Are you planning to clear the huge overgrown areas of your property, stuffed with thick brush and tall brambles, using a lawn mower or trimmer? Well, DON’T DO THAT because it could be a terrible idea. The lawnmowers and trimmers are developed to chop down only the moderately thick grass and weeds so if you’d employed these tools for a heavier-duty job, chances are you might damage their motors.
Also, such abusive use can reduce the service life and cutting capabilities of your high-end mowers and trimmers at the cost of nothing. So, it’s better to get a more powerful, sturdier, and more appropriate tool to cut these absurd looking brushes from your property. And the best machine to tackle these tough clearing jobs is a walk-behind brush cutter.
Why? Because the best walk behind brush cutter comes with larger decks, wider cutting swath, more powerful engines, and more impressive operating torque which can help you clear a huge area quickly and without breaking a sweat. To help our readers find the best walk-behind brush cutter, I tested dozens of popular products and selected the best-performing models to enlist and review. So just keep reading the article to find your perfect wheeled brush saw.
Table of Contents
Best Walk Behind Brush Cutter Comparison Table 2022
7 best walk behind brush cutter
1. WRC10224H – Swisher 10.2 HP 24″ Commercial Pro Walk Behind Rough Cut
If you are a professional landscaper or an estate manager who possesses good know-how of complicated brush cutters, then you’d never find any better brush saw than this swisher’s one. Swisher is famous for manufacturing complex but highly advanced and robust gardening appliances including lawnmowers, trimmers, cutters, carts, rollers, and many others.
The model we are going to review here is a gas-powered brush cutter that runs on a 10.2 Honda engine and 12V recoil system. The main reason why this swisher brush cutter is at the top of our list is that it’s the most powerful cutter out there. And the thing which is more interesting here is that you can push this heavy unit without exerting too much force over your back since it’s self-propelled.
Also, the huge pneumatic chevron wheels enhance the manoeuvrability by providing a smoother ride and stronger grips even over swamps, bumps, and hills. To meet your yard needs perfectly, the machine comes with a super-wide cutting swath that is mounted beneath a sturdy 24″ deck. You can adjust the deck height from 3-4.75 inches to assess both the moderate and large brushes.
The thing which amazed me the most is that to adjust the height of the cutting swath, you don’t need to stop working and run for an instrument. Instead, a brief control panel is located at the handlebar which you can use to control the height and other functionalities. Using the same control panel, you can set the cutter at one of the four given transmission speeds.
- Self-propelled
- Powerful Honda engine and recoil system
- Brief control panel
- Wide cutting swath
- Heavy-duty deck
- Adjustable cutting height
- Multiple speed transmissions
- Large Chevron wheels
- Protection guard
- Too big to assess narrower areas
The terrific blade of this brush saw enabled me to cut brambles, fledgling trees, and grass of up to three feet without any hassle. The only downside is that you can’t use this bulky unit to cut unwanted vegetation from hard-to-reach areas.
2. EARTHQUAKE 37676 M605 Walk Behind brush cutter
Looking for a robust brush cutter for your home? Well, look no further as this earthquake 37676 walk behind a brush cutter has everything you want. The very first good thing about this cutter is that it possesses a 22″ wide cutting swath that is supported by a durable nylon string line. So, no blades mean no need to keep an eye over your kid while he’s helping you in clearing up.
Also, almost all the components are installed previously so you can get started immediately, as soon as you receive the unit. Unlike the previous model, it’s not self-propelled but thankfully it has 14″ inflatable wheels that can run across all types of terrains (including the roughest ones) without getting unbalanced. And as I said before, these wheels are inflatable so you won’t have to worry about them getting flat by the spikes of thorny vegetation.
However, I found these hard inflatable wheels a bit harder to push than their air-filled counterparts but since the weight of the overall unit is quite light, pushing it forward can’t be a big problem for young people. But still, if your yard is present in a hilly area, you, as an elder user, should go with another model. Besides this inconvenience, I didn’t find anything bad about this brush cutter.
- Durable string line
- 22″ wide cutting swath
- Inflatable 14″ wheels
- Powerful engine
- Pre-assembled
- Satisfying build quality
- Adjustable handlebars
- Cuts up to three feet tall brush
- Lightweight
- No protection shroud
The handlebar is adjustable so you can set it at your preferred height. I also found the construction quality quite satisfactory since the deck is made up of a single steel sheet. This one-piece metallic deck adds the utmost sturdiness to the entire machine and makes it capable of sustaining daily wear and tear. The string line can cut about three feet of tall grass easily. The only thing you need to take care of is not using it around a toddler because there’s no protection shroud.
3. Craftsman 25A-262J793 Walk-Behind High-Wheeled String brush cutter
Whether you are a professional or an amateur, the innovative and simple use of power tools of craftsmen suits, everyone. This manufacturer has been functional in the market for more than a century and earned a solid reputation.
