Is your garden starting to look out of hand? It’s time to cut things back before the start of the winter. Trimming the shrubs, trees, and lawn around your house keeps it looking great and prepares your yard for the following growing season.
A brush trimmer is an essential tool for any homeowner, gardener, or landscaper. A brush cutter is similar to a string edger, but it’s suitable for tougher cutting tasks. Some model feature wire instead of a string, or they might come with a dedicated brush trimming head featuring steel blades.
A brush trimmer is a handy tool to have for your yard. Cut down small branches, trim shrubs, and destroy weeds, all without breaking a sweat. Your brush trimmer makes your yard work easier, reducing the time you spend on your yard maintenance.
In this review of the best brush cutter, we’ll unpack the best models we could find online. We selected these nine models as the best of the bunch. There’ a brush cutter to suit any size yard, gardening duties, or budget in this review.
Our Top Picks
We selected these three options as the best brush cutter models in this review from our top choices. You have the best overall, premium, and budget choice – suiting any homeowner or landscapers needs.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Husqvarna 128LD 17″ Brush Cutter
This Husqvarna model features a 17-inch cutting deck, with a 28cc gas-powered engine doing the work of clearing your yard. The two-stroke motor has a powerful operation, making this model the best overall choice for homeowners and landscapers. - The Premium Pick: Makita 4-Stroke Gas-Powered Brush Cutter
If you’re a landscaper or estate manager, this 4-stroke gas-powered Makita brush cutter is the best premium option in this review. You get a powerful 25.4cc motor, with multi-position lubrication for continuous operation at any angle (including overhead). - The Budget Pick: Remington RM25C Gas-Powered Brush Cutter
Homeowners looking for the most affordable brush cutter will love this Remington model. The RM25C features a 25cc engine, with an effective operation and QuickStart technology for a first-time start. You get a curved shaft for multi-functional use as a brush cutter or trimmer and a dual-line bump head for reloading the line.
Brush Cutter Reviews
Now that you have an idea of the best brush cutter models let’s unpack them in further detail., We’ll look at a few other models we think are top choices for the best brush cutter. Choose the model that suits your gardening needs and your budget.
If you need some assistance choosing the right brush cutter for your yard work, check out our buyer’s section. We’ll give you some helpful tips for selecting the right model for your yard.
Husqvarna 128LD 17″ Brush Cutter
Homeowners and contractors will get value out of this Husqvarna brush cutter. You get a powerful 28cc two-stroke motor, with a 17-inch cutting deck and a straight, stainless steel shaft that absorbs vibration. This model includes compatibility with Husky brush cutter heads included with your purchase.
- Husqvarna 128LD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer is a great multipurpose weed eater with a 17-inch cutting width and a powerful 28-cc engine to let you power through yard work
- Tap N' Go T25 Trimmer Head: Husqvarna string trimmer with heavy duty twin line cutting system features a Tap N' Go weed trimmer head for quick line feed- spins counter clockwise
- Smart Start Technology: specially-designed engine and starter for easy and fast starting with minimum effort
- Air Purge: removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for additional easy starting
- Versatile and Easy to Store: This grass trimmer is compatible with select click-on attachments to cover the job of a variety of lawn care equipment, plus it features a detachable shaft for easy transport and storage
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You get a tap-and-go bum head on the line trimmer with a translucent fuel tank to let you know when you’re running out of fuel. This model is the ideal choice for heavy-duty use around the garden and light commercial use with landscapers.
This Husky model features Smart Start technology for first-time starts. You also get a purge valve allowing for overhead use of the machine without the carburetor running dry. This model features an excellent balance in the hands, with the ergonomic handle providing multiple cutting positions for trimming grass and cutting brush.
- Powerful 28cc two-stroke gas motor
- Attachment compatible with the brush cutter head
- Tap and Go’ operation for easy wire replacement
- 17-inch cutting deck
- Straight shaft design for versatility
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Makita 4-Stroke Gas-Powered Brush Cutter
Landscapers and contractors looking for the best industrial model in this review get the most out of this Makita model. This brush cutter features wide handlebars for superior control over the machine. You get an ergonomic trigger with a locking mechanism and adjustable length.
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The straight shaft provides extra reach for getting to overhead branches, with sure start technology that fires up the machine on the first try. You get a multi-position lubrication system for continuous use and a brush cutter blade included with your purchase.
This model is the ideal choice for heavy-duty use, featuring design and construction with top-quality components. Makita is a leading brand in power tools, ensuring you get a machine with extended service life and effective operation.
The 25.4cc gas-powered motor features 4-stroke operation, and there’s no need to worry about adding oil to the fuel. You get a lightweight design with an excellent balance in the hands and low vibration levels during use.
