Recommend a Grass Trimmer

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Hi all,

I’m looking to buy a grass trimmer and would appreciate some recommendations.

We’ve a sizeable back garden (120ft by 30ft) and an average front garden (30ft by 30ft). Planning on using the strimmer to cut in around a few trees, do some edging, hard to reach places, etc.

I’m looking for a 4-stroke petrol. I think petrol has its benefits over corded and cordless. Want a 4-stroke over a 2-stroke for longevity and durability.

I’ve taken a brief look at Stihl and Makita. I’m not expert, but Stihl seems to have always been the go-to choice for well-built garden power tools. But of course, everyone knows Makita in the world of general power tools, too.

Are Stihl as good as they used to be? Have Makita closed the gap? Is there a better alternative to either?

Does a straight shaft have benefits over a curved shaft?

With regards to budget, I don’t want to go too low (and get something unworthy), nor do I need a commercial-grade beast. I would imagine somewhere in the region of £150-£300.

Thanks in advance!

Rdwill

I've had my 2 stroke mcculloch trim mac 240 for over 20 years now and after many attempts to kill it, its still going strong.

paperclap

Rdwill said:

I've had my 2 stroke mcculloch trim mac 240 for over 20 years now and after many attempts to kill it, its still going strong.

That's good to hear! Have you had to repair it at any point?

Rdwill

laurencewhymark said:

Rdwill said:

I've had my 2 stroke mcculloch trim mac 240 for over 20 years now and after many attempts to kill it, its still going strong.

That's good to hear! Have you had to repair it at any point?

My Dad gave it a clean and 'tune up' for me about 7 years ago, it had started to struggle, (He's good with things like that), I think the tube that takes the petrol out of the tank to the engine had corroded and needed replacing. But apart from that no issues, and never spent a penny on it outside of 2 stroke and strimmer wire.

Ajmason42

Honda powers get god reviews the do strimmers as well. Cannot comment to quality I use a flymo cordless for basic lawn edging and just a bit of general tidying up

greyteam1959

You do of course pay over the odds for any brand name.
I would think there are plenty of more reasonably priced options available.

benson1980

I've just invested in a Worx WG186E 40V max multi tool trimmer and would recommend it. With the batteries and charging pack it's a little over your budget but more than a match for a petrol trimmer, and the convenience of being cordless. I've got a petrol mower so not adverse to petrol machinery but batteries are a bit more convenient/no starting issues or maintenance (aside from having the charge the batteries but from the usage you describe it should be fine on one charge). The other bonus with this one is you can buy different attachments for it aside from trimming.

donemedosh

Stihl every time I work as a gardener/Handyman & all my petrol hand tools are stihl. My FS40 I have had for 5 years only had to replace carb last year & spark plug / filter each year. All you need to do is winter time drain the petrol completly the spring replace filter & spark plug away you go. One point I would make is when using the strimmer don't just have it half throttle make sure you get it running full speed most of the time as this stops carbon build up on the piston.(stihl service guy told me that)

shinytop

Our garden is quite a bit bigger than yourswith some quite wild areas.  I have a Stihl 2 stroke and a Ryobi One battery strimmer.  I use the Ryobi 90% of the time and only use the Stihl when I need it to really rip things out or as a brushcutter.  For general grass trimming the battery one is more than enough and it's so much more convenient. 

I agree with the comment about running on full throttle but the Stihl is a bit of a beast and will rip chunks out the lawn if you're not careful.  

Straight shaft trimmers are normally the heavier duty more powerful ones that can run brushcutters and the like.  Curved ones are lighter and better balanced and a bit easier to use.

knightstyle

I used a 2 stroke mcculloch a lot for many, over10, years and the only thing I had to repair was the plastic bulb used to prime it, this went twice but was a very easy repair and spares were easy to get.

adonis

I have used a Honda four stroke strimmer and it is a lovely bit of kit,

I think they all break the line at awkward moments though.