When you have a garden and want to keep the insects at bay, you need grass trimmers. The best garden strimmers help you get rid of pesky insects without any hassle. You can either use manual or electric ones. The manual ones are cheap and easy to maintain but they cannot be used in places with inclines or uneven terrain. The electric strimmers can be plugged into an outlet so that they run continuously, saving on battery life and keeping your lawn free from pests when not in use. Here’s more about what a strimmer is, why you should get one and the best models on the market right now:
What Is A Strimmer?
A strimmer, edger, lawn edger or grass strimmers is any lawn tool that has rotating blades for cutting grass, thick weeds, tall grass, tough weeds or other plants. These tools typically have handles to make them easier to hold, as well as grips for your hands in case it starts to get slippery when working for extended periods of time under the hot sun. They also tend to be quieter than other lawn tools too, which means if you have neighbours or anyone else passing by your property regularly, they won’t hear it constantly buzzing like other gardening equipment might do when running. With all that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best strimmers available today so you can pick out the one that’s right for you:
Black & Decker GH900 6.5-Amp String Trimmer
The Black & Decker GH900 6.5-Amp String Trimmer is an electric string trimmer which is a great option for anyone who is looking for a good electric trimmer that is easy to use and has plenty of power. This particular model is the best string trimmer and has been made to be lightweight and easy to carry around, which makes it perfect as you don’t have to worry about it weighing you down. The best part is that this one comes with an adjustable handle so you can make it comfortable for any person’s height and arm length.
Best Features
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable handle
- Powerful 6.5-amp motor
DEWALT 20V MAX XR String Trimmer
The best affordable option on the market, this 20V Max XR String Trimmer offers impressive performance for a cheap price. It features an 8-inch dual-line spool that lets you cut more than twice your current trimming length without having to change it out. The trimmer has a lightweight design and a handle that is ergonomically designed. This product is backed by a two-year warranty and comes with a full-sized accessory kit that includes everything you need to get started.
Best Features
- ·Edger/trimmer has a folding hinge to fit into small storage spaces
- Reduced length when folded for easy transportation of the cordless grass trimmer
- A 14-inch swath of the lawn trimmer is designed for a wide cutting area
- Durability even in the thick brush
- Choose between performance and runtime with a variable-speed trigger
- Wind new line fast with Quick Load Spool
- Control power level with Hi/Lo speed control switch
Greenworks 13-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer
The Greenworks 13-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer is a great grass strimmer because it is lightweight, powerful and easy to use. The blades are sharp and the battery lasts for about an hour on a full charge with one of the four speeds. This model also comes with a charger, so you don’t have to spend money on buying one separate.
Best Features
- 40V STRING TRIMMER – powers through the toughest grass and weeds
- 13″ CUTTING PATH – .065″ line, auto-feed head for quick and easy line advancement
- TRIMMER / EDGER (2-IN-1) – 90-degree rotating head with edging wheel. 3 position pivoting head for trimming at multiple angles
- VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER – allows you to control cutting speed on the go, so you can easily manoeuver around plants and shrubs
- LIGHTWEIGHT / EASY TO USE – Ultra-lightweight design, along with superior ergonomics allow for reduced user fatigue
- MAINTENANCE FREE – This string trimmer is virtually maintenance-free, with no gas, no oil, and no emissions. It starts instantly, is quiet, and delivers the power you need
Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Detachable String Trimmer
The Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft gas string trimmer is one of the best gas trimmers available on the market today. This gas trimmer has a straight shaft for easy use, as well as two different attachments for wider areas and edging. Plus, it comes with an automatic oiler that lets you know when maintenance is needed. The three-spoke engine helps you get through tough grass without any issues so you can finish your job quickly and efficiently. The front handle also provides a comfortable grip for all-day-long use, making this a favourite among many users.
Best Features
- Features a 28cc 2-cycle engine which powers the 17-inch (cutting width) trimmer head
- Trimmer engine runs on a mixture of unleaded gas and 2-cycle oil (2. 6 oz bottle is included, see bottle for mixing instructions)
- Easily release the new trimmer line as you work by tapping the trimmer head against the grass to activate the Tap ‘N Go line release feature
- Have no worries when it is time to replace the trimmer line – the T25 trimmer head is designed for simple and easy line reloading
- A translucent fuel tank allows you to visually monitor your fuel level as you work
- Conveniently remove unwanted air from the carburettor and fuel system using the air purge primer bulb
- Power source – gas-powered
Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
The Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer is the best cordless strimmer or cordless trimmer available. It has a 20-inch cutting path and comes in either black or green to match your garden décor. Plus, with its three modes of operation, you can use it at any time: constant speed, low speed/high torque and high speed/low torque. This model also has a fast charger that takes only 90 minutes to recharge the battery fully and features an automatic stop when the battery gets low. It can also be used in larger gardens.
Milwaukee M18 2725-21HD 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless String Trimmer
Milwaukee has a well-known reputation for being a reputable company that produces reliable string trimmers. This model is no different. The M18 2725-21HD 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless String Trimmer has an output of 450 ft/lbs of torque with its 24-pole motor, which is more than enough to cut through the tough brush. It also has electronic speed control and a bump feed string system, which allows you to easily adjust the line length by simply pressing a button. Milwaukee is also offering this trimmer with a 2-year warranty as well as a 90-day money-back guarantee, which means if you’re not happy they’ll gladly take it back no questions asked.
Ryobi ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion String Trimmer
The Ryobi ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion String Trimmer is a top-rated hedge trimmer with a lot of great features. It has a pole for reaching high foliage and comes with an LED light. The increased cutting power makes it easier to take care of larger areas, while the increased battery life allows you to cut more often without needing to recharge.
