Gas powered brush mower. Brush Mower vs. Lawn Mower: What’s the Difference

Brush Mower vs. Lawn Mower: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking out at your property and wondering how to manage overgrown grass, high weeds, brush, and other herbaceous nuisances, you may have considered whether you need a regular lawn mower or a brush mower. But how to choose? There is obviously a big difference in cost between the two machines, so it makes sense to get all the facts before you decide which to invest in. And here at DR, we know a thing or two about brush mowing!

What’s the difference?

Brush mowers are, to put it simply, a bigger, beefier, more powerful version of a traditional gas-powered walk-behind lawn mower. They operate using the same principles. Both are rotary mowers that use a combustion engine to turn a blade which slices through grass, weeds, and anything else in its path. Both are operated in much the same way, with the user using the handles to guide and propel the machine forward (except, of course, for tow-behind brush mowers).

The differences lie in the power of the engine, the heft of the blade, the ruggedness of the frame, and the available controls. While traditional lawn mowers generally have engines with 2 to 6 HP, brush mowers will have between 10 and 20 HP. (Although note that not all engines are rated in terms of horsepower; some are rated for their foot-pounds of torque (ft-lbs.) or their engine displacement (cubic centimeters, or ccs).) The extra power in a brush mower turns an extra-heavy blade and propels a much heavier and more rugged frame, allowing it to cut more intense weeds and brush.

What can they cut?

A lawn mower is designed to cut through grass, plain and simple. They can usually handle about 4″ of grass height, and really struggle in wet grass. The engine bogs down, the bagger needs to be emptied more often, and the wheels sink into soggy ground. For well-maintained lawn areas, though, where the grass is mowed every week or two, a lawn mower is usually the best choice.

A brush mower, on the other hand, is a beast of a machine. Not only can they cut grass as high as 6 feet high, but they chomp through weeds as high as 8 feet, and saplings as thick as 3 inches in diameter.

Which one is best for me?

Think about your own property and what types of overgrowth you’ll need to mow. Are you strictly mowing your lawn? Is the grass usually under 4″ and dry when you mow? If your answer is yes, then a traditional lawn mower is best for you. But if you’d also like to mow (or exclusively mow) dense brush and weeds, high grasses, wet areas (brush mower tires are large and knobby and can handle most wet, muddy areas), or woody growth such as saplings and vines, a brush mower is your best bet. Consider both the self-propelled and the tow-behind models that are available.

Choosing the Right Type of Fuel for Power Lawn Mowers

Choosing the right fuel for a power lawn mower is not as straightforward as you might have initially thought. You should know about the correct type of fuel to use on your outdoor power equipment.

Several different factors determine the right type of fuel for specific lawn mowers. Here we will provide information that will let you select the right type of fuel to fill up the lawn mower tank.

Fuel Type

Lawn mower engine type will determine the fuel you should use for the outdoor power equipment. Most lawn mowers with two and four-stroke engines require unleaded gasoline. over, the fuel octane rating should be 87 or more.

You can also use gasoline with ethanol for your lawn mower. But the ethanol content should be less than 10 percent.

You must also add high-quality engine oil for your mower. The mixture requirements are different depending on the type of mower. Some require that you mix 50 parts gasoline and 1 part oil. Consult your lawn mower manual to know about the acceptable fuel type and mixture for your outdoor power equipment.

Fuel Stabilizer

You should add a fuel stabilizer if you want to store your fuel inside the mower for more than 30 days. Adding a fuel stabilizer will prevent gasoline from breaking down and damaging the carburetor and engine of the lawn mower.

A fuel stabilizer is a chemical solution that is generally made of petroleum. It prevents the fuel inside the tank from vaporizing inside the tank. Adding a fuel stabilizer will limit the fuel from gumming inside the tank that can damage the carburetor and engine of the lawn mower.

You must select a fuel stabilizer that is recommended for the lawn mower. Using the wrong type of stabilizer will not prevent stored fuel in the mower from damaging the mower engine. The ratio of the lubricants and other chemicals should be suitable for the stored fuel.

