The Best Whipper Snippers [Australia 2022]

“What on earth is a whipper snipper!?”

I said to myself when I first moved to Australia. You see coming from New Zealand and then spending time in the UK a whipper snipper was something I had never heard of. In New Zealand, we called them a line trimmer.

So, considering I had no idea what a ‘4-cycle whipper snipper’ was, I decided to do a little research and find out a little more about the fondness of such Aussie slang and compare a few compare whipper snippers.

This post is all about them.

A whipper snipper (or as the rest of the world call them – line trimmers) is one of the more essential pieces of gardening equipment, especially in Australia. It helps from trimming lawn edging right up to cutting back overgrown bush and long grass, making this sound equipment required for lawn care. The best part about a line trimmer is that it helps lawn care jobs be done efficiently and quickly, particularly for areas not suitable for a lawnmower.

Below I have reviewed some of the most popular to find the best whipper snipper. These include different models such as a cordless line trimmer, petrol line trimmer (or petrol whipper snipper for those in Australia), whipper snippers that have a multi-position adjustable handle or even whipper snippers that produce less noise. I also include straight-shaft models and battery-powered whipper snippers.

Check them out below.

Top Whipper Snippers for 2022

Since I know Aussies like to get straight to the point, check out the best whipper snippers below.

Makita DUR191LZX3 18V Li-ion LXT Brushless Line Trimmer

This battery-powered brushless motor has two section shafts for space-saving and easy storage transport. The Makita DUR191LZX3 can quickly and easily be dismantled for cleaning and maintenance. With a soft grip for operator comfort, this trimmer is easy to handle and manoeuvre.

The cutting width is 30cm, with a 0.65mm line giving you plenty of power to trim through tough weeds and grass. The line feed system is automatic, with a single bump release. The cutting line can also be reversed if it becomes tangled.

The Makita DUR191LZX3 has a run time of up to 40 minutes on a single charge (5.0Ah).

Features: 

• Has a 2-part shaft design. 
• Easy to Transport.
• 2 Speed Settings.
• Brushless Motor.
• Has a 300mm cutting diameter.

Pros:

• One can easily switch from trimmer to edger
• The battery life is quite impressive at 45 minutes

Cons:

• Since it has a line size that is too thin, it is not conducive for more complex jobs. 
• The handle is uncomfortable, according to some users. 

This is the best whipper snipper for 2022, check out some of the other options below.

Bosch Cordless Line Grass Trimmer

This is an 18 Volt battery-powered whipper sniper that has a semi-automatic spool to eliminate the need for manual adjustments. The Bosch Cordless Line Grass Trimmer has a cutting width of 30cm and uses a 0.6mm line giving you plenty of power to trim through tough weeds and grass.

This trimmer also features an ergonomic design with a soft-grip handle for comfortable use. The head can be rotated by 90 degrees, making it easy to get into tight spaces and corners.

Features: 

• Works on an 18V motor.
• Rechargeable battery and charger
• Can cut up to six tennis courts. 
• Edge-Trimming and Semi-Automatic Feeding. 
• Can trim tight spaces

A solid all-around line trimmer.

Pros:

• Lightweight 
• Has an impressive battery life

Cons:

• The battery is not sold separately
• Does not work for large gardens

Baumr-AG SMX920 Multi Tool Kit 

This is a real hit with garden cleaners and lovers.  The Baumr-AG SMX920 is a 4-in-1 trimmer that can do it all. It comes with a line trimmer, brush cutters, hedger, and pruner attachment.

The Baumr-AG SMX920 also has a 42cc 2-stroke (mix gas) petrol engine which gives you plenty of power to get the job done. The cutting width is 30cm, with a 0.65mm line giving you plenty of power to trim through tough weeds and grass.

This trimmer also features an ergonomic design with a soft-grip handle for comfortable use. The head can be rotated by 90 degrees, making it easy to get into tight spaces and corners.

Features: 

• This two-stroke petrol multitasks trimmer 
• Easy to Transport.
• It performs multiple functions 
• Has a 65 CC engine

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Has a good amount of manoeuvrability.

Cons:

• Not easily available. 
• It might take some time to get used to.

