Best Brush Cutters to Get Rid of Dense Plant Growth in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 28, 2024
If you need to cut thick grass in awkward places or trim undergrowth and saplings in your yard, a brush cutter is the right garden ...Read more
PROS

A pressure-release valve stabilizing the cylinder pressure ensures efficient operation. Meanwhile, a 4-stroke engine is much easier to maintain than a 2-stroke one. It boasts a longer service life and lower emission level.

CONS

Due to a non-split shaft, the model is a bit inconvenient for transportation. 

OUR VERDICT

A petrol brush cutter from a renowned Makita brand stands out for a lightweight design uncommon for this category of tools that are usually pretty heavy due to a fuel tank. At the same time, it's one of the most powerful tools distinguished by high performance and long-lasting service life. Built to last, it will serve you for years to come. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Gas

ENGINE DISPLACEMENT & POWER

24.5 сс, 1.0 hp 4-stroke engine 

CUTTING WIDTH

Blade - 23 cm

CONVENIENCES

Spring assisted starting system, Startup pump, Anti-vibration system, Shoulder strap

SAFETY

Cutting guard

WEIGHT

5.7 kg

WARRANTY

3 years 

PROS

A unique JetForce engine boasts increased power and speeds up to 12,000rpm to cut down fuel consumption and reduce emissions, which is good both for your budget and for the environment.

CONS

The assembly instructions lack detailing. 

OUR VERDICT

The STR-4IN1A cutter from STANLEY is a super functional multi-tool that embraces the functionality of 4 garden tools including a brush cutter, grass trimmer, hedge trimmer, and a pole chainsaw. An extension bar will maximise the reach while a smooth starts system and anti-vibration handle will make the operation maximum comfortable. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Gas

ENGINE DISPLACEMENT & POWER

750 W, 26 сс, 2-stroke engine

CUTTING WIDTH

Blade - 23 cm

Hedge trimmer - 36.5 cm cutting length

Chainsaw - 21 cm cutting length

CONVENIENCES

Two-component ergonomic soft D Handle, Ice Starter 3, Comes with a brush cutter, hedge trimmer, line trimmer, pole pruner, and an extension bar

SAFETY

Cutting guard

WEIGHT

13.2 kg (with all tools)

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The model offers a convenient storage of spare cutting lines in a handle bar and boasts minimal noise and vibration levels for a comfortable continuous operation.

CONS

There is no power cord lock. 

OUR VERDICT

If you look for a practical tool convenient and easy in use to combat excessive grass growth and struggle weeds in your garden or yard, the Bosch electric brush cutter is a good option to go for.  The model cleverly combines an affordable price tag with the indisputable German quality and decent performance for quick and efficient lawn trimming. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Electric 

ENGINE DISPLACEMENT & POWER

950 W

CUTTING WIDTH

String head - 37 cm

Blade - 23 cm

CONVENIENCES

Split shaft, Interchangeable head for quick switch between the line and blade, Shoulder strap, Additional side handle

SAFETY

Cutting guard, Double button start

WEIGHT

5.3 kg

WARRANTY

2 years 

PROS

A 31 cc engine can be fueled only by petrol and needs no oil and gas mixing. Besides, the engine has an air colling system that prolongs its service life. 

CONS

The unit is a bit on the heavy side. 

OUR VERDICT

The Einhell GC-BC 31-4 is a combination tool for trimming grass and cutting thicker weeds or brushes. It is designed with an added dual handle for precision cutting and is strongly built to endure high workloads and cope with heavy-duty tasks.  Meanwhile, the tool is quiet and long-lasting, thanks to a 4-stroke motor. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Gas

ENGINE DISPLACEMENT & POWER

700 W, 31 сс, 4-stroke engine

CUTTING WIDTH

Blade - 25.5 cm

Twin thread - 48 cm

CONVENIENCES

Adjustable second (alu bike) handle, Control elements on the handle, Split shaft, Twin line spool with automatic jog system, Quickstart through the easily accessible primer, Carrying strap

SAFETY

Cutting guard,  Centrifugal clutch which disengages the cutting tool in idle mode

WEIGHT

8.5 kg

WARRANTY

3 years (after registration)

PROS

A split shaft along with a SmartTool adaptor allows using the whole range of Expand-It™SmartTool system attachments. A special lock will prevent the power cord unplugging when moving around the site or due to abrupt movements. 

