Similar in appearance to line trimmers, brush cutters utilize a metal blade to cut through dense vegetation and tree trunks up to 4 inches thick. Line trimmers use a thin nylon string to remove vegetation like long grass or weeds. Compared to trimmers, brush cutters are more powerful and versatile, but they also have significant drawbacks.
Effortless Use
The most significant disadvantage of a brush cutter is knowing the cutting methods required to prevent harm to oneself or the equipment. Because brush cutters have a defined cutting area, you can’t just whack at the vegetation from any angle. Since the blades spin in the opposite direction, you must advance from the right to left when cutting.
If you hit a thick stem or branch with any other portion of the blade, the machine can kick back at you. The cutting zone is from the top of the blade to 90 degrees left. Slowly insert the blade into the plants or brush so that it presses against it rather than swinging at it. A brush cutter may smoke and cease working if you use a chopping motion to cut because branches and other objects may become caught in the blades and overheat.
Versatility and Robustness
According to the Healthy Handyman, brush cutters include several blade attachments that let you cut a range of materials. When properly maintained, they are typically robust and dependable devices. However, how often and with what you cut will affect the blade life. For instance, you might need to change or sharpen the blade every day if you frequently operate in rocky regions or have to cut through tough stems or branches.
Check the sharpness of the blade before each use because working with a dull blade reduces service life and can be dangerous. The blades can be sharpened by you or by a professional.
Power and practicality
A lawn mower or line trimmer can’t cut through overgrown brush, but brush cutters are strong enough to. They also make cuts in tight spaces that are inaccessible to larger machinery. However, the majority of brush cutters are difficult to use, and if you need to clear a sizable area, tiredness may set in. To lessen operator fatigue, most brush cutters have a straight shaft and anti-vibration features. A harness makes it easier to control the equipment and lessens your load while working.
Significant Safety Issues
Because brush cutters are strong instruments, there are some risks involved if basic safety precautions aren’t taken. Both using a brush cutter without a harness and using a machine without a handlebar are never recommended. The handlebar is what gives you control over the machine and acts as a safety net in case you drop it and hurt yourself.
Never operate a brush cutter within 15 meters of another person and always wear eye protection since the blade can hurl debris back at you.
