01.Introduction
Test results for 19 lawn trimmers, including petrol, electric and cordless battery-powered models, ranging from $50-$369.
Last time CHOICE tested lawn trimmers (also known as whipper-snippers and line trimmers), we found the electric and cordless battery-powered models performed average at best and very poorly at worst. This round of testing confirms little has changed.
Corded electric trimmers require dragging an extension cord behind you, which is potentially dangerous, so they’re only suitable for a small-sized backyard, as are the battery-powered cordless lawn trimmers. Despite their downsides, however, battery-powered and electric trimmers are easier to start than petrol models, and also quieter to use.
The better-performing models in our test may be all you need for a small backyard.
The petrol lawn trimmers tested have a two-stroke engine (except the Honda, which is a four stroke and uses regular unleaded), so you’ll have to do some mixing of fuels.
For more information on Lawnmowers, see Backyard.
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Our testers assess, among other things;
Performance by horizontally trimming along fences, walls and trimming areas of lawn and trims vertically, with the cutting head perpendicular to the ground, along the edges of paths and garden borders. We also cut long grass up to 45cm in length.
Ease of use by how comfortable the trimmers are to use, taking into account their weight, balance, handles, angle of the cutting head and so on. Respooling the line, using controls, starting, using the line feed and vibration are also taken into account.
Brands and models tested
- Black and Decker GL741-XE
- Black and Decker Cordless BST2018-XE
- Echo GT-22GES
- Flymo Samurai 1000
- Gardeners Choice GCT-260
- Honda UMS425U
- Husqvarna 124C
- Littl' Juey Electric LJ650EW
- Makita RST250
- Morrison BC 230B S2
- Ozito Cordless Line Trimmer OZCLT18VA
- Pope Spitfire 101PLT25SS
- Pope Power Trim 500W Line Trimmer
- Ryobi RLT30CESNB
- Shindaiwa Home Pro 22F
- Stihl FS 38
- Stihl FSE 41
- Victa Tornado TTB2226
- Victa Envirotrimmer ETP5912B
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