Clearing long grass in overgrown areas of your property requires the right tool for the job. If you’re an estate manager or landscaper, you know the importance of having a trimmer and lawnmower in your toolshed. These machines are essential for maintaining every size property.
However, if you service homes and large estates, the chances are there are overgrown areas on the property that require clearing. Getting through this kind of garden debris with a standard mower or trimmer isn’t possible.
Don’t attempt to cut the debris using these tools. It results in damage to the motor internals and a severe reduction in the machine’s service life. When it comes to tough clearing tasks, we recommend you go with a brush cutter specifically designed to clear the toughest garden materials.
The walk-behind brush cutter is like a line trimmer. However, it features a gas-powered motor and higher operating torque than a standard trimmer.
With a walk-behind brush cutter, you get a powerful machine capable of cutting through brambles, long grass, and weeds with ease. These machines come with wide-swath cutting decks, allowing you to clear large areas faster than using a traditional trimmer.
In this review, we’ll look at the best walk-behind brushcutter models for your yard work. Whether you’re an estate manager, landscaper, or homeowner, we have the right model to suit your needs.
Our Top Picks
We scoured dozens of listings looking for the best walk behind brush cutter. We settled on the choices in this review for the best models available. From those choices, we narrowed it down to our top picks.
We have a model for the best overall, premium, and budget categories. There’s a model in these top three picks to suit any size budget or yard.
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: SuperHandy String Trimmer Walk Behind
TheSuperHandy String Trimmer Walk Behind is our top choice for the best overall walk-behind brush cutter in this review. Remington is a leading brand in lawn care tools, and they make some of the best engines in the industry. This model features a 144cc 4-cycle engine with a cast-iron block. You get outstanding performance from the machine, with a 21-inch cutting swath clearing your yard fast. - The Premium Pick: Earthquake 28463
The Earthquake walk-behind brush cutter wins our award for the best premium model in this review. The Earthquake features a 150cc OHV 4-cycle Viper motor, providing top performance to this machine. You get a steel cutting deck with a 22-inch swath and compatibility with most brands of 0.155″ trimmer wire. - The Budget Pick: Black+Decker 3-in-1 Brush Cutter and Trimmer
Homeowners looking for an alternative to their lawnmower and trimmer will get the best value from this Black+Decker model. You get an outstanding hybrid design with 3-in-1 functionality. This model acts as a lawnmower, trimmer, and edger, all in one machine. There is an extendable handle with easy switching between modes on the twisting shaft switch.
Walk Behind Brush Cutter Reviews
After reading through our top picks, let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll also look at other models that qualify for the best walk-behind brush cutter.
After reading through the reviews, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ section. We’ll give you more information on choosing the right walk-behind brush cutter for your application.
SuperHandy String Trimmer Walk Behind
This SuperHandy model wins our award for the best overall walk-behind brush cutter in this review. This brush-cutter is ideal for trimming work and for cutting through tall grass and weeds.
This model comes with a 144cc gas-powered 4-stroke engine. SuperHandy has a reputation for producing some of the best gas-powered motors in the lawn care industry. They offer a level of quality and workmanship that lasts a lifetime with all their products.
The coated steel cutting deck features a 21-inch swath, making it ideal for the largest cutting jobs. The cutting head’s unique shape makes it easy to maneuver this model into tight spaces where a lawnmower can’t go.
- PROFESSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS - This Walk Behind String Trimmer has a powerful 144cc 4 Stroke Single Cylinder OHV Gas Engine. Performing at a Max Output Power of 2.5kW (which 5X the power of handheld trimmers), a High Max Rotation Speed of 3600RPMs. Trimmer line size: 0.12" x 0.12" x 19.7" with a Trimmer Line Dia. of: 21" Diameter (Cutting Swath)
- EFFICIENT DESIGN - Our one-piece, seamless deck offset frame design allows for upright trimming against foundations, fence lines/stiles& easily reach underneath shrubs with precise control & reduced vibration. Great for Outdoor Landscaping in: lawn/garden, walkways, field brush, tall grass & weeds. Includes: a tool-less handlebar (with adjustment knobs) for easy compact storage & transportation, with our All-Terrain High-Wheel design has uncanny maneuverability
- BEST USE AREA;Great for Outdoor Landscaping in: lawn/garden, walkways, field brush, tall grass & weeds. Includes: a tool-less handlebar (with adjustment knobs) for easy compact storage & transportation, with our All-Terrain High-Wheel design has uncanny maneuverability
- SAFETY - The engine is designed to ensure the operator's safety. Always operate machine according to directions in the user manual, always wear the appropriate ANSI standard hand & eye protection
- PROPER USE - (ENGINE OIL NOT INCLUDED, MUST ADD UPON UN-BOXING). The engine runs on Unleaded 87+ octane Gasoline (10%< less ETHANOL recommended) & a Max capacity of 0.5 liters. ONLY use this String Trimmer for approved applications. Our Trimmer EPA Certified/CARB Compliant
Last update on 2023-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a large 13.5-inch wheel running on ball-bearings for smooth pushing and easy movement. The rubber treaded tires have enough traction to help push the brush cutter over rocky and wet terrain. We like the user-friendly offset trimmer head on this model, helping you get to the hard-to-reach spots.
This model is a good choice for homeowners and estate managers looking for an alternative to their mower or trimmer. You get a combination machine that does it all in one with the SuperHandy String Trimmer Walk Behind. This machine offers the best all-around performance, and it comes with an operator’s manual and a 2-year limited warranty.
- 144cc gas-powered OHV motor
- 21-inch cutting swath
- Offset trimmer head for reaching tight spaces
- 13.5-inch wheels for easy movement
- Folding handle for compact storage
- 2-year warranty
Earthquake 28463
This Earthquake model takes our recommendation for the best premium walk-behind brush cutter in this review. Earthquake and Ardisamis built a powerful machine suitable for clearing the toughest brush and brambles. When the lawnmower and trimmer fail, bring out the Earthquake to level the area.
The Earthquake walk-behind brush cutter features a powerful, robust 4-cycle Viper gas-powered engine. The Viper motor puts out plenty of torque, spinning the cutting lines at high-speeds for efficient and clean cutting on long grass, brambles, and other yard debris in your way.
- POWERFUL - Powered by a strong, yet quiet, 150cc 4-Cycle Viper engine. The Earthquake M205 walk behind string mower chops down your unsightly weeds and stubborn brush with ease. The large 14-inch wheels allow you to float through thick grass, weeds, brush, nettles, and other foliage too difficult for push mowers to overcome.
- DURABLE - Our one-piece steel deck provides strength and stability while reducing vibration. Super tough nylon line has a cutting swath of 22” to get the job done quickly.
- NEVER KILL ENGINE: Unlike many competitive units, our engine will continue to run when the cutting head is disengaged so you can safely and easily remove sticks, branches or other obstacles without having to re-start the engine, saving time and frustration.
- CONVENIENT- Tool-less handlebar adjustment knobs provide compact storage and easy transportation. Never-go-flat wheels ensure that your equipment is ready to go when you are.
- OUT-OF-THE-BOX: The setup is super simple with virtually zero assembly required. Simply unfold and tighten the handlebar knobs. Also included in the box are starter strings for the mower head and 4 cycle engine oil.
Last update on 2023-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model includes a coated steel cutting deck that’s durable and weatherproof. The cutting head offers a swath of 22-inches, making it suitable for the largest clearing tasks in your yard or on the estate. You get compatibility with most 0.155″ trimmer line brands and an offset design for getting into tight spots.
This model comes with a never-kill engine. The engine never stops running, even when you disengage the cutting head to adjust the cutting line. As a result, you don’t have to worry about stopping/starting the machine during use.
The collapsible handlebars provide excellent control over the machine in use, and they fold away for compact storage in your garden shed. You get 14-inch never-flat rubber wheels with tread for traction on rough and uneven terrain.
The Earthquake is a powerful machine with user-friendly operation and a fast-starting ignition. The seamless deck also reduces vibration through the handlebars, mitigating operator fatigue in your hands.