CONS

The shaft connector needs to be re-tightened from time to time to avoid loosening. 

OUR VERDICT

Being one of the most lightweight and well-balanced tools in its class, the Ryobi RBC1226I is much more than a mere electric brush cutter. Thanks to a unique Expand-it system and one-of-the-kind SmartTool technology, you'll get an opportunity to considerably expand the tool functionality and convert it into a hedge trimmer, blower or pole chainsaw. Just get the necessary attachment. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Electric 

ENGINE DISPLACEMENT & POWER

1200 W

CUTTING WIDTH

String head - 38 cm

Blade - 26 cm

CONVENIENCES

Split shaft, Smart tool adaptor, Quick-release mechanism for easy blade to string head change, Shoulder strap

SAFETY

Cutting guard, Double button start

WEIGHT

5.2 kg

WARRANTY

3 years 

The Lightest of the Most Powerful Tools

Makita brand always stands for indisputable quality. Designing its numerous power tools for indoor and outdoor use, the manufacturer smartly combines advanced technologies and innovations to deliver the key values of reliability, power, and efficiency. The Makita EBH252U brush cutter is not an exception to this concept. This professional-grade tool comes fitted with a 24.5 cc 4-stroke engine yielding an immense power sufficient both for commercial and for home applications. The pack includes a cutter blade and a nylon cutting head. Hence the tool can be used as a heavy-duty brush cutter to clear weeds and saplings in tricky areas where a lawnmower fails and doubles as a line trimmer to trim long grass and tidy up your lawn.

The major problems of most gas power tools are sometimes difficult engine ignition and pretty heavy tool weight. In this petrol brush cutter, Makita has successfully overcome these problems. The machine features a spring-assisted recoil activated with mechanical decompression greatly reducing resistance at startup and flawlessly igniting the engine in mere seconds. Yet, the biggest advantage of this model is the truly lightweight design most petrol brush cutters cannot boast of. The tool weighs only 5.7kg and even if you fill in the fuel tank, its weight will remain comparable to that of electric models. This is mostly thanks to a hollow yet extremely rigid single-piece shaft.

With all the power-packed in a lightweight body, Makita is a highly dependable tool enduring heavy workloads and, at the same time, very convenient and easy to use. It features an ergonomic handlebar with a bike handle design for better control and fatigue-free operation while a padded shoulder harness with double straps and waist cushion will add comfort during work, especially when you have to trim big areas.

Get the Benefit of a 4-stroke Engine

As mentioned above, the Makita EBH252U comes complete with a 4-stroke engine which is the second distinguishing benefit of this model along with an extremely low weight. This gas engine with a unique Makita “Mini 4-stroke” technology does not add any excess weight to the tool yet offers all the priorities of 4-stroke technology. Unlike 2-stroke engines most petrol brush cutters are equipped with, this 4-stroke unit excels in higher torque, quiet operation, very low exhaust emissions meeting all environmental standards, low maintenance costs, and longer service life.

In this model, Makita managed to pair the powerful performance of a gas brush cutter with a lightweight design and manoeuvrability of its electric counterparts that is an unbeatable combination for a wide range of gardening tasks.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £399.57
Stock In stock
ASIN B008298J2C

A Functional Multi-Tool

Multifunctional appliances and tools are quite a common thing today. Promising diverse functionality, though, not all of them live up to their promises and you might often end up with the tool that is pretty useless. Yet, it won’t be the case with the cutting multi-tool from Stanley that offers 4-in-1 functionality and delivers great in each and every function.

