Brushcutters
This year’s milder winter, followed by an early start to spring, are the ideal conditions for encouraging weeds, saplings and other unwanted plants to grow strong and lush. On many occasions there will be environmental, financial or manpower arguments behind a decision to let a previously tended area grow wild, or perhaps a change of use or landscape style has required a ‘more natural’ look. Whatever the reason, it is still likely that the site will require attention to maintain access or to promote the growth of favoured species.(left The AV98 in scrub)


That attention will almost certainly involve lowering the height of vegetation. In these situations the brushcutter is often the first choice of machine – relatively low-cost, manoeuvrable, and easy to transport and use. There is a diverse range of models, power ratings and attachments. And with such a huge range it can be difficult to know what to choose. Are loop or bike handles better? What’s the difference between models powered by two-stroke, fourstroke and hybrid engines? Should you opt for a bent shaft or straight? Do you need a hand-held or backpack machine? How much power is required, and what attachments do you need? Does the site warrant a wheeled machine?

Brushcutter work can be tiring, so selecting one that is lightweight, well balanced and comfortable to use is particularly important if you will be using it for long periods. Walk-behind and ride-on brushcutters are capable of doing much the same job as their hand-held counterparts, but for larger sites can be effort-saving and more productive. The choice of machine will depend on the site size, its topography and obstacles, access, the nature of the vegetation, frequency of cut, and whether the job is a quick trim or a complete mow. Transporting the machine between sites is another consideration for those maintaining several locations. Here we take a look at some of the various options that are available on the market.

Bobcat
Bobcat offers five Brushcat rotary cutter attachments, with a wide range of hydraulic flow capacities, for its skid-steers, compact tracked loaders and all-wheel-steer loaders. There are two standard flow models, the RC60S and RC72S, with cutting widths of 1524 and 1829mm respectively, working in the hydraulic flow range of 57 to 83 l/min. The same cutting widths are offered by the first two high-flow attachments, RC60H and RC72H, which operate at 76-121 l/min. The third high-flow model, the RC72X, has a cutting width of 1829mm and requires 114-151 l/min. The rotary cutters have a new gearbox with a power rating three times larger than on previous models, to improve reliability. The five new models are equipped with front rollers, eliminating the need to keep the front of the rotary cutter rolled back to minimise scalping, and are shipped from the factory with a cutting height of 5cm. A dealer-installed kit is also available to allow for a 7.6cm cutting height.

The Brushcat attachments can cut and mulch small branches and saplings up to 76mm in diameter, and cut through thick grass and brush. The dual blade system provides more cutting horsepower per blade than four-blade systems, giving excellent cutting and mulching action. The blades are attached to a special break-away system to reduce damage to the drive shaft when encountering obstacles. The rotary cutters have a parallel linkage system that allows the cutter to better traverse rough terrain, whilst also allowing the cutting head to move independently of the loader with up to 23cm of vertical travel. If the 23cm threshold is exceeded, the rear roller of the cutter will be lifted from the surface, causing the safety shut-off to be engaged.

Unlike cutters driven by a power take-off, both edges of the cutter blades can be used, effectively doubling blade life. When one edge is worn, cutter rotation can be reversed by switching hose locations at the cutter’s hydraulic motor.
www.bobcat.com



Echo
Echo has launched the SRM-335ES. Available with loop handle or U handle, it is fitted with a 30.5cc two-stroke engine, and a 1845mm shaft. Considerable anti-vibration innovations result in extremely low vibration figures, and the larger 0.84 litre fuel tank allows longer operation between fills. This is an ideal brushcutter for landscapers, capable of clearing heavy undergrowth and even small trees with ease.
Countax 01844 278800



Etesia
New for 2008, Etesia is launching the Attila AV98. New features include a flexible dual-drive system which can be operated either via a foot pedal or hand lever. Forward speed is up to 12km/h and reverse is also variable up to 4km/h. Overall output is 12,000 square metres an hour. It is powered by a 21hp Briggs & Stratton air-cooled, V-twin engine. In addition to its new extra wide 98cm cutting deck, the long wheelbase of the machine increases stability on uneven ground. The 14-litre petrol tank is forward mounted, distributing weight over the front
wheels for grip. Additional traction is provided through the use of large diameter front wheels. The machine is safe for use on slopes up to 30 degrees. A differential lock ensures there is plenty of traction on difficult terrain. Hydrostatic transmission gives instant drive control, so speed can be adjusted according to site conditions and, when necessary, to allow the cutting unit time to process large volumes of material. The AV98’s low-slung design enables it
to clear undergrowth beneath overhanging branches. The unit has a welded tubular chassis for extra strength. The heavy-duty steel deck houses a 7mm thick cutter-bar with swinging
blades. These can be fixed for cutting short grass. Also in the range is the Attila A180, a 180cm-wide brushcutter and all-terrain mower, powered by a 3-cylinder, 30hp, Yanmar watercooled diesel engine. It can work on slopes up to 27 degrees. Cutting height is variable from 5 to 15cm. The Attila AK85 is an 85cm ride-on brushcutter, fitted with a Kawasaki twin-cylinder 15hp engine. Forward and reverse speeds can be adjusted to match the volume of material passing through the cutting unit.

