Weed eaters and brush cutters are similar tools with different purposes. Both tools offer unique advantages and are often confused with each other.
The first time I used a brush cutter, my mind was blown. But the thing is – I don’t use this tool that often. Weed eaters have a ton of advantages and are much more versatile, but can’t do what brushcutters do.
Let me explain the difference between these bad boys.
How I tested out these tools
I’ve been using weed eaters for nearly two decades. I’ve extensively tested gas, battery, and corded weed eaters and written at length about each.
I also have a Youtube channel where I go into much more detail about specific lawn tools I’ve tested. When I am putting a weed eater or brush cutter to the test, I am always looking for a combination of power, usability, run time, and price.
I had a lot of fun testing these lawn tools and got carried away with my brush cutter attachment.
Weed eater vs brush cutter: Difference Explained
Weed eaters AKA string trimmers use a weed eater string to cut through tall grass and light brush. Brush cutters are blades fixed to the edge of a weed eater that can cut through thick brush and even small trees and branches.
Brush cutters basically look like circular saws on a stick. Kinda crazy – but also really cool. Weed eaters are extremely versatile and can be used for edging or trimming. Brushcutters are also versatile, but are really used just for thick brush and small trees.
When to use a weed eater
Weed eaters are great tools for cleaning up areas that you can’t reach with your lawn mower. After you’ve done a quick mow of your lawn, there will be some places that you miss – around your gutters, next to your garden beds, close to a fence or deck.
Weed eaters are perfect for cutting down all these missed portions of grass. They can also be used to cut through light brush. For example, I’ve got some growth on the backside of my lawn that has to be cut back every now and then. It is a relatively thin brush, so doesn’t need a brush cutter.
Weed eaters can also be used as light edgers as well. When you turn them on their side, you can use a nice, strong weed eater string to dig a small trench around your yard. I use my weed eater as an edger in between times that I actually use my edger.
All-in-all, weed eaters are super versatile tools that can act as miniature mowers or edgers and everything in between. But they can’t do everything.
When to use a brush cutter
Brush cutters are great tools for cutting through thick brush that can’t be reached with a weed eater. Above I mentioned using my weed eater to cut through some light brush at the back of my lawn. If you go a little past that, you run into a thicker area of kudzu and small trees.
The brush cutter is a perfect tool for those. When the kudzu starts to get out of hand and wrap its tentacles around my fence, I hop over with the brush cutter and send it back about 5 years.
Brush cutters can also knock down little trees. Like I mentioned earlier, these things are like circular saws on a stick. Sounds dangerous? Well it probably is if you don’t keep an eye out for kickback.
Best brush cutter attachments
Brush cutter attachments can either be a full on attachment to your weed eater, or can simply be a blade to replace the head on your weed eater. Here are a few I looked at when I was on the market.
Ryobi Expand-It Brush Cutter Attachments
As an owner of the Ryobi Expand-It series, this one was a super easy option. I believe these are universal attachments, so it was almost a no-brainer. Ryobi’s brush cutter attachment is perfect for thick brush but won’t be great for chopping down little trees.
The three-sided blades on this one give it superior cutting power for thick brush, absolutely abusing brush with ridiculous power. It pops right onto the power head of the Ryobi and can be used instantly. This is a huge advantage as compared to the individual blades because they’re so much easier to take on and off.
Another thing I like about the three-blade system is that it doesn’t dull as quickly as the individual blades that have saw-like features. The main difference is that it isn’t being used on trees which dull it much more quickly than brush does.
You can grab the attachment from Amazon for a great price. It is also at Home Depot for the same price if you like shopping there better.
Forester Brush Cutter Blade
The Forester brush cutter blade is a sweet tack on for your weed eater that is a straight up beast. This thing is extremely saw-like and will definitely tackle small trees and make light work of brush.
One thing to consider is that if you dig this into the dirt at all, you will dull the blades – just like a chainsaw. You’ve got to be careful when cutting brush close to the ground, so I recommend sticking with small trees and playing it safe with brush.
The Forester brush cutter blade can be found at Amazon for a great price and should fit just about every weed eater.
What to look for in a weed eater
Weed eaters AKA string trimmers come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how I see it:
Feel
Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. If you can, get as many adjustable pieces as possible to make this customizable. It doesn’t seem like you use a weed eater for a long time, but the work is precision work that requires a steady hand and focus.
Motor type: Brushless vs brushed
Brushless motors are a non-negotiable when it comes to battery powered weed eaters. Without a doubt, they are the best option to ensure you have maximum torque, more durability, and a longer life. These things are top notch performance and will be the only option when others start to catch on.
Curved vs Straight shaft
I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control and are much longer than curved shafts. Curved shafts are good for clearing out a small piece of land unable to be mowed. But if you want to actually do some good trimming and edging, a straight shaft is much better. Curved shafts are difficult to maneuver and to create a straight line for edging.
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