- Wide handlebars with ergonomic grips
- Locking trigger
- High-quality design
- Powerful 25.4cc motor
- Commercial-grade components
- A great choice for landscapers
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Remington RM25C Gas-Powered Brush Cutter
Homeowners looking for the most cost-effective model in this review will enjoy this trimmer/brush cutter from Remington. If you have a smaller yard, this tool is the ideal choice for your maintenance duties.
- 25CC GAS ENGINE: QuickStart technology Engine to make pull starts easier.
- CURVED SHAFT: Curved shaft design makes cutting and trimming parts of your lawn more comfortable and balanced.
- DUAL LINE BUMP HEAD: Avoid interrupting your yard job! Simply tap the head on the ground to feed more line on your trimmer.
- . 095 INCH LINE: Thicker line for more durability and greater control getting those thicker patches of grass and shrubs.
- 16-INCH CUTTING SWATH: Trims wider sections of tall grass in less time. Spark Plug Gap is 0. 025".
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You get a 16-inch cutting deck, with bump-n-go technology in the line head for easy feeding during use. This model features a curved shaft for multi-functional use as a trimmer and brush cutter. The powerful 25cc motor can cut through the toughest garden debris, with QuickStart technology for firing up the machine on the first try.
This model is a great choice for gardeners on a budget. You get a functional and effective brush cutter at a fraction of the cost of leading models.
- 16-inch cutting deck
- Curved shaft for multi-functional use
- Dual-line bump head for easy line reloading
- Powerful 25cc gas-powered motor
- Affordable
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Greenworks PRO 80V Electric Cordless Brush Cutter
This electric brush cutter from Greenworks is a great choice for the eco-conscious gardener. Most brush cutters feature gas-powered operation to help you cut through the rugged brush in your yard. However, with this Greenworks model, you get a powerful 80-Volt electric motor that’s capable of slicing through the brush with ease.
- 80V STRING TRIMMER – powers through the toughest grass and weeds
- 16" CUTTING PATH - .080" dual line, bump feed head for quick and easy line advancement
- BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
- VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER – allows you to control cutting speed on the go, so you can easily maneuver around plants and shrubs
- ATTACHMENT CAPABLE – Compatible with Greenworks PAC458 (Edger), PAC459 (Hedge), PAC460 (Polesaw), PAC461 (Cultivator), and PAC462 (Blower) attachments
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This brush cutter comes with a bump-head line-feeder system and a brush cutting tool. However, you don’t get a battery or charger included with this deal. Therefore, if you already use Greenworks products around the yard, this model is a great choice.
This brush cutter features compatibility with any Greenworks 2.0-Ah battery pack. This machine runs near-silent, keeping the noise down for your neighbors when you’re working on a Saturday morning. You get performance equivalent to a 32cc motor, with extended range and runtimes of up to an hour.
- Battery-powered electric operation
- Eco-friendly
- Compatible with a brush cutter attachment
- Digital brushless motor
- Compatible with other Greenworks battery packs
- Variable speed trigger
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Craftsman CMXGTAMD30SA Gas-Powered Brush Cutter
This Craftsman brush cutter is a great choice for professionals. If you’re a landscaper or contractor, this model is a top choice, featuring a powerful 30cc gas-powered motor. You get a 17-inch cutting deck with a four-stroke operation that requires no mixing of oil and fuel.
- STRAIGHT SHAFT AND FIXED LINE HEAD: Straight shaft design makes it easier to trim around bushes and hard to reach places. Fixed-line head is designed for 0.95" CMX tri-color round line.
- 2-STEP STARTING: Advanced 2-step and easy-start technology simplifies starting to just prime and pull allowing the operator to tackle yard work, lawn care, and other projects right away.
- LESS NOISE AND OPERATOR FATIGUE: Quieter engine with multi-position handle to reduce vibration and operator fatigue. This allows the operator to have the comfortability and command needed to get the job done.
- POWERFUL CUT: 30cc 4-cycle gas engine and 17-Inch cutting width allows you to trim more grass in less time for your tougher yard jobs.
- 4-CYCLE ADVANTAGE: No mixing of oil and gas necessary.
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This model comes with an ergonomic handle for multi-grip positioning and reduced operator fatigue. You get a translucent fuel tank to tell when you’re running out of gas and easy-start operation with 2-stage starting.
This model is suitable for overhead use, featuring attachments for brush cutting. The balance of the machine is excellent, reducing operator fatigue when trimming. This model comes with a straight shaft design that absorbs vibration and near-quiet running capability.
