I have a couple areas of open pasture that has some small brush (1 inch diameter in clusters) starting to encroach upon it. Shredding over the brush leaves jagged stumps, cutting with a chainsaw does well but the chain gets caught on stuff and has to be tightened often and I don't want to spray the clusters (don't want to mow around them or the possibility of damaging desired vegetation).

Has anyone used their string trimmers with the brush blades on it for something like this? If so does it work fairly well? Brand/product recommendations if you have one would be appreciated.

I have an old Stihl trimmer but it is so old that it won't work with any of the blades or attachments so I would have to buy a new setup.

I use the renegade blade on a Stihl. You have to buy the adapter kit from Stihl. I had used a Stihl blade before but twice as expensive and did not do as well as this renegade. It's a carbide tip blade so doesn't dull as fast when I hit t-posts and things. Can get it on Amazon.

I will say that it takes a lot of work to cut the brush back close to the ground. If it's thick, it'll take multiple passes. And don't think it doubles as a weedeater blade. Doesn't run through grasses well at all.

I have an attachment for my EGO that has a brush blade on it. I've used it with success on yaupon and other brush up to about 1.5" thick. Have to be careful on the thicker stuff (say, over 1/2") but it works.

I run one of these on a handlebar trimmer, does good on grassy weeds and I can take down small trees with a little patience.

I have the Echo trimmer that allows for multiple attachments. The string trimmer and edger came with the unit. I can get the brush one, which I'm planning to do soon for some areas in my backyard, for about a hundred bucks. I don't recall what I paid for the unit a few years ago, but it is currently listed at $269 with just the string head.

I would personally go that route -- the attachment designed for the brush cutter. Besides, if you got the regular trimmer, the brush blade itself is $20 and the conversion kit for the trimmer is $50 -- with a blade that may or may not work. For a few dollars more, you've got everything set up -- just remove, replace, click, and go.

I was just looking into these earlier today. I've got the Ryobi 40v string trimmer for my postage stamp yard in town, but need to do some clean up on the new property. I'm going to give the Ryobi Brush Cutter attachment a shot this weekend and will report back.

I've had good luck knocking down (mostly) young mesquites with a big Stihl trimmer with their chisel tooth brush cutter blade. It's 'bite" is designed much like a circular chain saw. My preferred technique is a right to left swinging motion, and the stems usually just snap in two. Remember to follow through.

Safety warning (!!) - I've been told to only work brush (regardless of brush attachment style) with the heavy duty handle bar style trimmer.... not sure if that's true or not. That said, a friend of a friend (yeah, yeah I know) lost a foot years back using a light duty model. No bueno.

RFD said:

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I run one of these on a handlebar trimmer, does good on grassy weeds and I can take down small trees with a little patience.

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That's essentially what I have. I like it because it will take down woody stemmed brush, trees, branches, etc. but also works well on trimming just weeds and grass in and around the feeder pens and box blinds so I only have to bring one tool instead of two.