15 Best Brush Cutter Reviews – Buying Guide
Obstructions in the landscape can come in many forms. It could be heavy bushes waiting to be sculpted, small trees that need to be totally cut, it could be grass overgrowth that need to be trimmed or any other landscape debris that need to be eliminated.
Thinking about all of these yard jobs, it would require different garden tools for all of these to be done. But that should not be the case because brush cutters can do all of those.
In this post, we will give a roundup of some of the best brush cutters out there. We divided them using various categories. If you intend to get one soon, we also incorporated in here useful buying guides that will help you in choosing the best brush cutter for you.
Related: 42+ Types Of Trees With Names, Facts, and Pictures (Tree Species A-Z): How To Identify Them
In this article:
What is a brush cutter?
A brush cutter is a landscaping and gardening equipment used for tougher trimming and cutting jobs in the yard. It is comparable to an edge trimmer but more powerful. They are specifically designed to cut through heavy bushes and clear off debris fast.
They are also unique for their straight handles making them efficient in overhead cutting; a feature that you would not find in typical line cutters.
More than this, it is also more efficient in angled trimming thanks to its rear motor and sharp blades. They come in several models and build to deliver good trimming in any type of yard. You get to choose from gas powered and electric brush cutters. Some even come with detachable trimming heads for a more multi-functional feature.
What is a brush cutter used for?
Brush cutters are not just powerful but also versatile. We have identified some of the upsides of brush cutters compared to the typical trimmers. But to have a more complete view of why you should consider buying one, here are the other functions of a brush cutter.
- Edging: Brush cutters are used in making clean lines at any angles across the lawn. With brush cutters, you can easily categorize garden beds in crisp, clean lines.
- Hedge sculpting: Because of the overhead angle, you can also use the brush cutter in sculpting border plants and hedges. This enhances the look of the landscape without having to trim or cut the overgrowth every now and then.
- Scything: If you are working on large estates with heavy grass overgrowth, you can use brush cutters as modern scythes instead of the more labor-intensive traditional scything. You can also use this on your farmlands.
- Light mowing: It might not give the clean touch of an actual mower, but you can surely depend on it for light mowing jobs. It comes in handy especially for small lawns that might require immediate mowing.
- Weeding: If the weeds are tough enough to be uprooted, you can use brush cutters too. They can eliminate weed and invasive plants overgrowth down to the root.
Best brush cutter reviews on The Market
Best overall brush cutter
#1. Husqvarna 128LD 17”
This gas-powered brush cutter is one of the most popular and well-rated cutter, rated by landscapers and homeowners alike. It features a 28cc gas engine, a two-stroke motor (working on unleaded gas and cycle oil mixture) and a 17-inches cutting deck.
Some of its notable features would be its Tap and Go release for the trimmer head. This automatically releases the trimmer head to the right line giving more cutting accuracy.
The trim head is also super easy to load and there is a transparent fuel tank which lets you monitor you gas level every time you use it. This one is a very flexible cutter that can be used for brush cutting and trimming alike. Overall, we give this a 4.7 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| High power gas motor. | Harness is quite hard to adjust. |
| Versatile straight shaft. | Parts are not easy to find when replacement is needed. |
| Tap and Go technology. | |
| Durable 17” cutting deck. |
#2. Makita 4-Stroke Brush Cutter
While we could all say that this one is pricey, we feel that it should make this list for many reasons. It works on a 25.4cc gas and gives you an all-angle brush cutting thanks to its multi-position lubrication feature (which includes an overhead angle). It is also very easy to start up with its automatic engine decompression system.
You can feel its optimum built during actual cutting for this one. It has a quiet cutting performance with less vibrations in the handle when you use it. It is also equipped with commercial grade air filter plus a filling port and drain plug for the oil tank.
With its compact built, you would be happy to see it cutting heavy bush and even small trees. With all of these, it is an easy 4.8 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Commercial grade build. | Pricey. |
| Compact but high powered. | Issues on dull blades. |
| Comes with ergonomic grips and handles. | |
| 4-stroke operation does not require adding oil to the gas. |
Best value brush cutter
#3. Remington RM25C Brush Cutter
For our value pick, we chose this gas-powered brush cutter from Remington. Albeit its compact design, it is high-powered with its 25cc gas tank.
