We call them brushsaws here but the internet calls them brushcutters....anyways the gas powered weedeater's big brother...I have never used one and I am starting to wonder as I get older (close to 60)...I cut trail, lots of trail and currently use a little 170 stihl,,,GREAT little saws...I cut small trees as close to the ground as possible when required and all the bending over is killing my back...having never used a brushcutter I wonder how hard they are on a persons back...I also have to cut blow down pines that fall across the trail and I wonder if the brushcutters are useless for those? Anyways for the fellow trailcutters out there do you have and advice?
Thanks

I have used one and they work really good but it helps if you have someone to throw the cut brush / trees into the woods out of your way. I could keep 2 people busy throwing if you really want to put trail in.
The last one I bought and still have is a Jonsered with a 9 inch disc and chain saw teeth on it. I really like it but don’t know if they still make them.
One problem is hauling them in a sled. Bouncing around can disable it. I wrap the head in a canvas bag to keep the powder snow out also.
I don’t find them easy cutting any other position than down close to the ground.

Have both a Stihl 170 and a Husqvarna brush saw, they both work well the brush saw works great for small stuff the chainsaw for stuff 2 inches and bigger. The brush saw works best in tag alder spots the saw more for blowdowns and running and gunning,
Always have a set of extension loppers handy.
Never ending chore when maintaining a trapline.
All of these above work great if you have extra help.
Brush cutter I find harder on the back, the Stihl underpowered you will need to keep sharp.
Brush cutter not the tool to cut blowdowns.

I kinda pride myself on a sharp saw as I was a faller in my younger days...I tow a 5 foot section of heavy channel iron behind the quad which helps clear and even out the cuttings and smaller blow down. I have to run a one man show unless one of the grandkids shows an interest as they get older but who knows...one has to be real careful towing channel if you happen to hook a dry little snag it could end up hitting you on the head...thanks for the input fellas

For small stuff I use a 20V recipricol saw

I’d prefer the chainsaw over a brushsaw. I can do everything with the chainsaw and not have to carry two tools. I have a stihl 250 but I’d much prefer a 170 for the line for sure. I ran a brushsaw a few times before and also found it hard on my back

If you run a brush cutter adjust the handlebars to your height so the tool balances and hangs with the head where you will be using it - let the machine do some of the work. Why fight gravity and leverage. Next, get a better or the best harness. Stihl makes a serious soft harness that is much better. And they make a rigid one that is like a back brace and is great. Most dealers do not stock these extra “luxury” items. Look at the Stihl website. Dealers can order this stuff.
Many people max out the bar and chain length, but that is not good for brush cutting. On the chainsaws that I use mostly to cut smaller stuff I put on a 12” bar with a heavier chain than comes standard. There is less bar and chain length to accidentally cause a kickback or any problem, plus the saw feels more nimble, more powerful, and cuts faster. One of my favorite saws is an 021 set up with the 12” bar and chain. Others are an 009 with a top handle and a 180 that is very light. Conveniently these saws all use the same chain. That leaves the larger saws ready and sharp to cut big stuff.
However you cut, remember to protect your eyes. Goggles with fine wire mesh “lenses” block all but the finest sawdust. Plus they never fog.
Best wishes.

Been working the last 4 days strait on my trails, I highly recommend you get yourself a set of the Fiskar extension loppers.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...ABEgIIx_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=278

The length allows you to stand up most of the time when clearing tag alders, I am 61 so know your pain, I run two MS-170 and my loppers.

By the time I empty both saws, drag everything off the trails and clean up a few tag alder spots with the loppers it just about wipes me out.

Never ending task.

Fiskars has a life time warranty on them.
Just returned a set I had broken the blade on, No questions asked at the local Canadian Tire here. Did that on Wednesday morning.