8 Best Brush Cutters of 2024 – [Reviews]

Brush cutters, also known as clearing saws, weed wackers, and weed eaters, are among the most versatile landscaping tools. 

These devices can cut through saplings and chop down thick weeds, but which brush cutter is right for your yard and your needs? 

To help you sort through dozens of these yard tools, we’ve picked the 8 Best Brush Cutters based on power, weight, and durability. 

Top 8 Brush Cutters – Reviews

1. Wild Badger Power WBP26BCI

The 2-in-1 Wild Badger Power Brush Cutter and Grass trimmer gives you the power of a commercial-grade tool at the price of most electric versions. 

This brush cutter has a shaft length of 57 inches, which allows a fair amount of distance between you and the blade when in use. 

Weighing in at 12 pounds, it’s lightweight and comes with a harness so you can tackle large distances with ease.

Noteworthy: This brush cutter includes an automatic kill switch so you can quickly and safely turn the tool on and off, and its ergonomic soft-grip handle allows for comfortable use. 

This brush cutter has a cutting diameter of up to 17 inches and has a twist and load string trimmer spool that allows for easy trimming. 

Its full crank design also allows for reduced emissions, increased fuel efficiency, and a longer life, which can be a downfall of some other grass cutters. 

Big perk: This brush cutter has a warranty of up to six years, which is the highest of any tools on our list. 

Specifications:

• Weight: 12 lbs
• Power Source: 26 cc gas engine 
• Shaft Length: 57 inches
• Cutting Width: 17 Inches
• Type of handle: One hand loop handle 
• Can cut through up to 1-inch saplings
• Warranty: 6 years

Pros:

✓ Excellent warranty, up to six years
✓ Inexpensive
✓ Powerful 

Cons:

✗ Can’t cut through thick brush.
✗ May vibrate more than some other brush cutters. 
✗ May need to purchase a larger guard for extra-protection from debris. 

2. ECHO SRM-225U (17″) 21.2cc 2-Cycle Straight Shaft Brush Cutter

The Echo SRM-225’s great fuel efficiency and reliable engine make it perfect for small yards. 

With a durable debris shield and cut off knife, you won’t have to worry about debris flying at your face while trimming and cutting. 

Noteworthy: This brush cutter has an anti-vibration handle and padded grips to help lessen fatigue and keep you comfortable during your cutting. It also self-lubricates to keep your blades running smoothly.

With a 21.2 cc engine, this brush cutter is on the lower end for some other gas-powered machines. This brush cutter’s engine means it works best for small properties and may not be able to handle small trees, thick branches, or dense bushes.   

This brush cutter has a cutting width of 17 inches, which is the average size and should cut through grass with one sweep. 

One significant benefit of this brush cutter is its 59-inch shaft, which allows for a large amount of distance between you, the blade, and flying debris for safe use. 

Nice feature: This brush cutter’s 2-cycle motor is also great for small properties because its smaller, lighter, and easier to maintain than 4-stroke counterparts. 

Specifications:

• Weight: 12 lbs
• Power Source: 21.2 cc gas engine
• Shaft Length: 59 inches
• Cutting Width: 17 inches
• Type of grip: One hand loop handle 
• Warranty: 5 years

Pros:

✓ Lightweight
✓ Good cutting width
✓ Anti-vibration handle
✓ Long shaft

Cons:

✗ It may be challenging to find replacement pieces. 
✗ Doesn’t come with a shoulder strap.
✗ Lower power engine than most gas brush cutters

3. Husqvarna 128LD 28-cc 2-Cycle 17-in Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer

The super-versatile Husqvarna 128LD Gas Trimmer is well-suited for small and medium-sized lawns. It has a powerful 28 cc engine and a cutting width of 17 inches, so you can chop down dense weeds and grasses with one swing. 

This brush cutter has a 2-cycle engine, which works on a mixture of unleaded gas and oil, and includes a translucent fuel tank to easily check if your ratio is correct. 

This brush cutter has a 53.93-inch straight shaft, which protects you while also helping trim hard-to-reach branches. 

Nice feature: This brush cutter includes a Tap ‘N Go line release feature that easily releases new trimmer line as you are working. 

Some of the attachments for this brush cutter include an edger with a 2-inch cutting depth and a cultivator that’s great for smaller areas and consists of a 6- to 9-inch adjustable tilling width. The Husqvarna 128LD can also attach to a pole saw, which works best for treetop limbs and can cut branches up to 6 inches in diameter. 

Specifications:

• Weight: 11 lbs
• Power Source: 28 cc gas engine
• Shaft Length: 53.93 inches
• Cutting Width: 17 inches
• Type of grip: One hand loop handle 
• Warranty: 2 years 

Pros:

✓ Lightweight
✓ Multifunctional 
✓ Great cutting width 
✓ Great shaft length  

Cons:

✗ On the higher end for price.
✗ Less power than other gas brush cutters 

4. Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Brush Cutter

The Troy-Bilt TB42’s four-tooth brush steel blade can cut through most types of dense vegetation, and with its 18-inch cutting path, you can get your yard work done quickly. 

