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The Best Brush Cutter For Brambles
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ParkerBrand 52cc Petrol Garden Brush Cutter
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Ryobi 25.4CC 2-in-1 Petrol Full Crank Grass Brush Cutter
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Makita EBH341U 33.5cc Brush Cutter
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Einhell 4 Stroke Petrol Brush Cutter
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BU-KO 52cc Multi Function Gardening Tool
Brush Cutter For Brambles Reviews
- Powerful enough to tackle thick vegetation like brambles and ivy
- Very easy to start first time whether it’s cold or hot
- Assembly is relatively easy thanks to the clear instructions
- Can be easily dismantled and transported in the car if required
- The included harness balances the weight of the machine well
- Relatively heavy at 10.7 kg, although the included harness does make it easier to manage
- When used at high revs, this strimmer gets through fuel quickly
- Design
- 4.8
- Power
- 5
- Performance
- 5
- Safety
- 5
- Value for Money
- 5
The ParkerBrand 52cc Petrol Garden Brush Cutter steps things up a notch in terms of power: it comes equipped with a 52 cc engine that results in the cutting line spinning at 7500 rpm.
This is the sort of machine that’s useful for tackling some serious undergrowth in the garden, like brambles, nettles, and ivy, without costing as much as some other models – especially considering the accessories that come with it.
For cutting, there’s a brush-cutter blade included as well as an auto-release line head; however, you might not even find yourself using the blade that much because it’s sufficiently powerful with the line alone.
At 10.7 kg, this is one of the heavier brush cutters featured here, but there are a couple of things that help make it more comfortable.
Firstly, there is a decent harness included that consists of more than just a single shoulder strap. It’s adjustable, with padded coverings and should distribute the weight well.
Additionally, the handle position can be adjusted so users of different heights can find the arrangement that is most comfortable. The engine also starts relatively easily which means there’s limited fatigue from pulling the engine cord.
On an aesthetic note, the finishes, such as the buttons, components and strimmer head, may be a bit crude in comparison to more premium models, but the general consensus seems to be that this doesn’t affect the running of the brush cutter itself and it still offers value for money.
Along with the harness, there’s a tool kit and fuel-mixing bottle included. Whilst you may still prefer to use your own tools for maintenance, the bottle is useful for easily combining the required mix of petrol and oil for the two-stroke engine.
Overall, this is a pretty heavy-duty machine which should get through a lot of difficult undergrowth as long as you can cope with the weight of it. It’s one of the best brush cutters if you’re after value for money; it offers good power and a range of accessories at a reasonable price.
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- Relatively easy and reliable to start with the pull pull cord even after it’s been standing for a while
- Can cut brambles and long, tough grass
- Lightweight for a petrol model at 8 kg - relatively well balanced and easy to manage for long periods of time
- Fairly quiet when compared to other petrol brush cutters
- Assembly instructions aren’t very clear but there are online videos that help
- As it’s a 2-stroke engine, fuel needs to be mixed and there’s no mixing bottle included
- No angle adjustability in the head so taller users may find they have to stoop to get it level to the ground
- Vibrates a lot which can become uncomfortable over time
- Design
- 4
- Power
- 4
- Performance
- 4
- Safety
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4
The Ryobi 25.4CC 2-in-1 Petrol Full Crank Grass Brush Cutter strikes a good balance between power and manageability. It has a powerful 25.4 cc motor, yet only weighs 8 kg so it’s not particularly difficult to manage.
The design of this brush cutter makes it easy to use. Thanks to its split shaft, it is compatible with a range of attachments making it a versatile garden tool. This model comes with a Tri-Arc+ hardened metal brush cutting blade, as well as a Reel-Easy grass trimming head. The brush blade has a 46 cm cutting width so you can work across larger areas more efficiently.
