When you need to keep your garden neat and tidy, using the best petrol strimmers can help you make light work of any job.
That handy garden power tool designed to cut back long grass, decimate weeds and keep your greenery looking trim is simply a godsend.
But how do you go about finding the best petrol strimmers in the UK? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
Our Top 5 Best Petrol Strimmers Currently On The Market
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There are a number of petrol strimmers on the market – different brands and different models with an array of features and their own price tags. Let’s take a close-up look at five of the most popular and see if we can find the best petrol strimmers available right now:
#1: The BU-KO Multi-Functional Garden Tool
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Versatile garden tool suitable for numerous tasks
- Heavy-duty with plenty of power (3HP)
- Long reach – extension pole extends to 3.4m
- Easy to assemble and lightweight
- Includes 12-month warranty, full instructions and free toolkit.
- Safety equipment included (double harness, ear defenders, safety glasses, gloves)
- Easy to start up
- Handle located throttle switch for safety
- Live customer support via a team of technicians
- CE & EMC Approved
Anything to Improve?
- The instructions could be clearer.
- A canvas carry bag would be a useful addition to keep everything together.
#2: Ryobi Full Crank Grass Trimmer
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Powerful full crank engine for 2 x longer life
- Split-shaft design results in easy storage
- 43cm line cutting path
- 2.4mm bump feed line
- Rapid line refill
- Hyper green in colour
Anything to Improve?
- Cord can be a little tricky to pull when starting from cold.
#3: ParkerBrand 52cc Petrol Garden Brush Cutter Grass Trimmer
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features
- Powerful 2 Stroke 52cc engine
- Single cylinder air cooling 2-Cycle gasoline engine
- Designed for maximum efficiency, high torque and rapid acceleration
- 2.2kW @ 7500RPM
- Product weight: 10.7 KG
- Product dimensions: 107 x 28 x 28 cm
- Includes tool kit, harness & fuel mixing bottle
Anything to Improve?
- A robust and powerful tool – if it was slightly lighter it would be more user-friendly.
- The product is not suppled with 2-stroke lubrication oil or unleaded fuel
#4: EinhelEinhell GC-BC 52 I AS 52 cc Petrol Brush Cutter and Grass Trimmer Two Stroke Engine
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Two stroke 52 cc engine with centrifugal clutch
- Anti-vibration function
- 1.5 kW power
- 0.9 Litre fuel tank
- Product weight: 8.9 KG
- Product dimensions: 98 x 31 x 31 cm
- Easy start with auto choke and electronic ignition
- Easy assembly
- Split shaft enables easy transport and storage
- Adjustable second (alu bike) handle for precision operation
- Control elements integrated in the handle for ease and total control
- Angled aluminium shaft for comfort
- 4 m twin line thread spool with tip-automatic system
- Carry strap for comfort and portability
- 3 tooth blade
- 25.5 cm brushcutter blade
Anything to Improve?
- The weight and power of this tool means it can be tricky to manoeuvre and control. That said, its sturdiness allows you to tackle overgrown brambles and grass with ease.
#5: McCulloch TRIMMAC Trimmer
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- User friendly
- Powerful 0.6 kW petrol engine
- 40cm working width
- Split shaft for easy transportation and storage
- ‘Tap n Go’ double thread tracking simplifies use
- Combi Guard
- Easy to maintain
- Carry strap to distribute weight across the shoulders
- Ergonomic adjustable handle
- Lightweight design (weighs 3.9kg)
Anything to Improve?
- The lightweight design might not be robust enough for some.
Alternative Options (Often Out Of Stock)
COSTWAT 4-in-1 Petrol Multi-Functional Garden Tool
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features
- 25cc gas power 2-stroke petrol engine
- Extension pole
- Ergonomic harness and loop handle
- Robust, durable design
- High speed operation
- Lightweight, portable and easy to use in hard-to-reach places
- Cordless with a soft grip handle
- Easy to assemble with full instructions included
- Tool kits and accessories included
- Fuss-free attachment changing system
- Easy starting system
Anything to Improve?
- The instructions could be clearer to speed up assembly.
AOSOME ASWBC520 Grass Trimmer and Brush Cutter
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- 2 big wheels for ease of movement
- Powerful 2HP
- Easy to fold
- Space-saving design that’s easy to store
- Cutting head with width of 400mm-450mm
- No harnesses / straps – limiting pressure on shoulders
- Controls situated on hand grip for simple operation
Anything to Improve?
- The lack of harness takes the pressure off your back – but some may prefer straps to take the strain off the arms from time to time.
Which Is The Petrol Best Strimmer For You?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the best petrol strimmers to suit your needs. This will all depend on what you are looking to do in your garden and what you are hoping to use your tool for.
The petrol strimmers we have outlined above represent just a few of those on the market, but we think the five listed have plenty of useful qualities.
We like that the Ryobi Full Crank Grass Trimmer can be used in conjunction with other Ryobi tools, along with the fact that it’s easy to store. The ParkerBrand 52cc Petrol Garden Brush Cutter Grass Trimmer has plenty going for it too.
We also need to mention the Einhell GC-BC 52 I AS 52 cc Petrol Brush Cutter and Grass Trimmer Two Stroke Engine. Let us not forget the McCulloch TRIMMAC Trimmer either, with its powerful engine and lightweight design.