Regular vs. Premium Gasoline

Some people have the notion that using premium gasoline will result in better lawn mower performance. You can use premium gasoline for your mower. But most mowers won’t benefit from adding premium gas over regular gas.

Premium gasoline has an octane rating of 92 or higher. The fuel has fewer additives making it more pure as compared to regular gasoline. A mower will require the same amount of gasoline regardless of the type of fuel.

The cost of premium gasoline is generally 6 – 20 cents more than regular gasoline. Unless a power mower has a high compression ratio, it will be a waste of money filling the mower tank with premium gasoline.

You should find out about the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding the type of fuel. Most regular mowers will perform well with regular gasoline. Stick to the recommendations from the manufacturer. This is important, as using the wrong fuel type can void the lawn mower warranty.

Final Remarks

Regular gasoline is most suitable for power lawn mowers. Using regular gas with an octane rating of 87 is recommended for most power mowers. You will end up wasting money if you use premium gasoline instead of regular gasoline.

You should not make the mistake of selecting premium gasoline on the assumption that it will improve engine performance. Consult the lawn mower manual to find out the recommended fuel type for your mower.

DR Power Super Store deals with sales, service, and maintenance of home and commercial lawn mowers. Contact us today to get the best deal for lawn mower equipment. We sell lawn mower, field and brush mowers, leaf cutters, power chippers, and other types of outdoor power equipment for maintaining home and commercial lawns.

Gas-Powered vs. Battery-Powered Weed Eaters

Do the loud noises from neighborhood lawn equipment ruin your quiet Saturday? Or are you more, “Give me power at any cost?” These are things you’ll need to consider when choosing between gas vs. battery-powered weed eaters.

Battery-powered and gas-powered weed eaters do the same job, so you may wonder, “What’s the difference?” Actually, power sources mean big differences in the use and performance of machines. Before you buy a weed eater, you want to know what type of machine will serve your lawn most efficiently and whether or not the noise or gas smell will bother you.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of gas-powered vs. battery-powered weed eaters to help you decide which is best for your lawn.

• Why do I need a weed eater?
• Essential weed eater terms
• Pros and cons of gas-powered weed eaters
• Pros and cons of battery-powered weed eaters
• Which is the best weed eater for me?
• FAQ about weed eaters

Why do I need a weed eater?

Weed eaters are an indispensable power tool in the DIY lawn maintenance tool kit. These handy machines help homeowners and lawn pros cut down grass and weeds in areas that a lawn mower just won’t reach.

If you have a drain ditch in your lawn or a steep slope, a weed eater will keep the grass looking nice and neat. These machines also create that professional, finished look when you use them to create clean lines around the edge of your lawn and flower beds.

Believe it or not, battery- and gas-powered machines aren’t the only types of weed eaters on the market. You’ll also see electric string trimmers (AKA corded models that require an extension cord) and even propane weed eaters.

Electric models are popular in very small, “postage stamp” lawns, and propane models perform as well as gas. While it’s good to know there are other options, we’ll FOCUS on the more popular gas-powered and cordless models in this article.

Not only do weed eaters accomplish many lawn tasks, but they also have many names:

• Weed whacker (or weed wacker)
• Whipper snipper
• Weed trimmer
• String trimmer
• Strimmer
• Weed whipper
• Line trimmer
• Grass trimmer

They all mean the same thing and do the same job. Here are a few brands you’re probably familiar with:

• DeWALT
• Echo
• Greenworks
• Husqvarna
• Milwaukee
• Ryobi
• STIHL
• Worx

Essential weed eater terms

If you’re a weed eater novice, here are a few terms and components to familiarize yourself with as you do your research:

Power source

Gas models rely on gas and oil to power the engine. Battery-powered models rely on batteries — usually a lithium-ion battery. Both types offer brushless motors as well. Brushless motors are more efficient and less noisy than brushed motors. If you’re concerned about cost, though, know that the brushless motors are more expensive.

When you look at these power sources, gas models will label motor power in cubic centimeters (cc) and battery models will label it in volts (24V). The higher the number, the more power they offer.

Battery-powered models work well on lawns up to an acre, depending on your level of power. Use a machine with 20-40 volts for up to ½ acre, or from 40-80 volts for up to an acre. If your lawn is over an acre, you may want to consider a gas-powered machine.

