Best Brushcutter?

[Four Paws]

Curious what people consider to be the best brushcutter on the market, and why?

My specific application is cutting thick grass, saplings, etc. on hillsides, fencelines and creek banks. I don't have a need for a true clearing saw.

Mods, if this needs to go to handheld equipment, move as needed.

 

[airframefixer]

My favourite would be an FS250. I have an R model, an FS350, and an FS550. Keep an eye out on the used market. As far as new would go, I'd look for a husky 525 series brushcutter, or the 336FR

The 250r really is the most versitile. For any more than a "tank full" job, the 350 is preffered for its antivibe.

 

[BWS-LLC]

FS-250

With a good blade I've taken out 2" trees with ease.

If you are only cutting grass and saplings that are finger thickness, a 3 finger blade will clear it all away without even working the motor

 

[cgraham1]

I have a 336fr, and it does everything I ask of it. It came with a tri-blade (?) which works well on anything under 1". Bigger than that, and the circular saw blade works better. Plenty of power for me.

 

[1Alpha1]

Gotta agree with the FS-250R.

I never could get used to the bicycle bars on the FS-250.

 

[jughead500]

fs250 although i would like to try a fs240 to see how those compare

 

[BWS-LLC]

If you are going to be working on hillsides, I'd want one with bike handles.

 

[ANewSawyer]

Take a look at Redmax. I don't have this but I have looked awful hard at it. Strato design with what looks like a split venturi in a single barrel carb. Msrp is right at $600 in my area. http://www.redmax.com/products/brushcutters/bcz400sw/

 

[sunfish]

I've been using a FS110R for around 8 years and no complaints at all.

 

[Andyshine77]

I've been using a FS110R for around 8 years and no complaints at all.

Same here, it works well as a trimmer and brushcutter.

 

[Jon1212]

Temporary fencing, and 10 goats.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

This is my favorite brush clearing tool.

 

[alderman]

Josh

I did a lot of brush cutting with a Shindaiwa C35 both with a blade and trimmer head.
I took down a whole bunch of Alder and Maple saplings without issue. The key is to keep the blade sharp and the Rpms up. I found an 80 tooth blade was the smoothest for cutting the 3-4" stuff.
I lucked into a couple of B45s and think the extra power is nice but not really needed.
I did buy a used Shindaiwa from a guy who opted to go with a 4-stroke Stihl and I have to admit it was quieter and sounded ready to work.
I stumbled into a deal on this today.





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[mjones]

Using a Stihl 130R with a chisel tooth blade, Cut saplings up to 3 inches is you take your time. 1 inch almost vaporized on contact. Very descent trimmer also

 

[CoreyB]

 

[Four Paws]

I have a Husqvarna 232R that has served me well. I run a trimmer head on it 95% of the time, and switch to a grass or saw blade twice a year to knock down the heavy stuff that grows up.

I only contemplated an upgrade because of the Husqvarna Black Friday sale. I think I may have sellers remorse if I get rid of the 232R. Perhaps that is a sign that I should be content with my current setup.

 

[catbuster]

I don't like the FS250. The 130 makes the same power, is more compact, burns less fuel, vibrates less, weighs a pound less, has better designed bike bars, is still in production, and cost $150 less. The 240 had all those attributes sans it makes more power, and weighs a teeny bit more.

I like the FS130s-I run a half dozen. They work.

 

[backhoelover]

mine is a 13 year old son and a red max i got at a yard sale for 5.00

 

[alderman]

My C35 is 31 years old. Granted it doesn't get run much any more but it ran a lot for many years. I still grab it once in a while.


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[Haywire Haywood]

I've got a 232R and love it. Don't care for the standard weed blades though. Grass would lay down in front of it instead of cutting until I modified a blade to act like a bush hook. Now grass can't get away as the blade draws it in instead pushing it away. You just have to keep it well way from fence wire. I believe you can bolt a 235R P&C on it if you need a little bump in power.