Choosing the right brushcutter
Working efficiently starts with choosing the right tools. If you are considering purchasing a brushcutter, first think about what its purpose is. If you only want to neatly finish the edges of the lawn, a grass trimmer is enough. Grass trimmers are lighter and cost less than brush cutters, but you can’t hook up blades to them. They usually run on a battery, although there are also models that run on mains power. If you don’t mind working with a cord, check out this electric grass trimmer from Makita — the most economical option.
Brushcutters are equipped with an interchangeable attachment so that you can use both blades and a wire. That immediately makes the application possibilities a lot wider than those of grass trimmers. With the blades attachment, you can mow all kinds of tough weeds and the overlapping growth of trees and shrubs. The most crucial choice you face is: battery or petrol?
Battery-powered brushcutters have several advantages over petrol-powered brushcutters. They require less maintenance, make significantly less noise, are better for the environment and less tiring to work with due to the lower vibration level.
If you mainly go for power, then a petrol brushcutter is the best choice, and you take the noise and maintenance for granted. Professionals almost always opt for a petrol model.
Work safely
Check the machine
Make it a habit to check that everything is working properly before you start mowing.
- Are the locknut and fuel cap tightened?
- Do the throttle and stop buttons work smoothly?
- Does the blade not rotate when the engine is idling?
- Is the harness comfortable?
Protect yourself and others
Working with a brushcutter involves risks. For example, stones that are thrown away. Therefore, take precautions to protect yourself, and ensure no one is around when you mow. Wearing safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection and sturdy work shoes or boots is certainly not a luxury.
Accidents often happen when fatigue reduces concentration. The comfort of a harness is essential, especially when working for a long time. Adjust the harness properly so that the weight of the machine is distributed over both shoulders.
Work efficiently
- Make a work plan. If you are going to mow a large area, make a plan for yourself and how you want to tackle it. This way you work more efficiently, and you avoid skipping pieces.
- When mowing tall grass, only accelerate when lawnmowing from right to left. That is how you take the grass with you and put it aside. Don’t go too wide with the mowing head — that puts a strain on your back in the long run.
- It is best to mow slopes in strips, always from bottom to top.
- Around obstacles, such as trees and poles, it is easiest and safest to work with the wire. Be careful not to damage the bark.