Also, pay attention to rpm (revolutions per minute). Some will have a variable speed option as well (3,500 rpm, 5,300 rpm, 6,500 rpm) to save battery power. The higher rpm, the better the line will cut through thicker material.

Line feed

There are four types of feed systems: bump feed, auto-feed, command feed, and fixed-line feed. The purpose of the feed system is to release more line when you’re running low.

• Bump feed: Tap the machine on the ground a few times while it’s running to get a longer string. This system is quick and easy and, if you’ve removed the guard, it gives you control over the length of your line.

• Auto-feed: The trimmer uses its own “brain” to release more line when the line is too short. This system is convenient but gives the operator less control over the length of the line.

• Command feed: When you run low on line, simply push a button or turn a dial, and the feed mechanism will release more line. This is similar to the bump feed because you can make your line as short or long as you wish.

• Fixed-line system: Buy pre-measured segments of line to load into the feed mechanism when your line runs low. This system works with fixed-line heads to load a pre-cut length of line into the machine. These heads are often ideal for heavy-duty trimmers that require thicker string.

Trimmer line (or blade)

Different trimmers will accept different trimmer line widths. (Trimmer line is the string that does all of the cutting.) Some battery-powered models accept slightly thinner line widths than gas models. Some trimmers come with the option to buy blades for tougher jobs.

Handle

You can choose from two main types of handles: loop handles or bicycle (AKA “bullhorn”) handles. Loop handles are most common on residential weed eaters. Bicycle handles may be more comfortable for larger, longer, brush clearing jobs. Try both types to see which feels more comfortable for you.

Shaft

Weed eaters come with curved shafts or straight shafts. Curved shafts are for light use on a residential property, and they are great for beginners. Straight shafts are for more strenuous commercial work and sometimes come with the option to buy a blade or other accessories. Straight shaft trimmers are also easier to get under bushes. Curved-shaft models are less expensive overall.

Debris guard/deflector

If you have lots of brush or rocks in your lawn, pay attention to the size of your debris guard on the back of the head. Some are larger than others. You’ll want to invest in a model with a larger deflector (or purchase a kit) if this is a concern for you. Some models also come with a flip-down edge guard in the front that ensures you don’t get too close to trees and other plants.

Operator controls

After you’ve started the engine, you may wonder, “How do I spin the line?” There are often two control buttons above the handle. Why are there two? One acts as a safety. For example, if you mistakenly press one while you are holding the machine, the line won’t run (and you’ll be less likely to cut something unintentionally). So, when you’re ready to start weed eating, press both control buttons to spin the line.

Pros and cons of gas-powered weed eaters

Gas-powered string trimmers are the “old guard” of the string trimmer world. They’ve been around much longer than battery or electric weed eaters and have a good track record of reliable performance. Here are some pros and cons of these machines.

✓ Delivers commercial-level, all-day performance✓ Sufficient power for large properties or many properties✓ Handles tall grass and overgrowth with ease✓ Preferred choice of pros✓ Can be repaired ✓ Consistent power throughout use✓ Easy to carry gasoline with you

✗ Gas engine requires maintenance✗ Exhaust emissions may have adverse effects on people and air quality✗ Noisy to operate✗ Engine can become gummed up with old fuel or fuel without proper stabilizer ✗ Pull starters can be difficult for some homeowners✗ Gas and oil can be messy to work with

Pros and cons of battery-powered weed eaters

Battery-powered weed eaters (AKA cordless weed eaters) are the (relatively) new kid on the weed whacking block, but they’ve made quite an impression on many homeowners. Many residential customers enjoy their quiet, emission-free operation and sufficient run time.

