
What is a brushcutter?
We often get asked the question “What is the difference between a grass trimmer and brushcutter?” The simple answer is that you can run a selection of blades and attachments for a variety of different uses on a brushcutter, whereas you can’t on grass trimmer.
STIHL brushcutters feature a gearbox and the drive shaft is straight, so that more torque and power can reach the cutting attachment. STIHL grass trimmers have a bent shaft and do not feature a gearbox. They are great for mowing grass and light weeds around the garden, but aren’t the right tool if you need to tackle larger areas or heavier growth.
Brushcutter, grass trimmer or clearing saw, which tool to use when
When tackling any cutting job, the first task is to choose the right tool. So, how do you choose between a brushcutter and a clearing saw? Firstly, assess the area that you want to cut, asking yourself a few quick questions along the way:
- What type of vegetation needs cutting?
- How thick and dense is the vegetation? Is the area safe to access?
- Are there any potentially dangerous objects within the area, such as wire, rocks, and raised ironworks?
If the area isn’t safely accessible or there may be potentially dangerous objects lying around, we recommend you ask a professional for advice. But if the area is easy and safe to reach, now is the time to choose your cutting attachment for your brushcutter or clearing saw. This handy guide will help you decide which one is best for the job, but before using any tools and attachments, don’t forget to read the owner’s manual too.
Are there obstacles in the way?
For mowing grass around obstacles, such as trees, and along lawn edges we would recommend a mowing line head. Our most popular line head for our brushcutters and grass trimmers is the STIHL AutoCut head. The AutoCut is simple to feed and the ‘bump head’ means that the mowing line can be automatically fed out by bumping it on the ground – there is no need to manually adjust the line by hand, keeping things clean and simple.
Mowing line gives a neat finish to the grass and when trimming around obstacles, it allows for more control and freedom. Just be mindful that when mowing against hard surfaces, along fences and around trees you leave enough distance so as not to cause any marks or damage. Mowing too close to obstacles can cause the line to break too – if you find that the line is breaking too easily, then pop it in some water over night and it will become more flexible.
Are you cutting light vegetation?
This can be anything from dense grass to weeds and stinging nettles. Mowing heads that can run thicker line will cope with the majority of grass and weeds, however you may find that you end up going through more line than necessary. If the mowing line isn’t quite cutting it, then it is definitely worth considering either a STIHL PolyCut or DuroCut head for your bruschcutter or grass trimmer.
The PolyCut head is made up of three replaceable polymer blades that are designed to work in a similar way to a metal grass blade, but with a much higher level of flexibility, especially if there are any obstacles present. The DuroCut heads run serrated line pieces up to 4mm thick that are easy to replace and ideal for cutting through taller vegetation such as nettles and even some more woodier species.
Are you cutting heavy vegetation?
Once you get into the realms of dense grass tussocks, paddock management and areas that feature a large concentration of weeds, it is worth thinking about metal grass cutting blades. These are available in two, four and multiple tooth varieties. The more popular styles are the two and four toothed blades as they are well designed to cope with a variety of green, heavy vegetation. The sharp edges allow the thicker stems to be cut instead of bludgeoned, giving a neat and much quicker finish to the job.
Blades also tend to vibrate less, so for long term use, they are often the most comfortable option. Always be aware that the blades may kick out if they come into contact with a static object so be careful when mowing around obstacles. Also, always make sure that the cutting tool is correctly fitted. If you aren’t sure then it’s best to ask for advice from your local STIHL supplier.
Do you need to tackle woody shrubs, reeds, brambles and bushes?
When thinning out and clearing areas of thick, woody vegetation it is time to consider a more substantial cutting tool. Brush knifes and shredder blades are the ideal choice for tackling tough, thick and gnarly growth. Both the three bladed brush knife and the shredder blade are designed to be used in more of an up and down motion, working from the waist downwards, removing the vegetation in stages. The advantage of this is that it helps mulch the material, reducing its overall size. This method of cutting also works well when cutting brambles as the blade is much less likely to get tangled up.
Are you cutting bushes and thin trees?
