Best Walk-Behind Brush Cutter
A walk-behind brush cutter is built to cut grass that is up to eight feet tall and saplings that are up to several inches in diameter.
Hence, using an ideal walk-behind brush cutter will enable you to remove dense weeds, tall grass and overgrowth from your property effectively.
If you are shopping for a suitable, durable and efficient walk-behind brush cutter, we have researched and reviewed the best walk-behind brush cutters available on the market in 2023.
Top 3 Walk-Behind Cutters
- Four-speed transmission is ideal for setting a comfortable pace.
- Large pneumatic chevron tires can easily roll on the roughest terrain.
- Front and side safety deflectors offer protection against flying debris.
- Durable chain skirting offers protection against debris
- Attached tool holder provides a convenient place to store small smaller hand tools
- Offers outstanding value for your money.
- Toolless handlebar adjustment knobs provide easy transportation and compact storage.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Offers outstanding value for your money.
Best Walk-Behind Brush Cutters: Top 7 Picks
1. Swisher WRC10224H 10.2 HP 24” Rough Cut Mower
- Cutting Width: 24 inches
- Cutting Height: 3-4.75 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 342 Pounds
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- The rough-cut mower has a blade that is enclosed for safety.
- It has a wide cutting range.
- The walk-behind brush cutter is equipped with pneumatic tires that ensure excellent traction.
Cons
- The mowing machine is a bit heavy.
- Not the best for hard-to-reach places.
The Swisher WRC10224H self-propelled mower can mow 3-foot grasses, brambles and fledging trees. Its Honda GXV 10.2 HP engine is built for years of use and reliability.
Design
The gas-powered mowing machine comes with an adjustable height handlebar for easy operator control.
It is equipped with large pneumatic tires that ensure optimum traction in all mowing conditions. Furthermore, the best brush mower is excellent for medium to heavy-duty brush cutting.
Its 4-speed transmission allows homeowners to set a convenient pace. It runs on a 10.2 HP Honda engine for powerful operation.
Cutting Power and Performance
The rough-cut mower has a 24-inch cutting deck for top-notch brush-cutting operations on your property. Its cutting heights can be adjusted from 3-4.75 inches to suit your varying needs.
It features a single G6 Gator commercial cutting blade that can mow through saplings with convenience.
Special Feature
The walk-behind brush cutter has wire shields that protect electrical components. Furthermore, the mower’s side and front safety deflectors protect the mowing machine against debris.
2. Earthquake 23275 Walk-behind Lawn Edger
- Depth Settings: 0.5-3.5 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 64 lb
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- The bag of the leaf picker has an easy
- The Earthquake lawn edger is lightweight and easy to use.
- Its heavy-duty wheels allow you to easily push the cutter on all types of terrain.
- The pivoting head makes it easy for the cutter to use multiple edging and cutting angles.
- when it is time for composting or collection
Cons
- It is not easy to assemble.
- A user complained about stuck wheels.
The Earthquake lawn edger is one of the top-rated brush cutters that you can use. It is well-liked for its ease of use, maneuverability and lightweight design.
Design
The lawn edger runs on a 79cc viper engine that spins a 9-inch spring steel blade at 3400 RPMs. This will provide the speed and power to get the job done.
It comes with a durable chain skirting that can protect you from debris. It offers outstanding value for your money.
Furthermore, the attached tool holder provides a convenient place to store smaller hand tools, making them easily available for sidewalk and lawn detailing.
Its pivoting head makes it easy for the cutter to use multiple edging and cutting angles. The heavy-duty wheels allow you to easily push the cutter on all types of terrain.
Cutting Power and Performance
The brush cutter can operate in five diverse cutting angles ranging from 70-110 degrees. This will allow you to choose any angle that is ideal for any grass type you want to edge.
Homeowners can use the 90-degree angle option to cut through a standard blade of grass. Furthermore, you can also choose from over five depth settings ranging from 0.5-3.5 inches.
Apart from brush-cutting tasks, the edger can also be used for small trenching jobs such as creating an underground cable run to a shed or garage or installing an electric fence.