Straight off the reel, the model comes fitted with a number of interchangeable attachments that will save you the need and budget on buying three more separate tools. In the package, you’ll find a brush cutter blade, string trimmer spool, hedge trimmer cutter, and a chainsaw attachment. Thus, a 4-tooth 1.6 mm thick stainless steel blade 23 cm in diameter will let you clear your garden or yard from dense weeds and saplings while a string head with a 2mm thick nylon thread will help trim the grass and spruce up the lawn edges with ease. On top of that, a hedge trimmer is of great use for maintaining bushes and green fences neatly shaped and cut while a chainsaw will come in handy for pruning trees in between the seasons. As such, the tool is a real find for any avid home gardener who seeks professional-grade maintenance for the lawn and vegetation around their homes.

To cope with light and heavy-duty cutting and trimming tasks equally well, the Stanley tool comes fitted with a unique JetForce engine that boasts increased power and can speed up to a whopping 12,000 RPM. At the same time, it is consumption-wise and produces minimum emissions when operating, which is good for your budget since you won’t have to refuel the tool too often and favourable for the environment since the air won’t get polluted too much.

Thought-out to the Last Detail

As functional as it is, the Stanley multi-tool is very easy and convenient to use. Thanks to a split shaft, switching between cutting attachments is a breeze. An included extension pole will enable you to use the cutter at heights without a hassle. Besides, the tool is pretty lightweight overall, so handling it won’t cause excess fatigue. A shoulder belt will make prolonged cutting sessions less tiresome while a D-shaped soft handle not only ensures a comfortable ergonomic grip but also neutralises vibrations during the tool operation. Once you are done with cutting and trimming, you can split the shaft for compact tool storage and transportation.

To add more, an advanced recoil starter ensures a quick and smooth tool start without failures. On top of that, the Ice Starter 3 works like a charm even in cold conditions. It means when temperatures run low, you’ll still be able to start your cutter at 2 to 3 pulls that confidently sets the Stanley multi-tool apart from other gas brush cutters.

Cutting down to the chase, the Stanley STR-4IN1A is a reliable and fully functional multi-tool that will easily replace several garden tools and will be of great use for gardens with lawns, green hedges, and multiple trees.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £192.63
Stock In stock
ASIN B076DCJ1FF

A Simple Tool for Complex Tasks

When it comes to Bosch, it’s about German quality and well-thought practical solutions. You’ll hardly find any Bosch tool that fails to do the job it's meant for. In most cases, Bosch tools even overcome your expectations, consistently delivering high performance within many years. The same is true about the Bosch AFS 23-37 brush cutter. If you need a reliable workhorse to regularly tackle a variety of garden tasks being sure it will never let you down, look no further.

At a glance, the tool looks pretty much like other brush cutters featuring a similar handheld design. Yet, it has a number of advantages over other models. Made of premium quality materials, it is dependable and built to last. The next thing we cannot leave unnoticed is an ultra-lightweight tool construction. Weighing only 5.3 kg, this brush cutting machine can be easily handled by men and women alike allowing them to work without fatigue and causing no strain to their arms. The power unit and the attachment are fitted together without any extra tool, simply using the nut and the locking button. The adjustable shoulder strap and the strap mount provide optimal tool balance for different body sizes and heights while an ergonomic loop-and-bar handle adds user comfort during operation.

But don’t let this simplicity fool you. Behind a lightweight body, there is a powerful 950W motor generating enough power and torque to cope with various vegetation types and delivering impressive cutting performance to get the job done. The combination cutting system makes it easy to change between an extra-strong line and blade. The Bosch AFS 23-37 brush cutter uses 3.5 mm fixed cutting lines to ensure high endurance cutting without having to frequently change the line. However, if you need a spare line, it will be always at hand, since spare lines are conveniently stored inside the safety bar. The line is suitable for long coarse grass and weeds whereas a super sharp three-tip blade is used more on nettles, brambles, and shrubs.

