Serious lawn owners and gardeners know they’ll need a range of tools to keep their turf looking nice and neat.
A lawn mower is a great starting point, but when it comes to dealing with edges and overgrowth, a whipper snipper is your best bet.
Of course, choosing the best whipper snipper (or line trimmer) needs a lot of thought and consideration. You’ll want to look at power sources, cutting widths, line feed systems, and more – plus the size and layout of your lawn.
Whether you’re looking for a new model or replacing your old reliable tool, here’s a roundup of the best whipper snippers in Australia.
Types of Whipper Snippers
Whipper snippers are commonly categorised by their power source – petrol or electricity. Electric models are split into corded or cordless (aka battery-powered).
Petrol whipper snippers
These are old-school models that use gas to fuel the engine. Petrol models are more powerful, with more robust engines that are either 2-stroke or 4-stroke.
They either have straight shafts (also called brush cutters) or curved shafts. Straight-shaft trimmers have a longer reach and can be more powerful.
However, petrol engines are heavy and cause emissions. They also require additional maintenance due to the components and may require replacement parts.
Corded whipper snippers
This is one type of electric whipper snipper that comes with a cord that connects the tool to an electric outlet.
The cord ensures consistent power, and these models are typically lighter since they don’t have heavy engines or batteries. They also generate less noise.
However, the cord can be a tripping hazard and limits the range of your cutting. Corded whipper snippers are best for small gardens.
Cordless whipper snippers
Cordless models allow you more freedom of movement since there’s no cord to constrain you. Instead, they run on battery power. They’re more sustainable since they have zero emissions, and they’re quieter too.
However, cordless models tend to be less powerful, and they have limited runtime due to battery life. You’ll either need to swap batteries or pause and recharge.
How to Choose a Whipper Snipper
As with other garden power tools, there are several considerations that go into choosing the best whipper snipper for your lawn.
Lawn size and layout – How big is your lawn, and what is the terrain like? Are there slopes, uneven areas, or obstacles like trees?
Lawn grass and other vegetation – What type of lawn grass do you have? Is your lawn plain grass, or do you have garden beds or dense vegetation?
Power source – Choose the power type that best suits your lawn needs. Larger lawns may need petrol trimmers or electric ones with longer battery life.
Weight and manoeuvrability – Petrol models tend to be heavier than electric ones. Corded and cordless models are typically the lightest as they do not contain batteries. Lighter models are easier to carry around and manoeuvre.
Cutting width/depth – These determine how big an area the whipper snipper can cover in a single pass. Cutting width is the width of the area that gets cut, while cutting depth is how closely you can cut grass or weeds. Some more expensive models even feature an adjustable cutting width.
Start systems – Petrol models might have pull-start systems that can be a challenge. For hassle-free starting, try to look for easy-start or push-start systems to save you time and effort.
Line feed system – Most trimmers use a bump feed system, where you tap the head to feed more line. More modern trimmers have automatic feed systems, while others have a manual feed that requires you to turn off the trimmer before pulling additional line.
Handle and shaft – Some models allow for adjustable shafts so you can reach further or higher. Other models offer adjustable or ergonomic handles for improved comfort during use.
Safety and comfort features – Check for models that have guard shields, which protect the user from flying debris. Other models have anti-vibration features that maximise your comfort during use.
Always learn all the buttons, features, and safety systems when figuring out how to use your whipper snipper. This ensures you’re safe and comfortable while out under the sun.
Line Trimmers vs. Whipper Snippers
A line trimmer and a whipper snipper are the same thing and are used interchangeably in Australia. People also call it a brush cutter or edge trimmer.
Generally, a line trimmer (or string trimmer) uses a nylon cable spinning at high speed for grass cutting. You’ll need to replace the nylon line regularly as it degrades with use.
Line trimmers have the same power sources as whipper snippers, so you can get a petrol line trimmer or an electric one. Most line trimmers cost less than whipper snippers since they have smaller motors.
Whipper snippers, on the other hand, use either a cutting blade or a fairly thick line to cut grass. They’re more durable and heavy-duty thanks to their more powerful motors.
While they’re considered the same, string trimmers are better for narrow/small gardens and shaping or edging, while bladed whipper snippers are better for large gardens and thicker growth.
Our Picks for the Best Whipper Snippers in Australia
Once you’ve established your lawn’s size and trimming needs, it’s time to choose the best line trimmer or whipper snipper!
Best Whipper Snipper Overall: WORX WG184 40V Cordless String Trimmer
2 x 20V Batteries | 330m Cutting Width | 3.9kg Weight (with batteries) | Pivoting cutting head
Make your lawn the envy of all your neighbours with the WORX WG184 trimmer! It features a professional-grade trimmer line and variable speed so you get clean edges and crisp results.
