11 · Lawn & Garden

Brush Cutter

Also called Brushcutter · Brush mower · Field mower · Rough cut mower

A walk-behind mower built for rough ground — long grass, weeds and light brush a lawn mower cannot touch.

Petrol engine

Sizes & models we rent

26" cutWalk-behind, self-propelled
View in the rental catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A brush cutter is a heavy walk-behind mower with a thick blade and high ground clearance, made for growth that would stall or damage a lawn mower.

It handles long grass, weeds, scrub and light brush on uneven ground: overgrown lots, verges, fence lines and land that has been left for a season.

It cuts rough rather than tidy. For a finished lawn, cut with this first and then go over it with the lawn mower.

Walk the ground before starting. Hidden stumps, blocks and rebar are what damage the blade and the machine.

Best uses

  • Overgrown lots and vacant land
  • Long grass and weeds beyond a lawn mower
  • Verges, fence lines and rough ground
  • Site clearance before work starts

Not suited for

  • Finished lawns — it cuts rough
  • Ground with hidden blocks, rebar or stumps
  • Slopes steeper than the machine is rated for

Troubleshooting

The engine bogs down in thick growth

Checks to try, in order

  1. Raise the cut height and take it in two passes.
  2. Slow down — the blade needs time to clear what it has cut.
  3. Check the deck underneath for packed grass choking the blade.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
It flattens growth instead of cutting it

Checks to try, in order

  1. The blade is blunt. Stop and have it changed.
  2. Wet growth lies down rather than cutting — let it dry if you can.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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It shakes badly

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop the engine immediately. A bent or damaged blade is the usual cause.
  2. Check for anything wrapped around the blade shaft.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Fuel valve or switch off
  • Stale fuel
  • Low oil sensor
  • Choke position
  • Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

  1. Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
  2. Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
  3. Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
  4. Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
  5. Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
  6. Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Choke left on
  • Blocked air filter
  • Low fuel
  • Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

  1. Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
  2. Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
  3. Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
  4. Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
  2. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  3. Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Safety

  • Walk the ground first. This machine throws anything it hits a long way.
  • Eye and ear protection, boots and long trousers.
  • Keep everyone well clear while it is running — thrown debris, not the blade, is the danger.
  • Stop the engine and disconnect the plug lead before clearing the deck.

For petrol engine

  • Refuel only with the engine off and cool. No smoking or open flames nearby.
  • Exhaust contains carbon monoxide — never run it indoors, in trenches or in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
  • Wear hearing protection, safety glasses and safety boots.

Videos & links

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