Yes, the four above have certainly taken our eye, but we have to say, we think the BU-KO Multi-Functional Garden Tool is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a multi-functional garden tool that can be used for multiple tasks and offers a powerful 3HP engine, then this could be the one for you.
How Does A Petrol Strimmer Work?
Also known as grass trimmers or line trimmers, the strimmer incorporates a nylon line which spins at a furious rate to trim and cut your grass. Strimmers aren’t difficult to use, but like any tool it’s worth familiarising yourself with the device and how it works before you get going.
As the name suggests, a petrol strimmer will need fuel to get it started. The instruction manual will advise you on the type of fuel you will need e.g. a mix of semi-synthetic 2-stroke oil and unleaded petrol. Simply remove the fuel cap and add the fuel.
You then prime (push fuel into the engine), switch on, set the choke (to control motor revs) pull to start, open the choke and away you go!
Petrol Strimmer Vs Electric Strimmer
Electric strimmers operate in the same way, but there are a couple of things you will need to keep in mind. If your model has a cord you will have to work within the confines of your cable reach (even with an extension lead this might not be far enough).
Cordless electric strimmers provide more reach, but you will need to stop and recharge after a certain amount of time.
With petrol strimmers you won’t have to worry about pesky cords or returning to recharge your tool. All you need to do is fill your strimmer with fuel and then you can get to work.
What Makes A Good Petrol Strimmer?
The best petrol strimmers will help you to transform your garden. If you’re not sure where to start or what to buy we suggest you look out for the following features:
Comprehensive instruction manual
The best petrol strimmers come complete with a comprehensive instruction manual. This should tell you how to assemble the tool, explain the safety precautions, and give you an outline as to how the tool works.
Safety features
It’s always better to be safe than sorry – the petrol strimmer can be a dangerous tool so handle with care and always take precautions. Your chosen strimmer will ideally come with safety wear such as safety goggles or glasses, gloves, ear defenders etc
Easy assembly
You don’t want to get your strimmer home only to find out it’s harder to fit together than a 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle with lots of missing pieces. Strimming your garden is hard enough work as it is without agonizing about putting your strimmer together before you even begin! We suggest you opt for a model boasting easy assembly.
User Friendly
Look for a strimmer that’s easy to start up. Some have a reputation for being tricky to get going. If there are different attachments included (to change the purpose of the tool) they should be easy to fit and change.
Portability
How easy is it to pick up and use the petrol strimmer? If you’re keen on the idea of straps or a harness how well are these attached and will they provide fair distribution of weight across your back/shoulders.
If there are no straps is the strimmer lightweight enough to be carried and handled without proving to be much of a strain? If you’re looking for comfort check if your strimmer comes with ergonomic handles or loop handles for easier carrying.
Easy to Store
Where are you going to store your strimmer? If you don’t have the luxury of a garage and have garden shed that’s already over-flowing with garden utensils, bikes and plant pots you won’t want a bulky strimmer taking up even more room. Look for a strimmer that can be folded for easier storage.
Power & Durability
Check out how powerful your petrol strimmer is, be that 2HP or 3HP. Will your strimmer be powerful enough to tackle the job in hand e.g. to clear away tough weeds or cut back an overgrown meadow? If you’re tackling a sizeable job you need to go for a strimmer that’s robust.
Versatility
Why have four or five gardening tools when you can do what you need to do with just one? Some of the best petrol strimmers do more than just strim – they come with an impressive array of attachments that enable you to carry out different jobs around the garden.
If you’re keen to save on storage and find a versatile tool, look for a device that’s a strimmer, brush cutter, hedge trimmer and pruner chainsaw all-in-one.
Warranty and Repairs
Does the petrol strimmer come with a warranty (ideally you will be looking for a twelve-month warranty period just in case). It’s also useful if you can contact the manufacturer or obtain spares should your strimmer require repair at some point going forward.
How Much Do Petrol Strimmers Weigh?
Because of the need to incorporate both an engine and fuel, petrol strimmers tend to be a fair bit heavier than their electrical counterparts.
A typical petrol strimmer weighs around 6-10kg. Of course, some will be heavier and some will be lighter. A lot depends on the size and attachments included.
Many come with a body strap to help reduce the strain on your arms.
Corded elctrical strimmers tend to be the lightest as they do not even require a battery. They are followed by cordless electrical strimmers with petrol strimmers coming in the heaviest.
This means that people who are concerned about weight may be better with an electrical strimmer. However, the best petrol strimmers do have a number of advantages such as not needing to be recharged.
What Fuel Do Petrol Strimmers Use?
This will depend on whether your strimmer has a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. 2-stroke engine strimmers require a mix of a purpose made oil and unleaded fuel. A 4-stroke engine can be run off normal unleaded fuel alone.
In either case, you’ll only need normal unleaded fuel that is available from any petrol station (fuel shortages permitting!!).
What Is The Best Make Of Strimmers?
Ultimately, the best make or brand of strimmer depends a lot on your own personal preference.
Well known brands such as Bosch, WORX, and Flymo will always be popular as they heavily advertise their products and usually take centre stage at the local garden centre.
However, that shouldn’t be how you make your decision as there are many lesser known brands that offer excellent all-round value for money. Finding the best petrol strimmers isn’t just about going for the brand you most recognise.
Brands like BU_KO, Ryobi, and Einhell may not be as well-known, yet they offer great products at fair prices, as can be seen by our comparison table below.
The Best Petrol Strimmers In The UK