It also comes in a two-way power stroke of gas and cyclical oil. It is also infused with quick-start technology for easy pull and release start.
Its main upside would be its curved shaft which makes it good for trimming and brush cutting. The curved shaft also gives more balance to the brush cutter especially in sloped terrains.
Most of all, it is also equipped with a dual line bump head giving more alignment to your brush cutter, hence, more accurate trimming and cutting. This one is an easy 4.7 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Dual line bump head for accuracy and easier reloading. | Warm-up time can be longer than usual. |
| Multi-functional curved shaft. | Changing attachments also takes longer than usual. |
| High powered gas motor. | Quite heavy. |
| Affordable. | |
| Multiple attachments are accommodated. |
#4. HENX 14-inch Electric Brush Cutter
It might be an electric brush cutter, but you sure get a lot of value for money with this one. First, it works on a 40-V power which by standards would be as powerful as a 24cc gas model. Other than this, it comes with a lot of notable upsides.
For one, its straight shaft could absorb vibration for lesser operator fatigue. It is also foldable for safety and storage purposes.
It also uses an easy on/off system, 14-inch swathing coverage and a handlebar which can be adjusted in many positions. Furthermore, it features a dual-speed design with trigger lock for more control. Overall, this one is an easy 4.8 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Decent cutting deck at 14”. | Not powerful enough for large size lawns. |
| Adjustable handlebars. | |
| Dual speed design with lock mechanism. | |
| Easy startup. | |
| Foldable shaft. |
Best walk-behind brush cutter
#5. Earthquake 23275 Lawn Edger
Well aside from its compelling color, and design, there is a lot to love about this walk-behind brush cutter.
First, it runs on a 79cc engine with a center clutch for more balance and power in cutting through. In terms of cutting diameter of 4-inches and packed with large blades at 3400RPM.
It also comes with major upsides. On of these would be its built-in debris guard and a pivoting head for cutting at multiple angles and varying terrains.
It also comes with an ergonomic handlebar and a built-in tool holder for other needed landscaping tools. And with its sturdy wheels, you can easily navigate through any terrain. With all of these, it deserves a 4.8 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sharp blades make it one of the most efficient brush cutters. | Issues on engine strength. |
| Versatile for many attachments. | Vague user manual. |
| Debris guard is commendable. | |
| Comes with a long five-year warranty. |
#6. Billy Goat BC2600HEBH
This is one of the best outdoor equipment out there and one of the most dependable walk-behind brush cutter available. It works on a 390cc Honda engine, delivering force at 13HP and a cutting diameter of 26-inches.
So, whether you are working on soft vegetation or a tough and dense one, even if it is small trees or hardwood, you can depend on this one for these yard jobs.
One of its major plus is its suspension system which just brushes over the mulch without damaging the ground underneath. All the controls and buttons are all labeled too so navigation is easy.
This includes an easy on and off system after the job is done. Overall, this one deserves a 4.8 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Power is above the charts. | Very expensive. |
| Wide cutting deck. | Average cutting power. |
| Electric on/off button. | |
| Cuts on all types of obstructions and in any terrain. | |
| Traction control is commendable. |
Best handheld brush cutter
#7. AL-KO BC 4125
If you are working on less dense vegetation and softer woods, this is one of the best choices you can have. As what you would expect from handheld brush cutters, it comes with a strap but with less padding, so it is heavier to carry around.
This is gas-powered too and although small, it could run continuously for an hour and a half.
Its major upside is its impressive performance in rocky terrains. It works on a semi-automatic line feeding which makes sure that you do not have to stop at turning intervals to adjust the line.
It also has commendable ergonomics for the grip and easy to navigate buttons. Overall, we give this a 4.6 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Commendable grip and easy navigation. | Quite bulky and heavy on the shoulders. |
| High-powered on a two-stroke engine. | There are issues on strap stability. |
| Good for cutting through less dense vegetation. |
#8. Wild Badger WP31BCF Brush Cutter
This one is a high-powered handheld brush cutter working at a 33-cc gas tank and a four-stroke engine.