✓ Does a sufficient job for a small property or a single property✓ No engine to maintain✓ Batteries swap out easily if you run out of power✓ Very low noise✓ No gas or oil to replace✓ Easier to start — no pull cord✓ No fumes✓ Can use batteries from other machines from the same brand✓ No emissions

✗ Battery power dilemma — Need a recharging station if you want to weed eat all day (or have tons of batteries)

✗ Battery run time✗ Battery recharge time✗ Hard to find someone to repair✗ Power fades as battery life fades✗ Rechargeable batteries and charger may not come with the unit

Which is the best weed eater for me?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you make a decision:

What size property do you have? Smaller residential properties are ideal for battery-powered weed eaters. Larger properties not only have more space but are likely to have taller grass and brush, so gas-powered trimmers may be a better fit.

How do you plan to use the weed eater? Unless you’ve built your lawn care business around being an all-electric provider, you’ll need at least one gas weed eater in your arsenal. If the machine will only be for you as a homeowner, a battery-powered model has plenty of power.

What level of engine care are you willing to do? Gas-powered models require you to get your hands dirty. You’ll need a constant supply of gas and oil, and you’ll need to winterize it before you put it away for the off-season. If you’re not willing to do this, go with a battery-powered model.

What kind of attachments do you need? Before you make a purchase, look into which attachments (if any) your top pick offers. Common attachments include hedge trimmers, pole saws, edgers, and cultivators. Attachments save space and money and are a good investment for many customers.

Both gas string trimmers and cordless string trimmers come with a few models that are dual brush cutter/trimmers. This gives you many more options for ways to use your trimmer.

Physical considerations: As you’re shopping around, pay attention to the weight of the machine. If you don’t like to carry around heavy machinery for a long time, consider that as you shop. Gas-powered machines are generally a little heavier than battery-powered models.

See if it has other ergonomic features for ease of use or for jobs that will require more than a quick walk around the lawn. Sometimes straps and slings are helpful for those larger cleanup jobs. Straps and slings distribute the weight across your shoulders and give your arms and back a break.

Finally, consider the length of the shaft. Although some shafts have an adjustable-length feature, other machines only have one length, which could be problematic for some buyers. If you’re concerned about getting a machine that works well for your stature, go inside the store and hold several different machines to gauge weight, ergonomics, and length.

Extras: Not all battery-powered models include the battery and/or charger. In addition, you’ll probably want to buy a backup battery upfront so you can have an extra battery on days when you want to stay out in the lawn longer than one battery will allow.

Cutting width: If you prefer a wide cutting width (diameter), check this before you buy. If you’re used to a 17-inch cutting path, for example, you might be disappointed if you get home and find that yours only has a 13-inch reach.

Warranty: If this is important to you, check to see what warranty is offered. With battery-powered equipment, battery warranties may be separate. If you don’t see a separate warranty for the battery, check to see whether or not that is included.

FAQ about weed eaters

Which is the best weed eater for seniors?

For seniors or for anyone who isn’t as strong as Joe Lumberjack, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

—Weight: Look at the tool weight. Also, consider that a battery or tank of gas will add to that. —Pull start vs. battery start: With a gas model, the pull start may be an issue for some seniors. You have to put the weed eater on the ground and quickly pull up on the string. A spring-assist pull start may make starting the machine easier if you prefer a gas weeder. However, if you’re considering a battery-powered model, push a button, squeeze the trigger, and you’re good to go. —Ergonomics: You may want to invest in a special handle or shoulder strap. Even though this tool may only see residential use, these components may make even a small job that much easier. —Cost: If you don’t have a lot of extra money to spend, curved-shaft models are usually less expensive. Also, look for refurbished models or seasonal sales. Generally, stores offer both great and great selection s on lawn equipment on the three summer holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day). Fall sales starting in September offer great deals (end-of-season), but selection may be more limited.

Which is the best brand of weed eater?

What brand of lawn equipment have you enjoyed using in the past? Or, what brand does your neighbor recommend? Personal experience and the recommendations of friends go a long way.

You may even ask the lawn workers in your neighborhood to see what type of equipment they use. If someone works with a tool day in and day out, they probably have a favorite brand to recommend.

Pro Tip: If neighbors or lawn crews are in short supply, call your local small engine shop. They’ve got the inside scoop on which brands they never see, and which ones come in all the time for repairs.

Which is the best residential weed eater?

