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Best Brush Cutter Reviews

February 1, 2017 By Scott Harper Leave a Comment

Does your property look something like this?
Does your property look something like this?

Are you considering purchasing a new brush cutter for your property? Is your lawn or garden ridden with weeds? Many best brush cutters can get the job done. Below you’ll find a list of buying criteria with product recommendations tailored to your needs. A quick note before you dig in is I just wanted to clarify that a brush cutter is a more powerful version of the strimmer/weed eater.

Power

When buying a brush cutter, power is an instrumental metric that should be evaluated before purchase. A reader sent us a question about using a brush cutter to clear underbrush from a forest to prevent wildfires. He said that his brush cutter should have enough power to cut through saplings and vegetation with ease.

Type of engine

The four main types of engines are electric, battery-power, two-stroke, and four-stroke.

Electronic brush cutters are best for small tasks such as cutting the edges of a lawn or a flower bed. They are not as loud and more straightforward to use. They are also easier to maintain than petrol brush cutters. Inexperienced gardeners or lawn professionals can take advantage of the corded brush cutter for small tasks.

Battery powered engines are ideal for larger gardens and for gardeners who want a more flexible product. The majority of battery powered trimmers use hi-tech lithium ion battery technology that ensures a high cutting action into the hard to reach areas.

Two-stroke engines are more powerful and robust than four-stroke engines. They are also quieter.

Four-stroke engines have separate oil containers to lubricate the motor. A downside to this mechanism is that if the trimmer is tilted, then there is a risk of oil dripping out of the oil pan to other areas which can result in a costly repair bill.

Other metrics to look for include the power source, wattage, RPM, and cc.

Shaft and Handle

A strong shaft and handle are instrumental to selecting the best brush cutter. A steel shaft is necessary. A solid steel shaft helps to drive the cutting head.

Brush cutters are sold with a straight shaft and flexible shaft. Flexible shafts let you get into the tricky areas. However, bent shafts have a mechanical linkage between the engine and cutting head. As a result, this does reduce the power of the cutter.

The two types of handles are D-shaped and U-shaped also called bike handle and loop handle. Choosing a brush cutter with the right handle will ultimately determine its manoeuvrability and suitability for tougher jobs such as clearing vast areas with long grass. U handles are more suitable for prolonged or heavy duty usage, and they stand the test of time. U-handles also produce less vibration.

Blades

Many manufacturers will supply a set of standard blades with the brush cutter and later upsell you new blades as accessories.

When assessing a blade type, you want to take certain things into consideration. Firstly, the larger the diameter and width of the blade, the more powerful it is. You will encounter blades that are 20 – 25 centimetres or 8-10 inches in size.

brush-cutter-blades-typesLarger blades require a more robust engine to keep it spinning at a high RPM. Slower blades can cause a lot of headaches, especially when cutting through tough woody weeds and shrubs. A slow turning blade will also produce increased kick back which is considered a safety concern.

The next component of a good blade is dependent on the teeth. No-teeth blades work best in areas with little vegetation while blades with 30-40 teeth are apt for medium sized tasks such as cutting through brambles, blackberries, ivy, thick grass, and small trees. If you intend to cut tall, thick vegetation, then a blade with 80-120 teeth is required. 80 to 120 teeth blades are the best value for money because they can handle any cutting job that may require pruning or hedging.

Another metric you want to keep in mind is the type of steel. A blade made out of carbide steel is far superior to a blade made out of regular steel.

Carbide is longer lasting and more versatile.

Vibration and Noise

Brush cutters that vibrate less also produce less noise. Therefore, it is best to stick with a trimmer that has anti-vibration dampening technology.

Moreover, a two-stroke engine, U-shaped handle, and steel shaft are useful features for making the best choice.

Based on the above criteria we have scored each of the top brush cutters in their respective categories, all of which are priced under $300.

Have a look!

Bosch AFS 23-27 Electric Brushcutter

bosch-afs-23-27-trimmerThis Bosch brush cutter with a combi-cutting system is the best choice if you are looking for a trimmer that runs on electricity. Even though it is electric, it still has a considerable amount of power built into it. The approximate wattage is 1000 W.