Black+Decker GLC3630L20-XE Grass Trimmer

This is a hit and is loved by almost everyone because it comes with many features to impress anyone out there.  This is a 36v battery-powered line trimmer with a cutting width of 30cm. The line feed system is automatic, with a single bump release. The cutting line can also be reversed if it becomes tangled.

The Black+Decker GLC3630L20-XE also has an ergonomic design with a soft-grip handle for comfortable use. The head can be rotated by 90 degrees, making it easy to get into tight spaces and corners.

Features: 

• 36 V 2.0 Ah battery 
• EDrive technology. 
• 30cm cutting swathe.
• Two-mode functions

Pros:

• Cordless trimmer. 
• Works great for large yards

Cons:

• Fragile plastic motor housing
• Short and average battery life.  

This is a great option for a cordless line trimmer.

Troy-Bilt TB525 Curved Shaft Trimmer

This company is known to make great trimmers that have been in the market for a very long time, and is why this is one of the best whipper snippers that one can get. 

The Troy-Bilt TB525 is a gas-powered line trimmer with a 25cc 2-cycle engine. It has a cutting width of 17 inches and uses a 0.080-inch diameter line. The trimmer also features curved shafts that are designed to reduce fatigue. A great option for lawn edges.

Features: 

• 17-inch curved shaft. 
• Gas-powered. 
• Ergonomic design. 
• Users can get a direct view of the entire cutting line. 
• Long-lasting.

Pros:

• Good longevity. 
• Easy to use. 

Cons:

• Takes time to warm up. 
• Might take time to understand instructions.  

Einhell Cordless Scythe AGILLO 18/200

This is a great choice for those who have a lot of tough weeds and grass to deal with.  The Einhell Cordless Scythe AGILLO 18/200 is a battery-powered line trimmer with a cutting width of 18cm. It uses a 0.8mm line and has a cutting speed of 3200rpm.

The Einhell Cordless Scythe AGILLO 18/200 also has an ergonomic design with a soft-grip handle for comfortable use. The head can be rotated by 90 degrees, making it easy to get into tight spaces and corners.

Features: 

• Battery-powered and cordless. 
• Robust line spool with an automatic jog line feed. 
• The maximum speed of 7200 RPM
• User-friendly

Pros:

• Easy installation and assembly
• Sturdy and robust. 

Cons:

• Some users report the failure of the brush cutter. 
• Awkward balance due to weight.   

Makita EBH341U 33.5cc Brush Cutter

With a mini four-stroke engine, this one doesn’t necessarily always require fuel or oil mixing. It is generally more efficient than the other models in the market and is best known to lower running costs by up to 60%. Makita EBH341U is a great choice for those who want a durable and powerful brush cutter for trimming grass.

Features: 

• Four-stroke engine. 
• Displacement of 33.5cc. 
• Ergonomic design. 
• Soft grip handle.
• Pros:
• Lightweight and portable. 
• Low noise level.

Pros:

• Suitable for large areas. 
• Very powerful motor. 

Cons:

• No cons as such. 

STIHL FS 94 C-E Grass Trimmer with Easy2Start

This petrol grass trimmer is pretty lightweight, compact, but truly powerful. It is great for trimming your garden and lawn edging and trimming. It has an easy-to-start technology for effortless power up. The further you hold down the start lock, the more fuel is delivered to the carburettor.

Features: 

• Displacement of 23.6cc. 
• Power output of 0.75kW. 
• Ergonomic design. 
• Easy2Start technology.

Pros:

• Very heavy-duty 
• Lightweight but is very powerful

Cons:

• Uses and consumes a lot of petrol.
• Costly and not price-effective.    

STIHL FS 260 C-E Professional Brush Cutter

This brushcutter is a heavy-duty, rugged cutter designed for practically all-day use, be it in a small garden or a larger property. It has a comparatively lower fuel consumption, making it a great choice. Of course, it comes at a higher price, with more power. But it is definitely worth the investment.

Features: 

• Ergonomic design. 
• Displacement of 37.2cc. 
• Power output of 1.3kW. 
• Anti-vibration system.

Pros:

• Very powerful motor. 
• Less fuel consumption. 
• Ideal for professional

Cons:

• Difficult to get new lines to feed. 
• Inefficient cutting head.    

