What's the difference between a Grass Trimmer and a Brushcutter
In the world of gardening and garden maintenance, there's a common misconception that grass trimmers and brushcutters are the same tool. However, there's quite a big difference between a brushcutter and a grass trimmer, with both suited to different uses.
To help you choose the right machine for you, let's take a closer look at what each one does, how it works and who it's best for.
What's the difference?
Brushcutters and grass trimmers may look similar in appearance, however their use differs slightly depending on the model. To keep things in simple terms, a grass trimmer is suited to trimming edges, hard to reach lawn areas, and providing finishing touches to lawns.
On the other hand, brushcutters are designed to take on dense weeds, fibrous grass and areas of thick vegetation that a grass trimmer would struggle to cut. A brushcutter is also much more likely to use blades instead of trimmer line, helping it slice through tough growth with ease.
The easiest way to know which one you need is to determine if you'll be doing lighter work and just cleaning up lawn edges (trimmer) or larger thick patches and cleaning dense shrubbery (brushcutter). You may determine that you need a trimmer and a brushcutter to satisfy different work applications. Although it is possible to trim edges with a brushcutter, it is much harder ergonomically to achieve the same crisp edges that can be achieved with a trimmer. This is mainly due to the working position of the "bull handle" on a brushcutter.
Can I put a brushcutter blade on a trimmer?
Fitting a brushcutter blade on a trimmer is only possible with select models, e.g. 525RJD Trimmer. It is also important to note that using accessories not intended for use on your trimmer could potentially cause damage to the tool, the operator and surrounding property.
Some trimmers are designed for multiple uses, such as the Husqvarna 535LK Combi Trimmer. With the ability to quickly switch between grass trimmer, hedge trimmer, pole saw, cultivator, blower, and edger, it minimises the need for multiple tools and offers maximum power and versatility.
It is always best to use the recommended and approved accessories for each individual machine to avoid accidental damage and voiding your warranty.
How to choose the right tool
- For long grass, fibrous weeds, saplings and small shrubs, a brushcutter will make fast work of potentially laborious tasks. A brushcutter is also ideal for clearing overgrown areas of land, roadsides and farmland.
- When maintaining lawn edges, under and around garden furniture, along fences and walls and down narrow areas, a grass trimmer is the best fit. Creating tidy edges is quick and easy, making it perfect for use around the yard or garden.
- Greenspace businesses and those looking for an all-in-one tool will appreciate the versatility of a combi-trimmer. Switch and choose between multiple attachments, including blower, rotary brush, hedge trimmer, pole saw, edger, grass trimmer, rotary tiller and more.
- Brushcutters and grass trimmers are available as battery-powered models, making them a great choice for residential areas and when working away from a mains power supply.
Can you use a brushcutter to cut grass?
A common question many people have is 'can a brushcutter be used to cut grass?' And the simple answer is yes. But how about using a grass trimmer to clear dense foliage and saplings? Probably not a great idea. Given that grass trimmers typically use a nylon line to cut back grass, anything tougher will lead to increased line breakage. With that said, there are a variety of accessories for both types of tools that maximise flexibility and usage.
How to choose the right accessories
Both brushcutters and grass trimmers can be used with a variety of accessories. Which ones you choose will largely depend on how and where you'll be using them. To give you a better idea of how to accessorise your tools, here are just a few of the most popular ones.
- Husqvarna saw blade - Optimised for maximum performance and durability, the Scarlett saw blade is the perfect accessory for brushcutters dealing with woody growth.
- 3 tooth grass blade - Ideal for working in areas with dense and heavy grass and foliage without woody growth, such as when clearing undergrowth.
- Shredder blade - Best for shredding and mulching coarse grass, shrubs and stems of up to 2cm, returning nutrients back to the ground.
- Tri-cut trimmer head - A great alternative for a line trimmer, the replaceable plastic flails take care of dense and coarse grass and areas with stones.
- Edger attachment - For use with combi trimmers, keep lawn edges, borders and beds looking their best with crisp, straight lines.
Want to browse the full range of Husqvarna trimmer and brushcutter accessories? Find them all right here.
The Husqvarna Dealer Advantage
While a brushcutter and grass trimmer may look similar, they are used in quite different situations. Whether you're a homeowner looking for a way to keep your lawn and border edges neat and tidy or a greenspace business after power and versatility, Husqvarna has tools for every situation.
Take back control of your garden or breathe new life into your greenspace business. Contact your local Husqvarna dealer to find out how using Husqvarna products and dealer services can improve your productivity around the garden.
Contact your local Husqvarna dealer, today for expert advice.