A protective shield for a cutting tool of a brushcutter or trimmer, wherein in the region of the working end of a guide tube, the cutting tool is mounted so as to be rotatable in a turning circle about an axis of rotation. A radial wall extends radially relative to the axis of rotation and at least partially shields the turning circle in an axial direction. A support channel is formed in the radial wall for receiving the working end of the guide tube. A peripheral wall adjoins the radial wall and at least partially shields the turning circle in a radial direction.
