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How to Use a Brush Cutter

Contributor
By Josh Duvauchelle
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A brush cutter is a lawn and garden tool used to trim lawn edges, cut back bushes and unruly plants, and maintain a landscape. A brush cutter relies on rotary device that spins a dense plastic string. Spun at a high speed, the string cuts through any vegetation you wish to prune or remove.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Brush cutter
  • Gasoline
  • Replacement string
  1. Step 1

    Check that the brush cutter has a sufficient amount of string. Locate the rotary device, found at the end of the brush cutter opposite the handle and motor. The oval rotary device will have two or more holes on its side, out of which protrudes the plastic string. Remove the cover and look inside to check that there are several wraps of string around the device.

  2. Step 2

    Replace the cover and check that the rotary device spins freely. If the brush cutter has been used before, check that there are no leaves, vines or debris stuck on the end that prevent the rotary device from moving.

  3. Step 3

    Check that the brush cutter has gasoline in its engine. The engine is found at the end of the tool opposite the rotary device. Remove the gas cap and look inside. If the gasoline levels appear low, top off the reservoir with gasoline using a funnel to prevent dripping. Close the gas cap.

  4. Step 4

    Start the brush cutter. Brush cutters can typically be started in one of two ways, depending on the make and model of the tool. Some are started by holding down the start button and pulling a rope in the engine akin to that found in a lawn mower or boat engine. Newer brush cutters may be started by pulling a trigger on the engine.

  5. Step 5

    Give the brush cutter 30-60 seconds to warm up. During this time, rev the engine a couple of times by pressing the trigger in the tool's handle. This injects more fuel into the engine and causes the device to spin faster.

  6. Step 6

    Apply the brush cutter to the plants and vegetation that you want to remove or trim. Hold the brush cutter's head several inches away from the plant and rev the engine. The plastic string in the rotary device will cut back the plant. Move the tool back and forth in slow, sweeping motions if you are cutting down swaths of plants, such as grass in a field.

Tips & Warnings
  • The denser and heavier the vegetation that you are cutting, the more string the brush cutter will use.
  • Wear protective gear such as eyeglasses and jeans to protect yourself from flying debris when using a brush cutter.
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