It’s a tough machine, able to work through long, overgrown grass of approximately 70 cm, as well as brush and brambles, without any problems. Also, because it’s lightweight, it’s relatively easy to hold for long periods of time, meaning big stretches of garden can be tackled.
Both tool heads work well, but switching between the blade and trimming head can be a little fiddly – a small screwdriver is required.
Also worth noting that the angle of the head isn’t adjustable. This means that taller users may need to stoop slightly to get it to sit parallel with the ground.
Due to its 2-stroke engine, this Ryobi brush cutter does require slightly more maintenance than 4-stroke or electric models. The fuel will need to be mixed before use (and there is no fuel-mixing bottle included).
It’s pretty easy to start, once you get the hang of using the pull cord, and runs well overall. The main issue comes not from the brush cutter’s performance, but assembly itself. The instructions are not very clear and it may take a little longer than you would expect to get it together.
Nevertheless, once complete, this brush cutter feels safe to use. The light weight means it’s very manageable, and there’s a single shoulder harness included to help balance the load. It also has an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold.
Overall, this is a versatile tool and one of the best brush cutters for brambles and tall grass. It’s a useful tool for any amateur gardener to have in their shed.
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- Clears brambles and saplings
- No fuel or oil mixing required
- Well balanced and reasonably lightweight for a 4-stroke machine
- Harness is fully adjustable and allows you to work for long periods without fatigue
- Quick release handles allow the cutter to be dismantled for easy storage
- Bike handle may not be suitable for those with shorter arms as it’s relatively wide
- May be too powerful for light duty domestic use
- Weighs over 10 kg so, although well balanced, it can get tiring
- Design
- 5
- Power
- 5
- Performance
- 4.5
- Safety
- 5
- Value for Money
- 3.5
The 4-stroke Makita EBH341U 33.5cc Brush Cutter may be substantially pricier than 2-stroke models, but it has a powerful 35.5 cc motor and requires less preparation as there’s no need to mix fuel and oil. Plus, it runs both cleaner and quieter as well.
It comes with a nylon cutting head as well as a quality metal blade that’s capable of working through thick brambles and brush. It cuts through dense brush at a normal walking pace, and is easy to start from both cold and hot. The controls are simple and responsive.
In terms of performance, this brush cutter can get through tough brambles and saplings, clearing the way with its 30 cm cutting width. It can run for at least an hour without needing refilling.
Whilst assembly is easy overall, getting the handle adjusted can be tricky as there’s a lot of tightening and loosening of bolts required. However, once sorted, this brush cutter is ergonomic and comfortable, built with a range of functions to improve user comfort.
Before we go into the features, it’s worth noting that this brush cutter does weigh over 10 kg. Although it’s still far from being the heaviest brush cutter, it may still become tiring to use for long periods. Nevertheless, the following aspects help make it more manageable:
To enhance comfort, the handle has an asymmetric design. This means the vertical centre line of the handle stays aligned with the user, allowing you to work in a comfortable position throughout. The movable U-handle also helps with this, whilst the shoulder harness (complete with wrist pads and shoulder straps) helps balance the load. There’s a rubberised soft grip to reduce vibration.
Overall, this is one of the best brush cutters for brambles if you have a slightly higher budget and can afford to branch out on a premium 4-stroke model. It’s not overly heavy, which is a plus, striking a good balance between usability and power.
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- Easy to assemble despite the slightly unclear instructions
- No mixing of oil or petrol required as it’s a 4-stroke model
- Powerful machine able to tackle most brush and grass
- Good value for money considering power and performance
- Can vibrate significantly, requiring more rests than otherwise needed
- When using the included harness, it can be difficult to balance the machine comfortably (a harness bought separately may improve this)
- Reasonably small cutting width of 25.5 cm
- Design
- 4
- Power
- 4.5
- Performance
- 4.5
- Safety
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 5
Designed with usability in mind, the Einhell 4 Stroke Petrol Brush Cutter is comfortable to use and powerful. Also, at 9 kg, it’s surprisingly light for a 4-stroke machine.