The power units and the attachment are fitted together without any other tools, using the knurled nut and the locking button. The adjustable shoulder strap and strap mount provide optimum tool balance for various body sizes. The combination cutting system makes it easy to change blades.

The AFS 2337 brush cutter uses 3.5 millimetres fixed, extra strong cutting lines to ensure high endurance cutting without having to modify the line frequently. Spare cutting lines can be stored in the safety bar. The line is suitable for long coarse grass and weeds. It can cut through brambles, nettles, and other woody weeds.

This product carries a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Draper Expert 45576 32 cc Petrol Brush Cutter

draper-expert-32cc-reviewThe Draper Expert 45576 has a two-stroke engine with a single piece shaft. It produces 32 cubic centimetres of power. There is a safety lever lock to prevent accidents. Moreover, it has a U-shaped bike handle made for easy cutting. It also comes with a hip pad for added support.

Here is what you get with your purchase

  • 8-metre double line spool
  • 18-millimetre box spanner
  • 5-millimetre hexagon key
  • 1.5 litre two stroke stirring container
  • Four-tooth brush cutting blade

Draper is an excellent manufacturer of tools, and they’ve been in business for the past 90 years. They are committed to providing excellence and quality products that are pre-checked by their engineers.

AOSOME 52CC Multi-Function Brush Cutter

aosome-trimmer-petrol-pruner-reviewAnother best brush cutter on the market in the United Kingdom (UK) is the AOSOME.

AOSOME is a 5 in 1 garden tool that works as strimmer, pruner, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, and extension pole. It has a 52cc two-stroke engine with a vertical cylinder. It has a maximum output of 2.2 kilowatts to 7500 RPM.

With each purchase, a Bosch spark plug, safety goggles, gloves, ear defenders, toolkit, funnel, belt strap, fuel stirring bottle, and user’s manual is supplied.

The hardened carbide steel blades with strong teeth make it apt for larger cutting jobs such as an acreage.

Black + Decker GLC3630L20-GB 36V Cordless Brush Cutter

black-and-decker-glc3630l20-cordless-strimmerThe Black and Decker GLC3630L20-GB is the best lithium battery powered hedge cutter.

The head of the cutter is largely of plastic construction, and it has a flip down bar which helps in trimming along the edges of a garden. It also features a clamp which lets you slide the cutter up and down to adjust the length.

Furthermore, it has a trigger mechanism with a safety sliding catch on both sides for added security. Moreover, a dial near the battery lets you adjust the speed.

The lithium battery pack is a 36 volt two amp per hour, and it comes with a gauge that shows the state of charge. The battery also features a high-torque gear mechanism that lets you cut through the toughest of vegetation. A fully charged battery will cut up to 4000 linear metres. The automatic feed system (AFS) strings out single line spool without the need to press a button.

That’s it! If you found this article helpful, help us by sharing this page on your favourite social media site or leave a comment below.

For a similar article, read about the weed wiper.

Filed Under: Lawn Care, Weeding Tools

Long Handled Weeding Tools Reviews

January 27, 2017 By Scott Harper Leave a Comment

Recently, there has been a high demand for long handled weeding tools. Perhaps you are looking for ways to manually weed your garden and lawn without breaking your back. There are many such weeding tools out there. In this guide let’s take a look at some of the best long handled weeding tools which include cultiweeder, classic hoe, trowel, transplanter, weed fork, and much more.

Spear & Jackson Elements Long Handled Weed Fork

This weeding fork has an extended length of 1.2 metres and is ideal for the removal of weeds in hard to reach areas. Spear and Jackson is a brand that sells gardening tools all around the world. This weed fork has some neat features and benefits that set it apart from the competition. They are:

spear-jackson-kew-trowelWeatherproof wood shaft and a comfortable grip for durability and ease of use. The epoxy coated hammer colour finish protects the tool from scratches, humidity, rust, and alkaline soils. The head built from carbon steel adds to the durability of this product. As a result, long-term deterioration is reduced.

Weed Brush

This brush is a special type of brush that has a carbon steel head to pull out weeds. The brush has tough wire bristles which allow it to dig deep into the surface and clean off any weeds. It measures 1.2 metres in length and is ideal for use on paths, drives, decking, and patio.

weed-brushA cool thing about this brush is that the shaft can be removed to fit a smaller or longer handle. There are also replacement heads you can get if your current brush deteriorates over several years.

