![8 Best Brush Clearing Tools of 2021 [Reviews]](https://i0.wp.com/thewisehandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zenport-Aluminum-Handle-K310-Brush-Clearing-Sickle-with-Carbon-Steel-Blade-and-Aluminum.jpg?resize=500%2C500&ssl=1)
Clearing brush is a physically demanding chore. You need tools that are designed for the job. Whether you have a few overgrown bushes and weeds or your yard resembles a jungle, investing in the best brush clearing tools will make the job easier to manage. Most brush clearing tools are human-powered, rather than battery- or gasoline-powered.
When you are stocking your garage with the best brush clearing tools, look for devices that have sharp edges and well-built handles. If you turn to motorized tools, be sure they are stronger than the average weed trimmer. Most of the standard attachments on a weed trimmer are not durable enough to handle brush.
The best brush clearing tools include machete-style tools, large loppers, and professional-grade weed trimmers with brush settings. Any combination of these tools will help you get the job done.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
Zenport Aluminum Handle K310 Brush Clearing Sickle with Carbon Steel Blade and Aluminum, 9″
The nine-inch carbon steel hooked blade is designed to let you get into the brush and hack your way out of it. The black rubber grip is soft and comfortable to hold while you cut away into the brush. This tool is designed specifically for cutting sturdy vines, small branches, saplings, and weeds. The handle and blade together measure 18 inches.
Why We Like It
- Soft rubber handle
- Expertly designed joint to keep the blade and handle together
- Razor-sharp blade
- Lightweight
Weight
13.6 ounces
Length
18 inches
Power Source
Human
Our Verdict
This is a solid choice for anyone who needs to clear brush and cannot use a machine. The blade is balanced on the handle and securely attached with two rivets to avoid bending at the joint.
Editor Rating: 5/5
TABOR TOOLS GG12 Anvil Lopper with Compound Action, Chops Thick Branches with Ease, Tree Trimmer, Branch Cutter with 2 Inch Clean Cut Capacity, 30 Inch
Clearing branches and brush is easier with a lopper. The Tabor Tools lopper cuts through two-inch diameter branches, which is usually enough for most brush-clearing jobs.
Why We Like It
- Carbon-steel blade stays sharp
- Rubberized handles feel good in the hand
- Chops through two-inch diameter branches
- A good tool for pruning
Weight
3.68 pounds
Length
31 inches
Power Source
Human
Our Verdict
Being able to lop through a two-inch branch is impressive. These loppers will cut through brush with ease. The loppers are a bit heavy as they weigh in at over three pounds.
Editor Rating: 4.5/5
Fiskars Clearing Tool Garden Machete , 15″ – 385091-1002
The Fiskars Clearing Tool Garden Machete has a 15-inch blade with a subtle curve to make clearing effective and efficient. Fiskars put this high-quality blade atop a contoured Softgrip handle. It comes with a carrying sheath.
Why We Like It
- Comfort-grip handle
- Flared grip end keeps the handle in your hand
- Razor-sharp blade
- Includes carrying sheath
Weight
2 pounds
Length
24 inches
Power Source
Human
Our Verdict
This machete is useful in the yard, but it is more substantial than other options on this list. The handle is comfortable and easy to hold for long brush-clearing sessions.
Editor Rating: 5/5
Husqvarna 26″ Wooden Clearing Axe
This Husqvarna 26-inch axe is designed for swinging. It’s made in Sweden with a replaceable wooden handle. The blade does require maintenance to keep it sharp and clean.
Why We Like It
- Wooden handle
- Heavy blade is easy to swing
- Replaceable handle
- Easy to maintain
Weight
2.2 pounds
Length
22 inches
Power Source
Human
Our Verdict
The Husqvarna axe has a sharp blade that takes down saplings and substantial branches. While we didn’t have to replace the handle, we like that feature.
Editor Rating: 4/5
Fiskars 394801-1003 PowerGear2 Bypass Lopper, 32 Inch, Black/Orange
The Fiskars lopped cuts through brush that has branches up to two inches in diameter. The blade has a coating that allows it to slice through brush smoothly. The handle is ergonomically designed and has gears that give more force to each cut.
Why We Like It
- Cams allow for extra force on each cut
- Shears cut through two-inch-thick branches
- Comfortable handle
Weight
4 pounds
Length
26 inches
Power Source
Human
Our Verdict
These loppers are heavier than other options. However, the gears on the handle make it cut through thick branches with ease.
Editor Rating: 5/5
Husqvarna 336FR 966604702 Bike Handle Pro Brushcutter with Line/Brush and Saw Blade, 34.6 cc
Most gas-powered trimmers are unable to work through brush, but the Husqvarna Pro Brushcutter is built for heavy-duty jobs.
Why We Like It
- Ergonomic harness
- Bicycle-handle design
- Powerful cutter with a saw blade
- Two-line cutting system
Weight
11.2 pounds
Length
73.5 inches
Power Source
Gasoline
Our Verdict
This is a powerful trimmer with lots of options. You can use it as a grass trimmer, or use the saw blade and slice through brush. It’s heavy, but the handle design makes it seem lighter than 11 pounds.