This model offers surprisingly quiet operation, thanks to the 4-stroke motor design, and we’re sure your neighbors or guest will barely notice the noise while you’re clearing the yard.
- 150cc 4-stroke Viper motor
- Large 14-inch wheels
- 22-inch cutting swath
- Never-kill operation
- Tool-less handlebar adjustment
- Offset cutting head
- 5-year warranty
Black+Decker 3-in-1 Brush Cutter and Trimmer
Homeowners with smaller to mid-sized yards will get the best value from this Black+Decker model. You get a hybrid design with a 3-in-1 function that’s versatile for various cutting and clearing tasks around the yard.
If you have a small garden, you don’t need the power in this review’s top two models – it’s overkill for your needs. However, as a homeowner, your garden might overgrow easily, or you have certain sections that need the assistance of a trimmer when clearing.
A hybrid walk-behind brush cutter is a great choice for this application. These models offer you the benefit of a lawnmower, trimmer, and edger all in one product. As a result, you save on storage space in your tool shed, and you get one machine for all your garden maintenance tasks.
- 3 tools in 1, easily converts from mower to trimmer to edger
- AFS automatic feed system ensures continuous work without bumping and having to stop. Ideal property size 750 square feet
- Power drive transmission prevents bogging down. Cutting heights: 1.6 2.4 inches
- Adjustable height deck & trimmer and pivoting handle. Charge time at 60 percent 2.5 hours
- Includes (2) batteries for extended run time
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Black+Decker comes with an adjustable, ergonomic handle that resembles a line trimmer. You get a locking trigger, and your control setting mounted into the handle for easy reference during use.
This Black+Decker model converts into an edger or trimmer with a twist of the handle-mounted selector. The machine’s shaft also comes with adjustable length to suit your height and easy control. There’s a flexible height cutting deck allowing trimming lengths between 1.6″ to 2.4″.
This model includes an electric motor with enough power to cover 750-square feet on a single charge. The gear drive power transmission prevents the engine from bogging down in tougher grass for a consistent cut. Black+Decker includes all charger accessories with your purchase, and it takes 2.5-hours to charge the battery from dead flat.
- 3-in-1 design
- Adjustable handle length
- Battery-powered operation
- Gear-drive motor
- Charger kit and battery included
- Affordable
Tazz 35258
The Tazz is another fantastic machine in this review and a close competitor to the Earthquake model we covered earlier. If you’re a homeowner or estate manager with long grass and brambles on your property, toss out the trimmer for a walk-behind brush cutter.
This Tazz model can cut through the toughest grass, brambles, and garden debris with ease. The 22-inch cutting swatch covers a decent area, with braided lines 0.155″ included as standard with the machine. The coated steel deck comes in a bright green color for easy identification in the yard, and you get an offset cutting head for convenient use in those hard-to-reach spaces around your property.
- FAST AND FRIENDLY: Perfect for mowing and trimming around your yard and property. Easily muscle through the toughest weeds and most stubborn brush without having to carry your equipment or strap it to your back.
- POWERFUL VERSATILITY: Our 160cc engine has plenty of power to easily clear thick grass, weeds and other foliage around fence lines, tree lines and shorelines. This mower is also great for cleaning-up the edges of your yard in hard to reach corners where your mower doesn’t fit.
- HEAVY DUTY DECK AND LINE: Our one-piece steel deck provides strength and stability while reducing vibration. Super Tough . 155” diameter nylon line and has a cutting swath of 22” to get the job done quickly.
- LARGE WHEELS, EASY STORAGE: Large 14" diameter wheels provide ample clearance and allow you to float over rugged terrain and through the densest of vegetation. Handlebars fold down easily for convenient storage.
- NEVER KILL ENGINE: Unlike many competitive units, our engine will continue to run when the cutting head is disengaged so you can easily remove sticks branches or other obstacles without having to re-start the engine saving time and frustration.
