Cleaning your front yard is not easy. It can be unpleasant when it’s filled with rocks, weeds, or high grass that needs cutting. That is why, when you are choosing the best gardening tools to have on hand, you should also get a quality brush cutter.
Brush cutters are garden tools that can trim small weeds and keep your edges neat for a good-looking lawn.
Getting a quality brush cutter will allow you to cut through thick vegetation and rough grass without having to compromise your comfort or time.
The Makita 4-Stroke Brush Cutter is the best brush cutter from my research because of its smart easy-maintenance design and commercial-grade parts.
But I’ve picked a few other great models that you should love, depending on your needs, so keep reading!
Contents
- 1 In A Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Picks
- 2 3 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Brush Cutter
- 3 The 6 Best Brush Cutters On The Market Today
- 3.1 TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter with J-Handle – Best For Light Jobs
- 3.2 Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer – Best Value
- 3.3 Makita 4-Stroke Brush Cutter – 25.4 cc. – Best Overall
- 3.4 Makita XRU16PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Brush Cutter Kit (5.0Ah) – Quietest
- 3.5 PROYAMA 42.7cc 2 in 1 Extreme Duty 2-Cycle Gas Dual Line Trimmer and Brush Cutter – Most Comfortable
- 3.6 Craftsman WS235 2-Cycle 17-Inch Straight Shaft Gas Powered Brush Cutter and String Trimmer – Best Design
- 4 The Best Brush Cutter – A Comparison
- 5 How I Tested Brush Cutters
- 6 How To Choose The Best Brush Cutter
- 7 Safety Precautions For Using Brush Cutters
- 8 FAQs
- 9 And The Winner of the Best Brush Cutter Is …
- 10 About The Author
In A Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Picks
Are you in a rush? Check my comparison table to see the products I have tested and my favorites.
3 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Brush Cutter
There is an abundance of brush cutters on the market right now. From my experience, it can be quite overwhelming to pick the right product. There are so many brands to buy from and features to look for.
Luckily, I have done most of the work for you! After using these 6 featured brush cutters, I’ve concluded that it all boils down to:
- Engine power: According to Best Buy, gas-powered yard tools are more suited for larger yards.
- Blade type: Chisel blades with 9 to 40 teeth are more suited for cutting brush.
Comfortability: Double grip and ergonomic design help prevent accidents and back pain.
The 6 Best Brush Cutters On The Market Today
TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter with J-Handle – Best For Light Jobs
- Straight shaft design: pro-style design allows for easy trimming under shrubs and low branches
- 4-Tip Steel blade: reversible blade with cutoff guard gives it power to slice through heavy brush
- Included J-bar and shoulder strap: added features for easier use and more control during your yard job
- Perfect for light jobs.
- Comes as an attachment.
- Fits most string trimmers.
- Reversible steel 4-tip blade.
Meet the TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter – the best brush cutter for light jobs!
This brush cutter attachment left me impressed after the first use. It trimmed my overgrown saw grass with ease thanks to the reversible 8-inch steel blade with 4 sharp tips. In my opinion, this brush cutter is ideal for landscaping small yards and tidying a house border.
Since the TrimmerPlus BC720 weighs only 6 pounds and has a straight shaft with a J handle, it is easy to hold and operate. Speaking from personal experience, you won’t have trouble storing this handy gadget either.
Keep in mind that the TrimmerPlus BC720 is a brush cutter attachment! It fits my Yardman YM71SS string trimmer perfectly. Based on my research, this brush cutter attachment also fits most of the Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, Greenworks, Stihl, and Toro models.
After using this product a couple of times, I must say I am satisfied with its performance. I only wish the retaining nut on the brush cutter head would be easier to remove when changing the blade.
Pros:
- Ideal for light work
- Fits most string trimmers
- Sharp 4-tip blade
- Lightweight
- Comfortable J-handle
- Easy to store
- Affordable
Cons:
- Blade hard to replace
Rating: 3/5
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer – Best Value
- Husqvarna 128LD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer is a great multipurpose weed wacker with a 17-inch cutting width and a...
- T25 Trimmer Head: Gas powered weed wacker is equipped with strong, braided trimmer line and a T25 semi-automatic weed...
- Smart Start and Air Purge: Smart Start technology reduces starter cord resistance by 40% to allow for easy engine...
