Hedges and neatly trimmed shrubs create a cozy atmosphere on the site. To maintain a given shape, summer residents have to constantly prune branches. If pruning shears are most often used for thin and soft twigs, then a brush cutter is needed for a more global haircut.

What is a brush cutter

A hedge trimmer is a tool for pruning and shaping shrubs and hedges. The main distinguishing feature is that the hedge trimmer shears have powerful handles to apply less physical force and have long, sharp blades. Therefore, you can use a brush cutter for trees. There are two main types of tools: manual and mechanized. The second type, in turn, is divided into several types, depending on the power source.

Brush cutter

What is a brush cutter for?

Manual brush cutter

In general, a garden hedgecutter is a versatile garden maintenance tool. It is used for pruning fruit and berry plantations (trees and large bushes), for trimming hedges and shaping decorative shrubs, for removing excess plants from the backyard. Very often, gardeners think about whether it is possible to mow the grass with a brush cutter. To date, several models have been created that are suitable for mowing the lawn.

Electric Garden Brush Cutter

A good hedge trimmer makes it much easier to maintain your garden, as it has a number of advantages:

  1. You can choose a universal unit or limit yourself to direct functionality;
  2. You do not need to purchase a pruner separately, since the brush cutter completely replaces it and surpasses it in performance;
  3. The design greatly simplifies the work, since you do not need to hold the branches with your hands;
  4. The high power makes it possible to handle even large trees.

    Electric Garden Brush Cutter

How to choose a tool

Husqvarna brush cutter

Choosing the right model is not an easy task. There are several varieties of hedge trimmers, each of which has its own characteristics and nuances:

  • Trimmer brush cutter;
  • Rechargeable;
  • Petrol;
  • Electric;
  • Manual (scissors).

    Working with a brush cutter

How to choose a hedge trimmer for a summer residence depends on some conditions:

  1. The area of ​​the site and its distance from power sources;
  2. What type of bushes prevails in the garden (thickness of branches, height of trees and total crown girth);
  3. How much work needs to be done;
  4. Tool usage frequency;
  5. Who will do the work.

Manual brush cutter

If it is supposed to cut single bushes once or twice a season, then it is quite enough to have scissors in the arsenal. Outwardly, they look like a large pruner - a blade 0.25 m long and the same size of the handle. Since cutting the bushes with a hedgecutter manually is a task that requires physical effort, when choosing a model, you need to focus on the convenience of location. The handles should fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. In addition, an important characteristic is the ease of compression and release of the mechanism.

Manual brush cutter

Important! Wavy blades work best with branches. They firmly grip the branch, so you don't need to additionally hold the bush with your hands.

Electric brush cutter

Electric garden shears should be chosen based on the following characteristics:

  1. Power - the maximum indicator is 0.6 kW, but for high productivity and a large amount of work on the site, 0.5 kW is enough;
  2. An effective brush cutter blade has a length of 0.4-0.5 m;
  3. The upper blade is made of self-sharpening material;
  4. The frequency of operation of the blades is an important indicator on which the evenness of the cut depends;
  5. For simple work, you need to take a single-sided blade. When performing figured work - double-sided;
  6. The configuration of the grip greatly affects the usability, so it is important that rubber pads are included.

    Electric brush cutter

The main advantages of an electric tool:

  1. Does not pollute the air;
  2. Lightweight and compact device (maximum weight - 4 kg);
  3. High productivity and shorter work times;
  4. The electric telescopic hedge trimmer is very convenient for trimming hedges;
  5. Models with a large blade gap can be used as a lawn trimmer;
  6. The average diameter of the cut branches is 2 cm.

The only drawback of this type of brushcutter is its dependence on a power source. The standard length of the wire in the kit is 30 m. If the bushes are located further, then you need to take care of carrying. In addition, there is a risk of accidentally cutting the wire during operation.

Cordless brush cutter

A kind of electric type with an autonomous power source. Despite the significant advantage in the form of mobility, such a tool has a limited charge. Therefore, you will have to constantly adjust to the duration of the recharge. In addition, prolonged storage (in winter) significantly reduces the performance (capacity) of the battery, and it begins to discharge even faster. The battery makes the device 1.5-2 kg heavier.

Cordless brush cutter

Note! A cordless hedgecutter is best for a large area with few bushes and trees. In this case, it will be easy to move around the territory with it without being tied to electricity, the charge will be enough for a small amount of work. In such a situation, the device will fully justify itself.

Gasoline brush cutter

The most powerful tool that is used in a professional environment (for cutting bushes in a forested area). A gasoline-powered tool needs certain skills to use. To start the engine, you need to mix oil and gasoline.

Gasoline brush cutter

Cons of this type:

  1. Large mass of the device (more than 5 kg);
  2. Exhaust to the atmosphere;
  3. High fuel cost;
  4. High noise level;
  5. The need for constant maintenance.

But the power of the gasoline engine is enough to cut off thick branches up to 5 cm (for example, thuja), as well as rough dead wood trunks. Despite the high power of such a tool, it is impractical to purchase it for personal use. This is an option for industrial applications.

