All those trees, bushes, and tough weeds on your land may not be easy to get rid of. Therefore, you will need the best tools to clear brush to ensure tidying up overgrown land is quick and safe.
However, brush cleaning is not the same for every particular property. This process can differ in the amount of work and tools required to perform the clearing tasks. So, I’ve gathered equipment to help you pick the items relevant to your needs. It’s hard to define the most effective instruments since they perform their own function and allow you to carry a specific range of actions. But this variety allows you to choose the perfect tool for your needs.
Tools to clear brush comparison table
| Tool | Purpose | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Fiskars Clearing Hook | For small area without tall trees and stumps. Good for clearing bushes and thin plants. | Review |
| Gonicc Pruning Shears | Must-have tools for every homeowner. Clear bushes and thin branches on trees. | Review |
| Husqvarna 128LD | Universal solution for a brush clearing. Power trimmer to cut bushes and thin plants. Perfect for large areas. | Review |
Types of brush clearing tools
Small farm equipment may not be enough to tame the growth of the brush and clear it away. However, considering that you are going to take care of the pristine condition of your land at least twice a year, investing in various tools and equipment for clearing overgrown land can be a good solution.
You will come across manual and power tools that will help you cut through the overgrowth. It’s hard to say which of these tools is better since they perform specific tasks and are suitable for different applications. For instance, manual instruments are a good choice for small areas and regular brush clearing. However, it’s better to use powered tools for heavy-duty usage in large areas.
Best equipment for clearing brush reviews
Hand tools to clear brush
Fiskars Clearing Hook
Use the Fiskars Clearing hook to cut and tame the fast-growing vegetation in your yard or garden. With this tool, you will effectively eliminate roots, perennials, succulents, and the brush in tight spaces. All it requires to operate is your willing arm to thin the brush out, which sets it apart from Brush Grubber Heavy Duty BG-08, which should be attached to a vehicle or tractor to do its job.
This device has an ergonomically designed handle, which is easy to grip and choke up for precision work. It also reduces the impact left, so your hand doesn’t get tired even after prolonged use. The rust-resistant blade is thoughtfully shaped to let you perform different tasks like quick pull-cuts, especially dealing with small branches and brush. Unlike most similar hooks, this one has sharpened back ribs, which are handy for sawing. I also like the sharp tip for scraping and dividing.
My main complaint about this hook is that it came completely dull. However, once I sharpened it, it did a great job and stayed sharp even while working in the dirt.
The Fiskars Clearing hook is a great brush cutting tool for all-around yard and garden clearing and maintenance. It is accurate, durable, easy to work with, and it has shown excellent results.
Key specs
- Overall length, in/cm: 13/33.
- Blade length: 6/15.
- Handle type: softgrip.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 1/0.4.
Pros
- An ergonomic handle for long fatigue-free use.
- A hook design for clearing thick brushes.
- Ribs on another side for sawing.
Cons
- It must be sharpened before starting work.
Brush Grubber Heavy Duty BG-08
Looking for the best equipment for clearing land from overgrown vegetation? This Brush Grubber Heavy Duty BG-08 easily pulls shallow-rooted, small shrubs and clumps. While this product is available in different sizes, I recommend starting with the BG-08 model, which enables you to handle small tree stumps and brush up to 4 inches in diameter.
Unlike the Fiskars Clearing hook that doesn’t require the use of any additional gear, you will need to attach this brush grubber to a tractor, ATV, or UTV. Thanks to the special construction, it doesn’t slip off the brush, which includes 16 gripping teeth and spring-loaded jaws. The jaws open wide enough to deal with underbrush while the grip pads rotate 360 degrees to avoid debarking.
What I want you to remember when working with BG-08 is that I had a lot of work getting jaws on and off. It took a lot of effort to open the jaws to clamp the tree first and then even more effort to open them after pulling out the tree.
Despite this minor flaw, this brush clearing equipment does brush and tree pulling nicely. It works especially well for vegetation that is not too deep-rooted.
Key specs
- Material: steel.
- Grips pads rotate: 360°.
- Dimensions, in/cm: 12x 4×1.5×30.4×10.1×3.8.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 12/5.4.
Pros
- Easily pulls out small and shallow-rooted shrubs, clumps, etc.
- Doesn’t slip off and firmly keeps the trunk.
- The grip pads rotate 360 degrees to prevent debarking.
Cons
- The jaws are hard to get on and off the tree or brush.
