WeedWhacker/Brush Cutter

[Hay Dude]

I remember running a Green Machine back in the day. As was said, an indestructible hoss of a heavy machine. Most were abandoned when nobody wanted to fix them and the newer lighter Echos took over.
I run Stihls now and overall pretty pleased with them.

 

[charlessenf]

This is what I have. Use it mainly to cut multiflora rose bushes and small brush. Works great.

Das ist ein scharf aussehendes Sägeblatt!

Ich habe eine, die wie ein Tischkreissägeblatt aussieht

 

[charlessenf]

This is what I have. Use it mainly to cut multiflora rose bushes and small brush. Works great.

polo1665​

Super Member​

Thanks, but an MSRP of $1,600?

Wow, talk about inflation!

Let us hope I can find a gas cap for the Green Machine!

Way above my pay grade!

 

[ponytug]

polo1665​

Super Member​

Thanks, but an MSRP of $1,600?

Wow, talk about inflation!

Let us hope I can find a gas cap for the Green Machine!

Way above my pay grade!

You might want to double check that price. Currently $28/ea on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Oregon-41-931-Brush-Blade-Teeth/dp/B0018U2ALS

 

[CobyRupert]

I’ve never used the blade that looks like it belongs on a table saw on my trimmer, but it has its uses in brush, trees and saplings.

I’ve always used the “4 blade” blade on my trimmer. It seems to do well in a variety of grass, vines, weeds, branches, saplings and trees up to about 2.5” diameter (if you hit it hard enough a few times.)

I’ve debated getting the “3 blade” trimmer blade. I believe that blade is a little better in grass and weeds, and can still handle brush and saplings, but to a lesser degree.

That is: I think fewer teeth are better for grass and weeds, fine teeth are better for wood. What’s the right amount? Opinions vary.

 

[ponytug]

I’ve never used the blade that looks like it belongs on a table saw on my trimmer, but it has its uses in brush, trees and saplings.

I’ve always used the “4 blade” blade on my trimmer. It seems to do well in a variety of grass, vines, weeds, branches, saplings and trees up to about 2.5” diameter (if you hit it hard enough a few times.)

I’ve debated getting the “3 blade” trimmer blade. I believe that blade is a little better in grass and weeds, and can still handle brush and saplings, but to a lesser degree.

That is: I think fewer teeth are better for grass and weeds, fine teeth are better for wood. What’s the right amount? Opinions vary.

That's my thinking as well.
String=grass
Three lobe blade = tough stemmed weeds
Saw tooth = shrubs, woody stemmed plants, small trees.

If there are lots of woody stems/saplings, I personally prefer a brush hog (if it fits), or a long handled brush axe. I find the latter is great for severing stems below ground, which kills most plants.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Jstpssng]

Just out of curiosity, what are you guys running those blades on? I have an Echo with bicycle handle bars and a harness. They can get away from you and make some pretty nasty wounds.

 

[ponytug]

I use a Stihl FS110, with handle bars, and a harness, which helps keep the whole setup stable and the blade parallel to the ground. IIRC, Stihl designates some trimmers as "trimmers" (no metal blades, and some as "trimmer-brushcutters" (suitable for brush cutting blades).

I can't speak to other manufacturers, but I assume that it is similar. I know that I wouldn't want to use a blade at the end of one of those stick trimmers, because I would be sure that I would lose control of the unit if the blade hit something substantial. YMMV.

All the best,

Peter

 

[jyoutz]

I have an Echo wheeled string trimmer and a hand held trimmer. Both are excellent. Home Depot carries the hand held trimmers but the Echo wheeled string trimmers are usually handled by small equipment dealers. These trimmers are very popular with commercial landscaping companies and they hold up well. One thing the dealer pointed out to me about the wheeled trimmer is that the Echo is the only brand with a steel string head and the other brands are plastic. He said he’s always replacing the plastic heads on the other brands, and they cost a couple hundred dollars each. The wheeled trimmer has the option of taking blades for brush cutting and would be a lot safer to operate than the hand held models.

 

[CobyRupert]

Just out of curiosity, what are you guys running those blades on? I have an Echo with bicycle handle bars and a harness. They can get away from you and make some pretty nasty wounds.

I have a Husqvarna straight shaft, bicycle handle trimmer.
I don’t understand how it can get away. It clips into the harness that’s around your shoulders and chest.
When clipped, there’s no way you feet or legs can reach the blade.
Even with the blade up in the air, it’s takes effort to reach out your arm to touch the head.