With this, you get ease by not mixing gas and oil every now and then. It also comes with a transparent fuel tank for you to monitor how much longer it could be of use.
It is equipped with a straight, stainless steel shaft designed to reduce operator fatigue with less vibration.
Its main issue perhaps would be its narrow handlebars, but its adjustable grip makes up for it. Overall, this one is a 4.7 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful gas motor. | Narrow handlebars. |
| 4-stroke engine. | |
| Decent cutting deck at 17”. | |
| Reduced vibration on the steel shaft. | |
| Comes with a 3-year warranty. |
Best tow-behind brush cutter
#9. Swisher RC11544BS Rough Cut Trail Brush Cutter
This one is one of the coolest tow-behind brush cutters out there. It has established its reputation for being one of the most dependable brush cutters used in golf courses and in estates with very dense vegetation.
It can be attached to an ATV or tractor. With a cutting diameter of 6-inches and a coverage of 44-inches, it could sweep away everything in just one pass.
Its thick, sealed wheels are also commendable for any type of terrain. As for navigation, you would love its remote controlled engage/disengage system whenever you attach or detach it from an ATV or tractor. This one deserves a 4.8 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with pivotable bolts. | Issues on cutting through smaller tree saplings and thicker brushes in the terrain. |
| It can be offset on all sides. | |
| Large cutting coverage and high cutting diameter. | |
| Commendable build. |
#10. ProMow Gold 7
If you are looking for a sleek, high-power tow-behind brush cutter, here is another prime choice. It has a large coverage, cutting at all angles without damaging or scalping the soil beneath it.
Its reel blades are at 21-inches. It is durable, easy to adjust and is perfectly low maintenance.
It can be easily attached to an ATV but it small enough to attach to a tractor. It has a cutting diameter of 3.5-inches and the sealed wheels could move seamlessly at any angle. As an alternative pick, this one is commendable and deserves a 4.5 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Blades are easy to adjust. | Pricey. |
| Sharpening is seamless. | ATV attachments only. |
| Easy to maintain. | |
| Bearings are sealed making it more durable. |
Best brush cutter for small trees
#11. Timberpro 52cc Split Trimmer and Brush Cutter
If you are working on a woody area full of small trees that must be cut down, this is a heavy-duty brush cutter that you should go for. For sure, it is not just the small trees that could be a nuisance. In this case, you have a superior 52cc gas tank to cover all things trees for you.
It works on a two-stroke engine with three cutting heads and a bump string to cut down smaller landscape obstructions. It also features an ergonomic grip system for ease of use.
Since it has a high-power engine, expect for it to be quite noisy but rest assured that it does the job in cutting small trees. Overall, it is a 4.5 out 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very high-power engine. | Heavy and ships abroad. |
| Will start at initial pull. | Bulky and hard to store. |
| Accommodating to multiple attachments. | |
| Perfect for both commercial and home use. |
Best brush cutter for the money
#12. Coocher 2-in1 Brush Cutter and Trimmer
For our budget pick, here is the 2-in-1 cutter and trimmer from Coocher. For only a hundred bucks, you get a 47cc gas tank motored by a two-stroke engine.
Its major plus is its multifunctional feature allowing you to switch cutting heads from line trimming to brush cutting.
As for the performance, it comes with a straight shaft which is commendable for edging jobs. It also comes with a U-shape grip which ensures non-slipping and sure grip.
The shoulder strap is also a good addition to ensure stability and even load distribution for more accurate cutting. Overall, this one is 4.7 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect for small to medium size lawns and yards. | Safety guard is questionable. |
| Good for tougher annual trimming and for hedge sculpting. | Cutting diameter is small. |
| Easy to use and multifunctional. | |
| Comes at a reasonable price. |
#13. STIGA SBC 226 JD
Given its service life and performance, this one is also one of the best budget picks for brush cutters. It comes with a 25.4cc gas-tank which is good for medium to large size yards and a two-stroke engine.
