are more of a gradient from light-duty string trimmers to powerful brush cutting machines. For optimal durability, use these machines to do the tasks for which they are best suited.

When converted with brush cutting heads, string trimmers with engines between 24 and 35cc are adequate for limited use on thick grass and tall weeds. Heavy-duty string trimmers with larger engines can be converted for cutting thick weeds, woody vines, and small saplings. True handheld brush cutters, with powerful 40 to 50cc engines, can extend to the cutting of thick, dense, woody vegetation.

Versatility

Tools that perform multiple tasks offer great value. Both handheld and walk-behind brush cutters are made as dedicated pieces of equipment, but most owners only use them a few times each year. Consider buying brush cutter attachments for devices that perform other lawn-care tasks.

The benefit of converting a string trimmer to a brush cutter by changing the head is that the extra head takes up virtually no storage space and extends the usefulness of existing equipment. It only takes a few minutes and simple hand tools to remove the string trimmer head from the end of the shaft and replace it with a brush-cutter head.

Handheld powerheads run lots of different tools, including string trimmers, lawn edgers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, and more. Powerheads feature quick-change shafts that only take a few seconds to switch between devices. Powerheads are more powerful than basic string trimmers and save the owner hundreds of dollars or more by using one engine for all needs.

Similarly, walk-behind tractors are powerheads that can do far more work than dedicated brush cutters. A walk-behind tractor lets the owner switch from brush cutter to a rototiller, snow blower, firewood splitter, pressure washer, and many other useful implements.

Universal Attachments

Anyone going the multiuse route should look closely at how the powerhead attaches to the cutter. Some large brands use proprietary attachment systems, which might work well, but tie the owner to that specific manufacturer. All future purchases also must feature the same attachment system. You can find good value in non-proprietary, or universal, attachment systems that interface with virtually all similar devices.

Our Top Picks

With all this in mind, some of the best handheld and adaptable brush-cutting products can help you clean up those overgrown corners. For a new handheld brush cutter that also can edge the driveway, check this list. If you have an excellent string trimmer and want to give it a brush-cutting upgrade, one of these products can help.

Forester Chainsaw Tooth 9″ Brush Blade

The Forester 9” Brush Blade works like a rotary chainsaw. Replace the head on a string trimmer with this circular saw blade to clear out woody brush and coarse weeds. It can quickly cut through dense, woody brush and saplings up to 2-inches thick. The package includes a file to help keep the 20 steel cutting teeth sharp.

This brush cutter blade is durable, affordable, and easy to install. Be extra careful when working around rocks and other hard surfaces that can damage the cutting teeth. And be sure to consult the trimmer owner’s manual before buying to ensure that the blade will fit the model.

• Can cut through stems up to 2 inches thick
• Easily installs, replacing string on trimmer
• Affordable way to use existing tool
• Comes with file to sharpen teeth

Get the Forester brush blades on Amazon.

ATIE 8″ 80T Carbide Tip Brush Blade

The ATIE 8” Carbide Tip Brush Blade is especially well suited for cutting down stands of saplings and thick, woody shrubs. With a high number of cutting teeth, it works like a circular saw on thick saplings, but it is equally as effective on coarse weeds. Carbide-hardened teeth extend the blade’s wear time—up to 10 times longer than steel. The 1-inch (20mm) arbor fits most string trimmers.

This brush-cutting blade is durable, inexpensive, and easy to install with a universal design. It has more teeth, but they might break more easily than on a blade with fewer, larger teeth. Be cautious operating this blade near rocks. As with any universal design, it makes sense to check the trimmer owner’s manual to make sure the 1-inch arbor will fit an existing machine before buying this blade.

• High number of carbide cutting teeth
• Attaches to a existing string trimmer
• Affordable and durable solution to cutting brush
• 1-inch arbor fits most string trimmers

Get the ATIE brush blade on Amazon.

ATIE 12″ x 3 Teeth Heavy Duty Steel Brush Blade

The ATIE 12” x 3 Teeth Heavy Duty Steel Brush Blade is a durable steel tri-blade that is both economical and effective for cutting a wide variety of weedy and brushy material. Although not the ideal choice for large-diameter saplings, this affordable brush cutter handles brush measuring 1-inch in diameter and smaller. With a 1-inch (20mm) arbor, it fits most string trimmers.

