Hand-held equipment can easily be maneuvered around docks and marina areas. Habitat for fish and other organisms is retained if the plants are not cut too short. Hand-held cutters are easily transportable. Prices of mechanical cutters are substantially lower than harvesters. Renting hand-held cutters at equipment rental stores may be possible.
Some specie are difficult to cut.
Cutting creates plant fragments which may enhance the spread of invasive plants such as Eurasian watermilfoil. These fragments may also drift onshore and decompose. Permits Mechanical cutting in Washington requires hydraulic approval, obtained free of charge from the Department of Fish and Wildlife .