This brush cutter has a high-grade modern engine that makes it suitable for tackling dense brush. There are two head attachments included. The blade head spins at 7000 rpm, and nylon-string head spins at 6000 rpm. It’s therefore suitable for edging, strimming and removing thick brush from your garden.
Although the included instructions are a little unclear, this brush cutter can be assembled in just a few minutes. As it has a 4-stroke engine, there’s no need to premix fuel. It can be used virtually straight away, although it’s worth noting that starting it the first time requires some effort. After the initial start, it starts easily most of the time.
This brush cutter is designed with comfort in mind. There’s an adjustable second handle for more precise working, while the split shaft means it’s easy to transport and store. At 9 kg, it’s certainly not the heaviest 4-stroke tool on the market; nevertheless, this will still become tiring when used for long periods. Unfortunately, the included harness isn’t the best quality and getting the model to feel comfortably balanced when using it can be tricky. Some users have opted to purchase their own harness separately.
All things considered, if you’re after value for money, this is one of the best brush cutters for brambles. Given that it has a 4-stroke engine, and 31 cc of power, it’s a surprisingly powerful machine for the price; it’s a lot more affordable than any other 4-stroke brush cutter that I’ve recommended.
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- Included accessories make this an all-round useful tool in the garden
- Brush cutter blades are capable of cutting through thick brambles
- 1 m extension pole allows you to have a reach of approximately 2.5 metres
- Good value for money considering how many attachments and accessories are included
- Chainsaw attachment can cut through branches around 10 cm thick
- Parts need to be greased before running the machine and grease doesn't come included
- Does not come with much strimmer line included, more will soon need to be purchased if regularly using this attachment
- Instruction manual is not easy to read which makes assembly difficult
- At 9.8 kg may be heavy for some people to manage, even with the included harness
- Design
- 4.5
- Power
- 4.5
- Performance
- 4.3
- Safety
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
If you’re looking for a tool to help with a variety of jobs, this BU-KO 52cc Multi Function Gardening Tool comes with a large range of attachments.
There are the standard brush-cutter heads included: a four-line grass trimmer head and three-tooth brush cutter blade; as well as other accessories for jobs involving tough vegetation, like a 40-tooth brush cutter blade and long-reach chainsaw attachment.
The 52 cc motor works powerfully at just over idle speed. It doesn’t need to be constantly revved in order to get enough oomph to cut through brambles or thick weeds, and despite weighing 9.8 kg it isn’t overwhelmingly heavy either. Even so, it may cause some fatigue after extended use, even with the harness connected, which is something to be aware of if you struggle with upper-body strength.
To get a better idea of this machine’s power, it’s worth mentioning that customers have reported successfully using the chainsaw attachment to cut down small trees, so it’s certainly a very capable machine. There’s a long-reach hedge trimmer attachment as well, which can be used effectively to cut back the tops of bushes amongst other things; the extension gives an overall reach of around 2.5 metres.
The one main “flaw” with this machine is how lacking the instructions are. They are not very detailed and include grainy diagrams where clear photos would be useful. As a result, it can be a little difficult to initially set up the machine.
Nevertheless, due to its performance, and sheer range of included accessories, this is one of the best brush cutters if you’re after a versatile machine. Capable of tackling a large range of tidying jobs, it’s a very useful multi-tool to have in the shed and it doesn’t skimp on power.
Along with the attachments mentioned here, it also comes with gloves, goggles, and a gas bottle, amongst other things.
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Clive's Smart Buying Tips
How to Choose The Best Brush Cutter
Brush cutters can make it a lot easier to clear patches of unruly vegetation like brambles, weeds and nettles.
Whether you’re approaching a completely overgrown garden, or just trying to neaten up the edges, there are different models to choose from depending on what sort of job you’re tackling.
