Have you ever marvelled at the incredible utility of brushcutters? These remarkable tools can effortlessly transform hours of labour into mere minutes of precise work when handled with skill. Not only do they exhibit exceptional efficiency and versatility, but they also exude a certain cool factor while in operation.
Brushcutters are the go-to solution for clearing grass and small bushes, surpassing the capabilities of standard grass trimmers. With a variety of engines available, you can customise your brushcutter by attaching different trimmer heads or blades to suit specific applications.
Their immense power allows brushcutters to conquer overgrown brush that even line trimmers and lawn mowers can’t tackle. They excel in hard-to-reach areas where larger machines dare not venture. Indeed, brushcutters stand as some of the most versatile tools in your lawn care arsenal.
These marvels can be equipped with a range of accessories for various purposes, from tilling and weeding to water pumping and flower trimming. Continue reading for a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about brushcutters and how they operate.
How Do Brushcutters Work?
Brushcutters may feature different starting mechanisms, but their core function remains consistent. Each one comes equipped with blades designed to slice through the grass as you pull the machine toward you. Here’s a basic procedure:
The following is the general procedure:
- Ensure there are no combustible materials within a 10-foot radius, promptly removing any if found.
- If your brushcutter has a primer bulb, press it five times.
- Check if the engine is cold and use the choke for cold starts.
- Finally, start the brushcutter.
The starting mechanism may vary depending on the model, with the pull-start mechanism being the most common. Consult the instruction manual for precise details on operating your specific brushcutter.
Before commencing any work with your brushcutters, remember to:
- Clear the area of potential hazards, ensuring no children are present.
- Thoroughly review all manuals and consider watching instructional videos for added clarity.
- Fill the machine with the required oil and fuel, with specific attention to the correct blend for 2-stroke engines.
Types Of Brushcutters, Attachments, Accessories
Power Source: Brushcutters can operate on electricity or fuel, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Electric models rely on batteries that need regular charging, potentially impacting your electrical bills. Fuel-based models require ongoing refuelling but are generally more efficient.
Engine Type: Brushcutters typically employ either two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines are lighter but may be harder to start and less fuel-efficient. Four-stroke engines offer greater power but tend to be costlier and less common. Additionally, the two types have different oil requirements.
Cutter Head: The head of the cutter plays a pivotal role in your brushcutter’s performance. Opt for a cutter with a thickness of at least 2.4mm for durability. If you’re new to brushcutting, consider semi-automatic or automatic blades for ease of use.
Blade Types: Blades come in two varieties: alloyed (steel) and unalloyed. Steel blades are effective but demand careful handling due to their sharp teeth. Various blades are designed for specific tasks, such as cutting grass or tackling smaller trees and shrubs. Choose the appropriate blade based on your needs.
Handles: Ergonomic handles can make a significant difference in your comfort while using brushcutters. Adjustable-length handles allow you to tailor the machine to your preference, while looped handles ease handling. Consider a trimmer line with a nylon string attachment to reduce noise and vibrations.
Attachments: Attachments enhance the versatility and efficiency of your brushcutter. Look for models compatible with a wide range of attachments for a more personalised experience. These accessories enable tasks like trimming flowers, clearing small trees, pumping water, tilling, harvesting rice, and weed control.
Utilising the correct accessories with brushcutters, you will be able to perform many different farming operations such as:
- Trimming flowers and grass
- Clearing small trees
- Pumping water (using the water pump accessory)
- Tilling (using the tiller accessory)
- Harvesting rice (with the use of the rice harvester accessory)
- Clearing weeds (with the attachment of the weed accessory)
Safety: It is so important that you strictly abide by all the safety instructions as provided in the instruction manual. The blade is fast, sharp, and dangerous, so unless you are constantly thinking about safety, you could easily injure yourself.
Ensure that the blade is protected with the right amount of covering. Additionally, ensure that the bump feed is covered, or you will turn into a muddy mess. It is recommended that you wear proper clothes, trousers, helmets, safety glasses, etc. This is to prevent any risks.
Other strongly recommended safety gear that you should consider on the work site are:
- Hearing protection
- A Hat
- Safety glasses
- Boots (non-slip, steel toe)
- A safety vest if working in public areas
- Padded gloves (for protection as well as absorbing vibrations).
- Maintenance
Like most things, life brushcutters too need to be maintained. Here are some maintenance mechanisms you could follow:
•Ensure that your brushcutters are kept in a dry and cool spot after every session, make sure to not get any water inside.
•Clean it properly after every use. Some of the parts may accumulate more dirt than other parts, in that case, you can clean them with a bit of oil before any rust has the chance to grow on them.
•Make sure that you regularly check the fuel and oil levels before and while you are working.
•If you are using a lot of attachments, every time you change the attachment head, make sure that you let it fit appropriately before you use it.
Brushcutters Attachments And Blades
One of the most basic functions of a brushcutter is to trim grass around your garden or lawn. Nevertheless, the best advantage of utilising brushcutters is the ability to fit them with metal blades – allowing them to be used for various tasks on farmlands specifically.
Different types of brushcutters work best for cutting different types of growth:
•Blades with 8 or fewer teeth: weeds and grass
•Blades with 9 – 40 teeth: thick brush, weeds, and shrubs
•Blades with more than 40 teeth (also referred to as circular saws): small trees, brush, and saplings
Please note that you should only use blades that were recommended for your brushcutter and ensure that you always wear your gloves whenever you are changing the blade.
Every brushcutter blade will list its arbour size. The arbour size refers to the diameter of the hole at the centre of the blade where the mounting screw passes through. 1” is a typical arbour size; make sure to always check your brushcutters’ manual so that you can determine the arbour size its blades should have.
About BS Power
BS Power specialises in manufacturing high-performance construction equipment for agricultural, forestry, and construction industries. Our commitment to environmental responsibility and top-notch customer service ensures you receive the finest quality products and support. Explore our range of tools for home and garden use, including mowers, ride-on mowers, and brushcutters.