Ultimate Guide to Choosing The Best Strimmer for Your Garden

When it comes to keeping your garden in pristine condition, a line trimmer, or strimmer as it’s commonly known, is an essential tool in your gardening arsenal. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a weekend gardening enthusiast, selecting the right strimmer can make all the difference in the ease and effectiveness of your gardening tasks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various types of strimmers available on the market, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

Single Battery Strimmers: The Convenient Choice

Single-battery strimmers are a fantastic option if you’re already invested in a particular brand’s power tool ecosystem. Their compatibility with existing batteries means you won’t have to juggle multiple charging systems, making them a convenient choice for those with limited spare batteries or time. However, it’s worth noting that these models may offer less power and runtime compared to their dual battery or high-output counterparts, potentially limiting their effectiveness for more demanding tasks.

Milwaukee M18FBCU M18 Fuel U-Handle Brush Cutter

The Milwaukee M18FBCU is the latest and most powerful strimmer from Milwaukee. It has an M18 Fuel motor, which is a step above their brushless motor range, and can go to full throttle in under 1 second.

This powerful brush cutter is designed to clear grass, thick brush and weeds up to 3cm in diameter. It weighs only 4.9 kg without a battery, and has a U-Shaped bike-handle style.

It comes with three options on Tool Force:

Makita DUR190 Line Trimmer / Brush Cutter (D-Handle and U-Handle options available)

This Makita Strimmer is comfortable and quiet, making it ideal for garden maintenance. It runs on Makita’s 18v LXT battery range, so if you already have 18v Makita power tools you can use these batteries in your strimmer. It weighs only 3.4 kg without a battery so you can keep going for longer without needing a break.

It has three adjustable speeds, and is ideal for numerous jobs such as mowing lawn edges, light weeds and finer material. Universal protective cover for cutting blades and wire heads.

Tool Force has two different versions of this available body only – a D-Handle and a U-Handle.

DeWalt DCMST561 Cordless String Grass Strimmer

This DeWalt Cordless Grass Trimmer is powered by 18v XR batteries and is suitable for use by both professionals and amateurs alike. It has a brushless motor and makes light work of thick brush and overgrown grass and weeds.

The user has increased control with a variable speed trigger and a padded rubber aux handle to ensure optimal comfort and reduced user fatigue. This strimmer has a split shaft for easy transportation and storage, and weighs only 3.5 kg without a battery.

Milwaukee M18BLLT M18 Brushless Line Trimmer

This Milwaukee Strimmer has an impressive brushless motor that will let it go to full throttle in under 1 second with no petrol fumes. This strimmer has 2 adjustable speeds and can clear away even the most dense brush and grass. This machine can operate continuously for op to an hour on an M18 8Ah High-Output battery.

This machine weighs only 5.6 kg with the battery attached, and has an easy-to change line and auxiliary handle for more comfort and control.

Dual Battery Strimmers: Power Meets Flexibility

For those who demand a bit more oomph from their gardening tools, dual battery strimmers present a compelling option. These models leverage the power of two batteries, providing a significant boost in both performance and runtime. They’re particularly well-suited for individuals with a collection of spare batteries or those who don’t mind leaving batteries to charge. The flexibility and power offered by dual battery strimmers make them a favourite among gardening aficionados.

Makita DUR369LZ 36v Brushless Line Trimmer

This Dual-battery strimmer from Makita is powerful and runs for longer than its single battery compatriots. It takes 2 x 18v LXT batteries and can drive the engine with impressive power of 1kW. It has a number of advanced features, such as the Automatic Torque Drive (ADT) technology which automatically adjusts your speed and torque in case of resistance to maintain power, and the Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT) which will switch off your machine if there is a sudden reduction in speed or when an object is touched.

Handy loop handle and weighs up to 6.3 kg with batteries attached.

Toolforce offer this machine body only here: https://toolforce.ie/makita-36v-brushless-line-trimmer-dur369lz/

Einhell 3411300 36v Cordless Grass Trimmer

This Einhell dual-battery strimmer runs on 2 x 18v Power X-Change batteries running simultaneously. It has a smooth performance with electronic speed control that makes more accurate cuts easier to achieve. It comes with a belt harness to reduce the strain on your arms from carrying it, and it has an adjustable handle to make it better suited to the user.

It has a flower guard built in to prevent unintentional cutting, and it is designed with its motor in the front for more effective power transmission and better weight balance.

Tool Force offers this machine body only here: https://toolforce.ie/einhell-36v-cordless-grass-trimmer-body-only-3411300/

High Output Battery Strimmers: The Professional’s Choice

Professionals in landscaping and gardening will appreciate the superior power and extended runtime of high output battery strimmers. These tools are designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional use, eliminating the need for constant battery swaps. While their performance is unparalleled, the investment required may be a consideration for those on a tighter budget.

DeWalt DCM571N-XJ 54v Flexvolt Strimmer with Fixed Shaft

This DeWalt 54v Flexvolt Strimmer is designed for heavy-duty trimming of thick grass, weeds and dense vegetation. It can handle any kind of trimming task with ease and efficiency.

