There are two basic types of brush cutters; bent shaft and straight shaft.

Bent shaft units have a flexible drive shaft which travels around the curved casing. They are economical to produce, as they do not require a gearbox at the end of the shaft. They are generally lighter machines in their construction, and should never be fitted with a blade of any type. They are ideal for domestic use.

Straight shaft brush cutters are the stronger type, and are recommended for most serious applications. There are numerous blades and accessories which can be fitted to suit varying conditions.

Nearly every model of brush cutter will be available in 2 styles - loop handle or bull bar handle.

Loop handle is ideal for cleaning up work. It is easy to manoeuvre around objects and for doing edges. Most models come with a simple shoulder harness, but are rarely used, as the harness restricts the manoeuvrability of the unit. Within loop handles there is also the Combi-Tool range of brushcutters with interchangeable tools. The brushcutter itself is the same basic design, but it has the ability to split mid-shaft and and therefore accept various interchangable attachments. Click here to see the Combi-Tool range.

Bullbar/Bike handle is great for big clearing jobs. They normally come with a harness (full body harness is better than a simple shoulder harness), which places the weight on the shoulders instead of the arms. They are more comfortable to use for long periods, which means that you can work for hours without getting too worn out. However, the harness also  restricts the manoeuvrability of the unit as it is basically tied to your body.