- A great choice for landscapers
- 4-stroke 30cc gas-powered engine
- 17-inch cutting deck
- 2-step easy-start system
- Straight-shaft design reduces vibration
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HENX 14-Inch Electric Brush Cutter
This electric brush cutter features design and construction with a folding shaft for compact storage. The straight shaft absorbs vibration, reducing operator fatigue. You get easy push-button starting of the brushless motor, with multi-functional use around the yard.
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This model features a 14-inch cutting swath suitable for smaller yards. You get an ergonomic, adjustable handle with multiple grip positions and 40-volt power that equates to the power of a 20cc gas-powered model.
You get a dual-speed design, allowing you to adjust your cutting speed to your application. The ergonomic trigger features variable speed adjustment and a lock mechanism for easy use. This brush trimmer comes with a battery pack and charger, including making it a great value buy for your yard work.
- 14-inch cutting deck
- Adjustable handle to reduce operator fatigue
- Folding shaft for compact storage
- Dual-speed design
- Ergonomic handle reduces vibration
- Bump-fed spool head
- Push-button easy starting
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View on AmazonCraftsman WS235 Gas-Powered Brush Cutter
This Craftsman model is suitable for contractors and landscapers looking for a robust and effective tool. This model features design and construction with a 27cc gas-powered motor, featuring two-stroke operation. You get a translucent tank to check on your fuel level and easy 3-step starting.
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This model includes a J-handle design for multiple grip positions and an 18-inch cutting deck for large yards. This model comes with a heavy-duty metal cutting blade and a shoulder strap to reduce operator fatigue on the job site.
This Craftsman model is the ideal choice for landscapers, featuring a multi-attachment design that accepts edger, hedge trimmer, blower, and cultivator attachments. The straight shaft design absorbs vibration while providing multi-functional use.
Wild Badger Power WBP31BCF Brush Cutter
This model is a great choice for contractors and homeowners with large yards. You get a powerful 31cc gas-powered motor with a 4-stroke design, meaning you don’t need to mix fuel and oil when operating the machine.
This Wild Badger brush cutter features a straight stainless steel shaft to reduce vibration and operator fatigue.
- Powerful 31cc 4-cycle full crank quick start engine
- No need to mix gas and oil
- Includes both string trimmer spool and brush cutter blade
- Straight shaft design for increased comfort and ease of use
- 17 in. cutting swath
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The loop handle might not be the best choice for this machine, and we would prefer wide handlebars. However, the ergonomic loop handle design provides multiple grip positions for easy use of the machine overhead.
You get an adjustable handle length and a translucent tank to check your fuel level. The cutting head features a bump-and-go design for the cutting spool, and you get compatibility with brush cutter heads from Wild Badger.
- Powerful gas-powered 31cc motor
- 4-stroke engine design
- 17-inch cutting deck
- Stainless steel shaft to reduce vibration
- Tap-and-go bump head for feeding line
- 3-year warranty
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Wild Badger Power WBP26BCI Brush Cutter
This model is another excellent choice for professional landscapers. You get a powerful 26cc motor with a 17-inch cutting deck for fast clearing of your yard. This model includes a link-on-connection port for quick swapping of tool heads.
- 3 in 1 Multi-function: 17" String Trimmer/Edger and 10" Brush Cutter included, blade diameter: 10 inches.
- Strong engine: 26cc Full Crank 2-cycle gas powered engine.
- Longer life & higher fuel efficiency: The full crank design has double life of half crank engines.
- Easy to start and comfortable operation: Easy start, start within 5 times pulling starter. Tool free air filter cover for better assembly, maintain, and operation.
- Attachments compatible: Easily connects to WILD BADGER POWER and locks them in tight, only need change attachments that you can get another function tool, save money, save space.
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The Wild Badger comes with an auto-off kill switch to improve user safety and a soft-grip handle. The ergonomic handle features multiple grip positions, with an ergonomic trigger design to reduce operator fatigue.
This model comes with a trimmer spool, brush cutter blade, and a shoulder harness for easy operation. This model comes with an excellent balance in the hands and powerful operation.
- Powerful 2-stroke gas-powered 26cc motor
- Compatible with cutting heads
- Link-on connection ports
- Brush cutter blade included
- A good choice for landscapers
- Ergonomic trigger set reduces operator fatigue
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Brush Cutter Buyer’s Guide
After reading through our reviews of the best brush cutter, you should have your eye on a prospective model. However, we realize that most gardeners don’t know how these machines work or choose the right one for their yard work.
In this section, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about these machines. Check out our frequently asked questions for further information, and read our verdict if you’re having trouble choosing the right device for your yard.
What are Brush Cutters?