WORX WG163E 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer/Edger

This is one of the best products that money can buy and is rated the best under $200.  It is a 2-in-1 trimmer and edger with a cutting width of 12 inches. The cutting line is 0.065 inches in diameter and is made of dual nylon for durability.

This product also features an automatic feed spool that advances the line when needed. It has a 20v battery and can run for up to 30 minutes on a single charge.

Features: 

• 2-in-1 trimmer and edger. 
• Cutting width of 12 inches. 
• 0.065-inch cutting line. 
• 20v battery.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to use. 
• Affordable. 

Cons:

• Confusing and poor instruction manual 
• Difficulty when threading a new line. 

Redback Swift 40V Cordless Whipper Snipper

This is the best whipper snipper for small yards and is the best option for customers looking for beginner-friendly whipper snippers as it is one of the cordless models. This product is also one of the lightest models on the market, weighing only 2.6 kg. It comes with a cutting width of 230 mm and has a 0.065-inch cutting line.

Features: 

• Single 40V 80 WH Battery 
• 25 cm bylon blade cutting system. 
• Can cut heavy weeds without difficulty. 
• The Head can be used as an edger. 

Pros:

• Easy to use for beginners. 
• Has soft handles with rubber grips.

Cons:

• Has an annoying noisy motor. 
• Very mediocre battery life. 

Victa Swift-Start Straight Shaft Trimmer 883226

This has often been regarded as the best option under $300 as it is very convenient to use and is very efficient.  It comes with a cutting width of 30 cm and has a 0.065-inch line. The Victa Swift-Start also has an easy start primer system for effortless starting.

This is a very versatile whipper snipper.

Features: 

• Has a full-crank 25.4CC 2-stroke engine
• Can cut some of the thickest and most stubborn weeds. 
• Balanced design and lightweight. 
• Comes with a shoulder strap. 
• Comfortable experience. 

Pros:

• Very easy to set up. 
• Comes with a shoulder strap to aid comfort.

Cons:

• Difficult to start the 2-stroke engine. 
• Heavier than quite a few other whipper snippers. 

Bosch Cordless Grass Trimmer EasyGrassCut 18

One of the best products in the market, and the brand name speaks for itself as their trimmers are great value for money and easy to use.  This model is a great choice for small and medium-sized gardens. It has a cutting width of 20 cm and a 0.065-inch cutting line. This product also features a unique anti-clockwise blade system that makes it easier to use.

Features: 

• For small and medium-sized gardens, 
• Comfortable handling. 
• Continuous Cutting
• Trimming and edging simultaneously
• Powerful engine. 

Pros:

• Works for all sized gardens. 
• Good weight distribution.

Cons:

• Not attractive to look at. Lacks design.
• Line feeds automatically by about ¼”

Honda UMK435

This is marketed as one of the most powerful brush cutters by Honda and is specifically designed for professional use.  It has a 35cc 4-stroke GX35 mini engine. This product also features an anti-vibration system and is very lightweight as it only weighs 7.3 kg.

This model is also great for those who have large gardens as it has a cutting width of 430 mm. This model is great for garden tasks and fence lines.

Features: 

• Has a straight shaft
• Works on petrol. 
• Cuts thick scrub. 
• Noiseless. 
• Made for Professional use-case scenarios

Pros:

• Powerful engine.
• Easy to Use and Navigate. 

Cons:

• Costly. Not at all cost-effective. 
• The harness is not very durable. 

Best Brands in the market

Now that you know about the best models out there in the market, let us get an idea of the best line trimmer brands in the market as far as whipper snippers are concerned:

1. Makita
2. Ozito
3. Ryobi
4. Stihl
5. Honda
6. Black and Decker
7. Husqvarna

Difference between a whipper sniper and a line trimmer

Both the line trimmer and the whipper sniper are similar pieces of equipment. However, there are two significant differences between these two pieces of equipment.

1. Line trimmers, better known as grass trimmers, have bent shafts that make the trimming of the edges of lawns much easier and quicker to perform.
2. Whipper snippers, better known as brush cutters, come with straight shafts suited for heavy-duty work such as clearing overgrown areas and brush.

Types of whipper snippers (Power options)

Although there are different types of whipper snippers in the market, the major difference lies in how they are powered up. Do you prefer a cordless line trimmer or a petrol line trimmer? All whipper snippers will be one or the other.