The brush is very sturdy, and the wood is of good quality.

Hozelock green power thermal weeder

The Hozelock thermal weeder stick uses thermal shocks to kill weeds in just a few seconds. It differs from a weed burner which spews out flames. The thermal shock is approximately 600 degrees Celsius which causes the plant’s cells to burst. There is no need to use a herbicide, flames, or gas canisters as electricity powers everything.

hozelock-thermal-weederIt is a selective weed control method because it only targets the intended plants. The protective cone lets you lock onto a weed without causing effects on surrounding plants.

It has a 3 metre cable and has a long ergonomic design for ease of use. The hozelock wonder weeder is also a a good long-handled weeding tool.

AMOS weed puller claw

AMOS weed puller is a deep-penetrating tool with stainless steel claws that grip onto the weed when force is applied by the foot on the horizontal bar.

It is an environmentally friendly method of weed removal and costs about 16 GBP.

amos-weed-puller-dandelionIt has a long handle, so it does not hurt your back. There is no need to dig or bend when using this weed puller claw. Moreover, it effectively gets rid of dandelions, thistles, and other unwanted weeds.

It pulls the weed from its roots and has a heavy duty metal construction. Furthermore, its clawing action also aerates the soil for you.

Fiskars weed puller

The Fiskars weed puller is a product we at Weedicide have recommended on multiple occasions. It has a long shaft that makes for easy pulling. The handle’s design is ergonomic due to fiber-comp technology, so you will feel very comfortable using the weed puller.

fiskars-weed-pullerIts deep-penetrating steel claws reach down into the ground to grab onto the tap root of the weed. From there, the ejection system pulls the weed out and can be put away in a wheelbarrow.

For more information read our Fiskars weed puller review.

Spear and Jackson Stainless Steel Trowel

This is a special edition trowel that is used and recommended by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. It has a stainless steel head that cuts through soil effortlessly.

spear-jackson-kew-trowelIt has a long 1.1-metre handle for reach into hard to get areas. It has a weatherproofed hardwood handle that is usage-friendly for your hands. There is no need to bend your back or kneel down. The chance of soil adhesion or rusting is low.

As recommended by Kew Gardens, this trowel is a must-have in your gardening arsenal.

Kingfisher garden twist cultivator

kingfisher-twist-cultivatorThe Kingfisher garden pro gold Cultivator is a garden tool that is apt for a variety of different tasks. It is made with sturdy steel construction and features four sharp claws that make for easy weeding. The handles include soft grip rubber material, so it will not strain your hands.

Grampa’s Weeder

Grampa’s Weeder is a unique and popular product that has been around since 1913. It does not require you to bend, kneel, pull, or resort to using chemical herbicides. It has a durable wood construction with a stainless steel head.

grampas-weederGranmpa’s Weeder uses a level action mechanism to remove deep-rooted weeds. The handle is constructed of renewable bamboo and the head comprised of metal powder coated steel.

Silverline Dutch Hoe

silverline-dutch-hoeIf you are looking for a quality dutch hoe, then Silverline is your best bet. This Dutch hoe has an epoxy-covered, hammer finished, compressed steelhead. The tubular steel handle is 1.2 metres long with a black grip and hanging hole for ease of use.

Wolf Garten Culti-weeder

The Wolf Garten Culti-weeder is an attachment piece that is perfect for breaking up the soil and weeding.

wolf-garten-cultiweederIt works by utilizing the three sharp blade prongs that can easily cut through weeds. Also, it features a ten-year product warranty. However, you will need to buy a handle separately from the “multi-change” product line.

Filed Under: Weeding Tools

Fiskars Weed Puller Review

January 3, 2017 By Scott Harper Leave a Comment

Fun to use and effective in design, the Fiskars weed puller is a novel item in the weed control category. The weed puller is simplicity; however the concern related to the weed puller is whether it is truly what the company claims it to be and what other user experiences are. The company describes the weed puller as:

A great invention for removing weeds, such as dandelions, from the garden.

buy-fiskars-weed-puller

The Fiskars weed puller is easy and comfortable to use with no need to dig or bend down to pull out weed. The method is safe for environment too, as no chemicals are involved. Many customers claim it is the best way to pull a lot of weeds without bending over. In fact, some customers even say that this is the best weeding tool ever. It also eliminates the risks associated with weed burners like the sheen flame torch gun.