This blade is larger than some fixed brush cutter blades at 12-inches across and 3 mm thick. Users should sharpen the knife edges periodically for the best results. Be aware this blade is heavier than others, so consider the weight on the tool and using a shoulder strap for added support while cutting brush.

• Heavy-duty steel blade
• Affordable choice for occasional need to cut brush
• Attaches to existing string trimmers with 1-inch arbor

Get the Pool Supply 12-inch brush blade on Amazon.

WW Brush Cutter

The WW Brush Cutter uses three moving blades to slice through heavy grass, thick weeds, and overgrown shrubs. This is a good all-purpose head for regular lawn maintenance and occasional clearing of light brush and thick, tall weeds. The replaceable metal-edged blades give a clean cut-in for a manicured lawn and clear out seedling trees and vines that occasionally grow up in hidden corners of the yard.

This brush cutter is high on value and ease of use. The molded plastic head can wear out faster than heavier duty ones, and is compatible with straight shaft trimmers only.

Get the WW brush cutter on Amazon, Ace Hardware, and Overstock.

TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter with J-Handle

The TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter is a universal attachment for most gas and cordless electric powerheads. The 4-tip steel blade makes quick work of tall, thick, grassy weeds and dense brush. The package includes a shoulder strap for added support and a J-bar for increased control and comfort while operating the brush cutter. The 1.65-inch inner coupler tube and 0.20-inch square drive shaft connector interface with most changeable powerheads.

This attachment is highly durable, easy to install, and a good value. Always check the powerhead owner’s manual before purchasing new attachments.

Get the TrimmerPlus brushcutter at Lowe’s or at Tractor Supply Co.

Oregon 20-108 Platinum Gatorline.155-Inch Trimmer

Oregon 20-108 Platinum Gatorline Trimmer Line.155-Inch features a twisted line profile for maximum cutting-edge exposure, minimum wind resistance, and excellent durability. Its hard exterior holds up well to high temperatures and impacts with hard objects. A braided line also makes less noise than other line profiles. This thick, heavy-duty trimmer line is best paired with a powerful brush cutter, greater than 35cc, for the best results.

Be careful not to add twists to the line while loading it onto the spool as that stresses the filament and can lead to early breakage. To prevent bogging down the trimmer, use this line only with strong trimmers 35cc and larger.

Get the Oregon trimmer line on Amazon.

Husqvarna 17″ 2 Cycle Gas Powered String Trimmer

The Husqvarna gas-powered brush cutter draws its considerable power from a two-stroke gas engine. It’s not the lightest power tool at 16 pounds, but it makes up for the weight with an ergonomic grip and an impressive motor that helps to cut through dense overgrowth. The broad 17-inch trimming radius allows users to trim the yard in a hurry, and it has a simple bump-feed system to extend the trimming line when necessary.

The curved shaft design of this gas-powered brush cutter helps the Husqvarna to be more maneuverable and balanced so users have an easier time handling the power tool while they work. This gas brush cutter also has an automatic emergency stop feature that halts the movement of the trimmer string when the trigger is released, making this model even more user-friendly.

Get the Husqvarna string trimmer on Tractor Supply Co. and Lowe’s.

Greenworks 80V Cordless String Trimmer Powerhead

The Greenworks 80V Cordless String Trimmer Powerhead comes with a string trimmer attachment, and adapts for lots of other functions with attachments, including a brush cutter. The 2 Ah battery provides up to 45 minutes of battery life. This brushless electric brush cutter is efficient and quiet, providing plenty of torque to cut through the same heavy weeds as its gas-powered counterparts without the noise and smell.

Users should take some care with this powerhead’s lithium-ion batteries. The batteries should be stored at about 50 percent of charge. This brush cutter is best for smaller properties due to limited run time and the need for recharging or with purchase of a second battery for extended use.

• Brushless electric motor
• String trimmer attachment
• Variable speed trigger
• Lightweight construction
• Battery and charger included; Rapid charging

Get the Greenworks 80V electric brush cutter on Amazon.

Our Verdict

If you are looking for an effective brush cutter, look no further than the Forester Chainsaw Brush Blade. This cutting blade has a durable carbide construction and a 9-inch cutting path that can take on durable brush with its 20 teeth. Alternatively, the WW Brush Cutter blade is made with metal and plastic and has a 10-inch cutting path. Plus, this pick is compatible with multiple trimmer brands.

