With our varied terrain, the matter of how to choose the right brush cutter in Australia isn’t as straightforward as just getting the most powerful machine. There are lots of factors to consider – the kind of vegetation you’re dealing with is only one of these. 

Having said that, finding the right brush cutter does fundamentally depend on what you need to clear. Some people only use whipper snappers to trim pathways and flowerbed edges. If you’re establishing a new garden, you might need to clear overgrowths and stubborn vegetation. Rural areas present their own challenges with more rugged bushland to tame.

You also need to match your brush cutter’s capabilities with how often you expect to use it. Light DIY trimming every week or so creates very different demands than professional daily use. When making your choice, consider the terrain and how dense the vegetation is, your usage frequency and the type of power source you want to use.

No matter what your individual situation, following a regular brush cutter maintenance schedule is also crucial. Different conditions will have different effects on your brush cutter, so it’s important to tailor your maintenance schedule appropriately. You’ll periodically need to replace worn parts, and we recommend that you only use the highest quality spare parts. These will both sustain optimal cutting efficiency and prolong longevity as much as possible. 

JAK Max is a long-time supplier of brush cutter spare parts from some of the most trusted manufacturers. We’re a one-stop-shop for everything you need, from trimmer lines and blades, to air or fuel filters and starter assemblies.
In other words, we know our stuff. So let’s explain all of this in more detail to help you understand how to choose the right brush cutter in Australia no matter where you live.

Key Factors When Choosing a Brush Cutter

We’ve explained that the type and density of the vegetation is a primary consideration in choosing the right brush cutter, but there are other important factors that influence its efficiency and ease of use.

Power sources: pros and cons of each

You can choose a petrol-powered brush cutter, an electric one, or one with its own battery. Each has its pros and cons to weigh up. 

  • Petrol-powered brush cutters: these have the advantage of creating sustained power in any kind of conditions, especially for more demanding bush clearing. Their cordless design is also very appealing – there are no restrictions on where you can use them. They don’t need recharging like the battery models below. Cons are that they’re usually heavier as they have a combustion engine, which also needs oil. They’re noisier too, and not environmentally friendly.
  • Battery-powered brush cutters: this type is quieter and kinder to the environment. They share the advantage of being cordless, providing superior manoeuvrability. Battery technology developments have extended their operating life before they need recharging. Even so, the need to recharge is a hassle. We recommend getting spare batteries if you want extended use.
  • Electric-powered brush cutters: these are most suited for domestic settings as they require nearby power points. They’re not as versatile, as the length of the electric cord restricts their range. On the positive side, they provide reliable performance. You can also make them more portable by getting a standalone battery that you can move around as you need.

Engine size relative to workload

This is an important part of how to choose the right brush cutter in Australia. Your engine needs to be the right size to tackle your workload. For the average suburban garden, you’ll only need a smaller motor, around 25 – 30 cc. But if you want to slice through heavier vegetation or even gumtree regrowth, you’ll need at least 40 cc. If you’re getting a battery-powered model, a 20V lithium battery brush cutter will be fine for home use. Bump that up to 40V in a bladed brush cutter and you’ll be able to handle the most challenging tasks, like clearing tangled wattle.

Weight and ergonomics for comfort and efficiency

So far we’ve only spoken about the brush cutter’s performance, but there’s also your own stamina and comfort to consider. A few hours of heavy bush clearing can really take it out of you. There are specific factors to look for to make your life easier:

  • Weight distribution: it really helps with stamina to spread the brush cutter’s weight across your whole body, rather than take it all on your arms. Look for a unit that feels naturally balanced, and get yourself a JAK Max brush cutter harness if you’re facing a lot of work.
  • Handle design: It sounds like a small thing, but a handle that initially feels comfortable can be awkward or cause chafing when you’re actually using it for extended periods. Choose anti-vibration handles and controls to reduce strain on your hands and forearms.

Blades and cutting attachment types

Your choice of blade or cutting attachment (like a trimmer line) is one of the most important decisions in how to choose the right brush cutter for Australia. It obviously affects how well it will stack up against the vegetation. 