It is lightweight and can be used in steep slopes. Its grip is decent enough given its price. While it has the bike handlebar design, it can be adjusted in various positions.
Some of its upsides would be its durable three-blade cutter, its tap and go startup mechanism and its two-year warranty. All in all, this one gets a 4.6 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Tap and go startup technology. | Issues on blade getting stuck with extended use. |
| Portable and high-powered. | Longer startup mechanism. |
| Comes with a 2-year warranty. | Harness is basic. |
Best brush cutters for blackberries
#14. Troy Bilt TB42
This one is a good pick for brush cutting blackberries with its 27cc gas power and a two-stroke engine. Instead of the conventional push and release startup system, it works on a jumpstart technology for automatic startup mechanism. Aside from this, it features a straight shaft which is built to accommodate various attachments.
One of its major upsides is that it comes with ten different cutting heads and an ergonomic J-shape grip which works perfect even for left-handed people. The cutting diameter is awesome at 8-inches. It has one of the largest cutting diameters out there. It also comes with a cutting guard for safety. This one deserves a 4.8 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Features a commendable jumpstart technology. | Quite heavy. |
| Comes with ten cutting heads. | Tubes connecting the shaft is not that sturdy. |
| Cutting diameter is above average. | |
| Comes with a cutting shield. | |
| J-shaped grip is a good plus. |
#15. PROYAMA 2-in1 Brush Cutter
This is another commendable brush cutter which can be used for blackberries and other softwoods and averagely dense vegetation. This is a high-power brush cutter at 42.7cc gas tank. It comes with a three-blade cutter; one is for brush cutting and the two blades are for line trimming. The handle is a major plus as it comes in a bicycle handle design.
Other commendable features of this brush cutter is its stability thanks to its shoulder strap. You can also depend on it for safety as it comes with a cutting guard as well as a company manufactured matching gloves, glasses, and ear mugs. Overall, this one deserves a 4.6 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to operate and comes with a commendable handlebar. | Issues on startup mechanism. |
| Versatile and comes with a decent coverage. | Handlebars are hard to use at first. |
| Built for safety. | |
| Affordable option. |
Best brush cutter for steep slopes
#16. Blue Max 2-Cycle Brush Cutter
The best thing about this being a top pick for steep slopes is its strong shoulder harness. It is not that bulky nor heavy so you can walk through it in steep slopes without fear of safety. Overall, it performs all the basic functions of a brush cutter, but it is a prime choice for heavy vegetation.
Some of its plus features would be its portability and its easy startup mechanism. It has a durable straight shaft and a 27cc gas tank which makes it a powerful brush cutter that is efficient on steep slopes. Unlike other brush cutters, it has trimmer strings which makes it easier to maneuver. It also comes an anti-vibration cushion for more comfort. Overall, it is a 4.7 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and easy to use. | Performance slows down with extensive use. |
| Comes with an anti-vibration cushioning. | Issues on recoil system. |
| Ergonomic grip and a straight shaft. | |
| Compatible with various brush cutter heads. |
#17. RYOBI RLT1038
For smaller lawns or yards with a steep slope, this is a good catch to consider. One of its best upsides would be its affordable price but comes with functional features. It is versatile as it could be used as both a brush cutter and a two-blade trimmer. It comes with a patented Tri-Arc blade and a Tri-Arc bump head which are tested for durability and ease of use even in hilly terrains.
Its cutting diameter of 7-inches is also commendable given its compact design. It is noise-free, can work well in dense vegetation and its batteries can go on for an extended time of two and a half hours in total. Grip comes in ergonomic design. Handles are cushioned and the shoulder straps make it more portable and comfortable to use. With all things considered, this one deserves a 4.7 out of 5.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact blade system and straight shaft. | Electric power. |
| Clears undergrowth. | |
| Easy pivot in sloped terrains. | |
Best brush cutter – Buying guide
It is not enough that you are well-abreast of the brush cutter choices available. You must also be knowledgeable enough about which model is the best for the needs of your yard. As such, you should master key buying guides for you to make the most out of your brush cutter. In this section, a rundown of the factors to be considered when buying a brush cutter is listed. This is especially beneficial for newbie buyers who do not know a thing or two about brush cutters.
