Review and demonstration of McCulloch B33B Petrol Brush Cutter with bullhorn handle

We ordered this for use on our 2-acre meadow to help clear some of the overgrown foliage which has shot up to +4' height in the recent warm and wet weather.


Although the brush cutter is supplied with a thick manual and there are relatively few components to fit together, the instructions and diagrams could be very much clearer: for example, when fitting the grass cutting blade which has to rotate in the direction of the arrow, there is nothing to indicate in which direction the brush cutter rotates, ie should the arrows on the blade be facing upwards or downwards in use. Also, the position of the choke wasn't clear and initially we found ourselves unscrewing the casing having mistaken the rotating 'switch' (screw fastening!) for the choke. Even some of the fittings were not labelled which could leave a first-timer user a little baffled eg the instruction to 'remove the locking tool' - the 'locking tool' wasn't labelled so we had to guess. Little things admittedly, but greater detail would have been most helpful, especially for first-time users. Should any other user also find the assembly instructions vague, I have included step-by-step photos in my demonstration video.


Once assembled, primed by pumping the rubber 'bulb' and setting the choke, it started first time and as set to work on our meadow clearing overgrowth of dock leaves, bracken, grass, twigs and weeds. With the grass blade on it sliced through them all with ease making light work of the task which we normally complete by hand, manually, using a scythe. Closer to our cabin on timber stilts, we switched to using the trimmer head/strimmer spool for safety in the event of any slips to ensure it wouldn't cut through the support stilts. Again, it cut effortlessly. Occasionally it clogged but tapping it on the ground to release the clogged grass and cord then running it for a few seconds to disperse it, it was ready for use again. Further cord is released by tapping the sprung central feed on the ground while still spinning.

The brush cutter worked consistently well, starting reliably on the first attempt every time. The harness fit well, could be adjusted to fit my size 10 female frame and my husband's 43" chest. Even a mixing bottle for the petrol and 2-stroke oil was provided.


If we had to quibble on anything, a few spare split pins would have been welcomed. Only two are provided and each time the blade or strimmer spool are replaced then there is a risk of rendering them not-reusable.


Overall, this brush cutter has exceeded our expectations and should it wear out in the future then we would definitely replace it. We're also pleased to note that standard consumable parts fit it, ie strimmer spool and grass cutting blades so there is no need to buy expensive branded replacements.


Very highly recommended for anyone needing a heavy-duty cutter for a larger garden, meadow, hedgerows or professional gardening work. It would probably be overkill for a typical smaller town-house garden.