3. Earthquake Walk Behind String Mower
- Cutting Width: 22 inches
- Cutting Height: 1.5-3 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 70 Pounds
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- The Earthquake walk-behind brush cutter is lightweight and easy to assemble.
- It offers outstanding value for your money.
- The string mower works well on thick grass, weeds and other foliage that may be difficult for several push mowers.
Cons
- A user complained that the brush cutter is noisy.
- Not great for tall grass.
The Earthquake walk-behind string mower has enough capacity to slice through weeds and dense foliage. It is well-rated for its durability, lightweight design and ease of use.
Design
The string mower runs on a 160cc viper engine that can enable your mower to down on weeds and brush with ease.
Its 14-inch wheels enable homeowners to cut through nettles, brush and thick grass which may be difficult for several push mowers.
It has a lightweight construction, making it easy to push on lawns. The toolless handlebar adjustment knobs provide easy transportation and compact storage.
Cutting Power and Performance
The walk-behind brush cutter has a 22-inch cutting swath that can get the task done quickly. It works well on weeds, thick grass and other foliage.
In addition, the gas string mower is perfect for all terrain. Its one-piece steel deck provides stability and strength while reducing vibration.
4. Remington RM1159 High-Wheeled String Trimmer
- Cutting Swath: 22 inches
- Cutting Height: 2.375-4.375 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 78 Pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
- The walk-behind brush cutter comes with a powerful engine for easy cutting of tall grass.
- It can easily get into hard-to-reach areas.
- The Remington RM1159 model can be folded for easy storage.
Cons
- Some plastic parts are not really durable.
The Remington RM1159 brush cutter can rip through tall grass and weeds. It can also trim along fences, retaining walls and structures.
Design
The gas-powered brush cutter is equipped with 14-inch wheels that can ensure easy maneuverability on uneven terrain.
It is powered by a 159cc POWERMORE Ohv engine that can power through tough trimming jobs with ease. The brush cutter can be easily folded for easy storage.
Cutting Power and Performance
The walk-behind brush cutter has an offset head design that allows you to easily cut around corners and obstacles. It can perform efficiently along fences and retaining walls.
The Remington RM1159 model has a 22-inch cutting swatch that allows for efficient performance on tall grass and weeds.
5. Billy Goat BC2600HEBH Walk-Behind Brush Cutter
- Cutting Width: 26 inches
- Cutting Height: 3.75 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 325 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- The Billy Goat brush cutter can ensure fast cuts on all types of terrain.
- Its hydro-drive controls allow you to feather in a forward or reverse direction at the handles with no shifting required.
- The walk-behind brush cutter is equipped with wide tractor tires for better grabbing and pulling power.
Cons
- It is a bit pricey.
The Billy Goat BC2600HEBH brush cutter model can cut saplings up to 2 inches wide and brush an acre per hour.
Design
The gas-powered brush cutter comes with a C26 heavy-duty blade spindle that is reinforced in four directions for maximum safety and durability.
It runs on a powerful 344cc Briggs and Stratton engine, meaning that you can get increased speed and also perform more brush-cutting tasks without worrying about overheating.
The BC2600HEBH brush cutter model is equipped with wide tractor tires for better grabbing and pulling power.
Its hydro-drive controls allow you to feather in a forward or reverse direction at the handles with no shifting required.
Cutting Power and Performance
The gas-powered brush cutter has a 26-inch deck width with a high tip speed for enhanced speed and excellent cut quality.
This brush cutter can also handle slopes that are up to 15 degrees. Furthermore, its pivoting brush deck hugs the ground for a superb cut. The blade can also make cutting and trimming easy.
6. Southland Outdoor SWFT15022 Power Equipment
- Cutting Width: 22 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
- The Southland brush cutter comes with 12-inch wheels for easy maneuverability on uneven terrain.
- Its 22-inch cutting width allows for more cutting in less time.
- The walk-behind brush cutter is easy to start.
Cons
- The brush cutter’s cut depth cannot be adjusted.
The gas-powered brush cutter is one of the best walk-behind brush cutters out there. It can be easily folded and stored in your garage or shed.
