How to mow correctly with a brushcutter
For successful mowing with a brushcutter, the right technique is just as important as the correct position of the blade. You will learn about both of these things in our useful article.
21.11.2025
Overview: How to mow correctly with a brushcutter
- Wear personal protective equipment in accordance with the operating instructions for your device
- Mowing correctly with the brushcutter held in the right position
- Mowing movement mainly from right to left, mowing in two directions if the grass is very long
- Mowing larger areas using the quadrant method
- The strip method is suitable for mowing on slopes
- If there are obstacles, trim around them before mowing the grass.
The blade you need for your brushcutter depends on the application. The ShredCut shredder blade is ideal for pruning and shredding tough scrub. On the other hand, the GrassCut steel grass cutting blade is perfect for mowing strong, dry grass and reeds. Check out our technology guide to find out which mower blade is right for your needs.
The mowing line that is most suitable for your STIHL brushcutter depends on the model, mowing head used and purpose. Mowing lines with a diameter of 2.4 millimetres are suitable for the Trimcut C 32‑2 and Autocut C 6‑2 mowing heads, for example. Read our guide to find out which mowing line is right for your needs. Otherwise, your STIHL dealer will be happy to advise you on suitable mowing lines and can also install the right mowing head directly if you wish.
Safety first: PPE
Working with high-performance power tools is fun and allows you to broaden your skills, which is great if you can rely on effective and safe protective clothing. Always wear your personal protective equipment when working with a brushcutter. This includes, for example, safety glasses, face protection, safety boots and more. Find out more in the operating instructions for your product. Before using your power tool for the first time, you should familiarise yourself with it fully and ensure that it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your power tool for its first job, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try on at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for working safely.
The basics: Holding your brushcutter correctly
Before you can start mowing properly, there are still a few preparations to be made. You should always ensure that you are holding the brushcutter correctly. For effortless and pleasant work, it is essential that the shoulder harness is positioned perfectly – because this is the only way to ensure that the brushcutter is well balanced. Below, we will show you what else you should pay attention to when using a brushcutter.
Video guide: how to operate a brushcutter with a bike handle
Would you like to use a brushcutter with a bike handle? Especially for longer tasks and large clearing saws, you should work with a harness to transfer the weight to your back and hips. In this video, we will show you what to look out for when operating a STIHL brushcutter with bike handle.
The right technique: using your brushcutter correctly
When you use it correctly, you can achieve amazing results with your STIHL brushcutter. Even if this is the first time you have ever held a brushcutter, you will quickly master the right mowing technique. Simply swing the device in a semicircle from right to left, moving gradually forward. One advantage of this method is that the cuttings fall onto the surface you have already mown.
Basic technique for long grass
For very long grass or tough weeds, we recommend mowing in two directions. First cut the top part of the growth by moving the power tool to the right, then cut the bottom part by moving it (to the left). The cuttings will fall on the left.
Video guide: mowing in long grass with a STIHL brushcutter
Large, flat areas – the right turn
Our tip: The best way to mow larger areas is to use the quadrant, or squares method. This technique is particularly advisable if you want to mow very large gardens or meadows. The area to be mowed is divided up so that you always work along the outer sides towards the middle.
Video guide: mowing large areas with a STIHL brushcutter
Across a slope – strip by strip
The strip method can help you progress effectively, especially on slopes. Mow a strip straight across the slope and then walk back along the track you have just cut. Now cut the next strip above it. With this method too, the cuttings always land on the area that has already been mown.
Video instructions: mowing on a slope with a STIHL brushcutter
Dealing with obstacles: mowing around objects with a brushcutter
It is best to use a mowing line for mowing close to trees or bushes without damaging branches or trunks. If there are several plants at short intervals, it is a good idea to mow an outline around these before mowing. To do this, use the guard of your brushcutter to help you. You should always guide it directly along the stem of the bush and thus move around it.
Video guide: mowing around objects with a STIHL brushcutter
Note
Please always read the operating instructions for your device. Your STIHL dealer will also be happy to advise you.
Operating instructions for STIHL brushcutters
You can easily download the operating instructions for your STIHL brushcutter here.