Traditionally, we always tend to think of using a chainsaw to cut thicker bushes and thin trees, however the right cutting tool on a brushcutter or clearing saw can be just as effective. The chisel tooth, scratcher tooth and carbide tipped saw blades work in a similar way to a circular saw, just in a horizontal action instead of vertical. When cutting small, thin trees or bushes it allows you to cut close to the base without having to bend down so there are a great option for thinning out work on plantations and large areas of mixed scrub.
What brushcutter or grass trimmer cutting attachments have you used? Which ones do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
I’ve just purchased an FS70 and it came with a C26-2 line head. How much 2.4mm line should I cut to load it please? Around 4 metres?
Hi Howard, thanks for your comment. You can load it with a maximum of 8 metres of 2.4mm line. I hope that helps! Thanks, STIHL GB
I’m not sure which brushcutter to buy an FS560 490 OR 460? I will be using it as a clearing saw and brush cutter but for many hours even up to 7 hours so I don’t want high vibration levels which one will work best?
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for your comment. In terms of basic vibration levels, the FS 460 has lower vibration than the 490 or 560. Are you planning on changing the cutting head, or just using the standard attachments for each of these? Thanks, STIHL GB
Good morning
I have recently moved to a home which is completely now covered in nettles and has a paddock the same I think I need a clearing saw / brush cutter which one needs to be petrol 7 acres to clear also interchangeable head so when it’s cleared I can mow to kill off the nettles
Hi, thanks for getting in touch. We have a few different models that might be suitable, but it depends on a few different factors, i.e. is there anything else other than nettles you need to clear, what’s your budget, are you looking for any other features, such as easy starting, for example? It would be helpful to see some pictures of the area too. Could you get in touch with our Customer Services team by email to enquiries@stihl.co.uk and they will be able to give you plenty of advice about the right tool for you. Thanks, STIHL GB
My 55 trimmer will not handle Brush blade. Which product do you recommend?
Hi Bart, thanks for your comment. If you already have an FS 55 and doesn’t want to get a brushcutter that is too heavy duty, a FS 91 or FS 111 would be recommended as this can fit the 3 B 250mm brush knife (part number: 4112 713 4100). You can also use an FS 131 or FSA 130 with this attachment too.
I hope that helps, thanks, STIHL GB
Hi. I just bought an FSA85, grass trimmer. Can I use a blade attachment on it to get through heavier vegetation?
Thanks
Alex
Hi Alex, I’m afraid that you can’t fit a blade attachment to an FSA 85 unfortunately. The FSA 90 is the smallest of our cordless grass trimmers that you can fit a blade attachment to. Thanks, STIHL GB
I have a polycut head on FS460 and notice it has the fittings to attach a length of nylon line. Is this to be used at the same time as the plastic blades? If so Why? Thanks.
Hi Ian, no, the nylon line isn’t to be used at the same time as the plastic blades, but you can remove the blades and thread line on if you need to use line for a particular job. Hope that helps, thanks, STIHL GB
Hi there I gave a fs56c can I use a brush cutter 250mm on it as I have a lot of bracken and thick weeds and brush to clear
Thanks David B
Hi David, thanks for your comment. I’m afraid you can’t fit a brush knife to the FS 56. You can fit a 230mm grass cutting blade, which is good for mowing tough, dry grass and weeds, but I’m afraid the brush knife attachment will not fit. Thanks, STIHL GB
Hi I have a fs55r and and have a eight tooth bush cutting disc for a fs 55 will it fit on the r range
Hi Keith, thanks for your comment. If it’s the 230mm one (part number: 4001 713 3803, as shown here: https://www.stihl.co.uk/STIHL-products/Grass-trimmers-brushcutters-and-clearing-saws/Cutting-tools/Grass-cutting-blades/213172-28091/Grass-cutting-blade-8-teeth.aspx) then yes, it should also fit on your FS 55 R. If it’s not that one, then please contact our Customer Services team on 01276 417678 or by email to enquiries@stihl.co.uk and they will be able to refer you to a Technical expert to look into it further. Thanks very much, STIHL GB