Updated · 3 min read
In short
- A trimmer is for edges and around obstacles, with nylon line.
- A brush cutter handles tall grass and weeds and can take a metal blade.
- Corded for small gardens, cordless for medium ones and quiet work, petrol for large or overgrown land without power.
Which job do you have?
- Lawn mown regularly: the mower does the area, a light trimmer does the edges.
- Tall grass, orchard, ditch, plot left for a summer: brush cutter with a 3–4 tooth blade or brush disc.
- Steep banks where a mower is unsafe: brush cutter with a double harness.
Corded, cordless or petrol
- Corded electric: light, cheap, no maintenance; the cable limits you to about 30 m from a socket.
- Cordless: push-button start, quiet, low vibration. Real runtime in tall grass is far below the advertised figure — a second battery is often needed. Batteries shared with other tools of the same brand reduce cost.
- Petrol (2-stroke or 4-stroke): high power, unlimited runtime. 2-stroke engines run on a fuel–oil mix; 4-stroke have separate oil, are quieter and heavier.
What to check before buying
- Shaft: straight (drive shaft, more durable) or curved (cable, lighter and cheaper).
- Handle: bike-style for large areas, loop handle for manoeuvrability.
- Harness: double shoulder harness if you work longer than half an hour.
- Cutting head: bump-feed is the most practical; check the accepted line diameter.
- Weight with battery or a full tank, and service and parts nearby.
Safety every time
Goggles or a visor, hearing protection with petrol models, long trousers and closed shoes. Line and blades throw stones far — keep people and pets more than 15 m away and check the ground for wire and stones first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a trimmer and a brush cutter?
A trimmer is lighter and cuts with nylon line — edges, along fences, around trees. A brush cutter is more powerful, has a straight shaft and can take a metal blade for tall grass, thick weeds and brambles.
How powerful should a brush cutter be?
For petrol models working with a blade in tall grass, engines of about 1 kW and up are common; below that they are really trimmers. For cordless models, voltage (36–40 V or more for heavy work) and battery capacity matter more than the stated power.