One Amazon reviewer noted that this Troy-Bilt brush cutter’s adjustable J-shaped handle is ideal for left-handed people (as well as right-handed). 

As the jack of all brush cutters, this tool is attachment capable and works with 10 different Trimmerplus additions, transforming from a pole saw to an edger with ease.

The shaft length on this trimming tool is rivaled only by the Ryobi Brush Cutter and is great for getting under shrubs and reaching tall branches. 

Nice feature:  27 cc gas engine is Jumpstart capable, so you don’t have to worry about pull cords. 

Specifications:

• Weight: 14 lbs.
• Power Source: 27 cc gas engine 
• Shaft Length: 60 inches
• Cutting Width: 18 inches
• Type of grip: Adjustable J-handle 
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

✓ Excellent shaft length
✓ Great cutting width
✓ Good power rating 

Cons:

✗ Expensive

5. Iglobalbuy 52cc 5-in-1 Multifunction Grass Cutter Trimmer

This Iglobalbuy multifunctional grass cutter trimmer is the most powerful gas brush cutter on our top 8 list, and it’s also one of the most affordable. 

This versatile trimmer comes with a 3-tooth heavy-duty metal blade attachment to cut through brambles, thick overgrowth, nettles, and dense shrubs. 

This is a 5-in-1 brush cutter and can be used as a strimmer, hedge trimmer, pruner, extension pole, and trimmer, and can be useful for both residential and commercial landscapers. 

Cool added safety perk: Safety is paramount when using a brush cutter; that’s why this trimming tool comes with gloves and earmuffs to keep your hands and ears damage free. 

Considerable disadvantage: The biggest downside to this brush cutter is its weight. Because it has such a powerful engine, this brush cutter weighs a heavy 32.6 pounds, which would be hard to carry around your property without a harness. 

This brush cutter has a substantial shaft length of 43.31 inches, but you may need the extension pole attachment to reach tall branches.  

Specifications:

• Weight: 32.6 lbs
• Power Source: 52 cc gas engine
• Shaft Length: 43.31 inches
• Cutting Width: 15 inches
• Type of grip: J-handle 
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

✓ Great price
✓ Excellent power
✓ Good cutting width
✓ Good shaft length
✓ Multifunctional

Cons:

✗ Extremely heavy 

6. Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included

All you have to do is turn on the Ryobi Cordless String Trimmer and get to work — no dealing with the hassle of mixing oil and gas. This is one of the most affordable brush cutters on this list, and with a 40 v engine, it rivals most gas cutters.  

This Ryobi string trimmer has a good cutting width of 15 inches for small to medium yards, and you should be able to cut through grasses and weeds with ease and only have to go over spots once. 

Disadvantage: This brush cutter has a shaft length of 29.5 inches, which is still long enough to be protective, but may not be the best for reaching high branches.

Advantage: This brush cutter has a great warranty of up to five years.  

Specifications:

• Weight: 11.3 lbs
• Power Source: 40 V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery
• Shaft Length: 29.5 inches
• Cutting Width: 15 inches
• Type of grip: One hand loop handle 
• Warranty: 5 years

Pros:

✓ Lightweight
✓ Affordable
✓ Great cutting width
✓ Great warranty
✓ Can cut saplings up to an inch thick. 

Cons:

✗ Possibly too short of a shaft length depending on the job.

7. Makita EM2650UH 25.4 CC 4-Stroke Brush Cutter

With the longest shaft of any tool on this list, the Makita EM2650UH can cut even top-tier branches. This brush cutter has a 4-stroke engine, making it quieter and lowers the amount of toxic emissions it releases. 

This brush cutter works best if you have a small to medium-sized yard and was designed to be compact and easy to store. This brush cutter’s shaft is also made of steel, which helps keep its vibrating to a minimum to lower fatigue and increase your tool’s life. 

Unique features: This brush cutter includes a Mechanical Automatic Decompression System, which encourages quick and easy stops and starts. You also can access the filter without tools for easy maintenance. 

Disadvantages: Compared to other brush cutters, this Makita tool has a smaller cutting width and puts out less power, and it is one of the most expensive on this list. 

 Specifications:

• Weight: 12.1 lbs 
• Power Source: 24.5 cc gas engine 
• Shaft Length: 69.5 inches 
• Cutting Width: 9 inches
• Type of grip: Bike handle 
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

✓ Lightweight
✓ Excellent shaft length
✓ The adjustable bike shaped handle helps keep you balanced when cutting. 

Cons:

✗ Expensive
✗ Small cutting width
✗ Lower engine power for the price 

8. Husqvarna 336FR 966604702 Bike Handle Pro Brush Cutter with Line/Brush and Saw Blade, 34.6 cc

As the Cadillac of the brush cutter world, the Husqvarna 336R costs close to a commercial-grade tool, with the features to make it worthy of that price point. 

