Lawn trimmers – electric, petrol and battery in the test

You have to consider how much work you want the device to do. Do you have a large garden with many edges, lawn along the fence, is there plenty of rough terrain, many hedges, beds, borders, a pond with pebbles all around, slopes, inclines and the like? Do you only have a small garden for which the grass trimmer is only needed for small jobs? So you have to know before you buy what and how much the lawn trimmer is used for. Your body size is also important. One must be able to work easily without straining. The size of the device must match your own height.

There are devices with different cutting widths. Small cutting widths usually mean less weight and therefore better manoeuvrability.

A single-line trimmer is usually sufficient for smaller gardens. If the garden is quite large and you also want to trim bushes and weeds, it is better to use a more powerful two-line trimmer.

Recommended extras

• Telescopic handle – adjustable for different body sizes
• Ergonomic design – trimming the lawn shouldn’t be strenuous, even if you work for a long time
• Some electric lawn trimmers can be operated with just one hand, have only one handle. However, devices with two handles have a better balance.
• Heavier devices must have two handles, simply because of the ease of use.
• Grass trimmers with an adjustable second handle are ideal for longer work. You can adjust the device in such a way that you can work ergonomically and do not have to exert yourself.
• Devices with a line spool are inexpensive because the line does not have to be replaced manually (fully automatic line extension).
• Grass trimmers with a touch-automatic line extension are ideal. If you need more line, i.e. want to have a wide cutting surface, you only have to tap the head of the device briefly on the ground and the line is automatically lengthened.
• A 180° rotatable motor head is beneficial for easy cutting on vertical surfaces
• A carrying strap so you can work hands-free.
• A foldable spacer bar when you need to get around obstacles.
• Special brush cutter and edge sweeping option through interchangeable attachments (usually only petrol lawnmowers)

Not recommended

• Devices that increase the filament across the board each time it is switched on (a lot of filament is used)
• Devices that are too weak and can really only be used to cut grass

Electrorase trimmer

Electric lawn trimmers are hard-working helpers in the garden. As a rule, they have a robust universal motor. They are available in different performance classes and with different equipment. You shouldn’t use a machine under 12,000 rpm, they just don’t have enough power. Even inexpensive devices offer these revolutions. A comparison is worthwhile.

benefits

• Easy to use
• They don’t weigh much, mostly between 1.5 and 2 kg
• More powerful models are slightly heavier, over 2kg to 3kg, but still manageable
• Suitable for all lawn types and foliage plants
• Infinitely adjustable handle inclination of the device head is ideal for working
• Some devices even come with a collection bag, although a lot will surely still go wrong.
• Likewise, some devices with wheels do not have to be carried.

disadvantage

• Devices in which the worn thread has to be replaced manually are disadvantageous.
• Usually only suitable for small to medium-sized gardens and their associated work.
• Working with a cable, extension cables are required for remote locations
• Unfavorable are devices without plant guards (often can be retrofitted)
• and lawn trimmers without trim & edge function
• From about 80 dB noise, often more

purchase price

• The cheapest models start at 10 euros. They have a 250 to 400 W motor and mostly 2-filament technology. They weigh an average of 1.5 kg, have automatic line adjustment and a cutting diameter of 25 cm. The Einhell BG-ET 2620 and the Ergotools E-RT 25 D fall into this category.
• Similar devices can also be found between 20 and 30 euros.
• The more additional functions and performance, the higher the purchase price.
• Branded devices are more expensive than no-name products.
• Several Internet forums have carried out tests: Very good reviews received: Wolf-Garten GT 850 7136000 (from 67.70 euros), Einhell RG-CT 18 LI 34.111.30 (from 79.95 euros), Stihl Fse 71 48090114112 (from 54, 90 euros) and Bosch Art30 Combitrim (from 72 euros). All not the cheapest models and all branded products.
• In most reviews by buyers who have purchased electric lawn trimmers, branded products are judged better. The service life in particular seems to be longer.
• The most expensive lawn trimmers cost around 100 euros and even more. They are all branded products. The motor power is 500 W or more. The cutting circle diameter is large, about 30 cm. As standard, the devices have at least an automatic inching function, telescopic handle, 90° rotatable head, adjustable additional handle, crop protection bar, wheel set and 2 spools with extra strong line for uncontrolled growth. The Tonino Lamborghini RTV electric lawn trimmer is an extravagant trimmer, even with an integrated collection bag and rollers. However, this is almost a lawn mower again and it will be difficult to crawl into every corner with this part.

