Whether you’re a groundcare professional, or a domestic gardener, a strimmer is a vital part of your garden maintenance tool collection. But with so many different brands and models on the market, it can be hard to know what to look for.
In this guide, we’ve put together some of the most important elements of a grass strimmer that you need to consider to help you buy the best one for your needs. Keep reading to learn more from our team at Hughie Willett Machinery…
What is a strimmer?
A strimmer is typically defined as being a power tool that uses a rotating wire or blade to cut long grass, or grassy areas that are otherwise inaccessible to lawnmowers. These are useful for professional landscapers and domestic users alike because they’re incredibly versatile and easy to use.
Check out our article on How Does a Strimmer Work? to learn more about the ins and outs of this fantastic piece of gardening equipment.
Why choose a strimmer?
As we mentioned above, strimmers are often used to cut grass in difficult areas where a lawnmower can’t work effectively.
For example, strimmers are ideal for lawn edges and borders where a smaller tool is needed. You can also use a strimmer on raised and/or uneven terrain, or to tackle more stubborn weeds and plant growth.
Strimmers are perfect for preparing an area before you use a lawnmower. Cutting longer grass down to size helps prevent the lawnmower from getting stuck or clogged on big clumps of plant material - making garden maintenance much easier.
What is the difference between strimmers and grass trimmers?
The question of what’s the difference between strimmers and grass trimmers is asked a lot, and fortunately there’s a very simple answer - there isn’t any difference. Grass trimmers and strimmers are the same tool.
Strimmer was a proprietary name for the tool sold by Black+Decker which has become so commonly used that it’s now a general term for grass trimmers (like with Hoover or Velcro).
Strimmer terminology
Throughout this guide, we’ll be discussing several different parts of a strimmer, so it’s important to clarify what we’re referring to each time. In this section, we’ve highlighted the basic parts of a strimmer and given a brief description of their function.
Top handle
The top handle is typically where you hold the strimmer with your dominant hand, and is usually where you’ll find the throttle and safety triggers.
Throttle trigger
The throttle trigger is the ‘on-switch’ for your strimmer, and controls when the blade or wire is in use.
Safety lock switch
Many modern power tools have a safety switch that needs to be engaged with the throttle to make the strimmer work. This helps prevent accidental activation of the strimmer which could result in physical harm.
Assistant handle
The assistant handle is used to guide the strimmer to the necessary areas, and provides more stability whilst en you’re using it.
Note - the handle design can vary across different models. For example, some petrol strimmers have “bike handles” which come out from the strimmer shaft. These also relocate the throttle trigger to make them easier to use.
Strimmer shaft
The shaft is the main body of the strimmer, connecting the head (where the blade is) with the handle.
Head adjuster
Many strimmers have a head adjuster which allows you to rotate the angle of the blade. This is useful along borders and edges where you may need a more vertical cutting angle.
Anti-collision guard
Anti-collision guards, as the name suggests, act as a brace to stop the blade from colliding with exterior walls or trees that could cause damage to the head.
Protection cover
The protection cover is essential. This provides a barrier between you (and your feet) with the blade/wire to avoid accidents that could cause physical harm.
Strimmer blade/wire
The strimmer blade spins to cut grass, weeds, and other plants. This is typically either a blade, or a nylon wire depending on the design of the strimmer.
How much does a strimmer cost?
There is no simple answer here, as the cost of your strimmer will largely depend on factors such as what you need a strimmer for, the type you choose, the brand, and any additional features you require.
At Hughie Willett Machinery, we have a wide range of strimmers at varying price points for you to consider. For example, we have cordless strimmers from £99, all the way up to more heavy-duty clearing saw strimmers at £800+ (correct at time of writing and subject to change).
Strimmer buying considerations
As you’ve likely gathered from reading this far, there’s a lot more involved in choosing the right strimmer for your needs. To make the buying process easier for you, we’ve put together a list of important aspects you should consider before committing to a strimmer purchase.
Use
The first thing to consider is what you want to use a strimmer for. Do you want to mow a lawn, or do you have more intricate or delicate tasks planned? Are you a gardening professional, or looking for a domestic tool? The use will dictate the type of tool you need, so consider the following questions before you buy.
What is the job?
Firstly, ask yourself ‘what is the job I need to do?’ This is because the actual requirements of the task will have a big impact on what type of strimmer you need.
Strimmers are best suited for trimming grass and weeds along the borders of a garden, or on hard to reach areas like around the base of a tree. They have more manoeuvrability, and you have more control of where and how they cut.
How big is the area?
Whilst you could cut your lawn with a strimmer, we wouldn’t recommend it. This will take a long time, and the sweeping motion needed for a strimmer means it’s very difficult to achieve an even finish.