The DCM571N-XJ model has a fixed shaft design, which gives it more stability and balance. There is also a split shaft model available if you prefer it for storage and transportation.

This line trimmer has a brushless motor with durable metal housing, which makes it more robust and efficient. It is part of the DeWalt 54v FlexVolt range, which offers the ultimate performance and runtime for cordless DeWalt tools.

It has a 38cm cutting swathe, which means that it can cover large areas in a short time. The cutting line has a diameter of 2.0mm and a length of 7.5m, which is suitable for most trimming tasks.

It has an option of a brush cutter, which can be sold separately. The brush cutter adapter kit and the brush knife allow you to convert the strimmer into a brush cutter, which can be used for heavy duty clearing work.

It has a hi/low speed control with variable speed, which lets you adjust the speed according to the conditions. The low speed mode is 0-5,100 rpm, while the high speed mode is 0-5,500 rpm. The variable speed also helps you conserve battery power and extend the runtime.

You can purchase this strimmer body only on Tool Force today: https://toolforce.ie/dewalt-dcm571n-xj-54v-flexvolt-cordless-string-trimmer-brush-cutter-dcm571n-xj/

DeWalt DCM5713N-XJ 54v Flexvolt Strimmer with Split Shaft

This DeWalt string trimmer is a high-performance cordless garden tool that uses DeWalt’s powerful 54v Flexvolt batteries.

The DCM5713N-XJ is the Split Shaft version of the DCM571N-XJ line trimmer, which means you can more easily store it and transport it.

This machine has a 38cm cutting swath, for the same cutting capacity and power as a petrol model.

It has a unique gear drive, meaning it can keep a consistent speed, even under load. It has useful features, such as a dual paddle with lock off for more comfort and safety for the user.

Purchase this DeWalt split shaft strimmer here: https://toolforce.ie/dewalt-dcm5713n-xj54v-flexvolt-brushless-cordless-split-shaft-line-trimmer/

Makita UR014GT201 40v Max Brushless Line Trimmer Kit

This is the ultimate in power when it comes to Makita line trimmers – powered by their hefty 40v Max XGT batteries, these machines perform comparably to a 35cc petrol strimmer.

This high-powered Makita Strimmer is quiet, making it perfect for use in built-up urban areas, and it has a long battery life so you don’t need to constantly switch out and charge your batteries.

It has a high-torque mode when you need that extra power in longer grass or stubborn bushes, and it has sophisticated design features such as AFT technology to monitor the machine’s rotation speed and automatically shut it off in the event of a sudden decrease in speed to protect the user from injury.

It also has XPT technology to keep dust and water out of key internal components, especially useful for the jobs a strimmer is doing.

This Makita strimmer is sold in a kit on Tool Force along with 2 x 5Ah Makita 40v Max XGT Batteries and charger. You can purchase it here: https://toolforce.ie/makita-xgt-40v-brushless-line-trimmer-kit-ur014gt201/

Another useful thing to note is that when it comes to Milwaukee’s M18 tool system, they have a range of 18v High-Output batteries and a brand new range of Forge Batteries that will offer more power and runtime than their standard M18 RedLithium batteries, making them comparable in performance to this range.

Garden Multi Tool Systems: Versatility at Its Best

For the multi-tasking gardener looking to perform a variety of tasks without breaking the bank, garden multi tool systems are an excellent choice. These versatile tools offer the ability to switch between different gardening functions, potentially saving money in the long run. However, if your primary need is only a strimmer, this option might not offer the best value.

Milwaukee M18FOPHLT Quik-Lok Line Trimmer Kit (Runs on 1 x M18 Battery)

The Milwaukee Quik-Lok system is their advanced garden multi tool system, perfect for the gardener who wants a professional-grade garden tool collection, in the most cost-effective and easiest to maintain way.

They have various attachments for this multi-tool, such as a Hedge Trimmer (M18FOPH-HTA), Chainsaw (M18FOPH-CSA), Lawn Edger (M18 FOPH-EA), Brush Cutter (M18 FOPH-BCA), Rubber Broom (M18FOPH-RBA), Bristle Brush (M18FOPH-BBA), Extension Bar (M18FOPH-EXA), and the subject of this blog, a Line Trimmer (M18FOPH-LTA).

This powerful Milwaukee Quik-Lok power head is powered by an M18 Fuel Motor, the top performing and longest lasting brushless technology Milwaukee Tools have to offer. It can reach full throttle in under 1 second, and you can vary your speed between high and low mode with a trigger.

This machine comes with an adjustable auxiliary handle, shoulder strap and carrying ring for comfort and better control.

The Line trimmer attachment can clear thick brush with ease, and has a 38.6 cm cutting path width.

It has an easy-load trimmer head with bump feed that holds 7.6m of 2.0mm trimmer line, or 6.1m of 2.4mm trimmer line depending on your needs.