Design
The Southland brush cutter runs on a 150cc OHV 4-cycle engine that can provide enough torque to clear dense vegetation.
It has a standard trimmer guard that offers protection from flying debris. The anti-vibration foam grip handle helps to decrease fatigue.
Cutting Power and Performance
The walk-behind brush cutter has a 22-inch cutting width and a quad. 155-inch diameter line trimmer head for more cutting in a lesser time.
Its 12-inch wheels provide ample clearance and ensure improved maneuverability on uneven grounds. The brush cutter can also hit a depth of 1.4 inches.
7. Billy Goat 26 in. Brush Cutter (BC2600ICM)
- Cutting Width: 26 inches
- Cutting Height: 3.75 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 316 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- The walk-behind brush cutter is capable of clearing any overgrown vegetation.
- Its knuckle guards offer protection in rough conditions.
- The 16-inch high rear puncture-proof wheels allow you to maneuver smoothly on uneven grounds.
Cons
- No drawback worthy of note.
The brush hog is ideal for cutting dense brush up to 6 six feet in height and weeds that are up to eight feet in height.
Design
The gas-powered brush hog is powered by a 344cc Briggs and Stratton engine that can allow it to rip through tough vegetation.
Its intuitive drive controls allow you to gradually pick up forward and reverse speed from the handles with no shifting required.
The 16-inch high rear puncture-proof wheels allow you to maneuver smoothly on uneven grounds while the knuckle guards offer protection in rough conditions.
Cutting Power and Performance
The Billy Goat brush hog comes with a rubberized deck trim that allows you to put it in reverse so that stumps can be easily cleared.
The 26-inch deck has enough capacity to clear any overgrown vegetation. It has a cutting height of 3.75 inches to suit your brush-cutting needs.
It can cut saplings that are up to two inches in diameter. This brush hog can also cut up to 1 acre per hour.
Walk-Behind Brush Cutter Comparison Chart
Here is a head-to-head comparison of top-rated walk-behind brush cutters available on the market :
| Specs | Swisher WRC10224H | Earthquake 23275 | Earthquake String Mower | Remington RM1159 | Billy Goat BC2600HEBH | Southland SWFT15022 | Billy Goat BC2600ICM |
| Cutting Width/Cutting Swath | 24 inches | N/A | 22 inches | 22 inches | 26 inches | 22 inches | 26 inches |
| Engine Power | 10.2HP | 79cc | 160cc | 159cc | 344cc | 150cc | 344cc |
| Fuel Capacity | N/A | 0.53 gal | N/A | 0.25 gal | 0.75 gal | N/A | 0.75 gal |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years | 5 years | 2 years | 5 years | 2 years | 1 year |
| Cutting Height/Depth Settings | 3-4.75 inches | 0.5-3.5 inches | 1.5-3.0 inches | 2.375-4.375 inches | 3.75 inches | N/A | 3.75 inches |
| Weight | 342 Pounds | 64 lb | 70 Pounds | 78 Pounds | 325 lbs | 55 Pounds | 316 lbs |
Final Verdict
When it comes to durability, efficiency and cutting performance, the Swisher WRC10224H rough cut mower is our number one pick.
It can mow 3-foot grasses, brambles and fledging trees. The mower has an adjustable height handlebar for easy operator control.
The best walk-behind brush hog has a 24-inch cutting deck for top-notch brush-cutting operations on lawns. Its cutting heights can be adjusted from 3-4.75 inches to suit your varying needs.
It features a single G6 Gator commercial cutting blade that can mow through saplings with convenience.
- Four-speed transmission is ideal for setting a comfortable pace.
- Large pneumatic chevron tires can easily roll on the roughest terrain.
- Front and side safety deflectors offer protection against flying debris.
How to Use a Walk-Behind Brush Cutter
Here are some tips on how to use your walk-behind brush cutter:
- To start the brush cutter, you need to shift the throttle forward and pull the cord and start it.
- To get the freewheel of the brush mower, set the transmission brake, lower the lever and move your mower. Make sure that the transmission brake is on.
- To engage the blade, lower the lever, squeeze the two levers on the mower and raise them up.
