I need advice on how/what to choose: Whipper Snipper / Weed Whacker / Line Trimmer?

Question

We have a medium size garden, and I need something to trim long grass around the fences and tree. I have tried a cheep electric one before, and it was pathetic, the line would not feed. I would be using it approx twice a month for an hour or so at a time. Female friendly would help, something that does not require so much fiddling and easy to start, and looking at spending under $200 Australian. All advice would be greatly apreciated. I think I heard somewhere that a straight shaft is better, but that is all I know.
Thank you!

Answer 1

If the line feed was the only thing that made your previous trimmer 'pathetic' - I would suggest that you might want to check into replacing the coil with a fixed cutter. I know you can get some plastic 'blades' for some models....with as little use as you mention, they'd hold up all year for you, maybe longer. This link is to one that fits most 'gas' trimmers, but you may be able to find one that will fit your existing electric trimmer - http://www.skptrimmerheads.com/shakespeare/index1.html
The 'blades' in this type of trimmer head are easy to replace, when necessary too.

Some heavy duty trimmers actually use a metal saw blade. Doesn't sound like you need anything that heavy.

If you want something that you are only going to use an hour at a time, twice a month, and do not want to 'fiddle' with it.. I would seriously recommend that you stick with an electric model. The gas trimmers require proper mixing of oil and gas, and require regular maintenance on them... and they are notorious for being difficult to start.

An alternative to consider, would be a cordless trimmer (no electric extension cord.. runs on a battery).

Typically, you see gas trimmers being used more often commercially... where it needs to run a few hours at a time, several days a week.

Happy Shopping

Answer 2

I have a Yardworks Electric Grass Trimmer (whipper snipper!) The line keeps snapping because it is too long but I take it apart to rewind the line it just springs out again. What am I doing wrong?

Answer 3

for whipping around tress and gardens ,then turn it upside down to do driveway edges an gutters ,a straight shaft is better,i use to work with a company that only used straight shaft whippers i had a shindowa 35cc its light an does a great job,but shop around for a good price they can get expensive.

Answer 4

What Is A Whipper Snipper