Editor Rating: 5/5
TABOR TOOLS Bypass Lopper with Compound Action, Chops Thick Branches with Ease, Tree Trimmer, Branch Cutter with 1.75 Inch Clean Cut Capacity. GG11. (Bypass, Compound Action, 30 Inch)
This lopper will cut through branches that have a diameter of 1.75 inches. With 30 inches of length, you can cut through the brush that is down low or up high without stress on the body.
Why We Like It
- Long reach
- Sharp blades
- Comfort-grip handles
Weight
2.65 pounds
Length
30 inches
Power Source
Human
Our Verdict
The bright red Tabor Tools lopper cuts through 1.75 inches of branches. We used the lopper on branches that were high up without any trouble at all. The lopper sliced through everything we put in its way.
Editor Rating: 5/5
Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Brushcutter with JumpStart Technology
With a steel-brush blade, this trimmer cuts through brush like it is grass. The 27cc engine starts up without the need of a pull cord.
Why We Like It
- Powerful steel-brush blade
- Two-cycle motor
- Quick start
Weight
14 pounds
Length
37 inches
Power Source
Gasoline
Our Verdict
This trimmer is powerful, and the steel blade cuts through brush. It has a safety guard, so you have to go over the top saplings and weeds to get through them. It’s not light, but the power makes up for it.
Editor Rating: 5/5
Buyer’s Guide Questions
What Tools Work for Clearing Brush?
There are several tools you can use to clear brush. If you have a small space, there are loppers, machetes, and axes. For larger areas, you can use a gas-powered trimmer with a brush-clearing attachment.
A machete is a useful brush-clearing tool. With a swing, the knife will cut through saplings and weeds. Garden machetes come with curved blades, so you do not have to swing too forcefully. A good garden machete will have a comfortable handle with rubber grips, so it stays in your hand even if you are wearing gloves.
The blade should be solidly attached to the handle so it does not bend at the joint. You can use a machete with one hand. Stay aware of your surroundings, because machetes have sharp blades.
If you have saplings and branches with diameters over two inches, you might want to invest in an axe. You use two hands to swing an axe. If you use an axe or a machete, you will need to take care of the blade, so the tool lasts a long time.
A more expensive option is to buy a trimmer that comes with a brush-clearing blade. Most grass-trimmers are not powerful enough to cut through brush. If you want a power-trimmer, you will have to buy one that is commercial- or professional-grade. In most cases, you will also need to buy an attachment like a steel blade.
How Do I Maintain a Machete or Axe?
Machetes and axes need to be maintained, so they last for years. With regular care, they can last for generations. After using the blade, you need to clean it and dry it off. Be sure you remove any sap or sticky substances, too. If you put away a wet blade, it could rust. If you do not use your machete or axe for a long time, you should put oil on it to prevent it from oxidation.
If the blade does get rust, you can remove the rust yourself. Put some oil on the blade, then use wire wool to scrub the rust off of the blade gently.
If the handle gets dirty, clean that, too. Wooden handles can be replaced, and you should replace yours if it breaks.
What Safety Gear Do I Need?
If you are clearing brush, you should wear proper safety gear. At the least, you should wear eye protection, gloves, and sturdy shoes. When clearing brush, debris can fly into the air and your eyes. It can also scrape your hands and feet. If you use a machete or an axe, pay close attention to your surroundings, so you do not hit anyone when you swing the blade.
If you are using a trimmer, then you should also wear ear protection. Gas-powered yard tools are loud, and the noise can contribute to hearing loss.
What Do I Look for in a Brush-Clearing Trimmer?
Brush-clearing trimmers need to be durable and have several features. Most people do not just use their trimmers for clearing brush, so the machine should have other attachments. They should have attachments for trimming the grass. A good brush-clearing trimmer should have handles that make it easy to use, especially since they can be heavier than typical trimmers.
Brush-clearing trimmers should also have attachments or hooks that make them easy to store. They should also come with warranties.
How Do I Sharpen the Blade on an Axe or Machete?
Your axe or machete might need to have the blade sharpened. You can take an axe or machete to a hardware store and pay for someone to sharpen it. Or, you can buy a whetstone to sharpen the blade yourself. Most will come with instructions that include dragging the stone across a clean blade.
Top Pick
The Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Brushcutter with JumpStart Technology is our top pick because it does the job well. It is more expensive than the machetes and loppers on the list, but if you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed.
Premium Choice
The Husqvarna 336FR 966604702 Bike Handle Pro Brushcutter with Line/Brush and Saw Blade, 34.6 cc is the most expensive item on the list, but for a good reason. This brushcutter is professional-grade, and it shows. If you regularly need to clear brush, this is the best available.
Great Value
If a power brushcutter isn’t something you need, the Fiskars Clearing Tool Garden Machete , 15″ – 385091-1002 is a great value and useful tool. The blade stays sharp, and the handle is comfortable. With this tool, you can cut through brush and weeds using your strength.
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