The machine is ideal for tackling scrub, heather, gorse, weeds and grass, reducing them to a mulch. The Attila AV51 heavy-duty pedestrian-controlled brushcutter, powered by a 6hp, Kawasaki OHV 180V engine, is lightweight and easy to transport. Its 51cm cutting width allows it to pass through most narrow gateways and paths. Levers on either side of the deck provide variable cutting heights from 35mm to 120mm. The Attila AV95 is a 95cm ride-on brushcutter which can cope with bracken, brambles and brushwood. Power comes from an 18hp twincylinder Briggs & Stratton Vanguard. Heavy tread tyres give firm grip on slopes up to 30 degrees, and a hand-operated, diff-lock provides extra traction on difficult terrain. Compact size gives the Attila AV95 access to smaller sites where tractor-mounted machines cannot go, or where using a pedestrian mower would be hard work for the operator.

Etesia has also launched a new, long-range, pedestrian wheeled rotary – the Pro 46 PHG. Powered by a 5.5hp Honda GCV 160 engine, this 46cm walk-behind lawnmower has a large capacity, 2.5 litre petrol tank designed to allow the operator to complete a full day’s work without the need to refuel.
Etesia 01926 403319



Husqvarna
Husqvarna is launching a new brushcutter for people who want a versatile machine. The Husqvarna 343FR is supplied with a full range of cutting equipment – a saw blade, grass blade and semi-automatic trimmer head with cord – the ‘Tap ’n’ Go’ head – where the operator feeds out the cord by tapping it against the ground. An ergonomic harness is also included.

The machine can be used for clearing light or heavy grass, with a trimmer cord or a grass blade. With the saw blade installed, it will attack brushwood and bushes, and clear young forest stands. Also in the Husqvarna range is the 45cc, 343R professional brushcutter. Features include optimised shaft length, bevel gear angled 35 degrees, and ergonomically designed handles which provide a comfortable working position. The long shaft provides extended reach, facilitating easier grass clearing. The elevated offset post increases freedom
of movement when working on slopes. The 335RX is a new 35cc brushcutter. It is equipped with comfort grip handles, Ergo Cruise and Smart Start, which reduces resistance in the starter cord by up to 40%. The X-Torq engine increases torque over a wider rpm range providing maximum cutting power and exhaust emissions are reduced to levels below existing and future requirements. The 240R is one of Husqvarna’s most powerful brushcutters, developed for the toughest applications in dense grass and brush. This brushcutter is fitted with an extra long angled shaft for a wider sweep. The 240R can be used with saw and grass blades or a trimmer head.






(Left) The Husqvarna 343FR





Makita
Makita’s brushcutter range is aimed at the large estate, professional ground care or forest maintenance operations. The top-of-the-range DBC4510 is a two-stroke, 45cc machine that
generates 3.1 hp, but the special anti-vibration engine mountings and cow-horn handlebars provide tri-axial vibration readings of just 3.9m/s2 for the left handle and 2.3m/s2 for the right-hand grip. The two-stroke 40.2cc Makita RBC421L professional brushcutter has the latest vibration reducing system and the handlebar vibration ratings are particularly low. Tested in accordance to IS0 standard EN11806 at WOT (wide-open throttle), the right front hand handle has vibrations of just 1.9m/s2 while the left rearward handle is lower still at 1.4m/s2. Both are well below the 2.5m/s2 rating, and permit all day use.

Many manufacturers quote tickover vibration rating, but a machine is never used at tick-over speed. The WOT vibration rating is far more relevant. Other models available from Makita include the RBC421L, weighing just 7.8kg, and the very latest Makita BCX2500 brushcutter, which is designed as the entry level four-stroke machine for professional ground care operations. The first Makita-made, 0.88hp, 24.5cc fourstroke engine powers this machine after the acquisition of the Fuji Robin engine manufacturing facility by the Makita Corporation. The four-stroke engine is quieter with a less intrusive engine note than twostroke machines, and has a decibel rating of only 102. The BCX2500 is a straight shaft brushcutter with handlebar controls. Machine vibrations are 2.2m/s2 for the right-hand grip and 2.9m/s2 for the left handle, all with the engine at maximum operating speed. The throttle and on/off control is in the right-hand grip. The BCX2510 is a D-handle version of the same machine where the rear handle houses the throttle control. The D-handle configuration makes the brushcutter narrower overall and can be used with just a shoulder strap, rather than the full harness recommended and supplied with the handlebar version. This spreads the weight of the machine evenly across the shoulders for maximum comfort during long periods of operation. Makita 01908 211678
www.makitauk.com



Stihl
Stihl launched its innovative 4-Mix engine five years ago, and from 2008 the engine now drives all six machines in their professional brushcutter range. Benefits of the engine include a good power-toweight ratio and efficient fuel consumption. The six brushcutters in the 2008 Stihl range are all available in both bike handle and loop handle configuration. Bike handle models come with a line head and metal blade as standard, while loop handles are fitted only with the line head. Two new models were introduced last year: the Stihl FS 87 and Stihl FS 90 (the latter with solid drive shaft) are entry level professional machines, with 1.27hp power
output.

At the top of the range, the Stihl 1.9hp FS 130 was made available in a new backpack model last year. The Stihl FR 130 T backpack brushcutter mounts the 4-Mix engine rucksack-style on the user’s back with a flexible drive shaft delivering power to the cutting head. The system increases freedom of movement and stability for users, particularly when working on steep terrain or uneven ground. Stihl also has a range of clearing saws capable for use in a range of tasks from grass cutting to bracken clearing, even trimming back young sapling trees. Six core models are offered in the Stihl range, including its first 4-Mix clearing saw introduced last year. The 7.2kg Stihl FS 310 has a 1.9hp power output – the lightest model in the clearing saw line-up.

Every Stihl clearing saw benefits from the highly effective Stihl 4- point anti-vibration system, which means every saw can be operated all day within the latest EU vibration guidelines.
Stihl 0800 137574