All you need to Know on Types of Brush Cutters
First used in Japan in 1960, a brush cutter is a powered garden tool used to trim overgrown grass, weeds, brambles, and small hedges making it one of the most useful home tools. Here, I will explain the types of brush cutters, their features, pros and cons and their maintenance.
Like any other item, selecting the most suitable brush cutter may prove to be an uphill task for one with no prior knowledge about them. The type and efficiency of any grass cutter and particularly brush cutter are determined mainly by blade type and handle. So, the secret? Stay with me.
Types of Brush Cutter Blades
Knife blades
Made from thin steel sheets, these blades are the most commonly used in brush cutters. They come in different shapes. The star-shaped blade has four cutting edges giving it an edge over the triangular one, literally. These blades are good for cutting and trimming soft materials.
Pros
- They are cheap
- Good for cutting soft materials like grass
- They are common hence readily available.
Cons
- Their edges dull quickly
- They are not suitable for hard materials.
Chisel blades
Chisel blades are circular with varying numbers, sizes, and shapes of teeth around their perimeter. They cut by chiseling through vegetation. They are faster and stronger than knife blades. Their teeth range from steel, chainsaw, and tungsten-carbide depending on materials to cut.
Pros
- Good for cutting hard materials
- Efficient and fast.
Cons
- Their teeth are difficult to sharpen
- Generally, they are more expensive than knife blades.
Smasher blades
These blades are thick with no sharp edges. As the name suggests, they neither cut nor trim but ‘smash’ through vegetation. They are used for soft and watery vegetation and are unsuitable for hard materials. They can also be used for mulching.
Pros
- Good for soft weeds and grasses
- Don’t require sharpening.
Cons
- They are expensive since they are made of multiple parts
- Some have high drag and hence consume a large amount of power
- Not suitable for hard materials like shrubs.
Mulching blades
Mulching blades have a curved surface and a large cutting edge enabling them to trim grass and allow the clippings to fall back onto the lawn. They are designed to push grass clippings with more airflow. Mulching blades are good for mulching but not otherwise.
Pros
- They are the best blades for mulching.
Cons
- They are expensive compared to chisel and knife blades
- Requires more power to operate.
Brush-destructor blades
Also called a 4 in 1 blade, a brush-destructor blade can easily be used as a smasher blade, knife blade, chisel blade, or a mulching blade depending on how you set the blade. These blades are strong and require regular sharpening.
Pros
- Replaces the need for all other nylon lines and metal blades
- Does more with less power than the other blades
- Fewer kickbacks when fixed with blades.
Cons
- They are expensive when compared to the other blades
- They require regular sharpening when used as chisel blades.
Let’s now classify brush cutters using their handles as reference:
The Bicycle Handle Brush Cutters
They are the easiest to use. They range in size and are the best for flat areas. The bicycle handle model allows you to sweep side to side without shifting your floor space. Many of them, like the Honda GX35 brush cutter, are easy to navigate.
The BackPack brush cutter
You carry them by the back. They are good for flat, bumpy, and steep surfaces although their weight strains you when carried for long.
The Loop Handle brush cutters
This model gives you an easier control of the brush cutter. They are suitable for working in tight and even steep areas. Their major setback though is the vibrations they cause to your hands.
Maintenance of Brush Cutters
- Clean the air filter regularly
- Change their oil frequently
- Sharpen and clean their blades after use
- Clean the engine cylinder at least once a month
- Carefully read and follow instructions contained in the user’s manual.
Conclusion
Brush cutters are important machines that leave your lawn clean and attractive. They are faster and more efficient compared to manual trimming. Most are eco-friendly and affordable. Well, time’s right, prends-en un.