- Best value brush cutter.
- Has a 28-cc 2-cycle engine.
- Equipped with smart start technology.
- Has a detachable shaft for easy storage.
I know I know… this is a string trimmer. Let me explain.
When I heard how great the Husqvarna Combi Trimmers are, I had to test one for myself. I picked the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer. Once I replaced its head with the Husqvarna Brushcutter Scarlett Blade, I was off to the races.
I’ve found that its 28-cc 2-cycle engine can easily handle the upgrade from a simple trimmer line to some serious brush cutter blades. That doesn’t come as a surprise, since the engine runs up to 8000 rpm.
That said, when I used it for the first time, I noticed that the engine idles too low and shuts off. So, I had to adjust the carburetor screws to make it run smoothly. I do like how easily the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer starts. That’s because the Smart Start technology reduces starter cord resistance by 40%.
After the tests I have done, I can now see why Husqvarna 100 series string trimmers are so popular. You get great features and performance for an even better price.
Pros:
- Gas brush cutter
- 28-cc 2-cycle engine
- Easy recoil start
- Has a stop switch
- Compatible with other attachments
- Detachable shaft
- Great value
Cons:
- You may have to adjust carburetor
Rating: 4/5
Makita 4-Stroke Brush Cutter – 25.4 cc. – Best Overall
- Multi-position lubrication system enables engine to be inclined to any angle for continuous operation.
- Mechanical Automatic Engine Decompression for quicker, easier starts.
- Includes brush cutter blade for cutting small trees and heavy brush
- Best overall features.
- Has a 25.4 cc 4-stroke engine.
- Designed for continuous operation.
- Has commercial-grade parts.
After all the tests I’ve done, the winner is clear as day. The Makita 4-Stroke Brush Cutter is the best overall brush cutter on the market right now.
The Makita 4-Stroke Brush has an efficient 25.4 cc multi-position 4-stroke engine. It performed well on my one-acre yard. I can totally see it being used on larger properties, as well.
What is great is that the machine enables you to work continuously at any angle thanks to the multi-position lubrication system. I tested this feature, and I must say the engine didn’t stall even when I reached under the hedge.
I found its 9-inch 4-edge blade is a little bit dull for my liking. After sharpening it, the blade cut through woody weeds and heavy brush with ease. That’s why I had to be really careful going around my blackberries.
What I like the most is that its smart design makes for easy maintenance. The oil filling port and drain plug are easily accessible. The dual-stage air filter can be changed without tools. In my opinion, these small details make this product stand out from the rest.
Pros:
- Best gas brush cutter
- Reliable 4-stroke engine
- Durable 4-edge blade
- Smart design
- Double grip handle
- 20.3 oz. tank capacity
- Easy maintenance
Cons:
- Blade is rather dull
Rating: 5/5
Makita XRU16PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Brush Cutter Kit (5.0Ah) – Quietest
- Power equivalent to a 30cc gas brush cutter
- No gas, emissions, oil mixing or pull starts
- Makita-built BL Brushless Motor provides high power and increased torque
- Quiet operation.
- Cordless and battery-powered.
- Equipped with 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries.
- Offers speed control.
The first thing I noticed about the Makita XRU16PT is how quietly it operates. Using a gas brush cutter for many years, this came to me as a pleasant surprise!
The Makita XRU16PT electric brush cutter is a silent weed killer thanks to its two 18V lithium-ion batteries that have equivalent power to a 30cc gas engine. The unit produces less noise than any gasoline brush cutter I tried, on top of having zero emissions, reduced maintenance, and instant start.
Another thing that I like about this product is the speed control. You can pick between three speeds – 4600, 5500, or 7000 rpm. Based on my experience, having speed control isn’t enough. Thankfully, the Makita XRU16PT also has an Automatic Torque Drive that automatically shifts speeds to extend run time or add power to the machine.
One thing I would change about this product is the quality of the dual handle. It is made out of thinner metal than the shaft, so I am afraid it won’t last for long.