Some of the best brush cutters can be used for a variety of jobs. For example, if you’re doing more general garden maintenance, you may find it useful to have a brush cutter than can adapt to lighter tasks without being hard to control as well.
Below you will find detailed information about the different types of brush cutter available, and their different accessories, in order to find the right model for your garden.
Different Types of Brush Cutter
There are three main types of brush cutter available: petrol powered, mains powered, and battery powered.
For clearing tough areas of thick vegetation like brambles, you will likely want either a petrol-powered machine or a mains-powered model. Whilst battery-powered brush cutters still have the power to cut through weeds and smaller brambles, they are more likely to get stuck when cutting through thicker stems.
Battery-Powered Brush Cutters
As mentioned, a battery-powered model is better suited to lighter jobs like clearing small weeds and thin-stemmed plants. If you have a lot of dense undergrowth to clear, battery power is likely not the way to go.
The main pros of battery-powered brush cutter are:
- Battery brush cutters are both cordless and lightweight. This makes them easier to use than both mains-powered and petrol-powered brush cutters. Petrol machines are cordless but heavy, and mains-powered models are restricted by a cable.
- They’re very practical for neatening up areas where the mower can’t reach. Battery-powered strimmers are no hassle to get out of the shed, meaning you won’t be put off using one as often as necessary, and they require no preparation (apart from charging the battery when it runs down). If it’s simply a case of cutting down some areas that the mower can’t go, they could be a good choice.
READ NEXT: The Best Cordless Strimmers
The main cons of battery-powered brush cutters are:
- You won’t be able to get through big patches of brambles. If you’re faced with a large garden-clearing job, you’ll need a more powerful tool than a battery-powered brush cutter.
- You have a finite amount of time before the battery runs out. Tougher tasks will be more of a drain on the battery and recharging can take the best part of an hour. This makes them less appropriate for longer, tougher jobs.
Mains-Powered Brush Cutters
These brush cutters can be used to clear small/medium patches of thicker undergrowth like brambles. However, their strength and reliability can vary from model to model. Whilst some mains-powered models come closer to the power of battery-powered machines, others are a better match for petrol-powered brush cutters. Reading online customer reviews can be a good way to get a feel for the strength and capabilities of a mains-power machine.
The main pros of mains-powered brush cutters are:
- They’re a good compromise between weight and power. They generally weigh less than petrol brush cutters and still offer enough power to get through tougher undergrowth.
- There’s no limit on how long mains-powered brush cutters can be used for– there’s no battery to run down and it won’t need refuelling. Of course, the motor may need a bit of time to cool down during extended use.
- There aren’t the fumes of petrol motors.
READ NEXT: The Best Corded Electric Strimmers
The main cons of mains-powered brush cutters are:
- They keep you tethered whilst working in the garden. The cable limits your movement and you will likely have to use an extension cable. Cables can be hazardous so you need to be aware of it at all times so as not to cut through it accidentally.
Petrol-Powered Brush Cutters
These machines are best suited to big garden-clearance jobs. They can make their way through brambles, nettles and thicket, often cutting branches of up to 15 mm in diameter. Whilst powerful, they can sometimes feel unwieldy, and are generally heavier than other brush cutters – especially when full of fuel.
The main pros of petrol-powered brush cutters are:
- They’re very powerful and are a good option for clearing larger patches of dense undergrowth.
- Your movements are not restricted– you can roam around the garden without being held back by a cable. Plus, there’s no danger of cutting through any power lines.
The main cons of petrol-powered brush cutters are:
- They may be too powerful for certain jobs/people. Unless you really need the strength of a petrol model, they may be more difficult to manage than it’s worth.
- They’re heavy– often weighing over 10 kg once filled with fuel. This can be quite difficult to support whilst doing longer jobs, even if a harness is included.
- They require maintenance. It will need fuel and oil before use, a general safety each time, and an occasional MOT. Petrol-powered brush cutters are not machines that you can simply get out the shed and use straight away.
