Garden Strimmer - probably battery
Discussion
I have read a few threads on this so have some ideas but most of what I have read is a year or more old now so just wanted to get a current opinion.
We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
Gad-Westy said:
I have read a few threads on this so have some ideas but most of what I have read is a year or more old now so just wanted to get a current opinion.
We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
When I ask our groundworker what to buy, the answer is always Stihl.We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
Louis Balfour said:
Gad-Westy said:
I have read a few threads on this so have some ideas but most of what I have read is a year or more old now so just wanted to get a current opinion.
We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
When I ask our groundworker what to buy, the answer is always Stihl.We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
https://shop.stihl.co.uk/collections/grass-trimmer...
But no idea how it compares to other stuff.
You need a bit more than 18V I’ve found for anything more than light garden work. I bought into the Stihl AK 36V battery system - initially for a chainsaw but I’ve added a lawnmower for a small patch I have to do, a scarifier and then strimmer you linked.
The strimmer works fine for me for light jobs - edges and difficult areas to mow around raised tree roots - but I’ve never used one before that so can’t compare it. It comes with a brush cutter attachment for longer stuff. I r found the Stihl battery powered stuff generally excellent and good value.
The strimmer works fine for me for light jobs - edges and difficult areas to mow around raised tree roots - but I’ve never used one before that so can’t compare it. It comes with a brush cutter attachment for longer stuff. I r found the Stihl battery powered stuff generally excellent and good value.
Gad-Westy said:
Louis Balfour said:
Gad-Westy said:
I have read a few threads on this so have some ideas but most of what I have read is a year or more old now so just wanted to get a current opinion.
We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
When I ask our groundworker what to buy, the answer is always Stihl.We have approx 0.5 acre garden. Plenty of bit that need strimming frequently. Not too much edging. It's more just control of growth in bits that cannot be mowed.
We currently use a cheap bosch 18v battery powered strimmer. It has a single 2mm auto spool head. Two or three big short comings. Number one, it is prone to jamming up when grass gets between the head and the body and there is no easy way to clear this. It is not always man enough to deal with more stablish weeds like a large thistle. We have two 2.5ah batteries and a slow charger. Not always enough. I'd buy a faster charger or more/bigger batteries but for the other issues we have.
Both our neighbours use petrol strimmers which was the route I was going to go down but in all honesty, the noise of petrol garden tools is getting on my nerves a bit and I'd perhaps rather not add to the problem.
So, that leaves me with other cordless options. I presume to get something with a bit more oomph I should perhaps move away from 18v and go for 36v or more? What about the heads? Anything I should consider there?
I see ego gets a few recommendations on here? Is everyone still happy with theirs?
https://shop.stihl.co.uk/collections/grass-trimmer...
But no idea how it compares to other stuff.
He is a tree surgeon by profession and most of his tools are Stihl battery, or otherwise Stihl.
I’ve moved to an 18v (I think) Stihl Kombi. Previously had cheapo petrol stuff, then a petrol Kombi and now I’ve got a slightly used electric version from eBay. Batteries are EXPENSIVE but last for ages.
I’ve got a brush cutter attachment that I use instead of fannying around with nylon cords. Garden is a bit rough and ready so it might not do for manicured lawn edgings but it’s silent, tough and actually starts first go
I’ve got a brush cutter attachment that I use instead of fannying around with nylon cords. Garden is a bit rough and ready so it might not do for manicured lawn edgings but it’s silent, tough and actually starts first go
We’ve got just under an acre and use stihl, we’ve got the strimmer below, a long handled hedge cutter and long handled chain saw.
For the leaf blower I went petrol though
https://www.sam-turner.co.uk/products/stihl-cordle...
For the leaf blower I went petrol though
https://www.sam-turner.co.uk/products/stihl-cordle...
I’d have no hesitation is recommending the Milwaukee M18 Fuel powerhead with the strimmer attachment. The 5ah battery is a bit marginal on run time, so go with 8ah or 12ah. It’s hard to say whether one or two batteries would suit your use. Got loads of power. As a bonus you can add the hedge trimmer ans pole saw to broaden its repertoire
dickymint said:
Depends if you already have batteries for other cordless tools. Personally all my tools are Makita and I have six 5Ah batteries and a twin charger. My strimmer is 2 x 18v batteries and I wouldn't recommend less. It's brilliant even on heavy ground which I have lots of.
I'm another one from Team Blue. 
If you're starting afresh I think it's a question of budget/what's got the best offer as you mostly get what you pay for. Makita's advantage is (or was when I bought) the massive range of other kit that runs on the same batteries for the garden, garage and DIY.
Stihl has a very good reputation on the back of their petrol kit, but I can't see that that carries over to their battery range.
EGO. Fantastic cordless garden kit. Over the last 5 years or so I've bought the powerhead/multitool, leaf blower, mower, and the pro strimmer/brushcutter with back harness. Excellent stuff and well worth it. Plenty of power - note that EGO use 56v vs 18v or 36v which is typically used by most of the other manufacturers listed on this and similar threads. I had previously used Makita 18/36v garden kit that used 18v Li-Ion batteries from DIY tools, and it just doesn't have the same power as the EGO kit, obviously your particular use will determine how important that it. I've still got an 18v Makita hedge trimmer (just a little one) which is superb for light use, but bigger 56 v trimmers for more heavy duty use.
Bottom line - just buy EGO, job done.
Bottom line - just buy EGO, job done.
Be aware that there's Stihl and Stihl - the less expensive models aren't great (from bitter personal experience!!!), and the expensive models probably only make sense if you're a professional, because - they're expensive.
We went with Husqvarna in the end (mid-tier battery hedgecutter, strimmer, etc) and quite pleased with them so far. Batteries are universal and available in a huge variety of Ah-ages. Charge reasonably quickly and last for ages. Can get them at Sam Turner or a bunch of local places depending where you are.
We went with Husqvarna in the end (mid-tier battery hedgecutter, strimmer, etc) and quite pleased with them so far. Batteries are universal and available in a huge variety of Ah-ages. Charge reasonably quickly and last for ages. Can get them at Sam Turner or a bunch of local places depending where you are.
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