Pros:
- 18V lithium-ion batteries
- Fast charging
- Multiple speed options
- Automatic torque drive technology
- Ergonomic design
- Quiet operation
- Environment friendly
Cons:
- Handle made of cheap material
Rating: 3/5
PROYAMA 42.7cc 2 in 1 Extreme Duty 2-Cycle Gas Dual Line Trimmer and Brush Cutter – Most Comfortable
- [EPA Certificated Engine] It will discharge less fuel gas in use, and won't cause pollution or do hard to human body
- [Powerful Engine] 2HP 2-cycle 42.7cc engine provides more power with easy starter, it can trim bigger branches...
- [Easy handle and storage] Easy to handle because of the handlebar design, quick release split shaft for easy...
- Gas-powered.
- 2-cycle engine with 42.7cc.
- 2 in 1 machine.
- Quick-release shaft.
The PROYAMA 42.7cc is a 2-in-1 brush cutter and trimmer, ideal for strimming around your garden and cutting thick brush. This gas-powered brush cutter is ideal for both home use and professional. You can comfortably use it to maintain large areas, cut thick bushes, trim grass, and remove weeds to keep your garden neat.
This brush cutter has a powerful 2-cycle 42.7cc engine for more power to trim large branches. The engine discharges less fuel while in use to reduce pollution and any harm to your body. It comes with a comfortable shoulder strap to make it easier for you to hold and control.
The handlebar design is simple to handle with a quick-release split shaft for portability and storage. You get a one-year warranty and continuous support to help you with using this brush cutter.
Pros:
- Vibration reducing harness
- Easy to use and store
- Powerful 42.7cc engine
- Comfortable shoulder strap
- One-year warranty
- Quick-release shaft
Cons:
- Challenging manual
- Breakable screws
Craftsman WS235 2-Cycle 17-Inch Straight Shaft Gas Powered Brush Cutter and String Trimmer – Best Design
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Straight shaft design makes it easier to trim under bushes and hard to reach places while the...
- POWERFUL CUTTER: 27cc full crank 2 cycle engine provides greater power and less vibration to give you control and make...
- HEAVY DUTY METAL BLADE: Heavy duty metal blade and 18” cutting width allows you to cut through dense vegetation and...
- Gas-powered.
- 18-inch cutting width.
- 2-cycle engine.
- Brush cutter and string trimmer in one.
The Craftsman CMXGTAMD27BC 27cc is an easy-to-use and lightweight brush cutter to improve your lawn or garden’s appearance. This tool is a 2-cycle gas-powered cutter with a straight shaft.
It features a 27cc full crank engine that doesn’t have a strong vibration when in use. The straight shaft also makes it easier to trim under bushes. The 18-inch cutting width allows you to cut cleanly through vegetation and dense grass.
Quickly start this brush cutter with the easy-start technology that breaks it down to just three steps. This machine is a multi-use brush cutter that comes with a weed-wacker trimmer with purchase. The adjustable handle offers you more control and flexibility.
This is a well-tested and robust brush cutter for all your lawn needs. With a two-year limited warranty, you can get any problems dealt with for a smoother operation.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Sharp 18″ cutting width
- Quick change head
- Multi-purpose yard tool with attachments
- Easy start technology
- Adjustable handle
Cons:
- Challenging to convert from cutter to trimmer
- May not be durable
The Best Brush Cutter – A Comparison
| TrimmerPlus BC720 Brushcutter with J-Handle | Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer | Makita 4-Stroke Brush Cutter – 25.4 cc. | Makita XRU16PT 18V X2 (36V) LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Brush Cutter Kit (5.0Ah) | PROYAMA 42.7cc 2 in 1 Extreme Duty 2-Cycle Gas Dual Line Trimmer and Brush Cutter | |
| Manufacturer | TrimmerPlus | Husqvarna | Makita | Makita | PROYAMA |
| Engine Type | – | 22cc 2-cycle engine | 25.4cc 4-cycle engine | 36V lithium-ion batteries | 42.7cc 2-cycle engine |
| Cutting Width | 8 inches | 8 inches | 9 inches | 9 inches | 10 inches |
| Weight | 6 lbs | 11 lbs | 12.1 lbs | 29 lbs | 19 lbs |
| Price | Check here | Check here | Check here | Check here | Check here |
How I Tested Brush Cutters
I tested selected gas and battery-powered brush cutters by putting them through the same rigorous trials and used all of them on my one-acre yard. The photo above is courtesy of Clint Budd.
