Need a new brushcutter, recommendations?

[Treewolf]

The time has come to invest in a new brushcutter. If anyone could make any recommendations based on their experiences I'd be grateful.

 

Simple requirement really, I need a machine which will run happily all day with a 12" three-edge mulching blade in rank grass, bramble, etc.

 

Probably Stihl or Husky (unless anyone can suggest a better alternative), I have no real preference between these but the new Stihl spares policy probably makes me favour Husky.

 

Any suggestions for machine and best place to buy will be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[doobin]

Got to be either a Stihl FS460 or Husky 545XP (I think that's the correct number)

 

Not much in in as I understand it.

 

I've run three FS460s for two years now, no problems apart from annoying vibrating from the shaft. I solved this in the end after months of trial by simply disassembling it completely, steam cleaning the components and lubing with GT85. If it was contaminated however, it's a mystery as to where it came from as the drive head bearings are not greasable.

 

The 2 mix engines are first class. See this thread

 

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/general-chat/26020-new-stihl-strimmers-i-didnt-think-they-could-improve-them-so-much.html

 

One thing I can tell you for certain is that you won't require more power than an FS460- the blade momentum will do most of the work, and you will just be tickling the throttle as required.

 

Either model, FR Jones will see you right.

[Treewolf]

Thank you, very helpful!

 

I think that you probably mean the Husky 545RXT or RX, but I am having trouble spotting the difference! I can see that one comes with a "Balance X" harness and one a "Balance XT" harness and I am guessing that that is the only difference, but how the harnesses differ is not clear.

 

Jonesie's prices are as usual very good indeed.

Edited July 10, 2013 by Treewolf

[Eddy_t]

The rx has a combi guard, rxt doesn't, xt harness is the best, but the combi guard is more useful

 

 

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[hedgesparrow]

here we go again. well i use a Honda 435 and its a cracking tool will cut most things. and its a lot cheaper than a husky or sthil. 4 stroke so no mixing. my old 425 lasted 10 years. never missing a beat. now used it for spares for a 425 i picked up in bits. see if you can have a go with one will not be disappointed.

 

if you are not far you are more than welcome to have a go with it got plenty of places for you to have a go with it. see you are in dorset so not far pm me and will arange a go with it if interested.

[Eddy_t]

A 4stroke doesn't have the speed though, it might have the power, but if you're doing larger areas, you want speed! Yes it's more efficient on fuel, quieter running and a smaller engine with more torque, but it does a lot lower rpm, which won't produce the cut speed to blitz an area

 

 

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[Treewolf]

Really useful info, thanks everyone.

 

I hadn't really considered a Honda, but the price is very attractive and Honda engines are generally very good, so an interesting suggestion. Hmm, decisions!

[Big Ben]

I have just been through a load of cheap brushcutters, and yes you get what you pay for but you have to start somewhere. The last one was an MTD 4 stroke biggest heap going, never again.

I couldn't quite stretch to a new stihl or husqvarna(pretty expensive out here) so just got an Oleo Mac BC430T. Its amazing, I can use it all day and not know I have been.

As they always say though buy the most expensive and it will be the cheapest in the long run.

[teepeeat]

kawasaki worth a look - currently clearing bramble grass etc that has been growing wild for many years and so far going well.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

A vote for echo here. Light, balanced, sweet running and reliable. Beautifully assembled.