acquisition and maintenance costs

Replacement thread spools cost between 10 and 20 euros for 3 spools. You can get them individually from 7 euros, depending on the device type.
Otherwise there are hardly any costs, unless the motor burns out, which happens every now and then with some devices. But then a new device is usually cheaper than repairing it.

materials

A trimmer consists of three parts. At the top there is a handle with a switch and the holder for the power connection. The handle is connected to a telescopic rod. This in turn is attached to a motor at the bottom, at the other end, with a coil and the plastic thread(s). Most of the parts are made of sturdy plastic, the pole is made of aluminium.

power

Motor power starts at 250 watts for the simplest and cheapest devices. The more expensive ones have an output of up to 550 watts. Some devices have up to 1,000 watts.

wear and tear 

The motor, which quickly burns out, is mentioned as the sticking point for some devices. The case gets hot and if you don’t switch it off then, it can lead to a total loss.
A wearing part is the trimming line. This comes from a spool that can be easily changed on the better models. It is a little difficult to get replacement spools for some models.

maintenance

Except for assembly, mounting the cutting tools, adjusting the harness and adjusting the mowing line, all maintenance work should be left to a professional. Every now and then (every 20 to 50 hours of operation) the bevel gear should be lubricated, in any case before packing away in the fall. Otherwise, the grass trimmer must be cleaned after each use.

Manufacturer

Wolf, Bosch, Einhell, Gardena, Hanseatic, Stihl, Güde, Stiga, Variolux, Husqvarna, Shark, Tanaka, Honda, Dolmar, Solo, Lamborghini and many others.

Petrol lawn trimmer

Petrol lawn trimmers are recommended for dense overgrowth in hard-to-reach areas. They also do a good job when there is really heavy work to be done. One thing to think about is getting a brushcutter right away. The only difference is that the trimmer has a mowing line instead of a pawl. Good brushcutters have a replaceable mowing head and can also be converted into a trimmer. The power of the petrol lawn trimmer should not be less than 50 ccm and 0.75 kW. These are rather weak devices, only suitable for weed. More powerful devices have at least 1 to 2 hp. High-performance devices have significantly more horsepower. A vibration-damped shaft is beneficial for working comfort.

benefits

• Independent of power connection and battery
• No cable, so no hindrance at work
• You can get into every corner
• Combination devices can be retrofitted and are more versatile in use

disadvantage

• Heavier (possibly up to 10 kg more weight, depending on how big and how full the petrol tank is)
• bulkier
• volume up
• Produce fumes and smoke
• Gas costs more than electricity
• Must be refueled regularly
• Significantly more expensive

purchase price

• The cheapest models start at around 90 euros. They definitely have 2.2 kW / 3 hp, but only up to a maximum of 7500 rpm. You already get a two-stroke petrol engine, air-cooled, but only with a tank capacity of up to 1200 ml. No extras. Such a device is: Einhell BG-PT 2538 AS (about 95 euros) or the Einhell BG-PT 3043 SE (from 80 euros. Both devices have a very small tank and not much power, but do it for normal grass cutting jobs.
• Every now and then there is a device for about 70 euros, which has similar data.
• Most petrol lawn trimmers cost between 100 and 200 euros. But there are much more expensive ones. You can also spend 550 euros for a lawn trimmer, but this is a top device and usually not necessary for the normal home garden. Such a device is usually sufficient for the normal home garden. ATIKA BT25 (about 150 euros)
• Various users have also carried out tests on banzine lawn trimmers. The machine Dolmar MS C (about 350 euros), Stihl FS 50 (about 200 euros) and Stiega SB 26 JD (about 180 euros) received very good reviews. The last two devices are brushcutters.
• Such devices offer every convenience, are easy to use and, moreover, they have additional parts. Some are standard, others can be purchased. The accessories can be changed with one click.
• A multi-tool set, which includes a lawn trimmer, brush cutter, hedge trimmer and pole pruner and which you can use to upgrade your basic device, costs around 200 euros, depending on the provider.

acquisition and maintenance costs

Replacement thread spools are also required here. Depending on the model, these cost from around 15 euros.
But the motors are better than some electric lawn trimmers. Hardly anyone burns through here.
If you want to upgrade your petrol lawn trimmer, you can purchase additional equipment if possible. From 20 euros you are there, depending on what you want. Parts over 100 euros are also possible. It is best to buy a combi motor and then the corresponding small parts, such as the lawn trimmer.