Things to consider when buying a brush cutter
Of course, we should start with some specific considerations to put into mind before buying a brush cutter. Always remember that not all that shines is gold so you must know the key features that you should look for when buying a brush cutter for your yard.
- Function: It is not enough that a brush cutter could well, cut. It should also be versatile enough for trimming and overhead cutting, among others. If you are considering gas model brush cutters, you should choose the one with an air purge valve which hinders overheating and entry of air in the equipment’s carburetor when you are overhead cutting. Quick changing heads for more ease in changing functions is also a major plus to consider when it comes to brush cutters.
- Service life: With regular maintenance and good environmental conditions, brush cutters could last very long. It is also in this regard that you should buy brush cutters with long warranty and are from reputable brands. Under this factor, checking for reviews and actual testimonies in blogs and review sites should be done.
- Grip: The best brush cutters are those that come with ergonomic grips. This technology gives you secure grip at varied angles including overhead cutting. Ergonomically designed brush cutter grips feature reduced operator fatigue and flexible access to equipment controls.
- Vibration: A vital part in the performance of brush cutters is vibration. Of course, you must consider those that produce low vibration when used. High vibration induces operator fatigue causing you not to finish brush cutting on time. It is also important to consider especially if you are experiencing arthritis or muscle tremors.
- Shaft: This one is one of the most important features to consider because it connects the engine to the head which cuts through the grass and more. There is the curved shaft which is good for angled cutting and then there is the straight shaft for clean lines after trimming and cutting.
- Cutting diameter: Whatever the job that needs to be carried out in the yard, cutting diameter matters. This factor considers the coverage of what a brush cutter could trim or cut in every pass. Make sure that the brush cutter that you choose can be attached with various cutting heads that can expand the cutting diameter any time or for specific cutting jobs.
- Attachments and accessories: When talking about attachments and accessories, you must choose brush cutters that are compatible with universal types of hedge saws, blowers, and line trimmers, among others. Usually, high end brush cutters are not compatible with a lot of accessories and attachments. You will have to buy brand-exclusive accessories for these types of brush cutters. To avoid unnecessary purchase, make sure that the brush cutter you choose is accommodating. Attachments and accessories can also include shoulder straps for more stability while you run the brush cutter.
- Budget and yard size: The brush cutter model that you should buy must be a good go for the money when features-wise and must be appropriate for your yard size. Gas powered brush cutters are more chosen when it comes to large size yards. Electric models on the other hand are often seen in suburban areas with small to medium yards.
How to choose a brush cutter
When it comes to choosing the best brush cutter for you, some pointers should be put in mind first. To make the ultimate choice, you must consider the type of brush cutter, engine type and engine power, among others. In this section, we will look at each pointer so read on.
- Brush cutter model: When it comes to model, you should choose between gas or electric brush cutter. Gas models are essentially more popular because they can be used at extended rates and without decline in power and performance. Electric models on the other hand are more popular in suburban areas because they do not produce noise and smoke.
- Engine type: The next thing to put in mind should be the engine configuration of your brush cutter. You can choose from two-stroke, four-stroke, and electric engine types of brush cutters.
- Two–stroke engine: As the term implies, it runs with the mixture of gas and oil. However, they are noisy to run and could produce a lot of heat especially in extended use. If you are still considering having one of these, make sure that the yard is not that large.
- Four-stroke engine: This one is considered as more fuel-efficient and runs more quietly. They have a cooler running even in extended use and are more commendable output-wise. The risk in using this, however, is that they are heavier and might be harder to balance in uneven terrains.
A third engine type is the electric type. But since we have covered this one in the previous section, there is no need for us to elaborate it further. Nonetheless, it is always listed as the third engine type for brush cutters.
- Engine power: This is another factor to consider when choosing a brush cutter. It heavily depends on your yard size and the gravity of the landscape obstructions that you are annually eliminating or regulating. Again, it is a choice between gas and electric models but in this factor, we are measuring the power capacity of a brush cutter.
