Brush Cutters / String Trimmers Differences

String trimmer or a brush cutter which should you buy? String trimmers are commonly known as weed eaters or weed whackers are good for the small jobs around the home. If you are just trying to do light maintenance along the driveway or close to fences or trees they are adequate. String trimmers are also good for manicuring rocky grounds or steep hill sides where lawn mowers can not go.

Brush cutters are on the other hand made for heaver jobs like clearing out dense undergrowth like bramble or cutting young saplings.  Brush cutters are rugged, have blades and good out in the field or forest.  Most brush cutters come with a harness or strap because of the heavier weight and the usually long usage.

The size of your property you are working on and the type of work you will be doing should determine if you should get a string trimmer or a brush cutter.  Also to consider is the weight factor that you will be comfortable with.  The bigger the engine the more power you have but the heavier it is.  The brush cutter weighs more as it is made for heavier duty work and costs more.

String trimmers or line trimmers are a hand held grass trimmer which uses monofilament line to cut the grass.  There run on electricity with a long extension cord, cordless with rechargeable batteries, gas and oil mixture or just gas.  Again, which one to get depends on your yard size and your needs.

The electric string trimmers are good if you have a long extension cord and you are only working in a very small area.  They are very quiet.  Cordless string trimmers are more convenient but if your yard is big you will run out of power before finishing the job.  You may need to buy extra batteries.  The gas powered string trimmers have more power especially at lower speeds and run cleaner than the gas and oil models.  They also tend to be heavier.

Straight or curved shafts, what is the difference?  Curved shaft string trimmers are usually cheaper and are good enough for the average sized yards.  They are lighter and are easier to get clean level cuts without digging and gouging into your lawn, especially beginners.

Brush cutters come equipped with bigger engines, harness and handle bars but are heavier.  They are made for the heavier work and come with heavier line that last longer than conventional string trimmer line; some line comes with wire inside, metal-reinforced.  They have a hexagonal or square shape for better cutting longer grass and bush. 

You can also attach a metal blade when cutting saplings, thick brush or undergrowth.  Though they are heavier, with the harness they can actually be comfortable.  The harness supports the weight of the brush cutter and that weight is distributed evenly on your shoulders.  Spreading the weight out actually makes a big difference and the handle bars make it easier to swing the head from side to side when working.

Most commercial landscapers choose the straight shaft. It is more power efficient, made for heavier work, works good on slopes and you can attach a blade when needed. The curved shaft is easier to handle but is better for light work around your home. If you live in the country or got a big property with lots of vegetation you are probably better off with a brush cutter. 

When operating a string trimmer or a brush cutter always wear protection for your eyes, ears, face and head. A helmet and face shield takes the place of safety glasses and ear muffs. All it takes is a small pebble to blind you or some one passing by. Be safe, especially around the driveway areas or walkways where small stones or pebbles are. So always be aware of your surroundings and use caution for you, people or cars passing nearby when using string trimmers or brush cutters.