Brush cutters effortlessly cut through tall, overgrown fields, slopes…
…and deep ditches where any other lawn mower would fail.
You might need a brush cutter if you can’t cut it with a lawn mower or weed wacker.
You can cut through heavy, overgrown weeds, vines, briars…
…and brambles with a variety of powerful tools and attachments.
You can use a brush cutter to kill weeds on your lawn or on your property and keep it looking nice.
Here is Mark’s story before we go on…
This brush cutter is my second purchase. After years of hard use, the first one needs to be retired.
Despite having used other blades for brush and small trees, this one stands far above the rest.
Cuts through small to large brush as if it wasn’t even there.
I’ve used it on trees that would be better suited to a chainsaw.
It will stay in shape for a long time if you keep it out of the dirt and rocks like a chainsaw.
It’s definitely something I would suggest to my friends.
It’s time to get started…
What Should You Look for in a Brush Cutter
While shopping for a brush cutter, there are several things to consider.
With handheld models, you can select either a powerful cordless electric or a long-lasting gas-powered model.
Cutting thick vines and woody brush repeatedly requires more power than mowing tall grass.
Here are the factors that should influence your purchasing decision.
Gas vs. Electric
The other brush cutter kinds do not have electric variants.
Handheld brush cutters are powered by gas or electricity.
Gas-powered cutters offer plenty of power and longer cutting times.
Brush cutters that run on electricity are quiet, clean the air, and eliminate the hassle, cost, and storage of liquid fuels.
Electrified brush cutters are great for mowing down overgrown vegetable gardens…
…at the end of the season or maintaining small natural areas that are not regularly mowed.
When the tool is only used a few times a year…
…electric is ideal since it eliminates the worry over stored fuel going bad.
The power and battery life of electric brush cutters restrict their use on larger properties.
Some handheld models have 4-cycle engines, but most have 2-cycle engines…
…that require mixed fuel (2-cycle oil mixed with the gasoline).
This requires additional preparation time and expense.
In comparison to 2-cycle alternatives, 4-cycle alternatives are heavier, which increases user fatigue…
…but they produce less pollution and add power.
Motor Power
Power translates directly to working ability. Brush cutters with greater power cut faster…
…and smoother than their less powerful counterparts.
It is better to increase the power when the conditions are more challenging…
…such as thick weeds and brush or uneven terrain. If all else is equal…
…the more powerful machine will be more effective.
Cordless electric brush cutters are rated between 18 and 84 volts and measure power in volts (V).
Gas-powered engines measure displacement in cubic centimeters (cc).
The capacity of handheld brush cutters ranges from 24cc to 50cc.
Brush cutters with a power over 56 volts or 35 cc are considered heavy duty.
For walk-behind brush cutters and tow-behind brush cutters with their own engines…
…the engine size is normally expressed in horsepower (HP)…
…although some manufacturers may show it in cubic centimeters (cc).
Per 1 HP, there are approximately 14cc. For an equal comparison…
…you can simply convert cubic centimeters to horsepower (cc/14 = HP.)
Most walk-behinds produce between 11 and 20 horsepower.
Tow-behind brush cutters with power take-off (PTO) require enough horsepower to operate efficiently.
Find out how much horsepower a PTO provides by consulting the tractor or ATV manufacturer.
The PTO must deliver 5 horsepower for every foot of cutter width.
A 5-foot brush cutter requires 25 horsepower.
Read on…
Cutting Width
The cutting width is the width of one pass with the brush cutter.
As well as determining how quickly a cutter can complete the job…
…it also determines how much space the machine requires.
Tow-behind cutters come in sizes ranging from 4 to 15 feet,…
…walk-behind cutters are 24 to 26 inches…
…and handheld cutters range from 9 to 18 inches.
Wider cutters require more power, and can be more easily slowed by dense vegetation.
Narrow models are slower. Tow-behind brush cutters should cut wider…
…than the width of the tractor, or the tractor will drive over some vegetation twice…
…before the mower passes over it.
Consider the width of any narrow access points that the equipment…
…must pass through, such as gates or densely planted trees.
Durability
Tow-behind and walk-behind brush cutters are built with a heavy gauge steel housing…
…rugged pneumatic tires, and powerful engines that can withstand rough working conditions.
There is more of a gradient of handheld brush cutters, from string trimmers to powerful brush cutter machines.
Utilize these machines for the tasks they are best suited for for maximum durability.
String trimmers with engines between 24 and 35cc are adequate…
…for some use on thick grass and tall weeds when equipped with brush cutting heads.
It is possible to convert heavy-duty string trimmers with large engines…
…to cut thick weeds, woody vines, and small saplings.
Handheld brush cutters with powerful engines of 40 to 50 cc can cut thick, dense, woody vegetation.
Versatility
Multiple-tasking tools are quite valuable.
Most owners only use their brush cutters a few times each year…
…even though both handheld and walk-behind models are made to be dedicated pieces of equipment.
Attach brush cutter attachments to lawn-care devices that perform other tasks.
A string trimmer can be converted to a brush cutter by changing the head…
…because the extra head takes up virtually no storage space and increases the usefulness of existing equipment.
Removing the string trimmer head from the shaft and replacing it…
…with a brush cutter head takes a few moments and a few simple hand tools.
A handheld powerhead runs a variety of equipment…
…such as string trimmers, lawn edgers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, and brush cutters.
Quick-change shafts allow users to switch between powerheads in a matter of seconds.
In addition to being more powerful than basic string trimmers…
…powerheads can save the owner hundreds or even thousands of dollars by using one engine for all purposes.