Gonicc Pruning Shears
Consider Gonicc Pruning Shears if you want to clear brush with hand tools. This unit does a great job of cutting 3/4″ diameter size tree branches without hand strain or fatigue.
The blades are made of heavy-duty SK5 steel with titanium coating, which prolongs its lifespan and improves durability. The handle is ergonomic and doesn’t feel awkward in hand. However, what I do not totally enjoy is its flimsiness. The bottom handle moves and feels weird.
The rotating feature is something – it makes the cutting motion much smoother. In addition, there is a cushion and shock absorber to eliminate the impact upon cutting. The locking system is secure, but setting it is a little challenging. Similarly to Fiskars Clearing Hook, this is an ambidextrous tool, so it will work perfectly both for right- and left-handed users.
With Gonicc Pruning Shears, you will clear up an overgrown fence and gate area without much effort. It proved to work well for twigs, thick brush, and larger branches.
Key specs
- Blade material: titanium,high carbon steel.
- Handle material: aluminum, polyvinyl chloride.
- Overall length, in/cm: 8/20.3.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 0.7/0.3.
Pros
- Has a rotation feature and shock absorber for a smoother cutting motion.
- The handle feels comfortable in the hand.
- Suitable for right- and left-handed people.
Cons
- The bottom handle is slightly flimsy.
- The locking system is hard to set.
Powered tools to clear brush
Husqvarna 128LD
One of the things I love most about the Husqvarna 128LD is its powerful and efficient design. It’s tailor-made for those who enjoy getting outside and taking care of the yards but don’t want to deal with complicated equipment. This land-clearing tool’s straight shaft design is effective and super easy to handle.
The heart of this tool for cutting brush is its 28-cc 2-cycle engine, which delivers a solid punch of cutting power without feeling like you’re carrying around a ton of weight. With 1.0 horsepower and a max power speed of 8000 rpm, this thing means business.
The Husqvarna 128LD is one of the best brush-clearing tools when it comes to fuel consumption. It sips fuel at a rate of 575 grams per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh), which basically means you’re not constantly running to the gas station. The 13.53 fl oz fuel tank is transparent, so you can easily keep tabs on your fuel level.
Overall, the Husqvarna 128LD is the best tool for clearing brush. Yes, it’s a bit on the pricier side, but trust me, it’s a wise investment. This trimmer is built to last and will handle years of heavy-duty use like a champ. So, if you’re after power, efficiency, and versatility, the Husqvarna 128LD is the one for you. Happy trimming, everyone!
Key specs
- Cutting width, in/cm: 17/43.1.
- Power source: gas powered.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 11/5.
- Power output: 1.9hp.
- Dimensions, in/cm: 58×9.5/147.3×24.1.
Pros
- The powerful 28-cc 2-cycle engine provides plenty of cutting power without weighing a ton.
- Smart Start technology allows for quick and easy starting of the trimmer.
- Allows for conversion into an edger, pole saw, and tiller, making it a versatile vine and brush removal tool.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brush-clearing power tools on the market.
- Has a 2-stroke engine, which requires a mixture of gas and oil for fuel.
Swisher WRC11524BSC
With its impressive 11.5 HP (344cc) Briggs & Stratton engine, the Swisher WRC11524BSC is designed to effortlessly slice through dense undergrowth and saplings up to 1.5 inches in diameter. That’s not all – the heavy-duty fabricated cutting deck boasts a fixed cutting height of 4 inches, ensuring a consistent and professional-looking finish. And shifting gears? A breeze! Swisher has upgraded the gear selection lever, placing it conveniently on the operator’s control panel for smooth and hassle-free maneuvering. When I started using it, I was ready to call it one of the best hand tools for clearing brush!
Speaking of a machine to clear land comfort, the adjustable height handlebar lets you take charge with ease. The single, fixed, hardened steel blade gets to work swiftly, zipping through brush and saplings like a hot knife through butter. Safety is paramount, and the enclosed blade ensures maximum protection while in action. And those solid front caster tires? They’re here to lighten the load, improve stability, and grant you a flat-free, smooth ride.
The Swisher brush mower is fully compliant in all 50 states and proudly made in the USA with a mix of domestic and global parts. Plus, it comes with a solid 1-year warranty for that extra peace of mind.
However, after working with this model for quite some time, I came to the conclusion that clearing brush by hand is more optimal if there is not much grass. There is no point in using this “beast” if you spend no more than 5 minutes working with your hands. But if the task is more serious, then it is worth turning to Swisher WRC11524BSC here.
