Keep reading for our top tips to make sure you get the best model for your budget and your needs.
Breathe new life into your outside spaces.1. Choose the power source
One of the first decisions is to choose the power type for your grass trimmer. You can opt for one of the following:
Petrol grass trimmer Cordless grass trimmersCorded grass trimmersIf you need a tool that's not restricted by a cord, it's worth keeping in mind that due to recent market shifts, we're seeing fewer launches of petrol-powered gardening tools. Manufacturers appear to be focusing their attention on cordless tools as they offer a better alternative for the environment and our health. They’re also quieter and produce zero emissions, while still being flexible and powerful enough to rival petrol tools.
2. And the cutting system
Grass trimmers cut using either a line or small plastic blades. If you're not sure which cutting system is right for you, think about the type of material you'll be cutting.
Line and line-feed systems
The trimmer line is designed to break if you hit an object too hard, this prevents it from causing damage or getting wrapped around the object. To replace the broken line, you'll need to feed out more of it by either banging the grass trimmer on the ground (bump feed), stop using the trimmer and pull out more line (manual feed) or just start using it again as more line will come out automatically (automatic feed). Remember to feed out more line regularly to avoid it becoming too short.
Blade systems
You won't have to worry about your line breaking or any other line-feed system issues, and the blades on the trimmer's head are generally simple to replace. One restriction with this system is that models aren't really designed for tough jobs such as long grass or rough weed patches and can easily break on hard surfaces. Blades can be more expensive to replace than a line, but some manufacturers offer free blades for the life of the grass trimmer, so check if that's the case with the trimmer you have your eye on before you buy.
Brushcutters
If you're going to be dealing with tough weeds on a regular basis, a brushcutter may be the better option. Instead of a grass-trimmer line, it has a multi-point metal plate that spins rapidly and easily deals with stubborn vegetation. These should be used with extreme caution.
Struggling with your line system? Read our advice on .3. Look out for these handy features
If you're looking for a straightforward grass trimmer for occasional light use, you probably won't need a lot of features. But the below are some to consider as they can make a huge difference in ease of use and convenience:
Rotating head Adjustable angle head Harness/shoulder strap A wheel on the grass-trimmer headBike handles Loop handles4. Consider Great Value products
You'll have to part with at least £60 to get your hands on a Best Buy corded grass trimmer, but cordless models are more expensive. A decent model will cost you around £100, however models with longer-lasting batteries can cost as much as £200. Good petrol or heavy-duty models are usually priced around £100 but we found that spending more gets you a better model.
If you're trying to find a tool that's affordable but will still do a good job, take a look at our Great Value models.
A Great Value model has to score 65% or more while also being at least 20% cheaper than the average price of the grass trimmers we've tested.
5. Safety first
Generally speaking, grass trimmers are fairly safe as far as garden power tools go, but you should still be careful.
Always wear gloves for a better grip, as well as protection from thorns or brambles, and wear suitable footwear to avoid cutting yourself.
Ear defenders should be used if you're using a particularly loud trimmer, such as petrol. You should also consider buying safety goggles to protect your eye from any debris that may be flying around during use.
A cheaper alternative to a grass trimmer for lawn edging issource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-things-to-know-if-youre-buying-a-grass-trimmer-a4gpT6k3SK0l