A brush cutter is a handy gardening tool to have lying in the shed. This machine is the ideal tool for doing the tougher trimming tasks around your yard. If you have an edge trimmer, a brush cutter is a step up on the ladder.
This machine offers you a steel cutting head with spinning blades that clear, tough debris fast. A brush cutter can chop through small branches and shrubs, where a normal line trimmer would fail. Brush cutters come with a specific design, featuring a long, straight handle for easy use overhead.
Your brush cutter is a great tool for trimming branches and hedges overhead, providing a clean, fast, and effective gardening tool for your yard work.
Maintain trees, hedges, shrubs, and lawn edges with your brush cutter. This versatile tool features design and construction with the motor at the rear of the machine and the blades. Therefore, you get a balanced feel in your hands, making it easy to maneuver the machine at any angle.
Brush cutters come in a variety of models to suit any yard. You have the option of choosing gas-powered or electric models. You have the option of multi-functional tools with detachable heads for versatile use around the yard.
Why Do I Need a Brush Cutter?
A brush cutter helps you get to tight or out-of-reach areas around your yard. If that shrub is getting out of hand, you can cut it back and sculpt it using your brush cutter. If you own an estate, and the grass is looking too long around the perimeter, a brush cutter is the best tool for the clearing task.
A brush cutter might seem like an over-blown line trimmer, but we assure you it’s a valuable item to have in your tool shed. With a brush cutter, you have a good intermediary between a line trimmer and a chainsaw or hedge trimmer. This machine offers you easy maintenance of bougainvillea, hedges, palm tree fronds, and more.
Electric Vs Gas Powered Brush Cutters
Brush cutters are available in gas-powered and electric types. Choose the right model to meet your gardening needs.
Gas-Powered Brush Cutter
The gas-powered model is the most popular type. This model features a gas tank, giving you extended range with the machine. Since there are no power cords, these machines are suitable for use at any job site.
They’re a popular choice with contractors and landscapers, giving you extended use of the machine on tough clearing jobs. A gas-powered model isn’t a great choice if you need a tool for use in the suburbs.
Gas-models are noisy, and they produce fumes. If you live in a neighborhood with no-sound laws in the early hours of the morning and evening, a gas-powered model is not the right choice for your yard.
Electric Brush Cutter
If you live in a suburb, you’ll need a quiet brush cutter. You could always opt for the four-stroke gas-powered model. These 4-stroke machines provide a more silent operation than 2-stroke models. However, they tend to suit larger clearing jobs, and they’re expensive machines for yard work.
Buying an electric model makes sense for homeowners. An electric brush cutter runs on a lithium-ion battery pack. You can charge the battery overnight, and you’ll get around 1-hour running time with a decent battery setup.
Electric models make little noise, and they don’t produce any fumes. Therefore, they make the best choice for a backyard brush cutter that delivers the results you need in your yard work.
Engine Types
What are the different engines types in gas-powered brush cutters? Brush cutters are available in the following engine configurations.
- Two-Stroke Motors – These models make plenty of noise during operation. Please make sure you only use them in open areas and away from your neighbors. These models require you to mix gas and oil when filling the fuel tank. The motor also tends to run hot, especially with extended use.
- Four Stroke Motors – These motors are more efficient and run quietly compared to two-stroke engines. However, they are heavier and somewhat unbalanced during operation. They run cooler and have higher outputs than two-stroke models.
- Electric – Electric models are popular with many homeowners, especially in the suburbs. Electric brush cutters hardly make any noise, which is important when considering your neighbors. The last thing you want is to disturb them early on a Saturday morning with your brush cutter.
Engine Power
When selecting your ideal brush cutter, look at the power output of your machine. If you do heavy-duty yard work or you’re a landscaper, you’ll need a powerful brush cutter for your yard tasks.
A gas-powered model with more than 25cc engine capacity is all you need for maintaining the largest yards and estates. Make sure you model features an energy-efficient design for reduced fuel consumption.
Electric models work on voltage output instead of cc’s. When choosing your desired model, make sure it offers at least 40-volts of power in the electric motor. The machine should include a 2.0-Ah battery pack for 1-hour of run time.
What Do I Need to Look for In the Best Brush Cutter?
So, what do you need to look for in a prospective model? Here are a few critical features to look for in your new brush cutter.
- Service Life and Operation – Your machine’s service life is a critical consideration when purchasing your device. Make sure that you’re choosing a model from a reputable brand. Look for manufacturer warranties on your machine.
- Multi-Functional Operation – Look for tools offering you versatile operation for trimming and overhead work. Gas-powered brush cutters should feature an air purge valve that prevents air from entering the carburetor during overhead operation.
