Grass Trimmer & Brushcutter Buying Guide

Although based on the same design principle, grass-trimmers (or 'strimmers') and brushcutters are very different beasts. Grass-trimmers are light-duty machines, and generally have a curved-shaft which houses a flexible metal driveshaft. They can only be used with a nylon-line head, as opposed to straight-shaft brushcutters, which can be used with either a nylon-line head or a metal blade (for clearing established brush). The straight-shaft design of the brushcutter allows for the use of a solid metal driveshaft, which improves torque transfer and maximises longevity. Look out for machines with a 'Tap 'n' Go' or 'bump-feed' line-head - these allow you to spool-out new line without leaving your working position.


Electric Grass Trimmers

Designed primarily for trimming lawn-edges and clearing nettles and weeds, these easy-to-handle and cheap-to-run machines range from the incredibly inexpensive Bosch ART-23 'Combitrim', through to the more powerful (and consequently more pricey) Stihl FSE-81. Many models, such as the Ryobi RLT-3725, have a rotating head for easier edge-work. For convenient transport and storage, you may want to opt for a split-shaft machine, like the Ryobi RBC-1000EX. Obviously, the main advantages of an electric trimmer are its low-price, lightweight build and minimal maintenance requirements; but remember, you will be compromising on power, performance and service-life.


Curved-shaft Petrol Grass Trimmers

Essentially an internal-combustion version of the electric grass-trimmer, curved-shaft petrol machines offer superior performance and build-quality when compared to their mains-powered cousins, but they will not deal brilliantly with heavy-duty applications. The Victus VB-260-TR is a very affordable option for the more casual user; while at the other end of the market, machines by manufacturers such as Tanaka guarantee years of unfailing performance in the domestic arena.


Straight-shaft Petrol Brushcutters

As previously mentioned, straight-shaft petrol brushcutters offer improved power-transfer and greater longevity, thanks to their solid drive-shafts. At the more affordable end of the market, cheaper machines under £200 by McCulloch and Ryobi represent outstanding value-for-money, but are equipped with half-crank engines. These engines will not last as long as full-crank power units; however, they may prove the best choice for the reluctant or infrequent gardener. Many brushcutters now come with some form of 'light touch' recoil systems for more effort-free starting; while some of Ryobi's latest brushcutters incorporate their revolutionary 'TouchStart' ignition system for push button starting, which guarantees an instant response, first time, every time. The only drawback is that these new Ryobi strimmers do weigh more. Make sure you check weather or not your chosen machine is supplied with a metal blade head - some manufactures may require that you buy this separately.


Professional Brushcutters

Offering huge amounts of power and outstanding build-quality, professional brushcutters are usually priced well above the £250-mark. Capable of tackling large areas of the densest, most well established undergrowth, engine capacities range from Stihl's 28cc FS87 through to the awesome 52.5cc Efco 'Boss' professional brushcutter. Anti-vibration and weight-reduction measures are very important on these high-performance tools, and a shoulder-harness will make your work more comfortable.


Brushcutter Multi-tool Kits

Versatile, value-for-money packages, Brushcutter Multi-tool Kits allow you to convert your brushcutter into a number of different tools. Cheaper options include Envirogardener's LT200B cordless blade-trimmer, which is supplied with a free hedgetrimmer attachment; and Ryobi's 'One-Plus' grass-trimmer starter-kit, which includes an 18v lithium-ion battery; with the other tools (including a pruner, blower and garden saw) being optional. A good mid-range option would be the McCulloch multi-tool; while the Efco Multi Mate will prove a great choice for those looking to spend a bit more money. In addition to their 'One-Plus' cordless multi-tool system, Ryobi also produce a range of 'Expand-It' attachments. These can be used with any of their petrol-driven split-shaft trimmers and brushcutters.


Wheeled Line Trimmers

Whether you are undertaking some light-duty trimming, or clearing waist-high weeds, a wheeled line-trimmer will allow you to access areas that are difficult to reach with a conventional machine. American manufacturers DR produce a trimmer-mower to suit every pocket, from their 5.5hp push-type 'Sprint' model at the cheaper end; through to their TRM-067S commercial-grade machine, with its 6.7hp engine and effort-saving self-propelled transmission. A high-quality wheeled line trimmer from UK manufacturer Hayter is also worth considering.


Four-stroke Brushcutters

Honda, Makita, Dolmar, Mountfield and MTD all produce excellent four-stroke brushcutters. Four-stroke engines have a number of advantages over their two-stroke counterparts, including improved fuel economy; fewer emissions; and reduced noise-levels. However, despite recent technological advances, four-stroke machines are still significantly heavier than standard 2-stroke machines, rendering them impractical for intensive commercial use.