As you can see, finding the best brush cutter depends on how you’re intending to use it. If you’re clearing a large amount of brambles and thick brush, a petrol-powered model will charge through it. However, if you’re after something more manageable, you may wish to consider a mains-powered model.
Cutting Line and Cutting Blades
Many brush cutters will come with both a cutting-line head and a brush-cutter head; however, some may only have brush-cutting heads so it’s worth checking before you buy, depending on what you need.
Cutting Line
If you want to use your brush cutter for cutting grass (as well as thicker vegetation like brambles) it can be useful to have a cutting-line head in addition to a brush-cutter attachment. A cutting-line head uses fast-spinning nylon string to cut through grass. These heads are useful for cutting grass, and the occasional weed, but shouldn’t be expected to get through thicker vegetation.
Many gardeners prefer to use cutting-line heads around the base of trees and near roots and rocks – using a blade-head in these areas can cause damage and be dangerous.
Cutting Blades
Bladed brush-cutter heads are what you’ll need to get through thick undergrowth. These harder blades can chop through thicker stems and are therefore necessary for tougher jobs. They take the form of solid metal discs with blades. The number of blades can differ depending on the function of the particular blade head.
Some brush cutters will come with several blade heads to choose between, each with a varying number of blades. It’s common to come across metal brush-cutter heads with 2 blades, 3 blades, 4 blades, 8 blades, and 40 blades. So, what’s the difference?
As a brief summary – heads with less blades tend to be better at cutting larger stems. A three-blade cutting head is ideal for cutting woody shrubs, brambles and bushes. However, when cutting grass and weeds, the fresh vegetation can wrap around cutting heads that have fewer blades.
Cutting heads with more blades are better at cutting through finer vegetation. Grass is less likely to get wound around a 40-blade head, for example.
It’s also easier to sharpen a blade head with fewer blades. The fine teeth on a 40-blade head may get blunt quickly if used for tougher jobs and can be hard to sharpen.
READ NEXT: How to Clear a Garden Full of Weeds
A Little Note on Accessories…
On top of different blade head attachments, certain brush cutters come with even more accessories. Whilst not strictly necessary, having more accessories can increase the number of uses that your brush cutter will have in the garden.
For example, there are some brush cutters which are viewed more as ‘multi-tools’. As well as having different brush cutter heads, they may also include hedge trimming attachments, small chainsaws, and extension poles. These tools can be helpful all-rounders to have in the shed, useful for hedge trimming and pruning as well.
If your brush cutter does not come with protective equipment like goggles and gloves, you must be sure to use your own.
READ NEXT: The Best Strimmer Lines for Brambles
Technical Specifications
There are a few additional points to bear in mind when buying a brush cutter.
2-Stroke/4-Stroke Petrol Engine
If you do decide to go for a petrol brush cutter, you’ll need to choose between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke model.
2-stroke engines tend to run at a higher RPM which makes them more powerful than 4-stroke engines; however, this can also cause them to wear out quicker. They’re louder than 4-stroke models, and require fuel to be mixed with oil before being put into the machine. A brush cutter with a 2-stroke engine might be slightly more manageable in terms of weight, because 2-stroke engines are often lighter than 4-stroke engines.
One of the main benefits of a 4-stroke engine, in terms of ease of use, is that oil does not need to be mixed with the fuel before it is put into the machine. This can take the hassle out of refuelling. However, as mentioned, 4-stroke engines can make for a heavier brush cutter than a model with a 2-stroke engine.
READ NEXT: The Best Petrol Strimmers
Weight
It’s worth being aware of the weight of the brush cutter you’re thinking to buy, before making your purchase. For some people this will make the difference between being able to manage the machine effectively, or finding it unwieldy.
Generally speaking, mains-powered brush cutters will be lighter than petrol models. And 2-stroke petrol models will be lighter than 4-stroke. Even a ‘lightweight’ 6 kg brush cutter will start to feel heavy a while, so bear in mind your own upper-body strength.
