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For vineyards

The best brush cutters for vineyards

Vineyard rows reward control over power: a light, precise machine that won't nick a trunk or a drip line, with a blade only for mid-row growth.

By · Updated · first published

In short:Vineyards need light, precise machines for constant start-stop work along rows. The Makita DUR368LZ (3.2 kg bare, three speeds) and DUR190LZX3 (2.7–3.0 kg with battery, plastic and metal blade options) are precise cordless picks; the Stihl FS 70 C-E (0.9 kW, ErgoStart) and Husqvarna 129R (0.85 kW, 5.4 kg, double harness) are light petrol options for larger plots; the Einhell Agillo 36/255 and Ryobi RBC36X26B add 3-tooth blades for mid-row growth. Use line near trunks and irrigation.

Our picks, ranked

  1. 1
    Makita DUR368LZ 36V LXT brushless cordless brush cutter lightweight loop handle
    Light twin-18V

    MAKITA · 36V LXT · Brushless

    Makita DUR368LZ

    A light twin-18V (36V) LXT brushless trimmer with a loop handle, three speeds, ADT and a 350 mm cut — comfortable for long grass sessions, sold bare.

    8.4/10
    Read the review
  2. 2
    Makita DUR190LZX3 18V LXT brushless brush cutter metal blade capable
    18V blade-capable

    MAKITA · 18V LXT · Brushless

    Makita DUR190LZX3

    An 18V LXT brushless loop-handle trimmer that runs line, plastic blades or a 230 mm metal blade, with three speeds and ADT — sold bare.

    7.9/10
    Read the review
  3. 3
    Stihl FS 70 C-E petrol brush cutter with ErgoStart and bike handle
    All-rounder

    STIHL · 27.2 cc · ErgoStart

    Stihl FS 70 C-E

    20% more power than the FS 55 (0.9 kW vs 0.75 kW), effortless ErgoStart and an AutoCut 25-2 head — the best Stihl compromise for homeowners.

    8.4/10
    Read the review
  4. 4
    Husqvarna 129R 27.6 cc 2-stroke petrol brush cutter with straight shaft and bike handle
    All-round Husqvarna

    HUSQVARNA · 27.6 cc · 2-stroke

    Husqvarna 129R

    A 27.6 cc, 0.85 kW, 5.4 kg Husqvarna petrol brush cutter with bullhorn handle, double harness, trimmer head and grass blade included.

    8.0/10
    Read the review
  5. 5
    Einhell Agillo 36 255 BL 36V Power X-Change brushless cordless brush cutter blade
    Value 36V

    EINHELL · 36V Power X-Change · Brushless

    Einhell Agillo 36/255 BL

    A brushless 36V brush cutter on two 18V PXC batteries, with a 3-tooth blade, bump-feed line head and split shaft — strong value, sold bare.

    8.2/10
    Read the review
  6. 6
    Ryobi RBC36X26B 36V cordless brush cutter TriArc 3-tooth blade
    Blade + 4 Ah kit

    RYOBI · 36V MAX Power

    Ryobi RBC36X26B

    A 36V MAX POWER cordless brush cutter with a 26 cm 3-tooth blade and 30 cm line head, sold with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger — real scrub capability.

    8.1/10
    Read the review

Precision along the row

Vineyard work is stop-start: trimming under each vine, around posts and along drip lines, then moving on. That rewards a light, balanced machine with speed control and a line head that won’t bite into trunks.

Our picks

  • Makita DUR368LZ — twin-18V, loop handle, three speeds, ADT; 3.2 kg bare.
  • Makita DUR190LZX3 — one LXT battery, 2.7–3.0 kg with battery, brake and reverse switch; plastic blades supplied.
  • Stihl FS 70 C-E — 0.9 kW, ErgoStart; AutoCut line head, blade optional.
  • Husqvarna 129R — 0.85 kW, 43 cm cut, 5.4 kg without cutting gear, double harness.
  • Einhell Agillo 36/255 — twin-18V brushless, 3-tooth blade and line spool, split shaft.
  • Ryobi RBC36X26B — kit with 26 cm 3-tooth blade and 4.0 Ah battery.

Under-vine technique

Approach each vine with the head tilted away from the trunk and the line just touching the grass. A reverse switch (Makita) helps throw off grass wrapped around the head. Mark drip lines and avoid cutting near them. Protect young vines with guards. A plant guard or bar on some trimmers helps keep the line off stems.

Between the rows

For the alleys, a wider cut and a blade for tougher growth saves time. Many growers use a mower or wheeled trimmer-mower between rows and a light trimmer under the vines. Related: the best brush cutters for orchards.

Our picks at a glance

ModelTypeEngine / powerWeightRating
Makita DUR368LZ Cordless 36V LXT · Brushless 3.2 kg (Amazon item weight, bare) 8.4 / 10
Makita DUR190LZX3 Cordless 18V LXT · Brushless 2.7–3.0 kg with battery (Makita UK) 7.9 / 10
Stihl FS 70 C-E Petrol 27.2 cc · ErgoStart 5.4 kg (without fuel and cutting tool) 8.4 / 10
Husqvarna 129R Petrol 27.6 cc · 2-stroke 5.4 kg excl. cutting equipment 8 / 10
Einhell Agillo 36/255 BL Cordless 36V Power X-Change · Brushless 6.09 kg (Amazon.co.uk item weight) 8.2 / 10
Ryobi RBC36X26B Cordless 36V MAX Power 3.7 kg bare; 4.6–5.1 kg with battery 8.1 / 10

Weights are as stated by the maker, UK retailers or Amazon, so some include a battery or cutting gear and others don't — see each review for details.

Compare our picks head to head

Frequently asked questions

Line or blade between vine rows?

Line close to trunks, posts and irrigation lines — it flicks off contact. Use a blade only for mid-row growth well away from the vines.

Cordless or petrol for a vineyard?

Cordless suits smaller vineyards with frequent starts and stops — instant on and off and no fumes. For long days on larger plots, petrol with a harness.

How much does weight matter?

A lot. Vineyard work means constant turning and repositioning, so a machine of about 3 kg saves far more effort than on open ground.