Which trimmer is better - electric or gasoline?

Weeds and grass in the local area, garden or summer cottage usually grow faster than cultivated plantings and require frequent mowing. Previously, the grass was mowed with a tool such as a scythe - a Lithuanian. Many people no longer know what it is, and have never heard the name “Lithuanian”. This tool is irrevocably a thing of the past.

The Lithuanian scythe was replaced by a moto or electric scythe, another name is a trimmer. They can easily mow grass, weeds or trim bushes near paths, tree trunks or fences.

But there are a huge number of types and designs of such devices, and it is very difficult for an ignorant person to make the right choice. In this case, it is necessary to take into account many criteria and features. In this article I will talk about these criteria and show you how to choose the trimmer you need.

Rating of the best electric and gasoline trimmers

Pros and cons of using a gasoline engine in a trimmer

A gasoline-powered device has the following advantages:

Power . Even an inexpensive model is much more powerful than a device with an electric motor. Therefore, to mow tall grass in a large area, you should choose this type of trimmer.

Portability . They can work anywhere and for as long as needed. You just need to stock up on fuel.

It is possible and reasonable to repair a faulty engine . The simplicity of the design and the availability of spare parts allows you to make repairs without problems.

There are also disadvantages:

Perceptible weight . This makes it difficult to carefully mow vegetation. It is impossible to work for a long time without a break.

Starting the engine . The engine is started using a manual starter. In cool weather, it is not always possible to start the equipment the first time.

Maintenance . It is necessary to monitor the oil level, clean the spark plugs, carburetor and jet, and service the gearbox.

Gasoline models have great power

Advantages and disadvantages of an electric trimmer

Owners of small summer cottages with an area of ​​no more than 7 acres mostly buy trimmers powered by electricity.

Unlike gasoline electric ones:

They weigh and cost much less . This makes them mobile and easy to use. They are suitable for mowing narrow paths in the country, and where a regular lawn mower cannot pass.

Economical . Compared to gasoline, electricity is cheaper. For 1 hour of operation, it will consume about 3 rubles worth of energy, while a gasoline one will consume 60 rubles worth of fuel.

Service . In electric models, the lubricant in a gearbox with a rigid shaft is changed 1-2 times a year. At 2 years, new brushes are installed on the electric motor once.

Disadvantages:

Low power . An electric trimmer is considered a good assistant for caring for your lawn and garden. But it will be a useless purchase if you want to use it to clean a large garden or make hay. The power of some models of battery devices is generally 200-300 W.

Dependency on outlet . This applies to both plug-in and battery-powered ones. The latter can generally work from 30 minutes to an hour.

Poor reliability . Electrical appliances are poorly affected by heavy loads. In this regard, they are not reliable.

How to make a choice

When choosing a device, you should be guided by several factors. The most important thing in this case will be the overall size of the lawn. In cases where the dimensions are quite modest, it would be best to purchase an electric scythe. But if you are dealing with fairly large areas, then you simply cannot do without a lawn mower.

If you are not ready to constantly feel the vibration of the trimmer or you simply do not like the smell of oil, then in this case it is better to choose an electric scythe. Anyone who wants to buy the most reliable device that will work 24 hours a day and in absolutely any climatic conditions should buy a car that will have a gasoline engine.

If you want to buy a mower that is lighter in weight, which will not take up too much space in the shed, then you should buy an electric one. If the reliability of the electrical network in your area is in great doubt, then the trimmer’s gasoline engine will protect you from various difficulties.

At the same time, you must clearly understand for yourself what you want to get in the end, and only then make the purchase of a lawn care assistant.

The main differences between a trimmer and a simple lawn mower

A lawn mower is a fairly heavy device that can cut grass on smoother surfaces. In addition, lawn mowers have a high noise level and quickly break down. Even when a small stone gets in her way, her blade can immediately break.

A trimmer is a more compact tool for gardening, more functional and lighter in weight. It will be able to remove not only grass, but also branches up to three centimeters in total diameter.

By working with the trimmer, you can begin to adjust the cutting height of the grass and mow both rocky and uneven surfaces.

Electric or gasoline trimmer: figuring out which one is better to choose

It is impossible to say definitively which trimmer is better, gasoline or electric, because they are suitable for performing different tasks .

Depending on the cost of the cutting element, they are divided into types:

• With a metal knife . These easily trim coarse vegetation and small bushes.
• With fishing line . These models are great for mowing lawns that have short, thin grass.
• Combined . They can be used in areas where various vegetation grows.

A gas trimmer, unlike an electric trimmer, is more mobile. Those for whom weight and quiet operation are important, as well as those with a small lawn, should purchase an electric device.

Electric trimmer is economical

Equipment weight

Due to the small weight of the electric mower, the operator does not experience much stress on his arms and back during mowing. Battery models are more massive. Their weight can reach up to 4.5 kg . These devices are worn on a special strap on the shoulder.