- If you are on rough, soft ground or a side slope and you want added traction, set the lever forward and place the axle in the right position.
- To adjust your cutting height, ensure that you set the lever to raise the wheel for adjustment.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Brush Cutter
If you are in the market for a durable and efficient walk-behind brush cutter, there are some factors to consider. Here are a few of them:
Power
This is one of the factors to consider before getting a walk-behind brush cutter. You need to examine the engine, its displacement and also the amount of horsepower generated.
Walk-behind brush cutters with larger engines tend to last longer than those with smaller engines.
For brush cutters, the cutting power generally refers to the kinds of brush that your walk-behind brush cutter can effectively cut.
Some brush cutters can be used to serve commercial or consumer purposes. The best way to get a gauge of the brush cutter’s cutting power is to check the maximum diameter of the brush that it can cut.
Brush cutters that have more cutting power will be able to mulch thicker pieces of wood and also the whole saplings.
Build
The build of the brush cutter is also another factor to consider while getting one for your lawn maintenance.
It is advisable to get a durable brush cutter. There are always those made with steel and they can come in different thickness gauges.
Furthermore, the engine size may also allow your walk-behind brush cutter to generate more power. Brush cutters with large engines will also feature larger parts that may not be likely to break.
The tires of the brush cutter should be sturdy and fairly large. In addition, the brush cutter should have a solid frame.
In terms of brush-cutting performance, the wider the deck, the more brush it can cut over a given space of land.
It is also advisable to check for brush cutters that have a deck suspension system. This will prevent the brush cutter from scalping your ground while you mulch your brush.
Ease of Use
It is also essential to get a brush cutter that has ease-of-use features. Brush cutters with a turn-key or an electric starter are always preferred to the ones with a spring-loaded pull-start.
You should also be on the lookout for the adjustments and controls of your brush cutter. Ensure that there is easier and quicker access to the maintenance point.
Furthermore, check for walk-behind brush cutters that come with an ergonomic handle that is either padded or features an anti-slip coating.
Cutting Capacity
You should also consider the cutting capacity when buying a walk-behind brush cutter. The common cutting capacities for brush cutters range from 1.5-4.0 inches in diameter.
As a general rule, selecting a brush cutter with a cutting capacity depends on your varying needs.
If the majority of the material you plan on cutting is no larger than 2 inches in diameter, we advise that you get a brush hog with a 2-inch capacity.
Cutting Height
Ensure that you check the height of your grass and weed that a brush hog can cut through when clearing land.
Most brush cutters are capable of handling grass up to 4 feet tall and weeds up to 6 feet tall.
Higher-tier brush cutters can tackle 8-inch tall weeds and 6-inch tall grass as you progress through the models.
Deck Width
The deck width of a brush cutter determines how wide a path it can cut at one time. The wider the path, the faster you will be able to clear your land.
The deck width of common walk-behind brush cutter deck width ranges from 22-36 inches. You can choose to get your brush cutter based on how large your land is.
For instance, clearing an acre of tall grass with a 26-inch brush hog can take about one hour while using a brush hog with a deck of 36 inches can take about 30 minutes.
Transmission
It is also important to take a look out at the transmission before getting a walk-behind brush cutter. A walk-behind can come with a hydrostatic or manual transmission.
A brush cutter that has a manual transmission requires a little more physical effort because you need to use the lever to manually shift gears. Usually, there are four positions on the lever: reverse, neutral, low and high.
Getting a brush cutter with a hydrostatic transmission is also an alternative to a brush cutter with a manual transmission.
For the one with a hydrostatic transmission, you do not need to care about shifting gears and this will make controlling your yard tool easier.
Furthermore, the hydrostatic transmission also allows for infinite speed variation. You can always control your speed according to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my brush hog not cutting well?
A: Your brush hog will not cut well if the blades are dull.
Do you need high flow to run a brush cutter?
A: You may not need high flow to run a brush cutter because most of them come with attachments that can still function properly with access to standard flow.
What RPM should I bush hog?
A: You can bush hog between 1200-1600 RPMs.