Cordless grass trimmers: features, ratings and choices

Cordless grass trimmers are an attractive alternative to conventional corded models that have a limited range of applications. This type of equipment is able to work even in areas where there is no access to the electrical network. But how effective is battery-powered technology in the garden? How to choose a hand trimmer and what to look for when making a purchase? The variety of models of electric trimmers can confuse even people who are well versed in technology.

In order to objectively approach the selection, it is worth studying the review of mini-braids on the battery, looking at the reviews of the owners. The rating of the best models is annually replenished with interesting new products that can compete with traditional tools for cutting grass. Which ones should be used in the country house or on the territory of a country estate?

The Cordless Trimmer is a self-powered electric hand scythe included. Such models do not differ much in their design from those that use mains power. Equipment of this type is compact, mobile, but limited in its scope. It is suitable for grass without thick stems, soft turf.

Battery trimmer models do not imply the ability to work on large areas, cut tough stems, shrubs, and weeds. This is an auxiliary garden equipment that helps to maintain order on the territory, without gasoline fumes, unnecessary noise and complex maintenance. The battery trimmer includes:

• electric motor;
• cutting element;
• barbell;
• battery;
• Control block;
• protective pad.

In some models of cordless trimmers there is an additional support with small wheels, which makes it easier for the equipment to move around the site and relieves stress from the hands and back of the person operating the mower.

The principle of operation of the trimmer with replaceable batteries is quite simple. The power is transmitted from the electric motor to a rotating cutting element with a line or plastic cutting disc. The motor in such models is usually located at the bottom of the rod, but there are also options in which it is mounted at the top. In this case, the connection between the elements is carried out by means of a shaft.

The rods are one-piece, split and telescopic, made of chrome-plated steel, plastic or aluminum. This structural element simultaneously performs load-bearing functions and helps control the trimmer. When transporting, detachable or collapsible rods are more convenient. Telescopic versions allow for adjustment to the user's height.

What performance characteristics should a cordless electric trimmer have? Among the important technical characteristics are the following.

• The mass of the device. Light mowers weigh from 1.6 kg, the most powerful trimmer models weigh up to 7 kg. If you plan to use the equipment regularly and systematically, this should be taken into account.
• The width of the cutting strip. It completely depends on the diameter of the disc and varies in the range of 230–400 mm.
• Battery type. Lithium-ion is the most common, with some manufacturers producing nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride versions.
• Battery operating voltage. It can vary from 14.4 to 36 V.
• Battery capacity. It determines the battery life, ranging from 1.3 to 4.5 A / h. So, equipment with a 2 A / h battery is capable of mowing for about 20-30 minutes without recharging. The most power-consuming options are enough for 1 hour of work.
• Power. There are models from 250 W, but it is worth seriously considering options for 800 W and above, the rest, at best, will be enough for mowing small stalks of grass around the flower bed.
• Duration of charging. It can be from 1 to 24 hours - it is worth clarifying this moment in advance.

When choosing a battery-powered mini hand-held mower, you should pay attention to the top models on the market. Not every small electric trimmer with an autonomous power system will meet the expectations of buyers. Among the models that have earned the trust of consumers, the following are noted.

• Husqvarna 536LiLX. Lightweight - only 3 kg - and powerful battery trimmer with an overhead engine and a swath width of 40 cm. The model uses a line as a cutting element, a straight bar, a D-shaped handle, is easy to use during prolonged work. The shoulder strap is not included.

• Makita DUR364LZ. Cordless trimmer model with 5 Ah Li-ion battery, overhead motor, shoulder strap and 35 cm mowing width. Powerful technology with high performance rates allows you to install a brush or knot attachment on it. The comfortable D-shaped handle has an adjustable height, the weight of the device is 4.5 kg.

• Greenworks 1301507 G-MAX 40V GD40BSC. Top motor trimmer, straight bar, shoulder strap. The model is supplied without a battery, weighs 5.46 kg, the standard battery is designed for 4 A / h. Cutting widths up to 35 cm, the trimmer is suitable for use with attachments - delimbers or brush cutters. The standard cutting element is a fishing line, the swath range of the knife is less than 24.5 cm.

• Black & Decker STC1820CM. Cordless wheelbase trimmer for easy movement and safe use. The mowing width is 28 cm, up to 2500 m2 of area can be processed using this technique. The battery has a capacity of 2 A / h, the cutting element is a fishing line, the rod is straight, with adjustable height. The equipment is equipped with a four-wheel platform, a bottom-mounted engine, rear grass discharge.