Nylon trimmer lines are all you’ll need for lightweight garden upkeep and neatening lawn edges.  They’re also safer to use near hard objects like rocks and walls, as they won’t get damaged like a metal blade would. Bits of metal aren’t likely to fly off and hurt you as a result.
Metal blades are a step up, designed for thicker vegetation, including small saplings, dense scrub and tangled roots. They come in various shapes: circular toothed versions, sickle-shaped, tri-cut blades and thick brush-slashing configurations.

Why Brush Cutter Maintenance and Quality Spare Parts Matter

Like with any other powered gardening implement, brush cutter maintenance is essential to keep it in good working condition and spare you potentially expensive repairs. By the same token, when you need to fix something, it’s always advisable to get the best brush cutter spare parts you can afford. This will pay you back in efficiency, longevity, and a great-looking garden.

It’s pretty simple to maintain your brush cutter. Check for any damage after each use, paying attention to whether the blades have dulled. Check your air and fuel filters if you have a petrol model. If they’re clogged, this degrades performance. Over time you’ll need to replace them. If there is invisible damage, you’ll likely notice it through abnormal vibrations or reduced engine power. Stop immediately to avoid further repercussions and take a deeper look.

Consequences of poor quality or worn components

Perhaps our biggest piece of advice on how to choose a brush cutter in Australia is not to compromise on quality. This includes brush cutter spare parts. Using low-grade parts can cause uneven cutting or breakdowns during heavier work. A reduction in cutting performance usually means you’ll have to put in much more effort to get the job done. Drive shafts and line heads can give in too, creating safety risks. Substandard components on petrol-powered brush cutters, like fuel filters, can quickly degrade, leading to reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption. Battery models can drain prematurely. You’ll probably also experience increased noise and unpleasant vibrations. Always make sure you insist on the genuine item.

It’s totally worth investing in higher-quality components. JAK Max has a superior selection of brush cutter spare parts. Our blades are specifically designed for Aussie vegetation. We provide precision-fit shafts and connectors, replacement trimmer heads and a whole lot more. Using our components will help ensure that your brush cutter enjoys a safe, productive, long life.

Common Brush Cutter Spare Parts to Keep on Hand

Although your specific needs may differ, here’s a checklist of the most common spare parts that are worth stocking at home:

  • Blades and cutting heads: there’s nothing more frustrating than having to stop work because of a damaged blade and get a new one. Keeping spare blades and cutting heads allows you to quickly replace them and continue. You need look no further than JAK Max for all blade types.
  • Shafts and connectors: to keep other mechanical parts running smoothly, the couplings and shafts have to seamlessly align. If a shaft is bent it will create excessive vibration and an unbalanced feel. It won’t be long until your brush cutter fails. Visit one of JAK Max’s nationwide stores and get precisely engineered components to keep for quick replacements.
  • Fuel system and filters: if your brush cutter is petrol powered, you’ll need to regularly replace air and fuel filters. JAK Max has plenty on offer, so just pick up a couple to have at the ready.
  • Safety gear and accessories: it’s also a good idea to keep spare safety gear, like eyewear, shin protectors, gloves and tough cut-resistant trousers, especially if you’re taking on rough terrain.

Tips for Extending Your Brush Cutter’s Life

  1. Clean your brush cutter of vegetation and other debris after each use, and check for any wear and tear or damage on the blades. Make sure nothing feels wobbly, which could indicate a drive shaft problem.
  2. Immediately replace worn or damaged parts, even if your brush cutter still works. These can cause more serious damage if not replaced.
  3. Let the machine do the work. If you have the right brush cutter it will be perfectly capable of the task, so don’t force it as it cuts. This can cause it to stall or over-stress the engine.
  4. Always store it in a dry, clean place, preferably indoors, like your garage or garden shed. If yours is petrol-powered and you’re not going to use it again for a while, drain the petrol. Don’t store battery-powered models anywhere that gets too hot.

Some final words

With this guide on how to choose the right brush cutter in Australia we hope we’ve given you everything you need to know. If you have any other questions, or when you need replacement parts, we’re always here to help.  
Whether you want large components like blades and brush cutter heads, or the smallest ones like new starter handles or little mounting gaskets, we offer it all. Plus a whole lot of peace of mind on top.

Contact JAK Max for brush cutter products made from the finest materials, manufactured by leading suppliers to match engine tolerances and prolong your equipment’s lifespan.