- Quick Change Heads – Some models feature quick-change heads to swap between functions.
- Handles – Look for models with ergonomic handles. These handles offer you multiple grip positions, including for overhead use. The handles should feature soft, spongy grips to reduce operator fatigue and easy access to the controls.
- Vibration – Look for models that offer you low vibration during operation. Vibration can tire your hands, causing you to leave your yard duties unfinished. This feature is especially important for senior gardeners that might be dealing with issues like arthritis.
- Universal Accessories and Attachments – Look for brush cutters that come with universal accessories and attachments. Some models feature compatibility with blowers, line trimmers, and other handy gardening tools like hedge saws. However, make sure you’re buying a model from a reputable manufacturer. Multi-functional brush cutters might experience issues with the attachments in low-quality models.
How Do I Use a Brush Cutter?
After selecting the right brush cutter from your yard work, it’s time to put it into action. What are the kinds of gardening tasks suitable for this machine? Here are some yard duties you can take care of using your new brush cutter.
- Edging – Use your brush cutter as an edging tool around your lawn. The brush cutter creates a clean line at any angle.
- Light Mowing – If you have light mowing tasks, a brush cutter can do the job. However, you’ll lack the clean finish of a lawnmower.
- Scything – Brush cutters are a great tool for trimming edges and cutting long grass on farms and large estates.
- Weeding – Brush cutters are the ideal tool for taking care of weeds and other invasive plants around the yard.
How Do I Sharpen My Brush Cutter?
Your brush cutter blades will dull after a season of use. Therefore, at the end of every fall season, sharpen the blades before you pack the brush cutter away for the winter. Follow this easy guide for sharpening the blades.
- Wash the blades with soapy water to remove all debris and residue
- Line up your whetstone and sharpening tools
- Correctly angle the whetstone to the cutting blades
- Drag the whetstone across the blade until you create a sharp edge
- Pack your brush cutter in a bag to prevent the blade from dulling in storage
- Sore off the workshop or garage floor
If you frequently use a brush cutter, you might have to sharpen it several times during the season. If you have no handy skills, you might need to take the machine to a service center for sharpening. It might cost you a few dollars, but a professional edge lasts.
Brush Cutter FAQs
What safety equipment do I need when operating my brush cutter?
When operating your brush cutter, remember to wear the correct safety gear. Boots safeguard tour feet and toes while gloves protect your hands. Always wear eye protection to prevent debris from flying into your eye.
Do I need to use oil in a gas-powered brush cutter?
If you have a 2-stroke model, you’ll need to add oil to the gas when filling up your machine. 4-stroke models don’t require you to add any oil to the gas when filling the machine. Make sure you check with the manufacturers listing before settling on a gas-powered model.
Can I leave fuel in my gas-powered brush cutter during the winter?
When the fall arrives, you finish your yard maintenance in anticipation of the winter season. After your final use of your brush cutter, make sure you drain the fuel tank. If you leave the fuel in the machine over the winter, it will separate the additives in the gas. As a result, you’ll need to send the machine in for servicing to clean the carburetor.
Where is the best place to buy my brush cutter?
If you’re shopping for a brush cutter online, we recommend using Amazon. Amazon has an extensive product range and the best prices for your brush cutter. Amazon Prime members get fast, free shipping, directly to their doorstep, and a hassle-free returns process, with buyer protection on your order.
Brush Cutters – The Verdict
After reading through all the models in this review, you should have your eye on the ideal brush cutter for your yard. This review has a model to suit any gardening requirement, from gas-powered to electric units.
If you’re having trouble settling on the right brush cutter for your yard work, why not go with one of our top picks?
- The Husqvarna 128LD 17″ Brush Cutter is a top choice for a versatile and effective machine. This model provides a good cross-over for landscapers and homeowners. You get a powerful 28cc motor, with a 17-inch cutting swath for clearing the largest yards. This model includes an ergonomic handle, clear fuel tank for easy checks, and a straight shaft to reduce vibration and operator fatigue.
- Contractors and landscapers will get the best value out of this Makita 4-Stroke Gas-Powered Brush Cutter. This model features a powerful gas-powered motor, with a wide, ergonomic handle featuring a trigger lock. You get a straight shaft design to reduce vibration and a purge valve allowing overhead use.
- If you’re a homeowner looking for the best budget buy in this review, we recommend the Remington RM25C Gas-Powered Brush Cutter. This model features a curved shaft for trimming and brush cutting and a bump-and-go reel feeder for east replacement of the line while trimming, edging, or cutting.
1 Comment
Would have liked to see recommended blades for cutting small trees – say, for example, 2″ -3″ diameter Manitoba maples.