• Ryobi OBC 1820B. Lightweight cordless trimmer with 30 cm swath width, overhead engine. The handle is T-shaped, straight bar, there is a height adjustment. The package includes a shoulder strap, cutting grass is possible with a fishing line or knife. The equipment weighs 4 kg.

• DeWalt DCM571N-XJ. Compact cordless trimmer with a rich set and sufficiently high technical characteristics. The model is powered by a 3 Ah battery, has a 38 cm swath width, and a bottom-mounted engine requires additional protection for the air vent. The scope of delivery includes a shoulder strap, line, knife, delimber and brush cutter.

• Patriot TR 340XL. 4 kg cordless trimmer with straight boom, 30 cm swath width and bottom motor. The battery capacity is rated at 2.5 A / h. In stock D-shaped handle, adjustable in height, the model supports axial rotation for mowing lawn carpet edges.

The recently popular "Enkor" trimmers of the AccuMaster series have been discontinued and, despite the attractive technical characteristics and price, can hardly be considered as a relevant option for purchase.

When choosing a cordless trimmer it is necessary to pay attention to the following points.

• Brand. Trimmers from lesser-known brands are much cheaper than those produced by big names. But when trying to save money, you can change more than a dozen models. The most correct decision when choosing a product would be to study consumer reviews. They will help you understand whether it is worth trusting the novelties of the market or it is better to choose the time-tested quality.
• Price. Cordless trimmers are on average more expensive than their wired counterparts. But for short-term infrequent jobs, you can purchase an option from the budget price category. The most expensive models often have additional options and components, and in terms of power they catch up with gasoline options.
• Replaceability of batteries. It is this part that is always the first to fail. In order not to look for a replacement for too long, it is worth choosing a technique for the batteries of which it is initially easy to pick up an analogue or buy a proprietary power source. For this reason, you do not need to buy outdated models of equipment, it will be quite difficult to find a battery for them later.
• Equipment. It should include a charger and a battery, it is possible to include an additional replaceable battery. If a model with knives is selected, they must be included.
• Ergonomics and weight of the device. Even the popular cordless trimmer model can be inconvenient to use. Too heavy versions of the technique - more than 3.5-5 kg ​​- will put a very high load on the arms and back. An awkward grip angle or lack of shoulder straps on overhead models will also be a serious problem.

Choosing cordless trimmers, you can mow the lawn in the country at any time and at the desired distance from the house, without falling into dependence on the length of the equipment wire. But there are certain subtleties in working with this technique. After purchase, you should carefully study the manual attached to the model, assemble the equipment.

Before starting work with the trimmer, it is worth checking the mowed area for hazardous debris, large snags, stones, electrical wires and live cables. It is recommended to isolate pets and birds in advance while working with an autonomous electric scythe. People are not recommended to approach the operator while the equipment is operating - the optimal distance is at least 10 m.

The attachment of the nozzle should be checked regularly - in this case, it will definitely be quite reliable. Only after making sure that the plastic cutter or fishing line is in place, you can start the engine of the equipment. When using for the first time, it is recommended to check the speed of turning on the motor several times. It should start easily.

The standard duration of continuous operation of the electric trimmer should be 20 minutes. Then the technique is given time to cool down, overheating is dangerous for the engine. For long-term mowing, it is better to take care of purchasing a special belt attachment to reduce the load on the back.

In order to properly and evenly mow the lawn, it is worth initially dividing the entire scope of work into sectors. The movement is carried out clockwise, square by square - this allows you to leave the already mown grass on the left, it does not interfere with further processing of the site.

Feedback from the owners of cordless trimmers about the use of such a technique looks rather optimistic. When choosing sufficiently powerful models from trusted manufacturers, the unit successfully works for more than 30 minutes, allowing you to mow even small branches and shrubs.Users are advised to choose versions with an overhead motor - they overheat less, do not get clogged with grass during operation.

The body tightness of battery technology is higher than that of mains powered models. Most of these trimmers are suitable for working on wet or very succulent grass. The autonomous performance of the technique allows you to mow with it the most difficult areas: with lowlands, ravines - those where a wire scythe or a lawn mower will be useless. Attention is also paid to the ease of maintenance: even an elderly person can cope with replacing and charging the battery.

For an overview of the Makita DUR 181 RF cordless grass trimmer, see the video below.