Brush Cutters

About Brush Cutters

Brush cutters are heavy-duty cutting tools designed to tackle dense vegetation, thick undergrowth, and woody stems that standard strimmers cannot handle. Featuring robust metal blades or cutting discs instead of nylon line, these powerful machines cut through brambles, saplings, coarse grass, and woody growth up to 50mm thick. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from leading manufacturers including Makita, Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Einhell, with both petrol and cordless electric models available to suit different applications and working environments.

Available in cutting widths from 200mm to 470mm, our brush cutter selection caters to domestic garden maintenance through to professional land management. Cordless models offer the convenience of battery operation with reduced noise and zero emissions, whilst petrol brush cutters deliver maximum power for all-day commercial use. Many feature split shaft designs, bike handles for improved control, and adjustable harness systems to reduce operator fatigue during extended use on challenging terrain.

Applications

Brush cutters are essential equipment for a diverse range of professionals and outdoor tasks:

• Landscape gardeners and contractors – site clearance, maintaining commercial grounds, and tackling overgrown properties
• Groundscare and estate maintenance teams – managing parks, sports facilities, golf courses, and public spaces
• Forestry workers – clearing undergrowth, maintaining firebreaks, and woodland management
• Agricultural workers and farmers – maintaining field margins, clearing ditches, and managing rough grazing areas
• Local authorities and highway maintenance – roadside vegetation control and public land management
• Conservation teams – habitat maintenance and invasive species control
• Smallholders and rural property owners – paddock maintenance, clearing overgrown areas, and general land management
• DIY enthusiasts – tackling overgrown gardens and maintaining large rural properties

Choosing The Right Brush Cutters

Power Source: Petrol brush cutters offer maximum power and unlimited runtime, ideal for professional use and large areas without electrical access. Cordless models from Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee provide excellent performance with reduced noise. Consider 36v or twin 18v battery platforms for demanding tasks, whilst single 18v units suit lighter domestic use.

Cutting Width: Smaller 200-230mm widths suit confined spaces and lighter vegetation, whilst 350-470mm models tackle larger areas more efficiently. Metal blade options are essential for woody growth over 10mm diameter.

Engine Size: Petrol models typically range from 25cc to 50cc. Larger engines provide more power but increase weight and fuel consumption. Match engine size to your workload and operator capability.

Weight and Ergonomics: Brush cutters range from 4kg to over 10kg. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends models with padded harness systems for extended use, particularly for professional applications requiring all-day operation.

Handle Configuration: Bike handles provide excellent control for heavy-duty work on uneven terrain, whilst loop handles offer manoeuvrability in tighter spaces.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses or full face visor, hearing protection, steel toe-capped boots, long trousers, and heavy-duty gloves. Professional operators should consider specialist cut-resistant clothing meeting relevant BS EN standards. Inspect the working area for hidden obstacles, stones, or debris before starting, and maintain a 15-metre clearance zone for bystanders. Only fit blades designed for your specific model and ensure all guards are properly secured. Professional operators should be familiar with HSE guidance and may require NPTC certification for commercial work. Never operate when tired or under the influence of medication affecting concentration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a brush cutter and a strimmer?

Strimmers use flexible nylon line to cut grass and light vegetation, whilst brush cutters are more powerful machines fitted with metal blades designed to cut through thick grass, brambles, saplings, and woody vegetation up to 50mm diameter. Brush cutters feature more robust construction, more powerful motors or engines, and harness systems to support their greater weight.

Are cordless brush cutters powerful enough for professional use?

Modern high-voltage cordless brush cutters (36v and twin 18v systems) from manufacturers like Makita, DeWalt, and Bosch Professional now offer performance comparable to petrol models for many professional applications. For the most demanding all-day commercial use in very heavy vegetation, petrol models still offer advantages in raw power and unlimited runtime.

Do I need a licence to operate a brush cutter?

No licence is required for domestic use on your own property. However, professional operators working commercially should undertake appropriate training, and many employers or clients require NPTC certification. Always check insurance and liability requirements for commercial work.