A walk-behind tractor is a powerhead that can do far more than a dedicated brush cutter.
“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.”
Mark Wolfe – Writer Specializes in Garden
Universal Attachments
If you decide to go the multiuse route, you should pay attention to how the powerhead attaches to the cutter.
Large companies employ proprietary connection techniques that,…
…although functional, bind the owner to the manufacturer.
All future purchases must also use the same attachment system.
Attachment mechanisms that are non-proprietary, or universal,…
…that work with practically all similar devices offer high value.
Here’s the main part…
Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | FORESTER Brush Cutter Blades and File Set - Trimmer Chainsaw Tooth Saw Blade - for Trimming Trees, Cutting String, Underbrush, and More - 20 Tooth 9" Circular Brush Blade with 3/16" File | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | ATIE 8" 80T Carbide Tip Brush Cutter Trimmer Weed Eater Blade (2 Pack) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | ATIE 12" x 3 Teeth Heave Duty Steel Brush Cutter, Trimmer, Weed Eater Blade | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter with J-Handle for Attachment Capable String Trimmers, Polesaws, and Powerheads, 8, Fatigue | Prime | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Forester Chainsaw Tooth 9″ Brush Blade
- THE BEST QUALITY: These ultra sharp chainsaw teeth can power through anything you need up to small trees and has a heavy-duty carbide construction that keeps going where others quit. These blades are a perfect fit for most straight shaft trimmers.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Forester 9″ Brush Blade works similar to a rotary chainsaw.
You can use this blade from your string trimmer to clear woody brush and coarse weeds up to 2 inches thick.
The Blade is sharpened with a file.
When operating around rocks and other rough objects that can harm the cutting teeth, be especially cautious.
Also, consult the trimmer owner’s manual before buying to ensure that the blade will fit your model.
Pros
- Cuts through stems up to 2 inches thick
- Easily installs, replacing string on trimmer
- It is an affordable way to use an existing tool
- It comes with a file for sharpening teeth
Cons
- To guarantee proper fit, review the trimmer’s owner’s instructions.
- Hardscaping should be avoided because it can ruin the blade.
ATIE 8″ 80T Carbide Tip Brush Blade
- UNIVERSAL FIT. It fit either 1 (25.4 mm) or 20 mm arbor
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Its high number of teeth creates a circular saw-like cutting action on thick saplings…
…as well as the ability to effectively cut coarse weeds.
The blade’s carbide-hardened teeth extend wear time ten times longer than steel.
With a universal design, this brush-cutting blade is durable, inexpensive, and easy to install.
With more teeth, it might break more easily than a blade with fewer, larger teeth.
Before purchasing this blade, make sure the 1-inch arbor will fit your existing machine before operating near rocks.
As with any universal design, check your trimmer’s owner’s manual to ensure it will work with your trimmer.
Pros
- Lots of carbide teeth for cutting
- Attaches to a existing string trimmer
- Durable and affordable way to cut brush
- 1-inch arbor fits most string trimmers
Cons
- To guarantee proper fit, see the trimmer’s user handbook.
- Hardscaping, which might harm the blade, needs caution.
Keep reading…
ATIE 12″ x 3 Teeth Heavy Duty Steel Brush Blade
- It fits either 1 (25.4 mm) or 20 mm arbor
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This ATIE 12″ x 3 Teeth Heavy Duty Steel Brush Blade is a durable steel tri-blade…
…that is both efficient and effective for cutting a wide range of weedy and brushy materials.
While this blade isn’t suitable for large saplings, it can handle brush up to one inch in diameter.
It fits most string trimmers with a 1-inch (20mm) arbor.
With a blade diameter of 12 inches and a thickness of 3 mm, this fixed blade is larger than many fixed blades.
User should sharpen the knife edges periodically for best results.
Consider using a shoulder strap for added support while cutting brush since this blade is heavier than others.
Pros
- Blade made of heavy-gauge steel
- Brush cutting is a cheap option if you only need to do it once in a while.
- With a 1-inch arbor, it attaches to existing string trimmers.
Cons
- Only little saplings and stems can be cut (up to 1 inch)
- Sharpening is required on a regular basis.
- Weight is added to the trimming tool.
Go on…
TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter with J-Handle
- Straight shaft design: pro-style design allows for easy trimming under shrubs and low branches
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In addition to its universal fit to most gas and electricity powered powerheads…
…TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter makes short work of tall, thick, grassy weeds and dense brush.
A shoulder strap and a J-bar are included in the kit for enhanced support and comfort.
Most variable powerheads are compatible with the 1.65-inch inner coupler tube…
…and 0.20-inch square drive shaft connector.
Check your powerhead owner’s manual before purchasing a new attachment..
…because this attachment is durable and easy to install.
Pros
- Works with most gas and electric powerheads.
- 4-tip steel blade
- For support, the package includes a shoulder strap and a J-bar.
- Durable and simple to set up
Cons
- Before installing the powerhead, users should consult the owner’s handbook.
Sum Up!
With how easily an existing trimmer can be converted to a brush-cutting machine…
…we recommended a majority of blades that can be used to make an affordable machine…
…that can handle everything from thick grass to twisty vines.
If you only have the budget – or the space – for one trimming and brush-cutting tool…
…then you should consider its versatility
Conclusion
In most urban areas, brush cutters are used occasionally…
…to trim trees, bushes, and other low-growing vegetation.
The Forester Chainsaw Tooth 9-inch Brush Blade is a powerful…
…yet affordable alternative to regular string trimmers.