A Brushcutter is one of the most versatile grass cutting machines. They are sometimes called grass trimmers, bush cutters or clearing saws. Not to be confused with a trimmer(which has a bent shaft and is used for cutting edges), brushcutters can be used to trim edges, bushes, around fences or flowerbeds, to cut through tough uncontrolled growth, or large awkward areas including embankments, along verges or uneven terrain, and even for gnarling bushes, cutting thorny bushes and sawing thin tree trunks.
It is important to purchase the correct machine for your application. Compare kilowatt(size) of the various options, as well as reliability of back up service, spares availability, and manufacturer's support.
There is a good way to tell higher quality units from less expensive models. Higher quality brushcutters have the starter cord behind the engine. Less expensive unites locate the cord between the motor and the shaft. This is due to crankshaft design alternatives. Single counterweight shafts are less expensive to make, vibrate more, and require locating the starter cord at the front of the engine. Double counterweight shafts cost more, are better balanced, and allow the starter cord to be located at the back of the engine. Manufacturers who have gone to the expense of equipping their machines with double counterweight crankshafts will likely have engineered other design features into the unit to make it more durable and useful - something to keep in mind as you consider the price difference.
The two most important decisions are the size brushcutter you need, and the type of cutting attachment you use.
Size matters
You don't need to purchase the strongest machine available to do the job. When a manufacturer has a range of products available, it doesn't necessarily imply that the brand "has a machine available for every wallet size". Well, if it is the reason, stay well clear of that specific product. A Good range is ussually one which offers products for different applications. Are you a garden service and need to trim edges daily? Do you want to cut tall grass daily? Are you clearing a large area of uncontrolled growth? Do you need to cut away thorny bushes? We have units available for all the different scenarios!
So, largest isn't always the best. Size matters when it comes to what your application is, and when you are going to cut edges at in eight garden five days a week, you won't need a 2.4kW monster.
Cutting attachments
With most good quality brushcutters you can decide between various nylon line cutting heads, grass cutting blades, brush knifes and circular saw blades. Each type of cutting attachment has a different application. Discuss the options with your Grassnyer Kliniek/Lawnmower Clinic Pretoria sales consultant. Make sure your unit can accept the attachments needed to get the job done. Some of the smaller units will only accept a limited number of accessories. Please make certain that the correct, approved guard for the cutting attachment is installed.It is usually recommended to purchase both a nylon cutting head and brush blade. Why?
A nylon head provides a larger cutting swath than a blade (which means you get your cutting done quicker). Nylon line is also capable of clearing weeds between logs and rock. If the line hits a hard object, it bounces off. This is not true of a tri-cut/brush blade. The tri-cut blade attachment has a smaller cutting swath. Since the blade is made from steel, when it hits something hard, the entire cutting end of the bruchcutter bounces off the object. Further, regularly hitting rocks can cause the blade to dull quickly, which means some annoying resharpening in the field. With a string head, you just pull out some new line and you're ready to go. Having both a string head and brush blade allows you to cover all the bases.
Protective Equipment
As with any petrol powered clearing equipment, protective equipment is an absolute necessity. For brushcutters, there are two safety items you shouldn't go without:
- A protective helmet with integrated sound deadening headphones, and a screen pull-down shield on the front. Do NOT operate a brushcutter without one of these helmets.
- Shin guards. Guards are typically manufactured high impact plastic, and cover the front part of the lower leg. We also offer Brushcutter Safety Pants.
Contact us for information regarding the correct brushcutter for your application.
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