materials

• consists of three parts
• On small, less powerful devices, the motor is located directly above the mowing head
  •  on more powerful ones at the top of the scythe handle
• Below is the coil with the plastic thread or threads
• Devices are usually made of robust plastic, the rod is made of aluminum

power

• usually all 2-stroke petrol engines
• Differences in maximum engine power, idle speed and fuel tank size
• max. engine power starts at 0.75 kW (approx. 1 hp)
  • Strength is only enough to mow the grass
  • for weeds and bushes it should be at least 2 to 3 hp
  • There are also more powerful engines
• Speed ​​at maximum output varies between 3,000 and over 12,000 rpm for the devices

wear and tear

If the engine is filled incorrectly, i.e. the mixture of petrol and engine oil is not correct, the service life of the machine is usually shorter than normal. You have to stick to the recommended mixing ratio, then nothing is a problem.
Otherwise, the trimming line is also a wearing part here. For most models, getting a replacement is not a problem.

maintenance

as above

Manufacturer

Wolf, Bosch, Einhell, Gardena, Hanseatic, Stihl, Güde, Stiga, Variolux, Husqvarna, Shark, Tanaka, Honda, Dolmar, Solo, Lamborghini and many others.

Battery lawn trimmer

Cordless lawn trimmers are loved by some and rejected by others. The question is always what you need it for. Anyone who only wants to cut an edge of grass or around a border is well served with a cordless tool. If you like to work more with the trimmer, you can get into trouble. The performance is limited, the batteries have to be recharged again and again. It is advantageous if all the work is done with one battery. Then the device is great.

benefits

• Light (should not weigh more than 4 kg!)
• No cable
• Comes to every corner
• No emissions and environmental damage
• Pretty quiet
• Brand-name devices create up to 1000 m² of lawn with one battery charge
• Some devices with different attachments
• A quick charge mode and exchangeable batteries are beneficial
• Choice of batteries – either nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion batteries (technically better)
• Lithium-ion batteries can often be charged in between and can also be stored in a charged state. Battery does not self-discharge.
• Charging station should be included with purchase!

disadvantage

•  Pretty underperforming
• Minimum number of revolutions 8,000 to 10,000 rpm, otherwise performance is too low
• Rechargeable batteries quite quickly (the manufacturer’s information is usually only correct on paper).
• Rather suitable for small gardens and only grass clippings
• If charging station costs extra.
• Nickel-cadmium batteries have to be recharged when they are almost empty. They cannot be cached.
• Battery discharges itself.

purchase price

• The cheapest models start at around 60 euros. They are a bit weaker in terms of performance, but generally offer good value for money, e.g. Güde GRT260 18 Li-ION (about 80 euros) and Grizzly Art 18 Lion (about 60 euros)
• The Stihl Fsa 85 48520115701 (over 300 euros), Bosch Art 26 LI 18V (around 120 euros) and Gardena 8841-20 Accucut 450 LI (around 120 euros) were tested and found to be good. The first device is very expensive, but both the Bosch and Gardena trimmers offer very good value for money.
• The company Husqvarna offers two new devices (536 LiR and 536 LiL), both absolutely professional devices, which are supposed to perform better than petrol lawn trimmers. However, they cost a good 600 or a good 800 euros.

acquisition and maintenance costs

Replacement spools are also required here. Depending on the device and model, these cost from 5 euros.
Replacement batteries make sense and some don’t last as long as the devices need to. Again, it depends on the device and the brand. You have to reckon with 10 to 50 euros.

power

• The battery life is crucial here. It should be one hour, i.e. 60 minutes.
• A good speed at max power: 5500 rpm
• Li-ion batteries are better
• The charging time should be between 30 and 60 minutes.

wear and tear

With cordless lawn trimmers, the trimming line is also a wearing part. For most models, getting a replacement is not a problem.
Otherwise, of course, a battery can go flat, which happens from time to time.

maintenance

as above

Manufacturer

Wolf, Bosch, Einhell, Gardena, Hanseatic, Stihl, Güde, Stiga, Variolux, Husqvarna, Shark, Tanaka, Honda, Dolmar, Solo, Lamborghini and many others.