G-Tech strimmer
A G-Tech strimmer is a machine that has been designed to be durable and easy to use. It comes with a brushless motor, which means it is quieter than other models on the market. The blades are made of stainless steel and hence the strimmer is rustproof. The G-Tech strimmer also has a high torque motor, which means it can be used in any type of terrain without losing efficiency.
Flymo Contour 500E
Flymo Contour 500E Electric Grass Trimmer and Edger, 500W, Cutting Width 25cm. Designed for medium-sized gardens, the 500W Contour 500E has a cutting width of 25cm, this versatile 4-in-1 trimmer allows you to trim, edge and shrub with ease. The 1.5mm dual auto-feed line tackles extra tough conditions.
Best Garden Strimmers Companies
Many companies manufacture different types of strimmers, but these are some of the best:
- Black & Decker Outdoor
- DeWalt
- Ryobi
- Makita among many others
A string trimmer is also known as a weed wacker or weed eater.
Differences between a trimmer and strimmer
A grass trimmer is a common term in the professional markets, whereas ‘trimmer’ is more of a colloquial term. When it comes to design, performance and intended use, they’re identical. In fact, you’ll find most manufacturers now call their machines a ‘grass trimmer /strimmer’ to avoid confusion.
What are the types of strimmer?
- Line (or string or trimmer line) strimmers. These strimmers are cut by spinning a plastic or nylon cord at high speed. This cord wears down gradually over time, and is either replaced automatically (automatic feed) or has a button on the bottom of the strimmer you can bump on the ground to reel out more cord (bump feed). They are either single-line, using one line of cord, or double-line, which uses two lines of cord. Generally, the line is designed to wear down gradually rather than completely break, but if the cord catches a rock and snaps, just reel out more cord. However, these fragments of plastic aren’t good for the environment, and once you run out of cord, the spools can be fiddly to replace. Although powerful enough to cut long grass and weeds, line strimmers aren’t as strong as blade strimmers, and are therefore less effective on tough, woody material.
- Blade strimmers. These strimmers are cut using two blades, which on domestic models are usually plastic. This makes them more effective on woodier material than some line alternatives, but if they catch on a rock or tough bark the blades can snap and get lost in the grass, which can damage the mower next time you cut the grass. Strimmers with metal blades avoid this problem, but they’re more expensive and not as widely available.
- Petrol strimmers (Petrol trimmer). Powered by petrol these typically have steer handles – explained in more detail below – and a curved, angled shaft. Because they use fuel, they’re often more powerful than corded and cordless strimmers, but petrol is polluting and messy to store and use. They’re also heavy, noisy and need regular servicing. Thanks to the rise of cordless batteries, they’re less common nowadays, particularly for home use.
- Electric corded strimmers. Corded strimmers use a power cable connected to mains electricity. Depending on the length of the cable, these strimmers are more suitable for smaller gardens, but you can expand their reach with an extension lead. They’re also more dangerous than cordless strimmers because you run the risk of accidentally cutting the cable.
- Electric cordless strimmers. Cordless strimmers are powered by lithium-ion batteries rather than mains electricity. Because of this, you can use them anywhere in the garden, but you’re restricted by run time and how long the battery takes to charge. They also tend to be less powerful and more expensive than corded strimmers, but they can be of excellent value if their batteries are part of a cordless system and can be used in other power tools.
Where to Buy the Best Garden Strimmers
If you want to find the best garden strimmer, it’s important to know where to buy them. Here are some of the more popular places to purchase these tools:
- Amazon.
- Home Depot.
- Lowe’s.
- Menards.
- Walmart.
What are the key features to look out for?
Before you buy think about the following :
- Cutting head. The cutting head is the most important feature of a strimmer. It should be adjustable, so you can change the angle of the cut to cope with inclines and fiddly jobs. In most models, the head turns 90°, so you can trim along the edges of paths and flowerbeds. In the very best models, the cutting head also has wheels to help guide along edges and support the weight of the strimmer.
- Adjustable shaft. The best strimmers have a telescopic shaft, so you change the height to suit you. In some models, the shaft is angled rather than straight to help you manoeuvre into tricky spots. If space is an issue, it’s also helpful if you can break down the shaft and cutting head after use for storage
- Line feed and blade replacements. It’s useful if a blade strimmer comes with spare blades, so you don’t run out if one breaks in the middle of a job. You should be able to get a new spool of line for a line trimmer or replace the whole head. With both types, it’s helpful if the spare blades or line can be stored on the tool.
- Handle types. There are two types of strimmer handles. The most common is a round, circular handle on the shaft of the strimmer, called a loop handle. It makes the strimmer easy and comfortable to control, and in the best models, it can be slid up and down the shaft, so you can adjust it to your height. Alternatively, there are ‘steer’ handles – two handles rather than a loop. These offer more control and let you use a comfortable scything motion when you cut, but they take up room and can be a little more expensive. They’re also far more common on brush cutters and petrol strimmers than electric or cordless strimmers, so you might not find steer handles on many domestic models.
- Straps and safety harnesses. A shoulder strap or safety harness is an excellent bonus feature. It takes some of the weight of the tool, making it more comfortable to use, and also helps balance it, for better manoeuverability and a more precise cut.
- Bump guard. Some strimmers have metal guards on the head, called bump guards, which prevent the strimmer from cutting beyond a certain point. This protects your garden, as it stops you from nicking a tree or garden furniture but it also protects your strimmer line or blades by preventing them from catching on a fence or wall and breaking. The best bump guards can be adjusted, so you can control how close you cut.
Other tools for cutting grass or weeds include:
- Hedge Trimmer
- Lawn Mower
- Shears
