Trimming all of the edges and other areas that your lawnmower may not be able to reach is necessary to give your lawn a nice clean-cut appearance. While there are numerous ways to do this, trimmers are likely the most commonly used tool. There is an edge old debate between trimmer blades vs string, though.
Trimmers with blades (brush cutters) and trimmers with string (weed eaters) have strengths and weaknesses, so the deciding factor for which to use is largely the composition of your property – Trimmer blade vs string!
Brush cutters use metal blades to cut through grass and weeds, whereas trimmers use nylon string to cut through grass and weeds. Let’s look at the similarities and differences between these two options.
Trimmer Blades
Many gardeners consider the brush cutter to be an upgrade to a string trimmer, but this depends on your intended use.
A brushcutter has powerful metal blades rather than nylon strings, allowing you to cut through stubborn weeds, shrubs, bushes, and even small trees.
Trimmers with blades are suitable for heavy-duty work. Because the blades on many brush cutters are interchangeable, you have more job options than with a string trimmer.
Brush cutters can be gas-powered or electric-powered, with either a cord or a battery as a power source. They are more powerful, so it is advised to be more cautious and safe around these machines. Brush cutters can be operated with one or both hands.
Pros
A Great Deal of Power
Trimmer blades have a lot more cutting power than string. As they are spinning plastic or metal blades rather than string, they require a more powerful motor.
The majority of brush cutters are powered by gas, but there are a few electric options as well. Bladed trimmers are more versatile due to their increased power.
Versatility
Bladed trimmers aren’t just for common grass and weeds on the lawn. Bushes, shrubs, saplings, and all types of tall grasses and brush are no match for them.
They have more powerful engines, allowing the blades to cut through almost any vegetation in your yard.
Healthy and Even Cut
Bladed trimmers have a cutting action that is very similar to how lawnmowers with sharp blades cut grass.
Rather than ripping or tearing individual grass blades, the tips are sliced off completely. This helps to keep your lawn healthy by preventing yellowing and disease.
Cons
Heavy
With increased engine power and more durable blades comes a significant increase in weight.
Sure, this indicates that the tool is well-made, but it also implies that it is difficult to transport in a large yard. This isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, but it is something to consider.
Awkward in Tight Places
Rigid blades can also make getting at that pesky grass in the corners of your yard difficult. This is especially true for corners with a ninety-degree angle. A blade rotating in a circular motion and tight corners don’t mix well, as you might expect.
If you’re not careful, this problem could cause damage to some of your property’s structures.
Expensive
Finally, when deciding between a brush cutter and a string trimmer, price is an important factor to consider. Bladed trimmers are generally more expensive than standard string trimmers.
This is due to the increased power and expanded capabilities. Despite the fact that not all bladed trimmers or brush cutters can trim with string, they can all handle tougher vegetation.
String Trimmers
String trimmers are ideal for mowing grass and weeds in difficult-to-reach places. You can mow the grass along the edges of your house, along fences, paths, and beside decking.
A battery-powered string trimmer may be more expensive, but it will be much easier to use and more convenient. Electric string trimmers are generally less expensive than gas-powered string trimmers, and they require less maintenance.
A gas-powered string trimmer can cut a larger area and is generally more powerful than electric string trimmers.
Pros
Lightweight and Simple to Use
String trimmers are typically lightweight and easy to transport due to the lack of many metal components. This is especially true for string trimmers that are powered by electricity.
Even gas trimmers are lighter than bladed trimmers powered by gas. If you have a large yard with a lot of edges to clean up, having a tool that is easy to maneuver is a huge benefit.
Reaches Tight Spaces and Corners
String trimmers give you a little more leeway in tight spaces because they use flexible string instead of fixed blades. The same is true for obstacles with which you must get up close and personal in order to trim every blade of grass in the area.
Despite the fact that string trimmers can chew up wood and plastic, they are easier to avoid than bladed trimmers.
Affordable
When it comes to string trimmer prices, there is a wide range. However, they are typically less expensive than bladed trimmers or brush cutters as a whole.
String trimmers have lower production costs because they use smaller engines and batteries.
Cons
Strings Break Frequently
One of the most inconvenient aspects of string trimmers is having to constantly feed or respool line. It’s impossible to avoid breaking the string on your trimmer, but there are some things you can do if it seems like your trimmer line is constantly breaking.
Even if you’re meticulous, the string will need to be replaced more frequently than the blades will need to be sharpened or changed.
Less Powerful
Engine power is reduced as a result of a lighter build. If you have a simple yard with no stray brush or tall grasses, this may not be an issue for you. However, if you are confronted with more difficult vegetation, you may encounter difficulties.
Can Damage the Grass
String trimmers’ whipping motion can tear the grass instead of slicing it cleanly through. As previously stated, when the blade on your lawnmower becomes dull, the same thing can happen, which is not something you want to happen.
Cutting your lawn clean is a great way to improve its health. String trimmers can also be used to “scalp” patches of your lawn.
You can end up shaving the grass all the way down to the ground if you hold them at the wrong angle. This does not look good and can harm a lawn.
Which Is Best For Your Yard: Trimmer Blades Or String?
When comparing the benefits of trimmer blades vs. string, blades come out on top when you need to cut through vegetation that isn’t just grass.
Brush cutters are a more specialized tool that can easily clear out larger unruly areas. Bladed trimmers are more powerful and versatile, but they may be overkill in some situations.
When all that needs to be trimmed is grass, a string trimmer is preferable to plastic or even metal blades. With a string trimmer, you won’t get as tired as you would with a bladed trimmer.
You’ll also be able to easily navigate around all of the obstacles in your yard. If you only need to tidy up the edges of your yard or boulevard, string trimmers are ideal tools for the job.
Final Verdict
Owners of both trimmer blades vs string trimmers gush about how much they use these tools to keep their lawns looking great.
When deciding between the two, you can’t go wrong, but one will almost certainly fit the job description better than the other. Consider which areas of your yard require extra attention and you should be able to identify a clear winner.
FAQs
Q. What’s the difference between a brush cutter and a string trimmer?
A: Brush cutters use metal blades to slash through bushes and weeds, whereas string trimmers use monofilament lines or nylon strings.
Q. Which is the best for heavy-duty work between bladed trimmers and string trimmers?
A: Bladed trimmers are ideal for heavy-duty tasks because they are more powerful and have long-lasting blades.
Q. Is it possible to put a blade on a string trimmer?
A: While the exact procedure for converting a string trimmer to a brush cutter varies depending on the model, it usually entails removing the string head, replacing the deflector, and attaching the blade.
