Bush cutters are ideal tools for the removal of unwanted weeds and plant growth from areas with restricted access, or on slopes which are too steep for cutting with alternative types of machines, such as lawn mowers. Their small size and portability makes the bush cutter an easy to use tool in these situations, and the small cutting head means the operator can get the machine into tight corners, around obstacles that cannot easily be moved and up close to raised path and border edging.

A bush cutter is a hand held tool, although some models can be attached to a chest harness to reduce the weight held by the users arms. The basic design of a bush cutter is a rotating shaft which spins a cutting blade at the foot of the shaft. The operator gradually moves the cutting blade from side to side in a scything motion to slice through the vegetation in its path.

Bush cutters are designed for heavy duty use and the removal of thick vegetation and sturdy plant growth. They are regularly used by the professional landscape gardener as they have the engine power to cut through thick stemmed weeds and long grass quickly and easily. The majority of bush cutters used are petrol powered as they have a greater flexibility as to where they can be used due to their internal power source, which can be easily replenished on the go. Gas-powered cutters are also generally more powerful than electric ones, ideal for dealing with heavy vegetation growth and plants with thick, study stems, such as stinging nettles. Although quite noisy to use, their speed in decimating unwanted weeds and plants in their path mean that the noise is short lived and as such creates little disturbance for surrounding neighbors.

Easily transportable, they can be quickly and safely stashed in the trunk of a car to be used at off site, remote locations such as an allotment or horse paddock without the need of a car trailer or van, as would be necessary if transporting a walk behind or ride on mower.