Powerful yet Quiet

It’s common knowledge that most power tools produce considerably high noise level during work. All leading manufacturers strive for reducing vibration and noise related to engine operation but not all of them succeed. Petrol models still remain rather noisy and sometimes even require wearing ear defenders during work. Of course, noisy operation causes discomfort to the operator, to say nothing of family members and neighbours. Moreover, in a certain way, it will limit your working hours only to daytime when everybody is awake or at work. Yet, it’s not the case with the Bosch brush cutter. The Bosch electric engine causes no vibration during the tool use and sounds as though it does not use full power. Nearly as powerful as a gas unit, it produces a minimum noise level close to an acceptable safety standard.

Easy and convenient to use, the AFS 23-37 electric brush cutter from Bosch will let you enjoy the petrol-matching performance without extra weight, fuel mixing, and starting troubles of gas models.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £120.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B01AK2DYEQ

A Choice for Heavy-Duty Jobs

Choosing a tool for trimming your garden or yard, you need to keep in mind what kind of tasks you expect it to perform and what kind of space you are going to trim. Thus, if you have a neat city yard with a few trees and a puffy grass carpet, you’ll do with some common lightweight grass trimmer. Yet, if you live in a rural area or have a bigger property with diverse vegetation including brushes and saplings that need regular trimming during the year, you definitely need a much more robust tool capable of handling heavy-duty tasks like this scythe from Einhell.

To start from the functionality, the model is a solid combination tool that can serve both as a grass trimmer and as a brush cutter. It comes complete with a twin-line spool and thread ensuring a cutting width of 48 cm and a rugged stainless steel blade cutter 25.5 cm in diameter. As such, the tool delivers bigger coverage in one go and will become a real saviour for trimming larger areas. In the meantime, a 700-watt engine speeds up to 6,000 rpm in a grass trimming mode and up to 7,000 rpm in a brush cutting mode to easily tackle dense and stubborn growth while ensuring precision work for neat and professional-looking results.

Coming down to the tool design, the scythe is truly built to last. Made of durable metal, it was engineered to withstand heavy workloads a gas cutter is meant for. At 8.5 kg, it might seem quite heavy but, thanks to a thought-out construction, you won’t actually feel that weight too much when carrying it. A carrying strap evenly distributes the weight and balances the tool while an adjustable second handle with convenient controls on it provides a comfortable grip for accurate work. More than that, a Quickstart system with a primer will ensure a smooth and failure-free tool start time and again.

With an Advanced Engine

Yet another benefit of the Einhell brush cutter we’d be remiss not to mention is an advanced engine the unit is driven by. A 4-stroke engine is definitely quieter than its 2-stroke counterparts. As a result, the tool is nearly as quiet as its electric rivals. Besides, te 4-stroke engine produces much less vibration, so you won’t get tired quickly and will be able to work for quite a while before you’ll need a break. The users reported that they were capable of operating the scythe for about 2 hours without stops.

One more big plus of the 4-stroke engine contributing to longer no-fuss operation is an oversized volume of 31cc and no mess related to oil and petrol mixing since you’ll need only to fill in the crankcase with the oil once you get the tool and use pure petrol in the fuel tank thereafter.

To put it in a nutshell, the Einhell scythe is a strongly built gardening tool with solid dual functionality designed to cope with heavy-duty tasks and endure heavy workloads that makes it a perfect match for bigger properties and areas with diverse vegetation.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01MU7LO0B

Gardener’s Best Friend

What are the most important features an experienced gardener or a novice horticulturist usually seek in garden power tools? It’s power, efficiency, ease of use, and functionality. The Ryobi 2-in-1 brush cutter offers all of this and even more.