I purposefully postponed the scheduled mowing to see how well these machines perform on my overgrown perennial ryegrass, shrubs, and weeds. I also tested how well they edge my lawn. Here are other ways you can edge your lawn without an edger.
After all the tests I’ve done, I realized that brush cutters with more serrated blades perform better on tougher vegetation. This confirms the well-known fact published by Mowers Direct that brush cutter blades with 9 to 40 teeth can be used on thick weeds, brush, and shrubs.
For my battery-powered pick, it’s the Makita XRU16PT, and I was mostly interested in seeing how long and well it performs. In my opinion, Makita XRU16PT and other units alike have solid power for small to medium-sized yards. Since I have a bigger yard, I prefer gas-powered yard tools.
Gas-powered brush cutters win in terms of engine power and performance. They passed all the tests with flying colors. However, one thing that hasn’t changed about them is their noise. According to the CDC, about 20% of adults who are not exposed to loud noise at work still have hearing damage. I’m pretty sure some, if not all, is caused by the use of loud yard tools.
How To Choose The Best Brush Cutter
If you want to clear your property the right way, you should purchase a quality brush cutter. They are powerful, robust, and can cut through grass and bushes.
But this kind of power doesn’t come cheap. The best brush cutters are costly and there are factors you should consider before settling on the right one.
Types of Brush Cutters
Brush Cutters come in three different types. They include:
- Handheld Brush Cutters
These are most common among the three because they are smaller and have large engines. Handheld brush cutters are better at cutting grass and overgrown weeds. They feature 2-cycle and 4-cycle e ngines based on what you need.
- Walk-Behind Brush Cutters
Walk-behind brush cutters are similar to lawnmowers in terms of design. If you are in a hurry, this is the best cutter to use when dealing with overgrown brushes in large land areas.
- Tow-Behind Brush Cutters
Tow-behind brush cutters are also similar to lawnmowers, but you have to tow it behind a vehicle or tractor. They are best for abandoned pieces of land and wild bush areas.
Blades
It’s crucial to consider the blade quality of the brush cutter you choose. The blade determines what your brush cutter can cut through and what you can’t. Some blades require more maintenance or replacement than others.
There are three common types of blades you can choose to buy. These include knife blades, chisel, and smasher blades.
- Knife Blades
Knife blades are effective and can have between two to 40 knife edges. They are good at cutting brush and weeds.
- Chisel Blades
Chisel blades have high cutting capabilities and are suitable for cutting woody weeds and hardwood. They can cut through anything as long as it is not more than 4 inches thick.
- Smasher Blades
Chisel blades have high cutting capabilities and are suitable for cutting woody weeds and hardwood. They can cut through anything as long as it is not more than 4 inches thick.
Gas Vs. Electric Brush Cutters
All brush cutters are either powered by gas or electricity. You can choose between a cordless brush cutter that uses batteries or a model with a charging cable.
Electric brush cutters are easier to use, lightweight, and quiet when working. They have limits on the power they offer when compared to gas models, though, so they may not be suitable for long-term use.
On the other hand, gas brush cutters are suitable for use in different places without worrying about running out of power. The power they offer can cut through heavy and thick weeds with no need for wires or batteries.
Durability
For easy landscaping, you need long-lasting gardening tools. You should invest in a quality brush cutter that is durable and can handle all garden work, whether it is clearing grass, trimming hedges, or cutting small trees, without falling apart. The photo above is courtesy of Sam Beebe (the photo was cropped and resized).
To ensure your brush cutter’s durability, the blade material and shaft formation need to be of high quality. Choose a brush cutter made with metal that can withstand heavy gardening tasks. Some brush cutters also come with warranties of up to two years.
Engine
Brush cutters will either have a 2-stroke engine or a four-stroke engine. If you are looking for a small and reliable engine, you should go for a 2-stroke engine. The photo above is courtesy of Tristram Biggs.
Although they are noisy and can smell, these engines are powerful with fewer moving parts. These parts make it easier to maintain and more affordable for most users. You will have to mix gas and oil when filling the fuel tank.
With extended use, this type of motor will run hot, so you should cool it in between intervals. 4-stroke brush cutter engines are the opposite of 2-stroke engines.
They are heavy and feature a complex design. They can handle more work but are more expensive compared to other engines. They generally run quietly and are comfortable to use for more extended periods of operation.