Last update on 2023-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Tazz comes with large 14-inch rubber tires on its low-profile wheels. The treaded tires make it easy to move over rough terrain and up hills. This model includes a collapsing handle with an easy throttle bar for convenient use and compact storage.
The Tazz gets its cutting power from a 150cc gas-powered 4-cycle engine, with plenty of power for cutting through the toughest garden debris. It features a never-kill engine, ensuring the motor stays running while you change the line.
This model offers a fast, smooth cutting operation, with excellent consistency on grass, brambles, and other garden debris. It also comes with a fantastic price tag that makes it a solid competitor to this review’s top models. You also get a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty with this model.
- 150cc gas-powered engine
- 22-inch cutting swath
- 14-inch wheels for maneuverability
- Adjustable handle angle
- Continuous running
Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022
If your estate or property is overgrown and requires heavy-duty maintenance, you need to rely on a heavy-duty machine. The Southland walk-behind brush cutter is another excellent example of a top-quality machine available at an affordable price point.
This model is a great choice for clearing brambles, long grass, and another rugged garden debrides around your property. You get a 150cc gas-powered engine pushing out 5.75-ft/lbs of torque, making it easy to slice through the most robust garden materials.
This Southland Outdoor model comes with the coveted “Carb-Compliant” certification for emissions, making it suitable for sale in California. You get a manual recoil fuel delivery system providing easy starts to your brush cutter and a collapsible handle for compact storage in your tool shed after use.
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The Southlands machine comes with a steel cutting deck featuring a powder-coated finish and a 22-inch cutting swath. There’s no offset design on the cutting head, but you get a streamlined design that’s easy to c0ontrol in tight spaces.
The Southland comes with large 12-inch wheels featuring rubber tread for optimal traction on rugged terrain. The anti-vibration frame also reduces noise during operation while saving your hands from fatigue.
- 150cc gas-powered motor
- Easy-start fuel delivery system
- 22-inch cutting swatch
- 12-inch wheels
- Folding foam grip handle to reduce vibration
Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317
We come to the end of our review with another top-quality model from Southland Outdoor. This walk-behind brush cutter comes with a hybrid design, allowing you to switch between trimming and edging tasks. This model is ideal for contractors who need a versatile, lightweight machine to maneuver around the job site.
With the Southland wheeled string trimmer, you get large 12-inch never-flat tires making it easy to wheel the machine around rough terrain. There’s a steel powder-coated frame for strength and corrosion resistance and an adjustable, collapsible handle allowing compact storage after use.
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This model includes a powerful 43cc, 2-cycle gas-powered engine, producing enough torque to power through any garden debris. The cutting head features a 17-inch swath and is compatible with most brands of 0.155″ cutting line.
With the Southland hybrid brush cutter, you get a 5° – 10° trimmer head bevel for versatile use when edging or trimming a lawn or more delicate areas of the yard. There’s an adjustable height ergonomic loop-handle, reducing operator fatigue, and a spring-loaded thumb actuated throttle control system.
- A good choice for professional landscapers
- Reduces fatigue in hands
- 43cc gas-powered motor
- 5 to 10-degree head swivel
- Efficient cutting
- 17-inch cutting swath
- Adjustable-height ergonomic handle
- Actuated throttle for better cutting control
Walk Behind Brush Cutter Buyer’s Guide
A walk-behind brush cutter reduces your garden maintenance responsibilities. If you’re a contractor, it helps with landscaping and clearing large areas in new construction projects.
For homeowners with large properties, a walk-behind brush cutter helps you deal with the long grass and brambles around the property perimeter.
After reading through our reviews of the best walk-behind brush cutters, you’re probably wondering which one is the right choice for your maintenance application. In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the features and functions of the best walk-behind brushcutter models.
What are the Types of Walk-Behind Brush Cutters?
Gas-Powered
These models use a gasoline engine to run the motor. They often feature engine capacities between 125cc to 150cc, with around 5-ft/lbs of torque. Gas-powered motors require maintenance, especially with frequent use.
The carburetor needs cleaning, and the motor requires general maintenance to keep it running efficiently. Gas-powered models allow continuous running, provided you have enough fuel on-hand. The powerful engines also offer a consistent operation, without any bogging down if you encounter robust materials.