The first thing to say about this tool is that it’s an electric model which means it’s lighter and more compact than gas-powered models since it has no fuel tank. And it will save you the trouble of mixing fuel with oil for 2-stroke petrol engines and thinking of fuel refilling when you have a lot of work to do. The only aspect you might have to worry about is an extension cord for larger working areas. As for the rest, just plug in your brush cutting machine and off you go. A handy shoulder strap will provide additional support and evenly distribute the tool weight for better balance, while a handle on the body and an extra loop handle on the shaft ensure a secure grip and add comfort during operation. Once the work is finished, you can split the shaft into two parts and compactly store the tool in a garden shed or somewhere in your garage.

Yet, despite its low weight and ease of use, this electric brush cutter is not as simple as it may seem. First of all, lightweight design in no way means a lack of power. The Ryobi RBC1226I is driven by a forceful 1200W engine delivering comprehensive performance to combat thick or wet grass and tackle small-size shrubbery with no problem. In the package, you will find a 26cm Tri-Arc+™ hardened steel blade for tougher jobs and a ReelEasy™ bump feed string head for less heavy-duty tasks. However, what will impress you most about this tool is its unmatched functional versatility the majority of other models do not offer. Thanks to the Ryobi Expand-it system, this machine is compatible with a range of Expand-it attachments that can convert it to a hedge trimmer, pole chainsaw or blower. Besides, there is an extension shaft that will give you an additional 62 cm of length for overhead works. Though you’ll have to buy those attachments, at a fraction of the cost of several garden tools you’ll have them all in a single tool.

A Smart Technology for the Best Performance

In addition to its branded Expand-it attachment system, the brush cutter from Ryobi boasts a SmartTool technology. The SmartTool adaptor on the shaft controls the powerhead automatically adjusting the motor power levels for different functional bits attached. Thus, the tool performance will be optimised to the application or task at hand allowing you to get the maximum out of your Ryobi 2-in-1 brush cutter.

In a word, if power and the ultimate functionality are your decision-making factors, you’ll hit the spot with the Ryobi RBC1226I.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £124.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B01DZUR0LS

What Is a Brush Cutter?

When it comes to lawn trimming, we all know that the tool that serves this purpose best is a lawnmower. Unfortunately, though, lawn mowers are not effective at removing overgrown plants like bushes, weeds, and tall and thick grass that usually grow around fences. If that's the kind of task you need to deal with, you definitely should look out for a good brush cutter.

Being more powerful modifications of string trimmers, brush cutters are fitted with higher-capacity engines and may feature heavy-duty blades or thick cutting lines for trimming the grass. Using a brush cutter does not require any special skills, and therefore, it can be safely used by a novice user and a seasoned gardener alike.

However, brush cutters are designed to be used not only for trimming overgrown bushes. If you need to cut the grass along walls, flower beds, and footpath edging in your backyard, a brush cutter will help. Though it might not be the best idea to stuff your shed right up with all possible tools presented on the market, there are certain essentials you won't be able to do without when taking care of your garden. And a brush cutter is one of them.

Another tool we'd certainly recommend you to add to your arsenal of must-have tools is a gas chainsaw with the help of which tackling thick twigs and branches of trees will become as easy as never before.

What Features to Compare

A brush cutter can be really helpful for you, but you should decide what you will be using it for to pick a proper model.

Type

First of all, you have to determine what type of brush cutter you need. Brush cutters are divided into electric and gas models. Electric brush cutters are quiet and eco-friendly tools that are easy to use and maintain. They are designed for manoeuvrability and cutting medium greenery like nettle, ragweed, and others. Electric brush cutters will be suitable for people having medium-sized yards as the operating range of such tools is limited by their power cords (an extension cord can be used, though). Gas brush cutters are more powerful than their electric peers and they can cope with thick sprouts and dead weeds well. The gas cutters are more powerful than electric ones but are more difficult to use and need regular maintenance. Gas models are more mobile and allow working anywhere you need.