The model of craftsman we are going to discuss now is a self-propelled brush cutter that is gas powered and runs over a 4-cycle engine. On getting my hand over this cutter for the very first time, I was like, man, it’s heavy! The product description says that the unit weighs around 78.7 lbs which is, undoubtedly, too much.
But as stated before, it’s a self-propelled brush trimmer and that’s why I didn’t end up with a strained back when finished with my yard clean up chore. Additional support is provided by its 14-inches, inflatable wheels that keep the machine stable and balanced over bumpy terrain. Its cutting swath is 22″ wide and possesses a 0.0155 inches string line – pulled off the toughest weeds of my yard in a snap.
Starting this gas-powered string brush cutter is also not pain as it is with other models. All you need to do is to collapse the handles and pull the cord. The best part is, that the engine mostly gets started in the very first pull. There’s also a bearing wheel mounted at the front end of the machine. This small wheel enables you to assess even the narrower parts of your garden easily.
- Self-propelled brush cutter
- Replacing the string line is easy
- 22″ wide cutting swath
- Foldable and comfortable handles
- Inflatable wheels
- 4-cycle powerful engine
- Starts in one pull
- Cuts toughest and tallest brush
- Heavy
The handles are foldable so the unit can be kept inside your garage, when not in use. Another thing that I liked most about this stringer brush cutter is that its string line is extremely easy to replace – it took only three minutes in my case. Also, It never disappointed me while working over the tallest and toughest brush of my property so I’d recommend considering it.
4. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Lawn Mower and brush cutter (MTC220)
If you have a small yard, investing your hard-earned money in the models reviewed previously will not be a wise decision. In this case, it’s best to go with a hybrid wheeled brush cutter like this black+decker model. It mainly acts as a 3-in-1 machine that can be used as a mower, edger, and string trimmer simultaneously – and of course as a brush cutter as well.
The best thing about purchasing this small walk-behind brush cutter is that you can conveniently carry it from one part to another. And if some parts of your lawn get overgrown way too quickly, you can easily pull this machine out of your storage and start using it. Also, due to being a versatile tool, you can save both your money and space from spending on three different garden appliances.
It comes with a comfortable and adjustable handle over which a control panel is located so you can refer to it easily, during operation. You can’t only set the height of the shaft as per your preferences, using this panel but can also change the functionality from trimmer to edger to mower, in seconds. Right beside the control panel, there’s a locking trigger as well which prevents accidental ignition.
The thing that surprises me the most is that this machine’s trimming heights are also adjustable – a feature that is hardly found in brush cutters. You can set the trimming length from 1.6″-2.4″ by adjusting the deck height. The battery takes about 7-8 hours to get fully charged and cut the thick brush over an impressive area size of 750 square feet.
- Hybrid walk-behind brush cutter
- Ergonomic handles with Adjustable shaft
- Adjustable trimming heights
- lock trigger to prevent accidental startup
- Chop thick brush impressively
- Covers 750 square feet on one charge
- Brief control panel over the handle
- Perfect for small yards
- Gear drive transmission system
- Affordable
- Inadequate for larger lands
Since it’s a battery-powered brush cutter, I was expecting it to get bogged down while running over tough grass but that never happened. The reason behind this powerful and desirable performance is its gear drive transmission system though.
5. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 Wheeled brush cutter
If you want the comfort features of cordless brushcutters but the power and engine of gas-powered brush saws, then this Southland walk behind cutter is your go-to appliance. This model features a 2-cycle, 43cc gas-powered engine that produces enough torque to cut through heavy vegetation easily. At the same time, the unit is made to be extremely lightweight so you can manoeuvre it all across your property without feeling worn out.
The list doesn’t end here since this tool, like the previous one, is a hybrid gardening appliance that can be used as both a cutter and edger. To use the tool in delicate and hard-to-reach areas of your garden, like around trees, near garden beds, or beneath the shrubs, a swivel-able front wheel is given that rotates from 5°-10°. The cutting swath of this wheeled brush cutter is about 17 inches that feature a 0.155″ string line.
Although the machine is not self-propelled, its never-flat wheels help push this lightweight unit literally without the need of putting in a slight effort. Speaking of the build then the whole frame is made up of steel and further powder coated to make it corrosion proof and away from environmental extremes. The thing which I liked the most in this walk behind the brush cutter is its loop handle which can not only be adjusted up to your preferred height but can be widened to reduce muscle fatigue.
- Hybrid gardening tool
- Steel, powder-coated frame
- Ergonomic, adjustable, and collapsible loop handles
- 17″ wide cutting swath
- Lightweight and compact
- Swivel-able front wheel
- A good option is to cut 4-5 feet tall brush
- Never flat tires
- Automated throttle
- Affordable
- Need to pull recoil 4-5x to start
And once you are done with the cleanup job, just fold down the loop handle and put the unit inside your small storage. The only downside of this brush cutter is that it tends to give a little tough time to get started. In my scenario, I have to pull the recoil about five times to make the machine run. Also, if you are facing the challenge of too tall and thick a brush hog, this light-duty brush cutter is not something you are going to admire. It’s only good for a 4-5 feet tall brush and regular grass trimming though.