Some highlights:

• A 34.6 cc X-torq engine that helps reduce harmful emissions without limiting power. 
• A shaft length of 58.4 inches means this brush cutter provides a significant amount of protection between you and the blade, and the bike handlebar allows for greater control and comfort. 
• With a weight of 15.4 pounds, the Husqvarna 336R comes with a harness that helps to distribute the weight across your back, shoulders, and chest so you can carry it for long distances. 
• Versatility: This brush cutter comes with a trimmer head, grass blade, and saw blade and cuts a substantial 17-inch path, so you can easily handle a variety of landscaping projects with one tool. 

Important to note: The cutting guard attachment works with both the grass blade and trimmer attachment to help keep you protected. 

Specifications:

• Weight: 15.4 lbs
• Power source: 34.6 cc gas engine 
• Shaft Length: 58.4 inches
• Cutting Width: 17 inches
• Type of grip: Bike handle 
• Warranty: 2 years 

Pros:

✓ Powerful engine 
✓ Lightweight
✓ Great cutting width 
✓ Great shaft length 
✓ More eco-friendly than other gas-powered tools 
✓ Includes a harness

Cons:

✗ Expensive 
✗ The engine may seize if you don’t use the proper oil to gas ratio.

Buyers Guide 

How To Choose The Right Brush Cutter For Your Property 

If this is your first time shopping for brush cutters, where do you begin? How do you find the right brush cutter for your yard and your needs?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a brush cutter and short definitions for some key terms: 

Yard size: For a small yard, an electric brush trimmer likely is perfect. For larger yards, gas cutters are easier to maneuver (because they aren’t tied to a cord), but these tools tend to be heavier. If you have a lot of ground to cover, look for a gas-powered brush cutter with shoulder straps to make your yard work easier on your back. 

Head size: The larger the head, the more distance you can cover with one swath. This means you can get the job done faster, but it might be difficult to cut around small corners. Smaller heads can get in those nooks and crannies of your yard but may require you to go over the same spot more than once to cut all of the brush.

The right-size blade: Brush cutters can be dangerous, and using the right-size blade can help keep you safe. For example, using a small blade on a thick branch or rigid tree can result in injuries to the user and the breakdown of your equipment.

Knowing the size of the blade recommended for the materials your cutting is essential to keeping you safe and increasing your equipment’s life. 

Gas vs. Electric Brush Cutters 

Almost all options on our list for the 9 Best Brush Cutters are gas-powered, but there are several capable electric choices out there. Gas-powered and electric brush cutters each have advantages and disadvantages, and here is a quick summary of the differences. 

Electric brush cutters

Electric brush cutters tend to be more similar to string trimmers, as they are lightweight, quiet, and easier to maneuver. Like their trimmer counterparts, though, some of the downsides of electric brush cutters are their lower power and distance limitations because of their cord. 

For small properties and lower budgets, electric brush cutters could be the way to go. 

Gas brush cutters

Gas brush cutters are excellent for large yards in terms of power but these tools tend to be heavy. Gas brush cutters can be more expensive, but with multiple attachments and increased maneuverability, these tools give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Most gas brush cutters also come with anti-vibration technology, which many electric cutters don’t have. 

How We Chose Our Top 8 Brush Cutters

When you are shopping for brush cutters, these are key factors to consider:

Weight: Weight is always something to consider when buying any landscaping tool, but it is crucial when purchasing a brush cutter. You need to carry this tool around your yard, so if you don’t have a harness or shoulder strap, you may not be able to get through trimming your yard without taking a break or two or three. Having too heavy of a brush cutter also can lead to lowered maneuverability and injury. 

Price: The brush cutters on our list vary greatly in price. Some are under $200, and some cost more than a riding lawn mower. Most homeowners don’t need commercial grade equipment, and there are affordable and quality options for your personal landscaping needs. 

Power: Electric brush cutters on our list range in power from 18 to 84 volts. The gas options on this range between 21.2 and 54 cc. For medium to larger yards, a gas-powered brush cutter with more than 27 cc of power is the way to go. 

Shaft length: Shaft length is important for a few reasons. The longer the shaft, the more distance between you and the blade, which is important for safe landscaping. A longer shaft also helps you reach branches without needing an extension pole, but too long of a rod can be challenging to maneuver, leading to fatigue. 

Cutting width: Cutting width is the cutting head’s diameter on your tool and the cutting width on most brush cutters ranges from 10 to 18 inches. The length of your cutting head determines the amount of greenery your device can cut in one pass. Having a larger cutting width helps if you have a large yard and/or dense vegetation, but a shorter cutting width is best to maneuver through small spaces. 

FAQ About Brush Cutters

Conclusion

We compiled this buying guide and list of 9 best brush cutters to help you save time and money when shopping for one of these versatile tools. 

There’s a brush cutter for every budget, yard size, and power preference, and adding this landscaping tool may change your lawn care game forever. 

From slicing through saplings to chopping down thick brambles, whatever your yard needs, choosing one of these brush cutters can help you do it all.

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