Performance

Performance is one more important criterion when choosing a brush cutter. Moreover, the performance depends on several factors. The more powerful the cutter's engine is, the faster it cuts and makes the ground clean. If you deal with grass, you should use a brush cutter with the cutting line as it provides a good cutting width and allows you to clear a large territory. Yet, if you face thick and dense plants, a brush cutter with a blade will be much more efficient. Such blades come in multiple sizes and shapes, so you can use different ones for various weeds.

Usability

As brush cutters are manual tools, pay attention to the usability of each model. A brush cutter should be convenient and user-friendly to ensure long and efficient work. The brush cutter's weight is probably the most vital aspect for its convenience, and a lightweight model gives you an obvious benefit when dealing with large territories. Most brush cutters are fitted with accessory handles for extra comfort and can be one-handed or two-handed. Such handles should be angle-adjustable to fit your needs. If your brush cutter has a folding shaft, you can always set its length according to your height. Pay attention to the presence of a harness or shoulder straps that evenly distribute the unit's weight over your body and reduce the strain on your hands.

Did you know?

One of the first things any newcomer making initial steps in gardening or horticulture does is building up an arsenal of essential tools to tackle a variety of gardening tasks and jobs. Yet, buying all those tools in a rush, eventually, we can find ourselves in a situation when we do not know how to use those tools in a proper way and what problems we might encounter during use or how to duly maintain the equipment. The issue can get even more complicated since the majority of modern gardening equipment is power tools and their misuse or lack of maintenance can result not only in tool damage, breakdown, or operation failure but even in a user injury, to say nothing of bad-looking lawn, plants, bushes, and trees.

Hence, for a conscientious and responsible novice who has already chosen from different types of brush cutters including a cordless brush cutter, petrol brush cutter, push brush cutter, and wheeled brush cutter, we’ve summed up the info from numerous brush cutter reviews and made a short guide on brush cutters containing maintenance tips, attachments installation tips, and some troubleshooting recommendations regarding the most common problems.

First Start Up

Once you unpacked your new electric or gas brush cutter, do not hurry up setting it to action right away. Thoroughly read the instruction manual. Most models require some assembly and before the first startup, it’s essential to make sure the tool is completely assembled and duly inspected. Check that all fixings are tightened, cutting attachments are properly installed and all protection guards are in place. If you have a petrol brush cutter, do not forget to fill in the fuel tank. The next thing to do is put on protective equipment including protective goggles or face shield, gloves, and closed footwear. Then strictly follow the operating instructions for your brush cutter model.

Maintenance Tips

To prolong the service life of your brush cutting machine, optimise its reliability, and ensure flawless day-to-day operation, it is highly important to service and maintain your tool in due order. Here are some maintenance routines you should follow on a regular basis:

  1. Always keep cutting tools and a guard clean and dry to prevent damages and rust.

  2. Before every use, check the trimmer head and a cutting tool for cracks and damages.

  3. Inspect all the fasteners and fixings to avoid their loosening.

  4. Make sure the throttle and throttle trigger lock function correctly.

  5. For a gas brush cutter, regularly clean the carburettor area and fuel tank. Check the spark plug.

  6. Check controls operation and all cable connections from time to time.

Note: Before servicing any power tool, make sure it is unplugged and all moving parts stopped. Remember to wear protective equipment to avoid injuries and protect yourself from harmful chemicals.

Troubleshooting Tips

In case you face some tool operation failures, the best way is to contact a specialized service and let professionals do all repairs. However, there are some minor failures you can identify and try to fix yourself before bringing the tool to the service.

1. The brush cutter engine does not start or continue cutting down and stalling.

  • The fuel tank is empty or a power cord is unplugged or damaged.

  • There was a short circuit or a spark plug is clogged with oil deposits

  • Fuel system malfunction due to low-quality fuel. Clean the fuel filter.

  • Carburetor malfunction that will require professional assistance.

