Strimmer vs brush cutter: which do you need?

The main differences

The table shows the general split. Some higher powered battery strimmers accept plastic blades, and most brush cutters can also run a line head, so there is overlap at the top end.

Compare cordless strimmers and brush cutters →

When a strimmer is enough

If your garden is mostly lawn with borders, fences and a few trees, a strimmer handles everything you need. It trims the grass the mower cannot reach and, on many models, rotates to cut a neat vertical edge. It is light enough to use one handed for short spells and easy to store.

Strimmers can also cut long grass if you take it in stages. Our guide on how to cut long grass explains how.

When you need a brush cutter

Choose a brush cutter if you regularly clear brambles, thick nettles, rough field edges, an allotment or an overgrown corner. A blade cuts through stems that would snap or wrap a line head. The bike handle on many brush cutters lets you swing the head side to side with less effort, and a harness takes the weight off your arms.

Battery brush cutters are now common and avoid the fuel and noise of petrol machines. The Ryobi OBC1820B is one example of an 18 V cordless brush cutter sold as a kit with a battery.

Blades and safety

Blades are far more dangerous than line. They can throw stones and debris further and can kick back if they hit a hard object. Use the guard supplied, wear eye protection, ear protection, gloves, long trousers and sturdy boots, and keep people and pets well away. Check the area for wire, stones and wildlife before you start.

Note:Only fit blades approved by the maker for your machine, with the correct guard. Never fit a blade to a strimmer that is not designed for one.

Battery or petrol?

Both strimmers and brush cutters come in battery and petrol versions. Battery tools are quieter, lighter and need little upkeep. Petrol brush cutters still suit large sites and long sessions. Our petrol vs battery strimmer comparison covers the trade off in more detail.

Which should you buy?

For an ordinary lawn, buy a strimmer, ideally on the same battery platform as your mower. If you have rough ground or brambles to clear more than once or twice a year, buy a brush cutter and use its line head for lighter jobs. If clearance is a one off, consider hiring a brush cutter instead.

Handles, shafts and harnesses

The handle type matters as much as the cutting head. A loop handle, sometimes called a D handle, sits on the shaft and suits short jobs and precise trimming. A bike handle, with two grips on a crossbar, lets you sweep the head from side to side in long arcs, which is the most efficient way to clear a large area. It is usually paired with a harness so the weight hangs from your shoulders rather than your arms.

Straight shafts carry the drive to a gearbox at the head, which is what lets a brush cutter turn a blade with enough torque. Curved shaft strimmers are lighter and easy to steer close to edges but are not designed for blades. If you are short or tall, check whether the handle position adjusts, as a badly set handle quickly becomes tiring.

Weight is worth checking in person if you can. A machine that feels fine for five minutes can be hard work after half an hour, especially with a battery fitted.

Frequently asked questions

Can a strimmer cut brambles? Thin new growth, yes. Established woody brambles need a brush cutter with a blade.

Can I put a blade on my strimmer? Only if the maker says the model accepts one and supplies the right guard. Most light strimmers do not.

Is a brush cutter good for lawn edges? It can run a line head for edges, but it is heavier than a strimmer for that job.

Do I need a harness? For a brush cutter, a harness makes longer sessions far more comfortable and gives better control. Many come with one.