How We Chose the Best Brush Cutters

Given how easy it can be to convert an existing trimmer into a brush-cutting machine, we recommended a majority of blade options that work with a buyer’s existing tools to create an affordable brush cutter that can cut anywhere from thick grass to twisty vines depending on the base machine. Versatility is an important consideration for those who have the budget—or space—for only one trimming and brush-cutting tool

Of the blades, we gravitated toward those with a universal fit, looking to provide a range of options that will accommodate gas and electric trimmers. Whether looking at the blade or the full machine, foremost was durability. Blades, trimmers, or string have to hold up to some thick brush and stems to work as they should, so the majority of our top picks include a number of heavy-duty steel and even carbide blades that will hold up with average use.

FAQs

Q: How do you use a brush cutter?

Always operate the blade parallel to the ground. Because the blade spins counterclockwise, cut with the left side to avoid kickback. Use a brush cutter with a blade with fewer than eight teeth and a long sweeping motion to cut grass. For tall, woody shrubs, use a tri-blade. Begin with the blade at waist height and lower the blade onto the material. Using a circular saw blade, only cut saplings 2-inches in diameter and smaller. Use a chainsaw for larger trees.

Always be aware of others in the area who might be harmed by flying debris. Wear hearing protection, safety glasses, work gloves, long pants, and work boots to protect yourself.

Q: How do you sharpen a brush cutter blade?

Sharpen the steel brush cutter blades with either an angle grinder or a bench grinder. If using a bench grinder, hold the blade edge at a 45-degree angle to the grinder. Press the blade steadily against the grinder as you slowly work the blade across the grinder from its center to the edge. Flip the blade and sharpen the other edge. If using an angle grinder, the process is similar, except the blade is clamped in a vice and the grinder moves across the blade.

Q: What type of engines do brush cutters use?

Handheld brush cutters use electric motors, 2-cycle gas engines, or 4-cycle gas engines. Walk-behind and tow-behind brush cutters use gas engines.

What is a brush cutter used for?

An electric brush cutter is the perfect cordless garden tool if you have an allotment, or you need to control or clear larger areas of overgrown brambles, weeds and shrubs.

They have similarities in design to a cordless line trimmer. they are light, hand-held garden tools. Our models can be fitted to a single or double shoulder harness with hip pad for additional comfort.

Our cordless line trimmers can be used with any EGO ARC Lithium battery too. However, while the line trimmer literally cuts using a plastic line, a cordless electric brush cutter has rotating steel blades.

These blades allow it to tackle heftier jobs that even the 38cm Bike Handle Line Trimmer, one of our most robust strimmers, would struggle with.

What jobs can an electric brush cutter tackle?

A brush cutter is more suited to tougher jobs which your line trimmer may not be able to handle. Areas you may need to use an electric brush cutter could include:

Overview of brush cutter features

• The three-sided steel blade makes light work of tough, weedy undergrowth and scrub.
• A large cutting width means you can get closer to hard-to-reach areas.
• A variable speed trigger helps you ensure you’re working efficiently and safely.
• Models that accommodate a shoulder harness are more comfortable and safer to use on rough ground or over long periods – some EGO models have a harness included.
• Smaller models will be perfect for smaller gardens and allotments, while large spaces require a heavy duty brush cutter, for example from our Professional or Professional-X range.
• Choose a model that is well-balanced, light and yet strong. our models have solid steel or carbon fibre shafts that won’t bend or lose shape over time.
• Some models, like the BCX3800 Professional-X Line Trimmer / Brush Cutter, have bike handles to add more comfort and stability during operation.
• Some models of brush cutter come with both a line trimmer head, as well as a brush cutter head. The BC3800E, BCX3800 and STX3800 are compatible with our rotocut attachment too.
• Look for a battery that will give you the running time you’ll need to get the job done. EGO’s most powerful domestic 10.0AH battery will keep you working for up to 80 minutes or up to 420 minutes with our Professional-X backpack battery. Alternatively, you can opt for a smaller battery and a Rapid charger.
• It’s worth noting that petrol brush cutters are heavier and give off more noise and vibration.

Safely operating a brush cutter

Cordless/electric brush cutters, especially state-of-the-art models from EGO, are easy to use and assemble. As with all cordless garden power tools, however, you should always check your manual for the safety instructions, which include wearing safety glasses and other PPE, and not operating in close proximity to people and pets. Your manual should also give you easy-to-understand instructions on assembling your brush cutter and, if applicable, safely changing between the line trimmer head and the brush cutter head.