Brush cutters are similar in appearance to line trimmers, but a trimmer uses a thin nylon string that cuts vegetation such as long grass or weeds, while a brush cutter uses a metal blade that cuts through dense vegetation and tree trunks up to 4 inches thick. Brush cutters offer more power and versatility than trimmers, but they have some disadvantages to consider as well.

Ease of Use

One of the biggest drawbacks of a brush cutter is learning the cutting techniques necessary to avoid injury or damage to the machine. Brush cutters have a specific cutting area, which means you can’t just hack into vegetation from any direction. The blades rotate counterclockwise, so you must move from right to left when cutting. The cutting zone is from the top of the blade to 90 degrees left; if you hit a thick stem or branch with any other part of the blade, the machine may kick back at you. Feed the blade into the brush or vegetation slowly, so the head is pressed against the material rather than swung at it. If you use a chopping motion to cut with a brush cutter, the machine may smoke and stop working because branches and other material may bind around the blades, causing it to overheat.

Versatility and Durability

Brush cutters feature different blade attachments that allow you to cut a variety of materials. They’re generally durable and reliable machines, as long as they receive proper maintenance. However, the blade life depends on what you’re cutting and how often. For example, if you’re working frequently in rocky areas or cutting through hard stems or branches, you may have to change or sharpen the blade daily. Before each use, you should check the blade sharpness, because working with a dull blade shortens service life and can pose a safety hazard.

Power and Convenience

Brush cutters are powerful enough to cut through overgrown brush that a lawn mower or line trimmer can’t handle. They also cut in hard-to-reach areas where larger machines can’t enter. However, most brush cutters are cumbersome to operate, and if you have to clear a large area, fatigue can occur. Most brush cutters have a straight shaft and anti-vibration features to reduce operator fatigue. Using a harness also helps control the machine and lightens the load as you work.

Safety Concerns

Brush cutters are powerful tools that carry some risks if proper safety procedures aren’t followed. You should never operate a brush cutter without a harness, nor should you use a brush cutter that isn’t equipped with a handlebar. The handlebar is what helps you control the tool, and it also serves as a barrier to prevent injury should the machine be knocked out of your hands. Always wear eye protection when using a brush cutter, because the blade can throw debris back at you, and never use the machine within 50 feet of other people.