Instead, strimmers are much more suited to smaller gardens, or along paths and edges where a narrower cutting width is an asset. Plus, they’re much easier to use in short bursts, as the weight can become cumbersome if used for too long.
For larger spaces, you need something more robust - check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Ride On Lawn Mower for more information and advice.
What is the terrain?
Strimmers are ideal for rough terrain where you can’t use a lawnmower safely because they’re more mobile and easier to move around a space.
They’re also useful to trim stubborn plant growth or long grasses to prepare the terrain for bigger groundcare tools, like lawnmowers.
Experience
Another key consideration to factor in before buying a strimmer is how much experience you have with this type of tool.
Regardless of which cutter type you choose, strimmers can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Improper use could lead to serious injuries for you, or those around you, so it’s essential that you know how to use them correctly.
If you’re a beginner, it’s worth looking for a less powerful strimmer engine (or motor) until you can get to grips with the tool. Cordless strimmers are battery powered, and typically less powerful than petrol models - making them safer for beginners.
For more experienced users, especially in professional settings, a petrol strimmer could be a better investment. You likely have experience working with the tool, and could benefit from the increased power a larger trimmer provides.
Power type
Power type will have a big impact on which type of strimmer you should buy. There are three primary power types for most groundcare machinery, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Petrol strimmers
Petrol strimmers are the most powerful option, with most petrol strimmers having a two stroke engine that runs on a combination of petrol and oil. These stronger engines allow for more heavy-duty applications like cutting through thick weeds and vegetation.
This makes them ideal for groundcare professionals who tend to have more variety in their work, and have to tackle difficult areas.
Petrol strimmers are also incredibly useful in more remote areas because you don’t need to worry about being near a mains supply to recharge.
However, these models can be harder for beginners to use because you risk flooding the engine, or may struggle with using a pull starter. You also have to contend with the fumes and emissions from a petrol engine.
Electric strimmers
Electric strimmers use a mains supply to receive power, which means the main benefit is that they won’t run out of power midway through a task (as long as they remain plugged in).
However, the cord does pose certain problems. You have to be careful not to cut through it accidentally or get it tangled around your feet, as this could become a trip hazard.
Plus, you would struggle to use an electric strimmer in remote areas because you need to be close to a mains supply. This is less of an issue in a domestic setting, where the range can be extended via an extension lead if necessary.
Cordless (battery) strimmers
To combat the issue of power cords on groundcare tools, developments in technology have led to the rise of battery-powered, or cordless, strimmers.
A cordless strimmer can give you the best of both worlds. Since they’re electric, there’s no need to worry about petrol fumes or emissions.
The battery removes the need for a power cord, so you have better mobility around a space. This makes them perfect over uneven terrain because you don’t need to worry about accidentally cutting through the cord, or moving too far from a power source.
However, cordless strimmers tend to be the weakest in terms of cutting power, which could be an issue on tougher weeds or vegetation. You’ll also need to remember to charge the battery regularly, or you could be stuck in the middle of a job with no power.
For a more detailed analysis of the pros and cons of petrol and cordless strimmers, check out our guide to What are the Different Types of Strimmer?
Cutting tool
Obviously, one of the most important considerations when buying a strimmer is the type of cutting tool you choose. There are two types of cutting tools for mainstream users, and the best one for you will depend on the tasks you’re completing.
Line strimmers
Line strimmers cut through grass and weeds by spinning a length of plastic or nylon cord at high speeds. Depending on the design at the head, these strimmers can either use one line of cord or two for their cutting mechanism.
As you can imagine, one issue with line strimmers is when there's a break in the cord. Usually, the wire is designed to wear gradually over time, and be replaced by more from the spool within the head (either through an automatic feed, bumping the spool on the ground, or by pressing a button to release the material).
Breaks speed up this process, and you could run out of material prematurely. In these cases, replacing a wire spool can be fiddly and isn’t for everyone. Plus, the plastic remnants can be harmful for the environment, and you need to remember to pick them up before they cause further problems.
Another thing to consider with line strimmers is that whilst they’re powerful enough to handle long grass and weeds, they would struggle with thicker, woody materials. This can limit their usability for some tasks, and tends to relegate them to more domestic use.
Blade strimmers
Alternatively, many strimmers use two rotating blades to provide their cutting force. For domestic use, these tend to be made of plastic, as this is safer for people to use and store around the home.
These are more powerful than line strimmers, which is ideal if you have overgrown bushes and vegetation that is causing problems in a garden. However, you need to be careful, as plastic can snap off if it comes in contact with a rock or harder material.
Industrial or professional strimmers can use metal blades to avoid this, as well as manage more heavy-duty applications. These are more expensive, and you definitely need to be experienced before buying this type of strimmer.