2. Sudden tool stoppage during operation and poor cutting results.

  • A fuel tank is empty or high voltage problems.

  • A cutting blade is clogged or blunt or string line is broken.

3. The line often breaks.

  • The line you use is too thick or old.

  • You cut against some hard obstacles like stones, gravel, borders, logs, or exposed roots.

  • The line is installed incorrectly or gets tangled.

FAQ:

Q: A string trimmer or a brush cutter?
A: For a newbie, both tools look pretty much alike that makes the choice really baffling and even frustrating. Though the tools feature similar design and operation mode, there is a great difference between them. While lighter domestic string trimmers are mostly meant for tidying up the garden and cutting long grass and weeds, more powerful brush cutters are great in clearing dense scrub and thick undergrowth and suitable even for commercial use. If you are puzzled with a question what tool to choose, you should consider and make up your mind on the following basic factors: your preferred power source, working area, and types of jobs you are going to handle. It’s worth mentioning that many brush cutters come complete with a string head attachment and double as string trimmers. Commonly, these are electric or gas tools with a pretty high power output that can be used for both home and commercial applications.

Q: Electric vs Gas brush cutters
A: In terms of design, these two types are similar, having almost the same shaft length, fitted with ergonomic handles, and featuring a cutting guard that protects your legs and directs down the cut grass and weeds. The major difference lies in power they generate and working area both types can cover. Thus, petrol brush cutters are more powerful heavy-duty tools that do not restrict your working area and you can go almost as far as you want until the fuel runs down. Electric models are much more lightweight since they do not have a fuel tank but you won’t be able to reach further than the power cord length. Of course, you can use an extension cord, yet, it will still limit your working area and the freedom of movements.

Q: 2-stroke engine vs 4-stroke engine
A: When it comes to gas brush cutters, they can come packed with 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. A “stroke” stands for a piston movement inside the engine. While a 2-stroke engine makes a single crankshaft rotation per complete cycle, a 4-stroke model will make two crankshaft revolutions per cycle. What does this operation principle difference result in? First of all, a 4-stroke engine features a more complicated design due to a valve mechanism and, as a rule, it is heavier than a 2-stroke unit. Yet, a 4-stroke engine excels in performance and maintenance. It uses the fuel in a more efficient way and boasts better power output per gallon of fuel ratio. Besides, a 4-stroke engine requires less maintenance owing to less wear on moving parts and produces less noise during operation. The biggest disadvantage of a 2-stroke model is the need to mix fuel with oil or lubricant that can be a kind of a hassle and ready mixtures are pretty expensive.

Q: Do I have to buy only brand-specific replacement blades?
A: Normally, all brush cutter manufacturers also produce replacement blades for their tools. However, you can find some other more affordable blade kits delivered with different sizes of nuts and bolts and compatible with several trimmer brands. Just make sure the blade is suitable for your brush cutter model when choosing blades from other manufacturers.

Q: What are the types of brush cutter blades?
A: Most often you will come across star-shaped flat blades with sharp or rectangular tips that keep their sharpness for longer and can easily cut down tough brush and weeds. Another most popular blade type is a multi-tip blade for cutting long string grass. As for the material, in most cases, brush cutter blades are made of ordinary or carbide steel to ensure durability.

Sources:

1. Renee Miller Advantages & Disadvantages of Brush Cutter Machines, SFGate.

2. String Trimmer Buying Guide, Lowe's.

3. CHOOSE A GRASS TRIMMER, Canadian Tire.

4. Mark Clement How to Use a String Trimmer Like a Pro, Popular Mechanics. October 8, 2013.

5. Julie Day Spring Lawn Care Guide, Today's Homeowner.

6. Chris Barnes Whipper snipper buying guide, Choice. September 19, 2016.

7. String trimmer, Wikipedia. October 11, 2016.

8. Grass Trimmers Buying Guide, Argos.

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