Gasoline lawn mowers are much heavier and more massive. It is especially difficult for women and physically weak people to manage them.

Power supply

Electric gardening machines are divided into mains-powered and battery-powered . There are low-power budget models (250 W). But people more often purchase more powerful mowers (from 800 W), in which the engine is installed at the top of the device.

Gasoline trimmers are often equipped with two-stroke engines . They need to be filled with gasoline and oil in the correct ratio. After purchase, you should carefully study the instructions. Models with a four-stroke engine are distinguished by their quiet operation and ease of use. Oil and fuel are poured into different containers, and they are mixed inside the apparatus.

Noise level

The engine in a gasoline trimmer is very loud. Experts advise using headphones to mow the grass. Electric also makes noise , but not as loud.

Maintenance and storage

The parts of the electric trimmer are adversely affected by frost and moisture . Before sending for storage, you need to make sure that the cable is in good condition and lubricate the gearbox.

The gasoline device must be cleaned regularly, the gearbox must be lubricated, the old oil must be drained and fresh oil must be refilled.

Before putting the fuel away for storage, drain the remaining fuel from the carburetor, remove and inspect the engine, air filter, spark plug and other parts. In winter, leave in a dry and warm room.

Working hours

For comparison, which is better than a gas or electric trimmer, you can clearly see in the following example. When comparing 2 equally powerful models, the device with a gasoline engine will win in time. An electric one can continuously mow vegetation for no longer than 30 minutes, then the engine must cool down for 15 minutes. They operate the gas trimmer until the fuel runs out. It must be kept in mind that the weight of such a device after refueling increases by 500 g - 1.5 kg .

Preparing for work

The electric model is plugged into a power outlet, a button is pressed, and you can start working. To operate a gas trimmer, a gasoline mixture . It is started manually. Although this is not difficult, it cannot be done without skill.

Cordless trimmers weigh lighter than gasoline trimmers

Main settings

Here are the main parameters of such devices:

engine's type

There are 3 types of engines:

Gasoline trimmers are distinguished by maximum power and full autonomy, so trimmers with them can be used to work in any area, including those not connected to the power grid.

The disadvantages of motors of this type are:

Electric mains motors are much quieter than gasoline motors and are also the cheapest, however, their power is limited by the capacity of the house electrical network and the condition of the cable, so the higher the power, the shorter the permissible cable length .

Battery motors are comparable in power to electric motors, but such a trimmer will weigh much more due to the source of electricity located in it. In addition, the operating time of a single battery is limited by the capacity of the power source, after which it requires connection to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. Trimmers of this type are more expensive than network ones, but cheaper than gasoline ones.

Power

This parameter is important if, in addition to mowing the grass near the house, you plan to use the trimmer to perform other work, that is :

To mow weeds, a minimum power of 1.1 kW is required, which corresponds to 1.5 liters. s., however, for other work the lower power limit is 1.5–2 kW, which corresponds to 2–2.7 liters. With.

Weight

This parameter is most important if the main user of the trimmer is a teenager or a woman, because the heavier it is, the more difficult it will be for them to work with it.
Moreover, the use of a gasoline trimmer implies that before connecting it to the suspension system, the device must first be laid on the ground , then started, and only then lifted and attached to the suspension.

If the lawn mower is equipped not with a suspension system, but with a simple shoulder strap, then it will have to be lifted from the ground high enough to put the shoulder strap on itself, and the heavier the device, the more difficult it is to do this.

Engine location

For all gasoline trimmers, the motor is installed on top, that is, at the opposite end (relative to the cutting tool) of the drive shaft, this is due to the weight of the engine.

In such devices, the motor is located immediately behind the operator , due to which the drive shaft plays the role of a lever, and the heavy power unit on the short arm is balanced by the light cutting tool on the long arm.

Electric trimmers come with both an upper and a lower motor, and the lever rule also applies here, but due to the light weight of the motor, even a small arm near the handle is enough for normal operation.

However, the lower engine location has a significant drawback - such a device is poorly suited for working with a saw blade and fighting weeds.

After all, the disk greatly increases the load on the operator’s hands due to the large lever arm, and the mass of the device is not enough to absorb shocks and vibrations that occur during such work.

Moreover, trimmers with a bottom engine often do not have a shoulder belt or suspension system, so the lever is formed by a movable handle, which means that the entire load falls not on the shoulders, but on the operator’s hands. Purchasing a hanging system eliminates this problem.

Standard equipment

Often the same trimmer is sold in different configurations and the name is slightly changed, so it is necessary to immediately evaluate the suitability of the delivery set for the work for which this device is being purchased.