A comfortable harness can make a difference, but it won’t completely take the weight off a heavy machine.
You may need to make a compromise between the weight of the machine and the size of your garden. If you have a large garden, it may be difficult to use a big, powerful machine for long periods of time. If you definitely need the power of a heavy petrol model, you may need to approach the garden in sections to make it manageable.
Cable Length
If you choose a mains-powered brush cutter, you will have to think about the cable. Whilst you can always use an extension cable, even this can be impractical if the original power cord is very short.
Ideally, you should look for a power cable that is around 10 m long. If you choose anything shorter than this, you will find yourself constantly dragging the extension unit around with you which can make any job a lot less practical.
Brush Cutter FAQs
The first step is to read your manual and ensure that all safety checks have been done before using your brush cutter. Make sure that all attachments are properly connected and fastened securely to avoid them coming loose or moving in the wrong direction.
Before brush cutting, you will want to ensure you have the proper safety equipment. A good pair of eye protectors and ear protectors are important. Brush cutters can be loud and you don’t want to damage your ears. Your eyes must also be protected from debris that can fly around when using the tool. In addition, you will need a good pair of sturdy boots to protect your feet from debris or the brush cutter itself.
If your brush cutter comes with a harness, it is advisable to use it and secure it properly. This can reduce the risk of causing injury to your back and shoulders. The harness does this by properly spreading the weight of the brush cutter. The harness should be tight and the clip should be in the centre of your chest to ensure it is secured correctly and the load is equally distributed.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure that the correct attachment is connected for the task at hand.
When using the brush cutter, make sure to use the full arc of the tool. You want to arc the tool from left to right, allowing it to cut rather than forcing it. If you are faced with particularly tough brambles, it can help to work on them in sections, starting nearer the top and working down. This can be easier on the machine than trying to approach the thickest part straight away.
If you have an electric device, it should be as simple as turning it on. They normally come with a two-button start for safety reasons; this should be detailed in your owner’s manual.
For a petrol model, it is a little more complicated. Firstly, you will need to fill the machine with the required fuel. If it is a 2-stroke machine, you will need to mix fuel and oil together (the oil type and fuel:oil ratio should be detailed in the instructions). If it is a 4-stroke engine, you can generally use standard unleaded fuel.
Most petrol brush cutters have a bulb which has to be primed repeatedly until you see fuel start filling into it. The bulb doesn’t need to be completely full, but more than half full is recommended.
For a cold start you will need to make sure that the choke is turned on. For a warm start, it should be turned off. You should never refuel or start your brush cutter when it is too hot.
Lastly, you need to pull the starter lead ensuring that you use the full length of the lead. This could take a few tries and there is a knack to it that will be learned over time. Do this until the engine fires up.
When you finish using your brush cutter, turn it off and make sure to give it a wipe to remove any residue that has built up. Give the blade a wipe with an oiled rag to keep it from rusting. This will ensure you get longevity from your brush cutter and it will be ready for when you next need it.
To sharpen the blades of your brush cutter, you will need a steady workbench or table, a medium grit whetstone and, for optimum results, a fine grade whetstone.
The first step is to ensure that the blade is clean. Clean it using soapy water and then dry it afterwards. Next, oil the blade with an oily rag to ensure the blade and whetstone don’t snag whilst you are sharpening.
Hold the blade against the bench ensuring the angled side is facing away from you and the table. For cutting blades, you want a medium grain whetstone. The key is to maintain the same angle for the whetstone as the cutting edge of the blade. Then simply run the stone back and forth maintaining this angle until you are happy with the edge. For an even sharper blade, you can do this process again with a finer-grained whetstone which will refine the edge further. Once you have finished sharpening, wipe your blade again with an oily rag. After this, you’ll be ready to tackle thick brambles once again!
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