Different weed eaters suit different types of growth, section sizes, and maintenance needs.
Line trimmers: Ideal for everyday lawn maintenance jobs. They’re lightweight, easy to handle, and perfect for trimming lawn edges, cleaning up around garden beds, and reaching tight areas.
Brushcutters: Built for heavier work. With higher power output and blade options, they’re great at grass cutting, handling thick weeds, and ploughing through tougher vegetation. Check out our Brushcutter Buying Guide.
Corded electric weed eaters: Offer consistent power and suit smaller gardens where a power outlet is close by. They’re simple to use and lightweight, though limited by the cord.
Cordless weed eaters: Give you freedom of movement. Modern battery systems offer solid runtime and enough cutting power for most suburban gardens, making them a popular all-around choice.
Petrol weed eaters: Deliver maximum cutting strength and runtime. They’re best suited to large sections, rough terrain, and heavy vegetation.
| Metric | Common Options | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Power / Engine | 24V-80V cordless / 32.6cc-52cc petrol | Determines cutting strength and the type of growth the tool can manage. |
| Runtime / Tank | Up to 45 min / 800ml-1.2L fuel tank | Affects how long you can work without recharging or refuelling |
| Weight | 1.7-7kg | Impacts control, comfort, and fatigue during longer jobs |
| Shaft Type | Straight / Split shaft | Straight shafts offer better reach and balance. Split shafts allow attachments and easier transport. |
| Cutting Width | 254-450mm | Wider widths clear ground faster, while narrower widths offer better precision |
What works best depends on your garden's day-to-day conditions. If most of the work is weed control and garden care, a lightweight line trimmer is usually enough. They’re easy to operate, quick to start, and well-suited to regular tidy-ups.
As gardens get larger or maintenance becomes less frequent, cutting needs tend to increase. Thicker growth, uneven ground, and overgrown areas are better handled by brushcutters or higher-powered models, which cut more confidently and clear ground more efficiently.
Cordless models suit gardeners who value quieter operation and simpler upkeep. For high-performance engines and practical features, petrol models are better suited to longer sessions where consistent power is essential. Considering cutting width, balance, and reach helps ensure the tool feels manageable when in use.
Regular upkeep keeps your tool in tip-top condition. Clearing grass and debris from the cutting head after use helps prevent buildup from hardening and keeps the cutting head moving freely. A quick wipe-down of the shaft also helps reduce wear over time.
Replacing worn line and checking brushcutter blades for damage helps the tool cut cleanly without putting extra strain on the motor. Well-maintained cutting equipment also makes your landscaping jobs faster and more precise.
Power systems benefit from a bit of attention, too. Batteries last longer when they’re charged and stored as recommended, away from extreme heat or cold. Petrol models are more reliable when fuel, oil, air filters, and spark plugs are checked regularly.
Once you’re finished, store the weed eater in a dry, sheltered location. Before the next use, a quick check of grips, harnesses, and guards helps ensure everything feels secure and comfortable when you start work.
Greenworks Pro 80V Line Trimmer 406mm Brushless 2.0Ah Kit
“What a delightful machine to use. I wanted an extra battery and decided it was better to have a spare machine as I use it so much, so I paid the extra for a spare one for not much more, as I couldn't do without it now.”
Flash Garden Tool Multi 4in1 Petrol 52cc
“Hard-working tool. Does all the needed tidying up around the house. Powerful and reliable.”
Greenworks 24V Garden Power 3 Piece 2.0Ah Kit
“Perfect for my garden. Absolutely pleased with this set. It does all that I need, the blower is incredibly strong, the line trimmer gets through the long grass and weeds, and the hedge trimmer tackles the shrubs.”
Cordless electric line trimmers are ideal for small gardens due to their lightweight design and easy handling.
Brushcutters and higher-powered petrol line trimmers are designed to cut through thick weeds and heavy growth.
Replace the line when it becomes short, frayed, or ineffective. Regular replacement improves cutting performance.
Yes. Modern electric and cordless weed whackers handle most suburban NZ gardens comfortably.
Yes. Choose lightweight, well-balanced models with good grip that are easier to control on sloped ground.
Clean after use, replace worn line or blades, care for batteries or fuel systems properly, and store the tool in a dry place.
Shop Trade Tested’s efficient weedeaters for sale. With cordless and petrol options, plus access to replacement parts and accessories, it’s easy to choose the best weed eater for your section and keep it running smoothly over time. Explore our range and choose a line trimmer or brushcutter you’ll be stoked to pull out of the shed. For extra guidance on choosing the right model, contact us.