For instance, medium to large size yards can be efficiently covered by gas brush cutters powered by 25cc gas tank and above. Their electric brush cutter counterparts would be those working at 40-volts with 2.0-AH battery. All else below this range is not powerful enough for that yard size.
Best brush cutter – FAQs
What is the difference between a trimmer and a brush cutter?
The fundamental difference between a grass trimmer and a brush cutter is that the grass trimmer is a smaller landscaping tool specifically designed to reach the spaces where the lawn mower cannot reach. There are various types of trimmers but almost all of them use nylon ropes for cutting. They are used mainly in cutting through softer plants and vegetation. For less dense weed overgrowth, a trimmer might just be all you need instead of a brush cutter.
On the other hand, brush cutters are also handheld landscape tools but are higher powered and are more multifunctional as they could cut taller grasses and even small trees. They can also be used for other purposes such as edging, weeding, and scything.
Electric vs gas powered brush cutters
When it comes to the types of brush cutters, there are two leading models and that would be electric and gas-powered brush cutters. It pays to know the difference between the two because it is the first choice to be done when buying brush cutters.
Gas models: They are more popular than electric models because it is higher powered, giving more functional range to your equipment. Because they do not depend on electric cords, they are more portable to use too.
The downside of gas models, however, is that they could be noisy, and they also emit smoke. As such, they are not very famous among suburban areas. Luckily, newer gas models have been modified to address these downsides.
Electric models: For a quiet cutting and trimming, you may opt for electric brush cutters. They are made for more compact yards and the suburban area. They are also portable thanks to their rechargeable batteries. They could run for an hour and they will not produce smoke and noise.
How thick can a brush cutter cut?
At best, brush cutters can cut to up to 4-6 inches thick. Instead of the nylon cutters in line trimmers, brush cutters make use of metal blades to cut through shrubs, bushes, tall grasses, invasive plants, weeds, and small trees.
However, it must also be noted that the cutting range of a brush cutter can extend further. This is where the interchangeable cutting heads come in. For instance, when chainsaw head is attached to brush cutter, expect that it could cut to up to 8-inches thick. Other attachments will have a different cutting range too.
Are brush cutters dangerous?
Yes. To be objective, brush cutters can be dangerous especially if you do not know how to operate it. Some of the risks of using brush cutters include the following:
- Injuries brought about by flinging objects and debris from cut shrubs and small trees.
- Blade kick back when it comes across tougher debris.
- Hand injuries due to too much vibration when running.
With these risks, here are the following safety protocols that you should always remember:
- Always use a face shield to deflect any flinging object.
- Make sure that you have the right balance and in a stable terrain before you turn it on.
- Do not smoke while using a gas-powered brush cutter.
- When the blades feel rigid, stop brush cutting instantly.
- Only add fuel when the tank is cool.
These are just some of the possible risks and safety protocols that you must know about when you are using brush cutters. It is best to read and understand the user manual first before trying it out on your own.
Can you edge with a brush cutter?
If you check the user manuals of most brush cutter brands, edging using this equipment is contra-indicated. However, because brush cutters provide neater lines compared to line trimmers, they are used as alternative for edging purposes. Brush trimmers can trim prairie grasses and other landscape obstructions that is why it is now a popular alternative for edging.
Our verdict
With all things considered and with the short reviews that we shared about some of the best brush cutters in various categories, you should already have a serious pick right now considering your landscape or yard. If you are still hard-up in choosing a specific model, here is our unbiased verdict about everything that we rounded up here.
If you are considering buying a brush cutter that cuts across commercial grade and home use, you can go for the Makita brush cutter. It features efficient overhead cutting and multi-position cutting and trimming. You can use it for large size yards, in edging, scything, and sculpting. This one is the top choice for ergonomic technology in grip and in less vibration performance whatever the terrain is.
On the other hand, if you want to have a high-power brush cutter that is also versatile and can be used for full-blown landscaping, Husqvarna model is also a good idea. It is a good choice for ease of use and in good grip and navigation.
These two are labeled as overall picks for a reason. They are standouts in brush cutting jobs and in other landscaping tasks that might need various tools to be delivered. With the useful features of these two, you can do everything with just one equipment.