Battery-Powered
These walk-behind brush cutters are an alternative to gas-powered models. They offer no-emissions, making them a good choice for eco-conscious garden maintenance. The electric motor also makes next to no noise.
However, battery-powered models lack the cutting speed consistency of gas-powered models. As a result, battery-powered walk-behind brush cutters are only suitable for use in smaller yards where the demands of clearing rough garden debris are minimal.
Most models come with replaceable battery packs that take around 2.5-hours to charge. If you have multiple battery packs, your machine has an indefinite run time. Electric models require less maintenance than gas-powered engines.
However, they also have less tolerance for heavy-duty use. Running the machine in demanding conditions might lead to a reduction in service life and premature burnout.
What are the Design functions of Walk-Behind Brush Cutters?
- Single-Function Walk-Behind Brush Cutters – These models operate with a single trimming function. The cutting head typically has a larger swath than multi-functional models and better performance.
- Hybrid Design Walk-Behind Brush Cutters – These models come with multi-functional design, allowing you to use them as a trimmer, edger, or lawnmower.
What Do I Look for In a Walk Behind Brush Cutter?
Motor Power
The motor power of your walk-behind brush cutter determines its performance. Most models in this review come with gas-powered engines, featuring a 150cc capacity. According to the experts on landscaping forums, a 150cc capacity offers you the best power for trimming tough garden debris.
A 150cc engine produces around 5-ft/lbs of torque, sufficient for slicing through long grass, brambles, and weeds with ease. Choose a 4-stroke motor for the best service life and consistent performance.
Some of the hybrid models, like the Southlands SWSTM4317, offer you a smaller motor. While they might not have the larger dedicated machines’ heavy-duty capacity, they still have plenty of performance for edging and trimming tasks.
Never-Kill Engine
When the machine accidentally runs over a bramble, it might catch in the cutting head and cause a jam. When this occurs, the never-kill gearbox comes into use, preventing the motor from stalling.
As a result, you can clear the jam by disengaging the cutting head, but the motor stays running. After removing the obstruction, you get back to work. This never-kill design prevents unnecessary wear-and-tear on the engine due to the motor’s stop/start during operation.
Cutting Width
The cutting swath defines the width of the cutting path ads the machine moves forward. The top models in this review come with a 22-inch swatch. That means they clear 22-inches in front of you with each pass of the machine.
Smaller models like the Southlands SWSTM4317might have a lower cutting swath of around 17-inches, but that’s still wider than most handheld trimmers. The 22-inch swatch on the larger model in this review, like the Earthquake, is on-par, if not larger, than the leading lawnmower brands.
Frame Materials
When shopping for the best walk-behind brush cutter, we recommend checking on the frame materials. The best models come with powder-coated steel frames for durability. A steel frame resists damage from any knocks on stones of rocks during your clearing duties.
Easy Starting
Look for walk-behind brush cutters that offer easy starting of the machine. The last thing you need is to flood the carburetor while you pull on the ripcord in frustration. We recommend looking for models with a recoil fuel delivery system for easy starting.
Collapsible Handle
A collapsible handle with a locking throttle bar is a must-have feature on your walk-behind brush cutter. A collapsing handle provides compact storage out of the way in your tool shed or garage. A trigger lock and a padded handle also help to reduce operator fatigue during use.
Wheels
Your walk-behind brush cutter needs large wheels to help it traverse rough terrain. Look for models featuring 12-inch or 14-inch wheels.
This size wheel won’t jam up on rocks, and you get easy maneuverability on various surfaces. Ensure the wheels feature a never-flat design and tread to help you gain traction on gravel and slick surfaces, like wet grass.
What Kind of Wire Do I Use in My Brush Cutter?
Your brushcutter works with 0.155″ cutting wire. The wire makes for efficient cutting, replacing the blades in a traditional lawnmower system. If you’re cutting in rough terrain using a lawnmower, you’ll destroy the edges.