• Corded whipper snippers

Electric corded whippersnappers are pretty quiet, require no maintenance, have zero emissions, and do not even require charging, recharging, or even refuelling. The only downside here is that you have to carry a cord around and may even need an extension cord to reach those remote spots. These are better for smaller gardens, where the demands are not too much.

• Battery whipper snippers

These whipper snippers have less power than the petrol engines but are still quite good for a garden of average size. Since batteries power them, they can be charged in advance, and after use, you can again recharge them. They are not good for jobs that require a longer duration. Naturally, it is only prudent to have a couple of recharged spare batteries. These are fully portable, do not emit fumes, hardly ever require any maintenance at all, and are quite quiet compared with the petrol engine types.

• Petrol whipper snippers

These have the most powerful engines, and are really great for various landscaping contractor jobs and other demanding jobs. They’re quite portable, and you can use them for many gardens and larger properties. They are easy to handle and inexpensive to fuel. Regular maintenance is required. Since they are petrol-based machines, they are usually noisy and emit fumes. They come in two models – the 2-stroke and the 4-stroke models.

Other types of cutting edge technology

Some of the other types of technology that could be used instead of a whipper snippers\ are:

1. Line trimmers
2. Hand trimmers
3. String trimmers
4. Lawn shears
5. Brush cutters
6. Lawnmowers
7. Blade trimmers
8. Weed eaters

Some features to look for in a whipper snipper.

1. Adjustable handles. Vertical or horizontal trimming handles should be easy to adjust.
2. Edging guide. This essential feature is required, especially if you regularly edge flower beds, driveways, pathways, etc. This feature will enable you to make straight and neat edges easily.
3. Cutting lines. Although a dual line cutting system can offer far better performance, re-spooling the line can be quite a daunting task. Here you have two trimmer line options – single trimming line or dual.
4. Rotating head. Whether you’re cutting vertically or horizontally, the rotating head allows you to change the cutting direction easily instead of making you tilt the entire machine.
5. Line length limiting blade. The safety guard should have a small blade that will help you trim the line to the exact length without overloading the engine.
6. Shoulder harness. Although most of this trimming equipment is relatively lightweight, holding them in a specific position for long periods is not an easy task. The optional extra shoulder strap can help you take the weight of the equipment while letting the gardening task be easier for you to perform.
7. Bump feed system. Also known as the line feed system, it feeds more lines to the cutting head, often when you gently bump the cutting head itself on the ground.
8. Cutting diameter. If you need to cut across wide-open spaces, a wide cutting diameter will help you cut more grass and brush quickly and easily.
9. Safety guard. This is the amount positioned at the rear of the cutting head so that all the debris is deflected before they fly up when you’re cutting the grass and brush. This guard itself may limit your view a little, but they’re essential and critical in saving you from all that is flying all around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Straight shaft or bent shaft

Most people who work with whipper snippers, or even trimmers, have always wondered at one point or the other about the difference between a straight shaft and a bent shaft and also which is better.

1. A curved shaft usually has a shorter shaft. It ensures the trimmer itself is lighter and easier to handle. They feel more well balanced, and their shorter lengths and lesser weight prove more beneficial for people with an average or short height and those who have a smaller garden to manage. Another factor is that a curved shaft trimmer or whipper snipper will always cost less.
2. A straight shaft makes the shaft longer but more functional as well. This ensures more extended reach, and taller people will take to this kind of trimmer more easily since it helps them avoid back pain. Of course, less vibration is also generated, especially because of a level driveline. A low gear will always generate more torque. The street shaft whipper sniper with longer durations to handle is a far better option. You must note, of course, that a straight shaft trimmer will always cost a little more. And with more additional features, the price tends to grow higher.

Are Makita and Ozito brands the best?

Makita and Ozito are the most preferred brands for garden maintenance and power trimmers, cutters, and other equipment. What makes these two brands stand apart is the number of features that their types of equipment come with, their understanding of the needs and requirements of the customers and users, the sheer competitive pricing models, the longevity and durability of their equipment, the performance of their equipment, the ease to operate almost all their models, the eco-friendly ergonomics of their tools, the lone noise levels, and also their user-friendly designs, among many other points. No wonder you’ll find that most of their models are out of stock when you wish to order them online.