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Heavy-duty vs. light-duty use: If you have a small, postage-stamp-sized lawn, don’t go all out. A simple, lightweight machine will do fine. If, on the other hand, you have a standard yard, a large yard, or a backyard that looks like a jungle if you let it go, you may want to opt for a more powerful model.

Quality: High-quality machines usually cost more. If you don’t have experience with a particular brand or model, read helpful online “Best Weed Eater” guides, talk to neighbors, and read reviews.

Cost: This is a defining factor for many homeowners. Lighter use means a lower cost and vice versa. Shop sales, and do your research for a model that will do what you need at a price you can afford.

If weed-eating is not your favorite way to relax after a long week, let our local lawn care pros take the guesswork out of “Who’s going to mow my lawn?” Our reliable crews give your lawn a professional cut and edge every time.

Main Photo Credit: StrangeApparition2011 | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

The Best Brush Cutter: Gas and Electric Options

If you’re at war with overgrown grasses and shrubbery on your property, you already know that a cheap low-powered weed whacker isn’t going to cut it. You need something more powerful. But how do you choose a brush cutter that will handle the bushy undergrowth you have? Do you want something that multitasks, or just a machine that’ll get the job done? Let’s get deep into the topic and find out everything you need to know about brush cutters and how they work.

Top Picks From Amazon:

• 80V STRING TRIMMER – powers through the toughest.
• 16 CUTTING PATH080 dual line, bump feed head.
• BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Provides more torque, quiet.

Other Good Choices From Amazon

• Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle (Gas)
• Timberpro 52CC Heavy Duty Strimmer And Brush Cutter
• Husqvarna 336FR Bike Handle Pro Brushcutter
• GreenWorks Pro ST80L210 80V 16-Inch Cordless (Electric)

Brush Cutters vs. String Trimmers: What’s The Difference?

While brush cutters and string trimmers are similar, you’ll want to pick what works best for your job. Let’s compare and contrast the two.

String Trimmers

Your average garden-variety string trimmer uses a piece of cord to cut through light brush and weeds. As the nylon cord spins at a high rate of speed, it slices right through grass and weeds at the height you’re holding it. This makes it particularly useful for dealing with that explosion of dandelions on the lawn, and guarantees that you can keep the edges of planters tidied up with ease. But it won’t handle woody stalks or dried brush very well. They tend to have a less-powerful motor, too.

Brush Cutters

Using a spinning blade in lieu of cord, brush cutters gnaw through heavier stuff with ease. They may cause splintered wood or chips of stone to ricochet away from them, so wear long pants and sturdy shoes when using them for safety. While you can use these to trim the lawn, it’s just not as effective — these are made for destroying tumbleweeds or overgrown areas, not for yard maintenance.

Picking The Best One: What You Need To Consider

Before even looking at the various components of brush cutters or string trimmers, there’s a few aspects that need to be decided. These include your budget, what materials you’re cutting down, if it’s a small or large job, and whether you can handle the machine you are getting.

Budget

Typically, brush cutters cost more than string trimmers… quite a lot more, in fact. So it’s important to decide if your job actually requires that level of power before laying out the money. You might also be able to get a string trimmer that can use brush cutter blades, but dual-purpose models also typically cost more or require attachments. Electric is generally cheaper than gas, but doesn’t always have the same power behind its cutting capability.

What Are You Cutting?

If you’ve got a whole lot of hard, tall, or thick weeds, slender tree saplings, or overgrown bushy material, that’s when you will generally need a brush cutter. A good rule of thumb is that if the material you have to cut is a quarter of an inch in diameter and is brown, not green, you need the brush cutter.

Small or Large Job

Are you only working on a quarter-acre yard, or do you have five acres of property? The size of your job matters, in this case. If you’ve got a reasonably small yard, there’s alternatives to brush cutters which are a whole lot cheaper, but if you have a lot of property, you’re going to want to speed up the process of maintaining your land.

When It’s Too Much To Handle

Brush cutters are weighty beasts. They have to be, just to handle the rigors of demolishing the rough stuff. That’ll start to take a toll on you physically as you maneuver this big contraption around, so be mindful of how long you use your brush cutter.