Tool Force give you several different options for purchasing this M18 Quik Lok Line Trimmer tool.

You can buy this Line Trimmer attachment by itself if you already have the M18 Power head here: https://toolforce.ie/milwaukee-quik-lok-line-trimmer-attachment-m18foph-lta/

Alternatively, you can buy the power head and Line Trimmer attachment together in these battery combinations:

Makita DUX60Z 36v Split-Shaft Motor Unit (Runs on 2 x 18v LXT Batteries)

The DUX60Z is a cordless combi motor that can handle various gardening tasks with ease. It has low vibrations, noise, weight and emissions. It runs on two 18V batteries that power a 36V brushless motor.

It has an on/off button with auto-off, a loop handle, overload protection, electric brake, variable speed control, soft start, constant speed control, reverse switch and AFT features. It also has a multi-tool system that lets you use different attachments for different applications.

You can change the attachments without any tools.

The DUX60Z is sold on Toolforce as a body-only unit, so you need to buy the batteries and charger separately. It comes with some accessories, such as a shoulder strap, a hex wrench, safety goggles and an accessory bag.

Here’s where you can find it on the Tool Force website: https://toolforce.ie/makita-36v-split-shaft-motor-unit-dux60z/

You will also need to purchase the attachments separately. You can find two different attachments for the Makita Garden Multi Tool on Tool Force.

Makita Brush Cutter Attachment 191N31-5 – https://toolforce.ie/makita-brush-cutter-attachment-191n31-5/
- Suitable for line, grass blade and composite blade. Supplied with nylon cutting head. Universal guard for use with nylon cutting head, plastic blade and metal blade. Can be used with the 198383-1 plastic blade set (not included)
Makita Line Trimmer 191N49-6 – https://toolforce.ie/makita-line-trimmer-attachment-191n49-6/
- Supplied with nylon cutting head
- Bump and Feed

Petrol Strimmers: The Traditional Powerhouse

Petrol Strimmers are a go-to for those starting fresh in the gardening tool world. Their independence from battery systems and robust performance make them a reliable choice. However, it’s important to consider the ongoing maintenance and higher operational costs associated with petrol models.

Draper 80880 Petrol Brush Cutter and Line Trimmer

The Draper Petrol Brush Cutter and Line Trimmer is a versatile and powerful tool for trimming and clearing grass, weeds and vegetation.

It has a 2 stroke petrol engine with a choke for easy starting and a safety throttle lever with a lock on feature.

It has a bike handle for comfortable use and a shoulder harness for easy carrying.

It comes with a three bladed brush cutter, a tap ‘n’ go double line spool, a 1.5L 2 stroke mixing bottle and a shoulder strap/harness.

It also includes some assembly tools, such as spanners and hexagon keys.

Find it here on Tool Force: https://toolforce.ie/draper-petrol-brush-cutter-and-line-trimmer-32-5cc-gtp34/

Budget Strimmers: Economical Yet Effective

For casual gardeners looking to maintain their space without investing heavily, budget strimmers offer a practical solution. While these models are accessible and cost-effective, they may not boast the durability or performance of their premium counterparts, making them more suitable for light gardening tasks.

Sealey CS20V 20v Cordless Strimmer (part of the SV20 Series)

This handy Sealey cordless Strimmer is a great addition to your SV20 tool collection.

It is lightweight and makes gardening easy, clean and effective, and has adjustable height and cutting angles.

It weighs only 1.5 kg without batteries so it means less strain on your arms. Perfect for the DIYer or home gardener looking to tidy up any grass or brush around the place.

This Sealey SV20 Strimmer is available in multiple battery and charger combinations on Tool Force:

Einhell 3411125 18v Cordless Grass Trimmer Kit (comes with 1 x batteries and charger)

The Einhell 18V Power X-Change Cordless Grass Trimmer is a lightweight and eco-friendly tool for trimming and edging your lawn.

It is suitable for home use by amateurs, as it is easy to operate and maintain. It has a telescopic handle that can be adjusted to your height and preference, and a flower guard that protects your plants and trees from damage.

It has a 24cm cutting width and a blade speed of 8500 rpm, which means that it can cut through grass and weeds effectively. It uses 18v Power X-Change batteries, which means that you can use the same battery for other Einhell tools, saving you money and space.

It also comes with 20 plastic blades that can be changed without any tools, and some accessories, such as a shoulder strap, a hex wrench, safety goggles and an accessory bag.

This Einhell 18v Strimmer is available in a kit with 1 x battery and charger on Tool Force – find it here: https://toolforce.ie/einhell-18v-cordless-grass-trimmer-kit-3411125/

In Summary

Selecting the right strimmer involves balancing your gardening needs with the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Whether you prioritize power, versatility, or budget-friendliness, there’s a strimmer out there that’s perfect for your garden. Remember, the key to a well-maintained outdoor space is not just the tools you use, but how well they align with your gardening ambitions and lifestyle. Happy gardening!