Handheld Brush Cutters

On my property, it does not make sense to have brush hogging equipment that you may attach to a tractor or walk behind. There is a thought that it could be rented when needed but I don't tend to like renting equipment unless it is something that can't be substituted for. As an end result, I discovered handheld brush cutters and have found them to be a welcome addition to my tool shed.

In the simplest of explanations, a handheld brush cutter is a weed whacker with a saw blade on the end. Yes, it is a tool that requires respect but it can be really useful as well. I personally utilize an electric style (Ryobi 18v series) but there are alternative power sources such a petrol available as well.

Depending on the type of blade you have, you can cut anything from thick grass to two to three inch saplings. I've seen styles such a multiple pronged blade, a circular saw styled blade, and a round chainsaw tooth-type blade.

If you are looking for a little more oomph than a weed wacker can provide but don't want to break out the tractor, I find handheld brush cutters to be a good fit.

Good topic. I agree. There are places on my hilly property where it's almost impossible to mow for wildfire safety with conventional equipment.

I have a big commercial grade Stihl that can handle all sorts of weed blades and brushcutter attachments. I have a 4-lobe weed blade at the moment, and plan to get it mounted and operating very soon.

There may be an added benefit to running a blade rather than a string trimmer head. String trimmers create mulch. I suspect I will be able to use the hard blade like a scythe, creating swaths of biomass that I can fork on to areas where I want to build soil.

The ergonomics of running these handheld units can be a bear though. I'm far from decrepit, but I'm not 18 either. We'll see.

Douglas Alpenstock wrote: The ergonomics of running these handheld units can be a bear though. I'm far from decrepit, but I'm not 18 either. We'll see.

I agree completely. The first time I used it I got tired and achy only after a little bit of run time. After taking the time to adjust the sling to my body and placing the handle in a better position it was a much better experience.

Here is a quick ergo-operations overview of brush cutting. I don't have as fancy as a system as this Husqvarna but it can be applied generally.

+1 for the idea of brush blades.
I have a 'saw blade' for my Stihl string line trimmer. Only as dangerous as the attention span of the operator.
Works well enough for brush, string trimmers are far less than stellar in tall anything and no good for anything tougher than grass.
Lil'Bs 36V Makita chainsaw much more effective and fast for small poplar/sapling clearing. One of my chores is laying down any fallen poplar junk whenever I get out of the truck with a saw to work. Get it onto the ground to properly rot. I will use the Stihl to cut back dead rose, snowberry, other brushy junk, clear the area for grass. Also try to reclaim the formerly grassy areas rose is colonizing.
MY only real issue is the quality of the steel the blade is made from. Endless resharpening.
An old SkilSaw carbide blade rebored for the larger Stihl center diameter will be my solution.  Not sure the trimmer driveline will be up to the task long term.
Also have a cheap machete and lightweight scythe.