6. Billy Goat BC2600 HEBH 26-Inch Outback Brush Mower
This billy goat brush mower is the most expensive machine on this list but the features and functionalities of this unit make it worth paying this heavy amount. From cutting swath to engine power generation capacity to speed and quality cuts, I found everything about this billy goat brush cutter nearly perfect. That’s the very reason it’s my favourite walk behind a brush cutter out there.
Let’s discuss its spec in a bit more detail to make you a fan of this machine, too and let’s start with the most important component; the engine. The cutter features a 13hp Honda engine that is not only highly durable but generates maximum torque to cut down the thickest and tallest brush, grass, and weeds in a snap.
To make the power output and performance even more impressive and pronounced, a wide and heavy deck of 26″ is added to the design. This super large deck adds to the torque generated by the engine which, in turn, enables the user to get more refined cuts, regardless of the grass type you are working on. And don’t forget the giant rugged wheels that impart stronger grips over all types of terrains.
- Super-powerful brush cutter
- 26″ wide deck
- 13hp Honda engine
- Cut tallest and thickest brush in a snap
- Deliver quality cuts and perfect speed
- Electric start system
- Automatic propulsion
- Controls for forward and reverse motion
- Expensive
Besides this amazing power and performance, this billy goat brush cutter also offers some advanced, user-friendly features including an electric push start button which saves you from the hassle of recoil pull. Since it’s a heavy machine, made to tackle heavy-duty brush cutting chores, navigating it in forward and reverse directions can be a little difficult. Thankfully, the manufacturer thought the same and added a self-propulsion system along with quick controls for forward and reverse motion, right beside the handle.
7. Craftsman M215 159cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 FWD Gas Powered brush cutter
The last product on our list is another excellent model of a craftsman company; however, this machine is not only known for its cleanest and most efficient cuts but also its plenty of smart features. For example, this unit features an auto-choke system which allows you to turn the robust engine on, without pulling the cord – the main reason why this machine is famous among elderly people.
Also, this brush cutter offers several speed modes so you can set the speed of working as per the thickness of the brush. Set maximum speed for a thin brush while setting to the lower speed modes to cut thick and heavy brushes. Even at the fastest speed mode, this machine helped me clean my property perfectly, and most importantly, in record time. This unit comes in a pre-assembled form but putting the machine together in housing is not an effort at all.
Unlike other products on the list, it comes with a bagger however I found it nearly useless since it’s too small in size. Even while working on my medium-sized yard, I had to empty the bag about five times. Thankfully, it’s quite easy to clamp the bag on and off which saves time and energy.
- Easy to start
- Auto choke feature
- Self-propelled
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Cut brush and grass evenly
- Easy to clamp bag
- Multiple speed modes
- Quiet and affordable
- Not a high-end construction quality
It’s lightweight, self-propelled with adjustable cutting heights, and trims the brush evenly, without giving you a hard time. The best part is that this gas powered walk behind the brush cutter is quiet. That’s the thing that was shocking to me since I haven’t used any gas brush cutter till now that doesn’t generate sky shattering roars. So, Yes! This craftsman brush cutter deserves to be a part of this list.
Buyer’s guide
Now since you’ve read about the best walk-behind brush cutter models on the market, let’s have a look at some factors, if you’d consider while shopping around, that will help you make a wise decision.
First of all, look at whether the machine is a standalone unit or a hybrid one. Both of these designs possess their advantages though. If you ask me, I’d suggest you go with a standalone brush cutter if you have a huge area to clear from the thick and tall brushes. On the other hand, for the regular trimming of rough grass and weeds from a small garden, a hybrid tool will work fine.
Similarly, consider the fuel type a machine used to run. Generally, the gas-powered brush cutters are considered the most powerful ones, with the most durable build quality. However, they are heavy and loud, and that’s why they are a little difficult to use. On the other hand, electric walk-behind brush cutters are good for comfort lovers.
Corded cutters offer limited mobility but even torque while the cordless cutter offers unlimited mobility with slightly fluctuating torque. Thus, select an option based on your preferences and goals. Lastly, don’t forget that a good performing, powerful brush cutter is the one that features a 150cc engine.
FAQs
Conclusion
Before wrapping up, have a look at my favourite walk behind brush cutters – top-three products that are excellent in all aspects including build, features, and performance.
- Billy Goat BC2600 HEBH 26-Inch Outback Brush Mower due to being the most powerful and sturdiest brush cutter out there and having plenty of user-friendly features.
- WRC10224H – Swisher 10.2 HP 24″ Commercial Pro Walk Behind Rough Cut due to being a self-propelled unit with a powerful Honda engine, and having multiple speed and height adjustment features.
- EARTHQUAKE 37676 M605 Walk Behind brush cutter due to being a lightweight yet powerful brush cutter with inflatable wheels and satisfying performance.