Best hedge trimmers models

  1. Manual brushcutter Raco 4210 | 53 with 51 cm wave-shaped blades. The blade position is adjustable with a screw. Ergonomic wooden handles with rubber stopper.
    Bosch brush cutter

    Manual brush cutter RACO 4210-53

  2. The powerful petrol-powered brushcutter on the Shtil FS 560 C-EM boom has a rich package and a wide range of applications. Has a hedgecutter saw blade for cutting grass, including reeds and dead wood. A protective shield is provided for safe operation. The brush-cutter attachment in the form of knives is used for cutting thorn hedges, thinning the crown, removing thickened areas, and clearing the territory. For comfort and convenience, goggles and a belt are included.

    Petrol-mounted brushcutter Calm FS 560 C-EM

  3. The Makita UH200DWE hedgecutter on the battery is a compact device for trimming and shaping the crown. The duration of work on one charge is half an hour. Weight - 1, 2 kg. Small dimensions allow you to penetrate into hard-to-reach areas and freely maneuver. The set includes an ergonomic rubberized handle and an accidental start lock, as well as a charge indicator. Among the disadvantages, there is a high noise level.

    Bush cutter Makita UH200DWE on the battery

  4. The Bosch AHS 45-16 electrical appliance is a very lightweight (2.6 kg) and compact tool with two handles.It is noted that this brush cutter is suitable for both personal and professional use. Knife length - 0.45 m. Exact balancing. The 420 W power makes it easy to remove medium-sized branches. Increased safety level thanks to the two-stage switching system.

    Brush cutter Bosch AHS 45-16

  5. Shears Gardena 600 Comfort - the most powerful manual brush cutter thanks to the gear train. The grips are equipped with gel pads, so the recoil during cutting is not transmitted strongly to the hands. The length of the knives is 0.23 m. The high-level rectilinear sharpening makes the scissors a necessary tool for forming the crown.

    GARDENA Comfort Scissors 600

Use and care

Basic rules for the operation of the brush cutter:

  1. Before starting work, you need to check the serviceability of the tool - all nuts must be tightened, there should be no visible damage;
  2. Work must be carried out in suitable clothing. The suit should fit snugly to the body, but not hinder movement. Hanging jewelry (chains, bracelets, long earrings) must be removed, hair must be braided and removed;
  3. The tool must be tightly fixed with a belt, a handle, it is convenient to place it in your hands and hold tightly, take a stable position;

    Working with a gloved brush cutter

  4. When working with a gas brush cutter, you must observe fire safety techniques: do not smoke, do not refuel the device near an open flame, do not open the fuel tank when the device is working, after refueling, accidentally spilled fuel must be wiped off;
  5. You cannot turn on a gasoline tool indoors - exhaust gases can negatively affect a person's well-being;
  6. Adjustment and debugging of the tool is carried out only in a non-working state, the tool must be placed on the surface and the necessary manipulations carried out;

    Working with a brush cutter with gloves and goggles

  7. There should be no foreign objects or dirt on the instrument;
  8. When working with a brush cutter, it is forbidden to be near people and animals;
  9. You cannot add accessories and additional equipment yourself that are not provided by the factory package;
  10. When moving from one bush to another, turn off the engine;
  11. Storage of the instrument is allowed only in a dry ventilated area;
  12. Before storing, you need to clean all the parts and drain the fuel;

    Working with the hedge trimmer with protective goggles and gloves

  13. Periodically, you need to inspect the device for damage, if necessary, you need to take the brush cutter to a service center.
  14. Basically only the blades need maintenance. At the end of the work, they need to be cleaned and lubricated. Periodically, the edge of the blade needs sharpening. Sharp blades significantly lighten the load during work. In addition, a sharp cut heals faster, and the risk of infection with fungal and viral infections is also reduced.

You can also sharpen your blades at home. To do this, you need a fine-grained emery stone. Once the knives are spread out on the surface, you can start sanding. Periodically you need to wash off the crumb with cold water. When all defects have been smoothed out, sharpening can be stopped. If you have the skill of working on an electronic jersey, you can use it.

Brush cutter knives

DIY brush cutter

You can make a brush cutter from a chain-type chainsaw. To do this, you will need a saw, M6 hardware (nuts, bolts, washers) and a 25 mm steel strip. You need to attach knives that are made of steel strip to the chainsaw blade. To do this, the strip is divided into equal parts, the edges must be cut off with a grinder at an angle of 45˚. From the same strip, you need to make a base on which the knives will be attached to the saw blade. It is necessary to make through holes for attaching the bar with knives to the canvas. The knives are welded to the bar, then this structure is bolted to the saw.

Interesting. Do-it-yourself brushcutter from a chainsaw is quite simple to make if you have the necessary tools and materials. The result of the work is very high and does not differ in efficiency from the purchased options.

The hedge trimmer is an essential tool for those who love hedges, ornamental shrubs and large gardens. It allows you to bring the crown into an ideal shape, remove protruding branches, arrange a hedge or bush in a matter of hours. It is necessary to choose a hedge trimmer based on the needs, type and number of plantings and the cultivated area.