Understanding Petrol Brush Cutters: Your Ultimate Guide

Have you ever felt confused when trying to choose the right petrol brush cutter? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Many of our customers at Skywave Online Shopping ask us the same thing: “Which petrol brush cutter should I buy?” If you’re in the same boat, this blog is for you. We’ve written a clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you understand what petrol brush cutters are, how they work, and how to choose the right one.
A petrol brush cutter is a powerful garden tool used to clear tall grass, weeds, and small bushes. It runs on fuel (petrol) and is perfect for areas where electricity isn’t available. Whether you’re maintaining a garden, a farm, or a large compound, a petrol brush cutter can make your work much easier. In this blog, we’ll go over the types available, explain the differences, and help you choose the one that suits your needs best.
What Is a Petrol Brush Cutter and How Is It Used?
A petrol brush cutter is a machine that uses petrol to power a cutting tool. It’s commonly used to cut overgrown grass, weeds, thick bushes, or even small trees. This tool is stronger than a normal grass trimmer and can be used in farms, gardens, roadsides, or any large area that needs clearing.
There are different types of brush cutters—some are handheld, others are worn like a backpack, and some are pushed like a cart. You simply start the engine, hold the handles, and move the cutting head across the grass or bushes. Some brush cutters come with different attachments like a blade for cutting thick bushes or a nylon string for grass. These tools are useful for both home use and professional landscaping.
Types of Petrol Brush Cutters
Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Petrol Brush Cutters
At Skywave, we group our petrol brush cutters into two main types: two-stroke and four-stroke.
- Two-Stroke Brush Cutters: These are lighter in weight and easier to carry. They use a mix of petrol and oil. Two-stroke engines are best for short jobs or lighter tasks but can be noisier and produce more smoke.
- Four-Stroke Brush Cutters: These engines use petrol and oil separately, just like a car. They are heavier but quieter and more fuel-efficient. They last longer and are better for bigger or longer jobs.
👉 We’ve also written a full blog post comparing these two types. Click here to read it.
Grouping by Brand
We also group our brush cutters by brand, because different brands offer different designs, engine types, and accessories. Let’s go through the top brands we sell at Skywave and what each one offers.
TLAC Petrol Brush Cutters
Here are the TLAC brush cutters available at Skywave:
- TLAC Backpack 4 Stroke Brush Cutter with 8 Accessories
This model comes with 8 tools, including a metal blade, nylon trimmer head, guard, harness, and more. It’s good for people who want one tool that can do many tasks, especially for farms or big gardens. - TLAC Side Pack 4-Stroke Brush Cutter
A bit lighter than the backpack model, but still powerful. Best for regular garden work and lighter brush. - TLAC 5-in-1 Brush Cutter 4 Stroke
This one is a multi-purpose machine. It can be used as a pole saw, hedge trimmer, brush cutter, and more. Ideal for landscaping professionals. - TLAC Backpack Brush Cutter with Accessories
A basic backpack model that comes with useful accessories. Good for everyday cutting on farms or large compounds. - TLAC Two-Stroke Sidepack Brush Cutter
Lightweight and easy to handle. Perfect for home users who want to trim their gardens occasionally.
Who is it best for?
- Home users: Two-stroke sidepack
- Farmers or regular users: 4-stroke models
- Landscapers or professionals: 5-in-1 or 8-accessory brush cutter
Premier Petrol Brush Cutters
Skywave also offers three models from the Premier brand:
- Premier 4 Stroke Push Brush Cutter
This one has wheels and is pushed like a cart. It’s great for flat areas like school fields or big lawns. - Premier 2 Stroke Brush Cutter
A simple, easy-to-use cutter for small jobs at home. - Premier 4 Stroke Brush Cutter
A more powerful handheld model that can handle harder jobs. Quiet and fuel-efficient.
Who is it best for?
- Large flat areas: Push cutter
- Light trimming: 2-stroke cutter
- Regular or heavy use: 4-stroke handheld
Windsor Petrol Brush Cutters
- Windsor 4-in-1 Brush Cutter
This multi-tool comes with several attachments for cutting, trimming, and pruning. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants different tools in one machine.
Who is it best for?
Landscapers, estate caretakers, or anyone who wants a versatile tool for many tasks.
Lenhard Petrol Brush Cutters
- Lenhard 2-Stroke Brush Cutter
A basic and budget-friendly option. It’s lightweight and best for simple home use or smaller gardens.
Who is it best for?
Anyone looking for an affordable brush cutter for casual trimming and maintenance.
Understanding CC in Brush Cutters: What It Means and Why It Matters
When shopping for a petrol brush cutter, one of the things you’ll often see is the term “cc”, like 43cc, 52cc, or 62cc. But what exactly does it mean—and does it matter? Short answer: Yes, it does.
What Does “CC” Mean?
“CC” stands for “cubic centimeters”, and it measures the engine displacement—basically, the size of the engine. A higher cc means the engine is larger and usually more powerful. This affects how much vegetation the machine can cut and how long it can work without overheating.
In simple terms:
- More CC = More Power
- Less CC = Lighter & Easier to Handle
Why Is CC Important?
The engine’s cc helps determine:
- Cutting Power: A higher cc engine can handle thicker grass, shrubs, or even saplings.
- Fuel Consumption: Larger engines may use more petrol, but they also work faster.
- Ease of Use: Smaller cc machines are lighter, better for beginners or smaller gardens.
Which CC Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple guide to help:
CC Range | Best For | User Type |
---|---|---|
25cc – 35cc | Light trimming, home gardens | Beginners & homeowners |
40cc – 50cc | Regular garden work, light bush clearing | Intermediate users & farmers |
51cc – 65cc | Heavy-duty work, thick vegetation | Professionals & landscapers |
65cc+ | Industrial/agricultural tasks | Experts & large-scale users |
Examples:
- A 43cc brush cutter is perfect for regular garden maintenance or medium-sized plots.
- A 52cc brush cutter can clear thicker bushes and is more suitable for small farms.
- A 62cc or higher model is ideal if you’re cutting in dense areas, such as sugarcane fields or neglected land.
Conclusion
At Skywave, we classify petrol brush cutters based on engine type (2-stroke or 4-stroke) and brand. This makes it easier for our customers to choose the best machine for their needs. Other stores might group them differently, but we believe this method is the clearest.
Of course, there are many other brush cutter models in the Kenyan market. If you think we’ve missed one or if there’s a specific cutter you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment—we’d be happy to add it to this guide. Thanks for reading, and happy trimming!
FAQs
What’s the difference between a brush cutter and a grass trimmer?
A brush cutter is more powerful and designed to tackle thick vegetation, while grass trimmers (also known as string trimmers) are lighter and ideal for lawn edges and light grass.
Is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke brush cutter better for home use?
For casual or light gardening, a 2-stroke is often enough. If you want better fuel efficiency and less noise, a 4-stroke might be worth the upgrade.
What fuel should I use for a petrol brush cutter?
2-stroke engines require a mix of petrol and 2T oil, while 4-stroke engines use separate petrol and oil—just like a car engine.
How often should I service my brush cutter?
Depending on usage, clean the air filter and check the spark plug after every 20-30 hours of use. Full servicing every 6 months is recommended.
Can I use one brush cutter for all types of trimming tasks?
Yes—if it’s a multi-tool or comes with multiple attachments (like 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 models). Otherwise, you may need separate machines for grass, bushes, or trees.