Petrol Brush Cutters, Leaf Blowers and Tillers: How to Choose

Brush cutter, leaf blower or tiller: what each machine does

These are three petrol machines for three different jobs. The brush cutter cuts very long grass and scrub with line or a blade; the leaf blower moves leaves and debris (some models also vacuum and shred them), and the tiller breaks up and crumbles the soil so it is ready for sowing. All the machines in this guide belong to the petrol Bellota BePower range; if you prefer battery power, we cover the alternatives further down.

Petrol brush cutters: engine size, power and weight

All four brush cutters have a 2-stroke engine, harness, multifunction handle and a 460 mm cutting width with line. What changes is the engine and the equipment:

The Bellota BePower DB4300E brush cutter (42.7 cc, 1.25 kW, 10.7 kg) is the simplest way into petrol if you have a plot, a vegetable garden or a large garden and only clear overgrowth now and then. It has a bike handle, a 255 mm 3-point blade and a line head with 2.4 mm line.
The DB5200E (51.7 cc, 1.5 kW, 10.9 kg) keeps that setup with a bigger engine, for woody scrub or very long grass.
The DB4500E (Kawasaki engine, 45.4 cc, 1.42 kW, 11 kg) moves to an open handlebar with a 305 mm blade, 3 mm line, Vibra Confort anti-vibration and Easy Start.
The DB5300E (Kawasaki, 53.2 cc, 2 kW, 12 kg) is the most powerful: it adds Ultra Easy Start and a 1.1 L tank.

Also check the noise level on the data sheet (113 dBA on the DB4300E and DB5200E, 95 dBA on the two Kawasaki models) and always wear hearing and eye protection.

Cutting head and line

The universal brush cutter head comes in two versions: semi-automatic quick-load (Ø130 mm, up to 5 m of 3.3 mm line, 6 adapters included) and an aluminium multi-line head with up to 8 lines for heavy use. The dual braided cutting line combines a tensile-strength core with an outer layer that withstands heat; pick the diameter your head calls for (2.4, 3 or 3.3 mm) and a spool from 15 to 150 m depending on how much you use.

Leaf blowers: handheld or backpack

The SA2600TE blower, vacuum and shredder is a handheld model with a 25.4 cc, 0.8 kW 2-stroke engine: it moves 662 m³/h of air at 80 m/s, weighs 6.3 kg, rates 94 dBA and includes a 50 L collection bag for vacuum-shredder use. A good choice for patios, paths and green areas. The SM8000E backpack blower steps up to 79.4 cc and 3 kW, with 1,674 m³/h and 87 m/s; it weighs 12.5 kg but spreads the load with an ergonomic harness and Vibra Confort anti-vibration, and it is designed for large areas and for harvesting olives or almonds.

Tillers: working width and depth

Both tillers share a 212 cc, 7 hp petrol engine, chain-and-belt transmission, a 3.6 L tank, recoil start and a working depth of 150 to 300 mm. The MZ2010E tiller (2 forward gears and 1 reverse, 60 kg) works at 450, 650 or 850 mm with Bellota boron-steel tines, and suits vegetable plots and medium-sized areas. The MZ3010E tiller (3 forward gears and 1 reverse, cast iron chassis, 79 kg) reaches 650, 850 or 1,050 mm and is built for hard, compacted soil or large plots. For fine work between plants, a good hoe is still worth having: we can help in our guide to choosing a hoe.

Petrol or battery, and basic maintenance

The machines above run on petrol, and the fuel mix depends on the model: 40:1 on the DB4300E and DB5200E, and 50:1 on the DB4500E, DB5300E, SA2600TE and SM8000E, according to their data sheets. If you prefer battery power, the BePower range includes cordless chainsaws, hedge trimmers and electric pruners, the 18 V PL1600BE battery sprayer and the battery sprayers and olive beaters collection. Before each session, clean the air filter (sponge, foam or paper depending on the model) and check the line or blade; for spare parts, see the batteries, chargers and machinery spare parts collection. And for clearing by hand in corners, take a look at our guide to axes, machetes and sickles.

Frequently asked questions

Which petrol brush cutter should I choose for a plot or a large garden?

For occasional clearing, the DB4300E (42.7 cc, 1.25 kW) is the simplest in the range. If there is woody scrub or a lot of long grass, the DB5200E (51.7 cc, 1.5 kW) gives you more engine, and for long working days there are the Kawasaki DB4500E and DB5300E with Vibra Confort anti-vibration.

What petrol-oil mix does a Bellota BePower brush cutter use?

It depends on the model: 40:1 on the DB4300E and DB5200E, and 50:1 on the DB4500E and DB5300E. Always confirm it on the data sheet and in your machine's manual.

Line or blade for brush cutting?

Line works for grass and soft vegetation, and the 3-point blade for woodier scrub. All four petrol brush cutters come with a 3-point blade and a line head, so you can switch depending on the job.

Handheld or backpack leaf blower?

Handheld for patios, paths and small green areas, backpack for large areas. The SA2600TE weighs 6.3 kg, blows 662 m³/h and also vacuums and shreds; the SM8000E backpack moves 1,674 m³/h and spreads its 12.5 kg with an ergonomic harness.

What width and depth does a 7 hp tiller work?

It works at a depth of 150 to 300 mm. The width depends on the tine groups: 450, 650 or 850 mm on the MZ2010E, and 650, 850 or 1,050 mm on the MZ3010E.

Find all the machines in the brush cutters, leaf blowers and tillers collection.

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