Its deep-reaching claws are made from stainless steel, are tough and grab the weed’s root from multiple directions, making it easy to pull it out of the ground. The innovative ejection system makes the repeated action faster, offering a more efficient result.

Salient Features of Fiskars Weed Puller:

  • Deep-reaching stainless steel claws grab the root from multiple directions
  • Leverage point from the ground level
  • Ejection system helps to release weed after pulling
  • Removes weeds without the use of chemicals
  • Comfortable working posture, no digging required

Fiskars Weed Puller: Usage and Spectrum

The Fiskars weed puller is recommended to be used to remove dandelions, thistles and other invasive weeds without needing to kneel or bend. Also, it eliminates the need of environment damaging herbicides and makes the process cost effective too (if you are doing it yourself, labor cost not considered).

The weed puller is good for small and medium gardens, patios and other household applications, mid-scale landscaping too (if it becomes the weapon of your choice).

Decoding the Design

fiskars-weed-puller-w52The Fiskars weed puller features a rather simplistic design, with the three clawed bottom with space in between, like any other clawed device. The real beauty is its attached foot pedal, which offers extra leverage while pushing the claws in ground.

It measures about a meter in length, and is made of constructed from hardened aluminum with the teeth being made of stainless steel for strength with some ultra durable plastic here and there.

Explained: Packaging & Storage

The product was minimally packaged and I only needed a Philips head screwdriver to remove it.

There was an extra plastic hanger supplied with the packaging which can be used to store the weed puller safely and easily.

Overview of the Working Mechanism

The working mechanism is simple – a plastic guide lets you open and hold the jaws while you push the jaws into ground using the foot plate. Once the weed is securely caught by the jaws, pull it out and cock the handle like a shotgun to release the weed, and get ready for the next one.

How to use:

  1. Open the jaws by a plastic guide
  2. Use the foot plate as leverage to pull the weed out completely
  3. Slide down the release handle to release the claws
  4. Carry a compost bin / green waste bin to dispose-off the pulled out weed easily and securely

Discussed: Efficiency

Now the question about its effectiveness is addressed. In short, yes! It does help cope with weed problems, and is a good and environment friendly device for weed control.

fiskars-weed-puller-reviewBut using it means a lot of work, and such amount of manual labor is not possible on large farms, landscaping and other large scale applications. Although it stays ahead of other weed extractors and what seemed like a 2 – 3 hours work only took me a half hour to complete.

It requires lesser bending/stooping too, making the whole process a lot less exhausting. The easy release system speeds up the process further. Professionals understand their garden, weeds and proper methods to cope with it, so, the area of usage is to be decided by the user.

Only a few garden gadgets meet or surpass the Fiskars weed puller, and there are a very few out there in market. The Fiskars weed puller is found to be sturdy, robust and easy to use and doesn’t leave a large hole in your garden as a spade does. It is very conveniently priced too, and if you are doing all the pulling yourself, it is practically a free method of weed control.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Lesser effort required due to foot leverage
  • The UpRoot automatically grabs the weed by its roots and pulls it up in one motion
  • Dislodge the weed in one simple step and get ready to go again
  • Much more precise than using a hoe
  • More effective than hand-pulling
  • Ecologically friendly
  • Made from lightweight aluminum

Cons

  • Little craters dot the landscape after using the weed puller
  • Not fit to clear large areas quickly
  • Need to accurately line everything up properly or only leaves and dirt gets pulled

Our Verdict

Most effective in gardening, weed control in small areas!

If you own a small garden, need to clear out driveways, patio and any other small patch of greenery plagued by pesky weeds growing all over, this weed removal tool does a great job.

Although not suited for large scale weed control, landscaping and on large farms, the Fiskars weed puller is very efficient and cost effective, doesn’t need any expertise to handle and is built for any weeding job you may decide to throw its way.

Filed Under: Weeding Tools

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