The primary advantage of using the brush cutters is its flexible cutting line. While it’s not impervious to breaking on stones and rocks, it won’t cause the same destruction as mower blades.
Cutting wire for your brush cutter comes in a variety of materials to suit your trimming needs.
Nylon – This wire is affordable and a popular choice for landscapers. It’s a durable material and available in a variety of wired shapes to suit your cutting application.
Wire reinforced – Titanium-reinforced cutting line is another popular choice with landscaping professionals. While it might be more expensive than traditional nylon, it offers high-performance and wear-resistance.
What are the Different Trimmer Wire Shapes?
Trimmer wire comes in various shapes for different applications.
- Round – The best all-around option. It’s affordable and aerodynamic.
- Square – Another great choice. This wire offers your four cutting edges, allowing for optimal performance in various heavy-duty cutting and trimming applications.
- Hexagonal – Your get six cutting sides on this line, giving you extra performance and consistent cutting.
- Octagonal – This line is suitable for the golf course and other aesthetic applications where you need a clean cut.
- Twisted – Twisted line offers multiple cutting surfaces and outstanding performance on robust garden debris.
Walk Behind Brush Cutter FAQs
Should I rent or buy a brush cutter?
It depends. If you own a large property or an estate, adding a brush cutter to your tool shed makes sense. However, if you’re a homeowner moving into a new property, you might only need a brush cutter once. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to purchase the machine. However, homeowners might benefit from a hybrid device, like the Black+Decker, for their yard maintenance duties.
Can I use my brush cutter in the rain?
No, we recommend avoiding using your brush cutter in the rain. The water causes more friction on the cutting line, and you’ll find yourself changing it frequently. The rain can also damage components in electrical models. Wait until the rain clears and the grass dries out before operating your walk-behind brush cutter.
What safety gear do I need when operating my brush cutter?
PPE is essential when operating a brush cutter. You’ll be cutting robust materials, and there might be loose stones or pebbles that kick up with the cutting line. Therefore, you’ll need eye protection when operating the machine. If you’re working in a dusty area, wear a respirator to prevent breathing in too much dust. Gloves are also a suggestion to protect your hands when removing brambles from the cutting head.
Where can I buy the best walk behind brush cutter?
We recommend buying your walk-behind brush cutter from amazon, the world’s leading online retailer. Amazon offers you the widest selection of models and the best prices online.
With Amazon, you get buyer protection on your order, and Prime members get fast free shipping. The free shipping is a bonus, considering the weight of the machine. If there’s anything wrong with your walk-behind brush cutter, Amazon offers hassle-free returns and exchanges.
Walk Behind Brush Cutters – The Verdict
A walk-behind brush cutter is an ideal machine for trimming those tougher areas of your property. Long grass, brambles, and weeds are no match for the powerful trimming action of a walk-behind brush cutter. After reading through the reviews and our buyer’s guide, you should have an idea of the right brush cutter to suit your lawn care needs.
However, if you’re struggling with your purchase decision, why not go with one of our top picks? We have walk-behind brush cutters available to suit any size yard or budget.
- The YardMax YL 2500 wins our top award for the best overall model in this review. You get a class-leading 159cc gas-powered 4-cycle motor. YardMax has a reputation for building some of the best engines in the lawn care industry, and this machine benefits from that legacy. The YardMax also includes large 14-inch never-flat tires and a detachable cutting head with a 22-inch swatch.
- The Earthquake 28463 is our top choice for the best premium model in this review. You get a 150cc 4-stroke Viper motor included with this model, producing high-torque for your cutting tasks. This model features a powder-coated frame and a 22-inch cutting swath with an offset trimmer head to get into those tight spaces around your property.
- Homeowners looking for a combination machine will get the best value from this hybrid Black+Decker model. The Black+Decker 3-in-1 Brush Cutter and Trimmer offer you a lawnmower, trimmer, and edger, all in one machine. This model comes with a user-friendly design, allowing for fast changes between modes, thanks to the swivel switch on the adjustable shaft. This model includes an adjustable-height cutting deck and an ergonomic loop handle with a trigger lock to reduce operator fatigue.