So, if you’re ready to take on the challenge of clearing overgrown land, don’t go at it with just any tools – trust the Swisher WRC11524BSC to be your ultimate companion in making your trails and fields the envy of the great outdoors. This is hands down one of the best hand tools for clearing brush and small trees.
Key specs
- Cutting width, in/cm: 24/60.9.
- Cutting height adjustment, in/cm: 4/10.1.
- Power source: gas powered.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 296/134.2.
- Power output: 11.52 hp.
- Dimensions, in/cm: 92x28x42/233×71.1×106.6.
Pros
- Ensured durability and longevity, even in rugged conditions.
- Upgraded gear selection lever located on the control panel.
- Adjustable height handlebar.
Cons
- Its larger size may require more storage space.
Milwaukee M12
The Milwaukee M12 pruning saw is on my list of land-clearing equipment for a good reason. Its cordless design provides you with unmatched control and accessibility, even in tight-to-reach areas.
While you may want to use another product, Husqvarna 336FR, for clearing vegetation that grows parallel to the ground, the Milwaukee M12 will make a perfect choice for cutting tree branches, 3-inch hardwoods, branches, or trees. Its brushless motor makes it possible to work even with demanding hardwood materials.
The greatest advantage of this tool is its cordless design. By the way, you can make up to 120 cuts per charge, which is enough to do a lot of work around your garden or yard.
And now let’s get to not-that-great stuff. First, I noticed that this saw burns oil quickly, so don’t forget to bring it with you if you do longer jobs. Second, the battery, the battery charger, and the oil are all sold separately, which will increase the final cost of the product.
Other than that, Milwaukee M12 is a lightweight, compact pruning saw that cuts wood like butter. It lasts long and will help you reach tight-to-get places.
Key specs
- Surface: metal.
- Blade matherial: high speed steel.
- Blade length: 6/15.
- Power source: cordless.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 4.1/1.8.
- Voltage: 12V.
Pros
- Comes with a battery that lasts for 120 cuts.
- Cuts demanding hardwood that is 3-inches thick.
- Delivers smooth cutting.
Cons
- Burns oil quickly.
- You’ve got to buy a battery, charger, and oil individually.
What else do you need for a brush-clearing project?
Yard Wheelbarrow
In the whirlwind of selecting powerful tree and brush removal tools, there’s a humble hero that often escapes our attention – the yard wheelbarrow. Once you’ve harnessed the might of tools like the Swisher WRC11524BSC to cut down brush and clear the land, the yard wheelbarrow steps in to help you complete the job. It’s your reliable sidekick for removing the cut grass, branches, and debris that accumulate after a thorough clearing session.
Leaf Rake
Just like my personal favorite Swisher WRC11524BSC tackles the challenge of clearing brush from land, the leaf rake takes charge when it comes to clearing up after the task. As you’ve invested your energy in removing the brush, the leaf rake comes in to lend a hand in tidying up the remaining debris. It’s not just for leaves – this versatile tool helps you gather smaller brush pieces, creating a clean and polished finish for your outdoor space.
Reasons for brush clearance
Shrubs, including undergrowth and small trees, can turn your serene space into a tangled mess. Clearing this foliage isn’t just about looks – it’s crucial for safety, aesthetics, and property upkeep. A dense brush can hide critters and become a fire hazard. A well-maintained property not only looks inviting but also prevents pests. Remember, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to tools. Opt for the right gear to clear brush on the hillside based on brush type and task size. I recommend choosing a personal list of land-clearing equipment wisely for a well-done job.
Safety precautions
When you neglect safety precautions as you clear small trees and wooded land, this can lead to horrendous accidents. So, knowing how to work safely is as important as getting the proper equipment.
Before you get to work, inspect the territory. Check it for stones or other hard objects that can prevent smooth brush clearing.
If you live in an area with snakes and your effort to stop them from slithering into your yard fails all the time, make sure your legs are protected. You can wear high boots or special snake gaiters, protecting you from poisonous creatures. Do not forget to wear other protective gear like gloves and goggles, especially when dealing with power tools. In addition, it would be nice to wear a hard hat and a wire mesh face shield.
Moreover, inspect all equipment and safety clothes for signs of damage. Replace them as needed before you start working. Never use defective tools. And, of course, make sure you have free access to a first aid kit and emergency communication.
