“There’s a tool for every job” is a well-known saying, but does it apply when it comes to gardening? It’s true that sometimes you can get away with using, say, a trowel instead of a hoe, or a pole saw in place of a chain saw.
However, when it comes to modern power garden tools, which have been designed and even innovated for specific tasks, you’d probably do well to choose the recommended model for the job. Not only will it save you time (and your back), but it will simply do a better job.
If you can’t decide whether you need a brush cutter or a line trimmer, the good news is that we have a range of cordless garden tools that will do both.
Brush cutter versus line trimmer
With this in mind, let’s look at the similarities and differences between a brush cutter and a line trimmer (strimmer).
Features and uses of a brush cutter
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A three-sided steel brush cutter blade is standard for making light work of tough, weedy undergrowth and scrub - and it’s suitable for cutting grass and thinning young stands (tree saplings) too.
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Not all brush cutters are equal: smaller models from our Powerplus range will be perfect for smaller gardens and allotments, while large spaces will need a heavy duty brush cutter from our Professional or Professional-X range.
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Look for models that come complete with a shoulder harness for safety and ease of use.
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EGO’s domestic 30cm brush cutter and our Professional-X models are versatile, coming complete with a 38cm line trimmer for closer grass trimming requirements.
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A cordless brush cutter is the easiest and cleanest way to tackle this kind of job - less noise, less vibration, no fumes or snaking cords.
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Look for a battery that will give you the running time you’ll need to get the job done. EGO’s most powerful domestic 7.5AH battery will keep you working for up to 65 minutes or up to 420 minutes with a commercial backpack battery. Alternatively, opt for a smaller battery and a rapid charger.
Features and uses of a line trimmer
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A line trimmer (or strimmer) is able to tackle longer grass and taller weeds, but not if the plants are tough or woody.
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You can use them to tackle areas your lawn mower might not be able to go, especially if it’s a cordless line trimmer - narrow verges, around obstacles like fence poles, trees and plants.
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Light and easy to manouevre, though for maximum comfort choose a line trimmer that comes with a shoulder harness.
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Trimmers are available with a Rapid Reload head to refill your line. For true innovation, check out EGO’s Powerload line trimmers, which automatically wind on fresh line within 10 seconds.
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Cordless electric line trimmers won’t drain your battery as fast as a brush cutter. EGO’s most powerful domestic 7.5AH battery will keep you working for up to 160 minutes. Alternatively, opt for a smaller battery and a rapid charger, depending on your requirements.
Don’t forget grass on paths and driveways
Finally, while we’re talking about using the right tool for the job, let’s look at paths and driveways.
You shouldn’t use lawn mowers or brush cutters to cut the grass on paved, Tarmac or concrete surfaces. You can trim the grass and weeds down with a line trimmer, but the right tool for this job is an EGO Professional-X Rotocut attachment, which will dig deeply and safely.
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You can also use it to cut through weeds, grass and even moss on lawns, paths, drives and verges.
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Two counter-rotating blades prevent debris from being thrown, making it ideal for use in built up areas where risk of damage or injury is particularly acute.
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The Rotocut can be used with any rear motored cordless garden tools or EGO line trimmer multi-tools.