However, electric devices with a bottom motor are never supplied with a saw blade because they are not designed to work with one . If some cutting tool is missing, but the tool is suitable for working with them, then this tool will have to be purchased for a separate fee.

The best models of gasoline trimmers

When working, you must strictly follow the instructions. You cannot use the equipment in areas that are not intended for it.

STIHL FS 55

Trimmer with the ability to install a lopper/brush cutter. Equipped with a height-adjustable handle. The handle is T-shaped. Includes: shoulder strap, knife, 2.4 mm fishing line .

mowing width – 55 cm;

noise level – 108 dB;

weight – 5 kg.

Prices in online stores

ECHO SRM-22GES

The model has an anti-vibration system. T-shaped handle. Equipment: knife, 3 mm fishing line , shoulder strap.

mowing width – 40 cm;

noise level – 91 dB;

weight – 5.3 kg.

Prices in online stores

Oleo-Mac Sparta 25

The device is equipped with a T-shaped handle with adjustable height. There is an anti-vibration system and a safety clutch. The kit includes: shoulder strap, knife and 2.4 mm fishing line .

mowing width – 40 cm;

weight – 6.2 kg.

Prices in online stores

Huter GGT-1500S

Model with the ability to install a brush cutter/lopper and a T-shaped handle. There is an anti-vibration system. Includes: knife and 2 mm fishing line .

mowing width – 26 cm;

noise level – 96 dB;

weight – 7 kg.

Prices in online stores

PATRIOT PT 4355 Imperial

Folding, height-adjustable T-shape handle. There is an anti-vibration system. Equipment: shoulder strap, knife, fishing line (2.4 mm) .

mowing width – 46 cm;

weight – 7 kg.

Buying Tips

Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a trimmer:

For comfortable work, it is important to know the basic technical characteristics:

1. Engine type, power and location. The choice depends on several factors: the availability of electricity, the area of ​​the cultivated area, the type of grass (lawn, powerful weeds, meadow grasses).
2. Gasoline tank volume.
3. Handle shape.
4. Type of working tool (string, knives or discs). Models with string (line) are cheaper, but you need to constantly buy additional reels. Devices with knives and discs are stronger and more durable and do not require additional costs.

Additional characteristics:

1. Cutting width. The larger it is, the less time it takes to process the territory.
2. Length and strength of electrical wire.
3. Possibility to move the handle and increase the length of the tube.
4. In most models, the handle can be moved to suit the person’s height. The tube is shortened or lengthened.
5. Company manufacturer. It is better to choose proven brands.
6. Device design.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=JbfkU3JwWGc

TOP 5 electric trimmers

Electric trimmers will help you cut grass where a lawn mower cannot reach. They are easy to use and compact in size. All the devices listed below do not have wheels .

Makita DUR181RF

The model can be battery operated. The height of the handle is adjustable. The shape of the handle is D-shaped. Features: head with position adjustment within 90 degrees, telescopic rod. The kit includes: 2 mm fishing line, Li-Ion 3 Ah battery , charger.

mowing width – 26 cm;

weight – 2.6 kg.

Prices in online stores

STAVR TE-1700R

Trimmer with folding handle. T-handle. Includes: shoulder strap, 2 mm fishing line .

mowing width – 42 cm;

weight – 6 kg.

Prices in online stores

Denzel TE-1400 (96612)

The device can be equipped with a brush cutter/lopper. It is equipped with a folding, height-adjustable handle. The shape of the handle is T-shaped. Includes: knife, fishing line, shoulder strap .

mowing width – 42 cm;

weight – 6 kg.

Prices in online stores

BOSCH AFS 23-37 (0.600.8A9.020)

This model is equipped with a handle whose height can be adjusted. The body and deck are plastic. The shape of the handle is D-shaped. The kit includes: shoulder strap, knife, 3.5 mm fishing line .

mowing width – 37 cm;

noise level – 96 dB;

weight – 5.3 kg.

Prices in online stores

Greenworks 1301807 GST1246

The trimmer body and deck are made of plastic. The height of the handle is adjustable. The handle is J-shaped. The kit includes: brush cutter/lopper, shoulder strap, 2 mm fishing line .

mowing width – 45 cm;

noise level – 96 dB;

weight – 4.6 kg.

Prices in online stores

Types of rods

The stem of trimmers can be collapsible or non-dismountable. Electric trimmers generally use a collapsible shaft, making them easy to store and transport. In gasoline engines, both collapsible and solid rods are evenly found.

Professional services use solid rods, since frequent assembly and disassembly wears out the screw and thread, which increases the vibration of the gas trimmer. There is also a risk of losing fasteners. Therefore, if opportunities allow, it is better to purchase a trimmer with a solid rod.

Gasoline

One-piece rod for reliability. Collapsible, more convenient for transportation

Electrical

A collapsible rod is used in almost all electric trimmers.