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Grass Trimmer vs Brushcutter: What’s the Difference?

There is a common misperception that grass trimmers and brush cutters are the same instruments in the world of gardening and garden management. A brush cutter and a grass trimmer, however, differ significantly and are best suited for different tasks.

Updated on: 25 February, 2023 4:00 PM IST By: Aarushi Chadha
Despite having a similar appearance, the use of brush cutters and grass trimmers varies slightly depending on the model

To put it simply, a grass trimmer is ideal for cutting edges, and hard-to-reach lawn sections, and adding finishing touches to lawns. Brush cutters, on the other hand, are designed to cut tough weeds, fibrous grass, and heavy plants that a grass trimmer would struggle to cut.

Let's look at each farm equipment’s features and functions in more detail to help you select the one that will work best for you.

What is the difference between a grass trimmer and a brushcutter?

Despite having a similar appearance, the use of brush cutters and grass trimmers varies slightly depending on the model. A grass trimmer is ideal for cutting edges, difficult-to-reach lawn sections, and adding finishing touches to lawns, to put it simply.

On the other hand, brush cutters are made to handle regions of thick vegetation, fibrous grass, and deep weeds that a grass trimmer would find difficult to cut. A brush cutter also has a significantly higher likelihood of using blades than a trimmer line, which helps it easily cut through stubborn foliage.

Check if you have to do light work and merely trim the edges of the lawn (with a trimmer) or larger thick portions and clear dense shrubbery (brushcutter). For certain work applications, you can find that a trimmer and a brushcutter are necessary. Although trimming edges using a brushcutter is technically doable, it is considerably more difficult ergonomically to get the same clean edges that can be achieved with a trimmer. This is primarily because of how a brushcutter's "bull handle" operates.

How to choose which is the better tool?

With regard to long grass, fibrous weeds, saplings, and tiny shrubs, a brushcutter will quickly complete jobs that could be tedious. A brushcutter is also perfect for removing overgrowth from farmland, roadsides, and other open spaces.

A grass trimmer is the finest tool for keeping lawn edges, around fences and walls, under and around outdoor furniture, and down narrow spaces. It's quick and simple to create neat edges, making it ideal for use in and around the garden or yard.

As battery-powered variants of brush cutters and grass trimmers are readily accessible, they make excellent choices for use in residential areas and when operating away from a main power source.

Can a brushcutter be used to cut grass?

This is a frequently asked question. Yes, in a nutshell. So, how about using a grass trimmer to remove dense underbrush and young trees? Not a great idea, probably. Since nylon lines are commonly used by grass trimmers to chop back grass, anything more durable will result in more line breaking. Having said that, both types of equipment have a wide range of accessories that increase flexibility and usage.

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