Treat it like an exercise routine, because it can really be one. You’re directing a vibrating, heavy-weight implement around and keeping it stationary as it chews through heavy materials. Stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and if you start to get sore, it might be time to stop for the day.

Features To Look For

There’s some key features of both brush cutters and of string trimmers that you’ll need to be aware of before you buy.

Gas or Electric?

The vast majority of brush cutters on the market are gas powered, but you can find some crossover electric units that combine the relative quiet of an electric machine with the ability to use either string-trimming or bladed brush cutter attachments. Really, the choice is up to you, although finding a quality crossover unit can be quite difficult.

If all you need is a string trimmer, electric units are widely available and tend to be much lighter-weight than their gas-powered counterparts, which makes them easier to maneuver into tight spaces. However, electric options either use battery packs that wear down quickly, or they’re tethered by a power cord to their power source, which does limit their use somewhat if you’ve got a large area to clear.

Gas units are far noisier than electric, but you aren’t tethered to a power source, which is a perk. They also tend to be hefty, often coming with some form of harness to help you hold on to their drastically-increased weight.

Engine Power

Gas powered brush cutters come with either 4-stroke or 2-stroke gas engines. The main difference in the type of engine is in how they function.

• 4-stroke engines are heavier, give more power output, and run cooler. The design tends to be a bit unbalanced, is more complicated to maintain, and also tends to cost more.
• 2-stroke engines are easier to maintain, tend to operate with much more balance, and have smaller engines, making them well-suited for handheld garden tools.

Electric units tend to be available in 20 volt or 40 volt options, with occasional 60 or 80 volt versions available. 20 volts is fine for the average yard maintenance offered by a string trimmer, but to effectively cut through heavier materials with a metal or vinyl blade, 40 volts or more is recommended, and 60-80 volts is preferred.

Shaft Style

You can either have a straight or curved shaft. Usually a steel shaft, it’s what connects your working head to the cutter’s motor.

• Bent Shaft: Choosing a bent shaft will help you work closer to the project, but due to its design, these types are more likely to encounter mechanical issues. The best walk behind brush cutter will likely have a straight shaft.
• Straight Shaft: A straight shaft brush cutter has a more direct line to its power source. In addition, they often work better with various attachments than bent shaft models.

Handles

Since brush cutters tend to be heavy duty, good handhold options are essential. A double handle “bike handle” design or a looped handle offer good control and are the most popular options.

Both styles require both of your hands to control and direct the tool. Since you’ll likely be using blades for more serious work, a sturdy grip is key to staying safe.

Vibration

A lot of gas engines come with anti-vibration technology for when you aren’t using your tool, but the power is still on. The best brush cutters will try to minimize vibration while in use, but you will still be dealing with some consistent vibration that can cause muscle fatigue. They may even include an anti-vibration handle.

Electric engines tend to be either on or off. That means when you’re not actively cutting, they aren’t vibrating, and that can give you a short break from all of that vibration and noise.

Blade Material and Cord Diameter

If you’re investing a lot of money into a piece of equipment like this, you’ll want to consider the types of blade available for your unit, as well as the cost of replacement blades. Similarly, even string trimmers offer different diameters of cord, and units which use thicker cord often can handle more rugged cutting duties than their lightweight cousins.

Blades often are available in nylon or metal versions. In most situations, a metal blade is better as it can handle the heavy-duty materials with ease. Within that category, a steel blade is the best choice by far.

Nylon is generally meant for more typical lawn care solutions, as they rapidly get dinged up and can break far easier.

Overall, I personally prefer to go for the more heavy-duty options over the lighter ones, as you’ll be regularly replacing lighter cord or nylon blades and can get more longevity over the heavier options.

Quick-Change Heads And Other Add-Ons

In order for brush cutters to be more versatile, interchangeable heads and multiple attachments are a must. Selecting a model with an attachment system like this means it’s more affordable over time since it will work for both large and small tasks.

The most convenient and popular options come with a blade attachment and a string trimmer head, allowing you to use the brush trimmer to whack weeds and edge along with cutting heavier stuff.

A quick change function will let you switch out attachments using a lever or other simple tool, instead of needing to take off the whole head. This gives you convenience in swapping from nylon to metal blades, or replacing spools of nylon cord. But be sure before you buy that this option supports everything you want in your machine!