When to use a line trimmer?

This must sound like a more controversial topic to talk about. However, let us try to discuss this from a couple of different angles. 

1. Early spring or late winter is practically the best time when you can prune and trim your overgrown hedges. Of course, it does pay off during the drier months if you can keep your garden under constant maintenance and upkeep.
2. The other way to look at this topic is to understand how much time we spend on the upkeep of our lawns, gardens, and yards. While the upkeep and maintenance of your lawns and yards may depend absolutely on the type of property that you have, it is generally accepted by highly experienced and skilled gardeners and landscapers that for every 4 minutes of mowing time, trimming takes about two minutes while blowing will take about a minute or so. You just cannot have a hard and fast magic ratio.

Should I choose cordless or electric?

Cordless line trimmers 

1. Cordless line trimmers or battery-powered electric string trimmers provide more mobility and maneuverability than their corded counterparts. They can be powered with lithium-ion batteries rated from 40 to 80 volts. These provide more power than the lower voltage for batteries. And it is exactly a better power source that will allow you to handle larger tasks. They are more convenient and eco-friendly than gas-powered string trimmers. These trimmers do not need any oil or gas mixed or fuelled.
2. Again, compared to the corded trimmers, cordless trimmers do not need you to carry and drag entire sections of chords wherever you have to carry the trimmer. There is no need for extension cords either. Maneuverability is far better with cordless line trimmers than with their corded cousins.

Electric line trimmers (corded)

Electric line trimmers can be a great option if you have a smaller-sized garden unless demanding trimming jobs carry out. Electric line trimmers usually come with a cord that you may have to drag around wherever you’re going. Also, you may even have to attach an extension cord to help you reach the farthest points of your garden.

These trimmers are highly durable and can perform far better than battery-operated ones. They also proved to be much lighter than the petrol trimmers, while also ensuring that they’re not too noisy. Electric line trimmers are more eco-friendly and come with feature-rich models that will help you with your garden trimming and cleaning activities.

What safety tips should I consider?

Always follow these safety tips when you use a whipper snipper:

1. Make sure to clean your equipment before actually storing it. Remove all the debris and soil from the machine, and wipe it clean.
2. When you use the equipment, make sure you move slowly and evenly to avoid any large objects like rocks or plant containers. This will help you to prevent accidents.
3. If you use a two-stroke petrol model, make sure that you mix the appropriate ratio of oil and patrol before powering it up.
4. If the cord of your electric corded model is damaged or wet on the outside, please do not use it.
5. Always check the line to ensure that they are in a good condition. Replace them if needed.
6. Whenever you use a whipper sniper, make it a point to see that your pets and little children are not around.
7. If you have a petrol whipper sniper, ensure that you wear ear protection, especially if you use your equipment for longer periods.
8. Always remember to wear thick gardening gloves and safety glasses. Heavy work boots with ample protection and thick long pants coupled with a long-sleeved shirt are essential when you want to work with your whippersnapper in your garden.

Mow or whipper first?

Always whipper snip first. Next, you may mow your lawn. And then you may edge your lawn with an edger. After all, this has been done, and you may as well blow away all the bits of debris and cuttings so that your entire lawn, garden, yard, etc. is clean. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Trim
2. Mow
3. Edge
4. Blow

Two-piece or one-piece shaft?

If your whipper snipper comes with a split shaft or two-piece design, you can use other attachments to power the same engine for different tasks, such as lawn edging (if your equipment has an edger accessory). This is a perfect option, especially for domestic users; you can save a lot of money by including certain accessories when purchasing a whipper sniper.

Professionals prepared to carry more equipment in their kit or trailer can always opt for a single shaft or one piece of equipment. This ensures reduced wear and tear while also reducing the chances of failure. That is exactly why commercial trimmers come with just a standard one-piece shaft.

Conclusion

It is pretty apparent and straightforward to see and understand the different types of equipment, accessories, brands, features, and the plethora of other scopes and factors related to this gardening equipment. Such a wide variety and choice may seem quite confusing at first. However, if you know exactly what you’re looking for and what features you want in your equipment, choosing the right one for the maintenance and upkeep of your garden and yard will not be a problem at all.