Which trimmer is better to choose for cutting grass - electric or gasoline?

In order for the lawn at your dacha to look well-groomed, it must be mowed regularly. Which trimmer is better, electric or gasoline, the owner of the site decides based on what is more convenient for him - using an outlet or refueling the equipment with gasoline. The price of a manual lawn mower and other factors also matter.

What is an electric trimmer

An electric trimmer is a compact but powerful tool for cutting grass. This technique has another name - electric scythe. The trimmer is convenient because it penetrates into any hard-to-reach places where a standard lawn mower cannot reach. The maneuverability of the tool is ensured due to its design.

The electric braid consists of the following elements:

• protective casing;
• shaft;
• barbell;
• lever;
• switch;
• power cable.

The quality characteristics of a tool are affected by its power. The speed of rotation of the cutting head and the time of continuous operation of the engine depend on it. Models with a power of 500 W are considered weak. They are used for mowing compact lawns.

Such devices will not cope with a large lawn and thick plant stems. An electric scythe of this type usually has a motor located at the bottom, which does not allow the tool to be used after rain due to the risk of a short circuit.

The next category includes trimmers with power up to 1700 W. They are equipped with an engine. located on top. A powerful electric mower will not only trim the lawn, but will also deal with weeds and even trim small bushes. However, it is worth considering that models with a top engine have significant weight and less maneuverability.

To work with an electric scythe, you will need an extension cord. This is perhaps the only drawback of electric trimmers. You can, of course, purchase a cordless tool, but then there is a risk that the battery will run out at the most inopportune moment.

An electric scythe can be equipped with metal or plastic knives. The choice of material depends on the task at hand. Plastic perfectly cuts tough grass, metal cuts plants with powerful stems and young shrubs. A trimmer line is designed for mowing soft grass. Its diameter is selected depending on the engine power.

What is a gasoline trimmer

A gasoline trimmer is a type of garden tool that runs on liquid fuel. Summer residents usually purchase it for mowing the lawn and mowing weeds and unnecessary growth. The device is compact, relatively light weight, and easy to maintain. The trimmer consists of several units:

• engine;
• drive;
• cutting block;
• control knobs;
• heads;
• hose;
• protective casing.

The gasoline trimmer is equipped with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine with a power of 175 to 1000 W.The model with a powerful motor can remove plants with thick stems and young bushes. The cutting part of a gasoline trimmer can be a disk, knife or fishing line.

The tool is selected depending on the task. For example, a trimmer with a disc will cover the area faster, so it is suitable for larger areas. The weight of the tool depends on the volume of the gas tank and engine power. The lightest models weigh 4 kg, while powerful trimmers weigh up to 9 kg. The device is available in several modifications:

• household trimmer;
• professional trimmer;
• universal trimmer;
• brush cutter.

The household version is equipped with a weak engine, has compact dimensions and a low price. Its advantages include low weight and maneuverability. After 20 minutes of operation of the device, you need to take a break. The professional trimmer has improved characteristics. It has a powerful motor and good performance. These models are equipped with an anti-vibration system and a shoulder strap. A professional gasoline trimmer is suitable for cutting large lawns.

The universal model, in its characteristics, occupies an intermediate position between a household and professional tool. There is also a lawn mower that runs on gasoline. It is used not for grass, but for cutting bushes and tree growth. For maintenance, a gasoline trimmer will require refueling not only with gasoline, but also with oil.

What is the difference?

Both tools have the same purpose, but a different design. The operation of the electric scythe is ensured by electric current. It will need to be connected to an outlet via an extension cord. If this is not possible, it makes sense to purchase a battery-powered model.

A gasoline trimmer gives you more freedom of action as it runs on fuel.With its help, you can mow grass where there is no access to a source of electricity, for example, in a remote area, and the amount of work is large. Gasoline powered tools are considered safer. Using it, you don’t have to worry about shorting due to moisture from the grass.

Reviews for electric scythe

Electric trimmers have their supporters. Looking at the reviews, you can note that such a tool is purchased for small areas. The convenience of miniature trimmers lies in their maneuverability and light weight. Any woman can handle mowing the lawn with an electric scythe.

Alexey I.:

“I spent a long time choosing which trimmer to buy for my summer cottage. As a result, I purchased the “Bosch ART 27 06008A5200” model at a cost of about 5,000 rubles. I didn’t find any drawbacks with this electric scythe. I specifically chose something lighter and small in size, since I have no time to mow it myself and my wife has to do it. The trimmer is so light that even my grandmother can handle it; it weighs only 4 kg. Cutting the grass is done using a fishing line. True, you have to carry a wire with you, but you can ignore it.”