Cutting width
Cutting width is an important consideration because it can affect how quickly you can complete a task. Wider cutting widths can cut more grass with each sweep, which should allow you to complete the job faster (in theory).
Domestic strimmers tend to have a cutting width between 20 cm to 35 cm, which is perfectly sufficient for light grass trimming and most lawns. Professional landscapers and gardeners on the other hand, may want to look for larger models up to 42 cm for more labour intensive tasks.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that there is a correlation between cutting width and strimmer power. Stronger engines can support a wider cutting width because they have enough power to rotate the larger blades.
It also dictates how big the strimmer head is, which can affect the usability depending on your strength and familiarity with strimmer use. Gardening professionals are familiar with these tools, so are able to handle the extra width offered by these machines safely.
Weight
As with any power tool, you need to be able to handle your chosen strimmer safely. Weight is therefore a vital consideration, as this will impact on how usable the tool is.
For example, if you find the strimmer too heavy, you won’t be able to lift it clearly off the ground and could injure yourself. Even if you can lift it properly, you may struggle to complete the job without stopping and could waste time unnecessarily.
For most people, electric or cordless strimmers are a reasonable weight and you should be able to use them comfortably. Petrol strimmers are heavier, which is why they’re more suitable for landscapers who have more experience with groundcare machinery.
Strimmer design features
Outside of the basic framework of a strimmer, there may be several design features that you want to consider before you buy.
Adjustable cutting head
An adjustable cutting head is incredibly useful when you need to change the angle at which you’re cutting. For example, a more vertical angle may help when you’re doing finer work along the borders of your garden, or trimming climbing weeds.
Top tip - look out for levers or buttons near the strimmer head that can give you more control of the cutting angle.
Adjustable strimmer shaft
Adjustable strimmer shafts are an incredibly useful design feature that can save you a lot of pain in the future.
If you’re above or below average height, being able to adjust the length of your strimmer can protect your back from strain during use, or help you use the tool safely and protect your feet from the blade/wire.
Changing the strimmer shaft length could also be more useful on uneven terrain to prevent accidental breakages within the head, or on inclines where a shorter shaft may be safer to use.
Handle types
Most strimmers have a top handle where the throttle is located, and a guide handle midway down the shaft. This is a simple design, and effective for lighter strimmers because it gives you more control over where the head goes.
Alternatively, you may find the “bike handle” design more comfortable. This is where there is a handle coming from the either side of the strimmer shaft similar to bike handlebars and is often used for clearing work where less precise movement is required. On more powerful models, this design makes it easier for you to direct the strimmer head because you’re using two hands to control the shaft.
Straps and safety harnesses
If you’re planning on using your strimmer for long stretches at a time, you might want to invest in one that has straps and/or safety harnesses.
These attach to the strimmer and help to distribute the weight across your body to make them more comfortable to carry over time. This also prevents you from accidentally dropping your strimmer and getting injured.
Bump guards
Bump guards, or anti-collision braces, are incredibly useful if you’re using a strimmer along the edge of a garden or path.
These provide a barrier between an external surface, like a fence or tree, and your strimmer head, which protects the blade/wire from damage. Bump guards also stop you from cutting through these surfaces by accident, which could cause you issues in the future.
Brand
Choosing the right brand of strimmer is an important part of your purchasing considerations.
Here at Hughie Willett Machinery, our range includes Husqvarna and Stihl strimmers, and both of these brands offer fantastic groundcare tools in a variety of designs and price points to suit your needs.
These brands have decades of experience designing and manufacturing groundcare equipment for professional and domestic use, so you can trust that you’re getting high-quality, intelligent designs with the latest technology in the industry.
So, if you’re looking for safe, ergonomically designed, and consistently excellent performance, Husqvarna and Stihl strimmers are the ones for you.
Essential safety precautions
Once you’ve chosen your strimmer, you’re ready to get started and make your garden look amazing. But, there are a few precautions we recommend following to ensure the safety of yourself, and those around you:
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Wear appropriate shoes, such as thick or steel-capped work boots to protect your feet.
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Grass in your eyes can be incredibly unpleasant and unsafe, so make sure to protect them with safety glasses and/or a face shield when you’re working.
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Make sure the ground is clear of rocks and other debris where possible. This will help prevent the blade/wire from breakages.
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Always turn off the strimmer when you need to put it down, or need to go up/down stairs or hills, to prevent accidents from occuring.
Looking for the best place to buy a strimmer?
At Hughie Willett Machinery, we’re one of the leading suppliers of groundcare tools and machinery.
Our dedicated team of experts at Hughie Willett Machinery are always on hand to provide you the best advice before, during and after your purchase. Contact us now for more information.
Shop for strimmers at Hughie Willett Machinery today
For more detailed equipment guides and groundcare machinery advice and information, explore the Hughie Willett Machinery blog…
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