A weed eater/line trimmer is an essential tool for keeping your lawn edges sharp and your garden tidy. Whether you’re trimming grass around fences, clearing overgrown weeds, or tidying rough patches, the right model can make garden maintenance faster, easier, and more precise. Here’s what to consider when choosing the best grass trimmer from Trade Tested.
Buying guide for weed eaters
Types of weed eaters
Line trimmers are lightweight and perfect for cutting grass, tidying edges, and maintaining neat borders around paths and garden beds. Brush cutters pack more power, using a metal blade instead of nylon line to slice through tough scrub, long weeds, or dense vegetation.
For everyday use, cordless battery weed eaters offer great convenience. They’re quiet, low-maintenance, and easy to start, ideal for small to medium lawns. If you’ve got a larger section or heavy growth to manage, a petrol weed eater delivers the extra muscle and runtime needed to get through big jobs efficiently.
Weed eater specifications
Feature
Options
Why It Matters
Cutting Width
250-400mm
Larger swath = faster jobs
Runtime
30-90 mins (battery)
Longer runtime = less stop
Power Output
500W-2kW / 25-40cc
Handles heavier growth
Weight
2-8kg
Comfort for long use
Noise Level
Low-High (electric/petrol)
Suits urban/rural settings
Weed eater features to look for
Ease of use makes all the difference when trimming for longer periods. Adjustable handles and telescopic shafts let you set the right height for your reach, reducing back and arm strain. Shoulder straps help distribute weight evenly, especially useful for more powerful petrol brush cutters. A bump-feed head lets you quickly release cutting lines as you move, shortening setup time.
Check if your cordless weed eater is supported by an interchangeable battery system. You can save time and money by using the same battery across multiple compatible garden tools.
Caring for your weed eater
Regular care keeps your weed eater performing its best. Clean the cutting head after each use, and replace the trimmer line when it becomes short or worn. For petrol models, perform routine fuel and air filter checks to ensure the engine performs smoothly. If you’re using a cordless unit, store the battery indoors and avoid exposing it to moisture or direct sunlight.
Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and gloves when operating your weed eater to protect yourself from flying debris. With proper care and storage, your weed whacker will stay reliable season after season, making lawn and garden maintenance a breeze.
Buy weed eaters for sale at Trade Tested
When you buy a weed eater from Trade Tested, you’re getting quality tools handpicked and tested by our team. Shop trusted brands that provide reliable results, whether you’re tidying up a small garden or maintaining a lifestyle block.
With nationwide delivery, excellent customer reviews, and expertise you can count on, it’s easy to see why Kiwis choose Trade Tested for their outdoor gear. Explore our weed eaters, brush cutters, and grass trimmers online and find the right tool to keep your garden looking sharp. Need more help? Contact us or leave a question on a product page.
What our customers say
Greenworks 40V Line Trimmer
“The line trimmer is lightweight and easy to use. I mainly use it on moderately overgrown edges, with the heavy stuff I trim top first then bottom, it works well, no problems.”
Hyundai Garden Tool Pro Multi 5in1 51cc
“This is a great quality product for the money, every house should have one. Trade Tested provides a brilliant service, couldn't be better!”
Flash Brush Cutter Lightweight 32cc
“Simple to put together, easy to use. It does the job I expected of it. I did shop around, and this was the best quality by far for an unbelievable price.”
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a weed eater, line trimmer, and brush cutter?
A weed eater or line trimmer uses a nylon cutting line to tidy lawn edges and trim light grass in hard-to-reach areas. On the other hand, a brush cutter is built for heavier jobs and uses a metal blade to cut through thick weeds, scrub, or small woody plants.
How long does a cordless weed eater battery last?
Battery life depends on the weed eater’s voltage requirements and the battery’s amp-hour (Ah) capacity. For example, the Greenworks 40V Line Trimmer provides about 15-30 minutes of runtime on a 2.0Ah 40V battery; for a longer runtime, use a 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery.
Are petrol weed eaters more powerful than electric or battery models?
Yes. Petrol weed eaters deliver the most power and torque, making them ideal for large properties or dense growth. Electric models are quieter, easier to start, and require less maintenance, making them more convenient for suburban gardens.
Can weed eater batteries be used with other cordless garden tools?
Many battery-powered weed eaters, including Greenworks models, belong to interchangeable battery tool systems. Save money and reduce clutter by using the same battery across compatible hedge trimmer, blower, mower, and line trimmer skins.
What safety gear should I wear when using a weed eater?
Wear safety glasses or a face shield, hearing protection, long pants, and closed shoes or boots. Gloves can improve grip and reduce vibration fatigue. For extra support, wear a brush cutter harness with adjustable straps.
How do I care for and maintain a weed eater to extend its lifespan?
After each use, clean the cutting head and guard to remove grass build-up. Replace the trimming line or blade as needed. For petrol models, check the fuel filter, spark plug, and air filter regularly. For battery models, store batteries in a cool, dry place and recharge them before long-term storage.