Motor Power
The amount of power you require in a brushcutter depends on the kind of work you plan on doing. You will require a more powerful cutter for rigorous work on your lawn. Medium-powered brush cutters are ideal for yard maintenance.
For electric brush cutters, you should choose a model with a voltage between 20 to 80 volts. A brush cutter with 20 volts offers enough power to work on small and medium areas. For large areas or heavy work, 40 to 80 volts are ideal.
Handles
Brush cutters are heavy and powerful garden tools. To comfortably use them, they need to have quality handles.
Handles are usually available in two designs. You can choose either a one-handed or two-handed brush cutter. One-handed brush cutters come with a loop handle, while two-handed brush cutters have side-by-side handles.
You should ensure that the handle is sturdy with a safety harness to be comfortable for you to use. Two-handled handles are popular because they are more comfortable when using the brush cutter. They offer you more control, which is essential when using such sharp blades.
Price
Brush cutters cost more than string trimmers. While string trimmers are for cutting grass, brush cutters are more versatile when it comes to landscaping and gardening work. You need to weigh the essential features you need against your available budget.
Although you will only use it once in a while, it should be robust and durable. The price of each model generally determines the quality and features you will get. Costly models usually have more advanced features and are easier to use for extended periods.
Safety Precautions For Using Brush Cutters
Brush cutters are practical tools, but this means they can also injure you if not used properly. Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid hurting yourself or others.
Dress Appropriately
You will have to dress appropriately when you want to use a brush cutter. Some brush cutters are noisy, so you should carry earplugs if you don’t want to damage your eardrums. You should also wear safety goggles and a jacket.
Depending on the area you are working on, rocks and other harmful objects might be propelled your way while working. When using a brush cutter, make sure to wear boots, a jacket, and gloves to reduce your chances of getting hurt.
Read The Manual
Go through the manual in detail before you start using any equipment. The manual will guide you on how to use the brush cutter efficiently.
It will also show you how to refuel it if you are using a gas brush cutter. Manuals are also available for electric brush cutters to help you better understand the technology before you use it.
Using The Brush Cutter
Be aware of your surroundings. There may be animals or rocks in the bushes, grass, or vegetation you are clearing.
If you plan to use a brush cutter for bigger work, take breaks and make sure it cools down properly between use. Brush cutters run at high speeds, so you should take care of where you step.
FAQs
Are Electric Brush Cutters Any Good?
Electric brushes are good because they are lightweight compared to traditional brush cutters. Although they are less powerful, they are quieter and easier to handle when you need to trim grass or get rid of weeds in your lawn.
What Will A Brush Cutter Cut?
Brush cutters are sharp enough to cut shrubs, small trees, saplings, reeds, ferns, grass, and weeds. With the proper technique, you can also get rid of dense vegetation and tangled bushes.
How Thick Can A Brush Cutter Cut?
Brush cutters can cut up to 4 inches in thickness. They are powerful because they can cut through dense vegetation, weeds, and small tree trunks of up to 4 inches.
Will A Brush Cutter Cut Grass?
Brush cutters can cut all types of grass. They are larger and more robust than grass trimmers because they can also cut high grass, small trees, and trim hedges.
What Are Brush Cutters Used For?
Brush cutters are essential garden tools to help you clear your yard and trim hedges. You can use them to clear overgrown grass, brambles, chopping vegetation, and do landscaping.
And The Winner of the Best Brush Cutter Is …
Cleaning up your lawn is a lot of hard work. You need a durable and robust brush cutter to clear grass, thick vegetation, and bush for a pleasing look. Some of the considerations you need to make include checking the price, durability, shaft, handle, and engine to know whether it is suited for the work.
The Makita 4-Stroke Brush Cutter is the best brush cutter on this list because of its commercial-grade parts and clever design that makes maintenance easy. This gas-powered brush cutter is also convertible into a string trimmer to ensure ultimate lawn care.
It’s lightweight with accessible start technology to get you started right away. With an easy-to-use and comfortable design, you won’t have any challenges using this machine.
You can also go for the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer , which comes in at a close second. It is versatile since it can be upgraded to a brush cutter and it has a powerful engine.
These brush cutters are versatile and perfect when it comes to gardening or landscaping.
About The Author
Last update on 2023-09-23 at 09:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API