Are you wondering how to use a brush cutter properly? Do you have a tough time getting your brush cutter started? Are you looking for tips on what attachments to buy and more?
This guide will help you understand the various uses of brush cutters and answer all these questions. Keep reading to learn more on how to use a brush cutter.
How To Use a Brush Cutter
Brush Cutter Basics
A brush cutter is a small-scale tool that homeowners use to clear yards, particularly for landscaping chores. Simply put, this handy power tool cuts weeds, vegetation, grass, and shrubs. It relies on the spinning of either a steel blade or string trimmer to cut the unwanted weeds.
So, in short, a brush cutter comes in handy when clearing an area of dense growth, especially when it is too overgrown for your basic lawnmower. The same is also true with land clearing. However, it will depend on the type of brush cutter you use.
Some are better suited for heavy-duty tasks, while others are for lighter operations like trimming grass. So it will depend on your mowing needs.
Choosing the Right Brush Cutter
As mentioned earlier, there’s a variety of brush cutters today for different purposes—some are designed for large areas with lots of vegetation while others are better suited to lighter bushes.
So you’ll want to find one that perfectly fits your needs. However, before that, there are basic factors to consider when choosing brush cutters. Below are some;
1. Power type
Brush cutters come with different power types. For example, some utilize gas while others run on electricity. Gas-powered models typically have more power than their electric counterparts, but they are noisier and produce fumes, which means you need to work outside or in well-ventilated areas when using them.
In contrast, electric options tend to be quieter and have less emissions. They also don’t require refueling, so you can easily use them indoors as long as you can access an outlet. You simply need the right extension cord for the job.
2. Speed
If you need to cut down tall bushes or weeds, you will want a brush cutter that can cut quickly. Some models may only be able to cut up to 1 inch per pass, while others can cut 3 inches per pass.
Read: Best brush cutter blade for thick grass
3. Weight
The brush cutter’s weight will obviously affect how hard it works for you. If it weighs too much, it can be difficult for you to control and maneuver around your yard or garden. Similarly, if it’s too light, it may not effectively clear bushes and shrubs.
So finding a good balance between weight and power is ideal for getting the most out of your machine without putting too much strain.
4. Attachments
The quality of the brush cutter’s attachments should be your primary consideration. And one of the most used attachments is the cutting blade. Most of them are generally made from either steel or aluminum.
Steel blades are strong and durable, although may rust if not correctly maintained, while aluminum counterparts are lightweight and to some point rust-proof. Ultmatel, each type of blade has its pros and cons, so choose one that best suits your needs.
Read: How to tighten bush hog blades
How to Start a Brush Cutter
- Attach the harness to the brush cutter. Your brush cutter will usually come with a harness that helps keep it in place during use. Ensure that you attach this before starting up the machine to minimize the risk of injury.
- Attach the cutting attachment. As mentioned above, two main cutting attachments can be used with a brush cutter: line trimmers and blades. Line trimmers are best suited for light-duty jobs and are better at trimming grass, while blades are much better at dealing with heavy-duty work like clearing vegetation or undergrowth. You should ensure that you have selected and attached the right attachment for your job before starting up your brush cutter.
- Check the fuel tank and oil levels before starting your brush cutter. You should check both levels to ensure they are adequate to complete your task without interruption—you don’t want to run out partway through.
- Prime the engine by pressing down on its primer bulb several times until fuel starts coming out from underneath it, then place one hand on top of each handlebar grip (one above where you’re going to hold them and one below) before pulling steadily backward until there’s no resistance left in either handlebar grip.
This ensures that when you pull back on both handles simultaneously, later on, they will be able to move freely without hitting any obstacles such as undergrowth or branches getting caught between them, which could cause serious injury if pulled hard enough.
Read: How to sharpen a forester blade
Using a Brush Cutter Correctly
Before you power up your brush cutter, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate protective gear and familiar with its operation. When you are good to go, power on the machine and pass over the vegetation you intend to cut.
To efficiently use the brush cutter, you will need to walk moderately. Additionally, you will have to keep your hands apart on the handle so that they are all involved in holding and operating the machine. It will give you much better control, keeping the powerful machine away from your body and other people’s bodies.
Safety Tips for Using a Brush Cutter
While using a brush cutter is relatively simple, it does require careful handling. So to safely operate this tool, follow these tips:
- Always wear goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from flying debris. Similarly, wear thick pants, long sleeves, and gloves to protect your skin from minor cuts.
- Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking water before and on breaks when using brush cutters to avoid dehydration.
- Ultimately, always keep yourself at arm’s length from the blade of the brush cutter for your safety; as you never know, the brush cutter may lose control and end up injuring you.
How to Maintain a Brush Cutter
A brush cutter is useful equipment you can have around your property. However, it requires regular maintenance for it to continue working effectively. And one way of doing this is by regular cleaning after use.
Cleaning will help remove struck debris, which, when left out, may slow down the blade. Additionally, you should always check the spark plug and air filter operations. And in case you notice any abnormality with their operation, consider replacing them to avoid escalating the problem.
There you have it—a brush cutter can be a great investment for your brush-clearing needs, as long as you learn how to operate it safely. Ultimately, brush cutters can give you a nice, clean, and professional finish to the rest of the job.
Our top Amazon pick for brush cutters is Wild Badger Power WBP26BCI 26cc 2 in 1. It is versatile, affordable, and provides the ultimate comfort you would want when using brush cutters. And a good thing, this machine comes with a six-month warranty, so you have a guarantee of money back in case of abnormal malfunctioning. Buy it today.
Read: Best universal trimmer head replacement