Best Brush Cutters Reviewed

Best Gas Brush Cutter

Remington RM2700 Ranchero 27cc 2-Stroke Brushcutter

The Remington brush cutter is powered using Quick Start technology, designed to give you easier and smoother pull starts. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offers both string and blade options. It offers multiple attachment options as well, and can be turned into a cultivator, hedge trimmer, or blower (attachments sold separately).

The cons for the Remington Ranchero are that it requires about two minutes to warm up to full capacity, and that it might need tuning right out of the box to get it functioning as you want it. Neither one detracts massively from the Remington’s functionality, and it’s my personal pick for gas-powered cutters.

Other Good Gas-Powered Choices

Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Brushcutter

The Troy-Bilt brush cutter has a full-crank engine, eliminating the necessity of an old-fashioned pull cord. In addition, its adjustable j-shaped handle gives you added control and works for left-handed or right-handed people. It has a 4-tooth, 8-inch blade for cutting through dense vegetation and is attachment-capable. However, it’s prone to tangling and can be tough to start. Overall, Troy Bilt makes incredible products, and this is a great option for thick grass and weeds.

TIMBERPRO 52cc Heavy Duty Split Strimmer and Brush Cutter

• Heavy Duty Strimmer and Brush Cutter with.
• Durable, high powered with a 52cc engine.
• Easy to start and operate,with shoulder strap and.

The TIMBERPRO 52cc isn’t just a brush cutter, but a trimmer as well, crafted with a split shaft function for convenient yard cleaning. It has a shoulder harness and bike-handle grips, and it’s easy to start and operate. It comes with a two-year warranty. However, it’s expensive to repair if something develops a fault, and it is bulkier than most other models on the market.

Husqvarna 336FR Bike Handle Pro Brushcutter

The Husqvarna brush cutter is a multipurpose device with many different attachments. Powerful grass or saw blades make quick work of anything you need to take down.

It has very low vibration thanks to its included shoulder harness, plus is much easier to handle as a result. But it does require cool-down time regularly, and some have reported issues if the wrong fuel is used. For this one, read the manual first!

Best Electric Brush Cutter

GreenWorks Pro GST80320 80V Cordless String Trimmer

• 80V STRING TRIMMER – powers through the toughest.
• 16 CUTTING PATH080 dual line, bump feed head.
• BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Provides more torque, quiet.

Since electric models often FOCUS on being just string trimmers, it’s hard to find one that can handle outside attachments. But the GreenWorks Pro GST80320 takes Ryobi Expand-It, TrimmerPlus and PoulonPro attachments. This enables you to convert it to an electric and battery powered brush cutter, tiller, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, edger, or tree trimmer as needed. As a string trimmer, it uses.080 cord, but can use as heavy as.095 if you want, giving it more weed-whacking ability.

Its 80V power makes it on-par with many gas models while still keeping it lightweight and manageable. If there’s a drawback, it’s in the power packs, which often last only 25-30 minutes during heavier jobs, and take about the same amount of time to charge. You’ll need at least two battery packs to have continuous workflow, and the battery packs aren’t cheap. Happily, the packs will work with many other GreenWorks tools as well.

Other Good Electric-Powered Choices

GreenWorks Pro ST80L210 80V 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

• 80V STRING TRIMMER – powers through the toughest.
• 16 CUTTING PATH080 dual line, bump feed head.
• BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Provides more torque, quiet.

I know, this article is supposed to be about brush cutters, not string trimmers! However, this particular string trimmer has something which most others don’t. Next to its easy-start button, there is a power control that enables you to push up the power to higher levels. Since it can take up to.095 cord and has a dual-cutting capability, amping up the power gives you an almost brush-cutter like potency with a string trimmer. Still, it doesn’t accept other attachments, and it does still run on batteries, so it comes in just shy of the other electric choice.

All in all, if you need the power of a brush cutter, I’d probably pick the gas cutter from Remington over the electric option. But there’s a lot of good aspects of the GreenWorks model with all of its potential attachments, too. Which would you pick – gas or electric?

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