Sergey P.:

“I have a small dacha, so I don’t need a powerful trimmer. I bought the “Gardena ComfortCut 550/28 09872-20.000.00” model with an electric motor for 4,600 rubles. I liked that the tool is lightweight and can mow vertically. The trimmer folds up for easy storage. It took me a while to get used to reeling in fishing line, but the skill came with time. Overall I am pleased with the purchase."

Elena A.:

“Mowing grass used to be a problem until we purchased a DDE ET650 791-851 trimmer, powered by electricity. The model is not too expensive, but lived up to expectations. The trimmer costs 4100 rubles.I was pleased with the vertical mowing feature. Overall, the electric scythe looks quite sturdy and has a convenient handle adjustment. Among the disadvantages, I can note the need to mow the grass only in dry weather, since the engine is located at the bottom. Well, the power is rather weak, you won’t be able to mow down unnecessary growth.”

Reviews for petrol trimmer

Gasoline trimmers have proven themselves to be powerful, yet mobile tools. They are not tied to a source of electricity, which is often the main argument in favor of purchasing.

Vladimir M.:

“I purchased the model “P.I.T. Master P73102" 5 years ago. I am very pleased with the tool, so I am leaving a positive review. The petrol trimmer is economical, consumes little fuel, and yet has high power. The price of 7,000 rubles was completely justified. During all the time I worked, I never had to adjust the carburetor or make major repairs. Once the claw that the starter clings to broke. I mow the grass once a month, I have a plot of 15 acres. One fill of gasoline is enough for such an area.”

Igor Ch.:

“My choice fell on the trimmer “REDVERG RD-GB243S 6615384”, which runs on gasoline. I was captivated by its power, good quality material, and the presence of a shoulder strap that allows you to unload your back. The tool disassembles, which is very convenient in terms of storage. A gas trimmer costs about 7,200 rubles. For that kind of money I think the purchase is quite successful. I give this product 5 stars."

Sergey S.:

“Last year I purchased a petrol trimmer “EFCO DSH 250 T 61469011E1-CD”.

I liked the model because it has impressive power despite its light weight. The tool costs 16,300 rubles, which is not that cheap.But I think it’s better to overpay than to buy a cheap scythe that can only be used to cut fresh grass. My trimmer mows down any weeds, and it also copes with overgrown bushes. I haven’t found any drawbacks with this model yet.”

comparison table

The table shows the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of both models. By comparing the data, it will be easier to make a justifiable purchase.

Pros and cons of the electric model

The electric scythe is ideal for mowing small lawns and mowing hard-to-reach areas.Pros of this tool:

• environmental friendliness of use;
• maneuverability (you can mow the grass around the perimeter of flower beds, under benches and in other inconvenient places);
• small weight (can be easily controlled by a woman);
• relatively low price.

This model also has disadvantages. It is impossible to operate an electric scythe away from a power source. You can use an extension cord, but it must be of high quality so that the cord cannot be easily damaged. A low-power engine overheats quickly, making mowing a large lawn time-consuming. The trimmer needs to be turned off every now and then, allowing the engine to cool. If the engine is located at the bottom, you can only mow dry grass.

Pros and cons of the gasoline model

Petrol trimmers are no less in demand on the market. They are beneficial to purchase for mowing large areas of lawns and neglected lawns. The main advantages of the tool:

• long operating time without turning off the engine (depending on the model);
• high power, allowing you to cope even with thickets of bushes;
• good performance;
• possibility of autonomous use;
• A simple device that makes repairs easier.

The disadvantages of the tool stem from its advantages. A powerful trimmer weighs a lot, so working with it cannot be called physically easy. The gas mower requires regular maintenance - you need to clean the carburetor and spark plugs, add oil, and monitor the gearbox. Otherwise, the tool will not last long. In cool weather, the starter may not work the first time, and you have to restart the trimmer again and again.

Which is better to choose?

When deciding whether it is better to choose an electric or gasoline trimmer, one must proceed from the principle of expediency.There is no point in buying a powerful gasoline scythe for mowing grass in a small summer cottage. An electric trimmer will do this job just as well and will even be able to reach the most secluded corners, thanks to its compact size.

A gasoline-powered tool is convenient to use for processing an area located far from a source of electricity. It is also used in cases where there is no time to care for the lawn, as a result of which it becomes overgrown with weeds and unnecessary growth. Only men can operate a lawn mower. But even a fragile woman can handle an electric tool.

When choosing a gas or electric trimmer, which is better, everyone will decide for themselves. It is necessary to take into account the area and traffic of the site, its condition. A lightweight, maneuverable model that runs on electricity is worth purchasing for mowing grass on a well-groomed lawn. If the lawn is constantly overgrown with weeds or has a large area, it is better to choose a gas trimmer to care for it.