Moreover, this lawn trimmer easily converts to an in-line edger so you can get close to pavements, fences, and other edges with ease. Plus, the cutting head pivots, so you can trim on slopes and uneven terrain.
The adjustable D-grip angle allows you to hold the line trimmer from any angle for easy manoeuvring. Additionally, the Command Feed spool system instantly feeds the cutting line for efficient work.
Best Value Whipper Snipper: Swift 40V Cordless Whipper Snipper
1 x 80Wh Battery | 250mm Cutting Width | Up to 80 minutes runtime | 0.719kg Weight
Line trimmers and brush cutters can cost up to $1,000 – or more! – but the Swift Cordless Whipper Snipper gives you great performance under $200.
The trimmer features a nylon blade cutting system for increased efficiency and crisp edges. It has a simple push-start system and high-impact safety guards to protect you from debris.
This trimmer is one of the most lightweight, and combined with the ergonomic soft grip handles, means you’re comfortable even during prolonged use. It’s also low-noise and low-vibration.
Best Battery Whipper Snipper: WORX 40V Cordless Grass Trimmer
2 x 2Ah Batteries | 330mm Cutting Width | 2.9kg Weight (with batteries) | Dual-exit cutting head
The WORX WG183E is the perfect partner for trimming your lawn. It has an auto-feed feature for its dual lines for more efficient and precise trimming – no need to bump out more line.
Since it’s cordless, there’s no risk of tripping and you can carry it anywhere in your yard. Moreover, the adjustable auxiliary handle and light weight ensure maximum user comfort and ease of use.
Moreover, the WORX WG183E has a straight shaft for long reach and a battery life indicator so you know how much power you have left.
The double-battery system, lightweight design, and auto-line advancement mean you get more trimming time than single-battery trimmers on the Australian market.
Best Electric Whipper Snipper: Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer
5.5 Amp Motor | 381mm Cutting Width | 3.1kg Weight | Dual line auto-feed
The efficient and ergonomic design of the Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer makes trimming and edging easy-peasy.
One key feature is the adjustable telescopic shaft which allows you to adjust the line trimmer to fit your height. Moreover, the dual-line auto-feed head means you don’t need to manually bump feed your trimmer cord.
The rotating head with 4-position pivoting means you can trim grass even on uneven terrain. The electric start gets the tool going in seconds, and the edging mode lets you turn the head 90º for neat, straight lines.
Best Cordless Whipper Snipper: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
1 x 2.0Ah Battery | 330mm Cutting Width | 2.86kg Weight | Best for yards up to 1000sqm
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless String Trimmer makes trimming and edging a breeze.
The dual speed settings let you choose more power or more runtime, depending on your garden’s needs. The cutting head has a turn-to-edge feature so you can switch between trimming and edging with no trouble.
No bumping required thanks to the automatic line advance system! Moreover, the ergonomic and adjustable telescoping pole lets you adjust the shaft to suit your height/
Best Petrol Whipper Snipper: Hyundai 33cc HYBC3300 Whipper Snipper
2-stroke Euro V 33cc Engine | 255mm Blade Width | 450 Nylon Trimmer Width | 9.1kg Weight
Get all the power you need to get through grass, brambles, and overgrowth with Hyundai’s HYBC3300 33cc Petrol Grass Trimmer.
It features a two-shoulder harness to balance the weight and minimise strain on your back and shoulders. It also has a bump feed system so you can simply “tap and go” if you need more cord.
Moreover, you can easily switch between steel blades (255mm) and nylon string (450mm) depending on how thick and dense the vegetation is.
When fuel mixing, use a 40:1 fuel ratio to prolong engine life.
Best 4 Stroke Whipper Snipper: Honda UMK425 25cc 4-Stroke Straight-Shaft Brushcutter
25cc 4-Stroke Engine | 325mm Cutting Width | 0.55L Tank Capacity | 5.7kg Weight
The UMK425 boasts Honda’s latest, top-of-the-line 4-stroke engines – specifically the Generation II GX25 Mini 4-Stroke engine.
The motor delivers consistent power and high torque, allowing you to trim overgrown grass, big yards, and garden borders with ease. The engine also produces less noise and smoke than many petrol models.
Moreover, the 360º fully-inclinable design and anti-vibration engine mount let you trim in comfort, with less fatigue.
Lastly, the brushcutter features electronic ignition and an anti-flood primer system for an easy start, every time.
Best Lightweight Whipper Snipper: Makita 18V DUR192LST Brushless Line Trimmer Set
1 x 5.0Ah Battery | 300mm Cutting Width | 2.4kg Weight | 2-Stage Speed Control
Makita brings out all the stops with the DUR192LST Brushless Line Trimmer. It features a loop handle and foldable shaft for ease of use and transportation.
And of course, at just 2.4kg, it’s light and comfortable to carry all around your garden.
The engine has a max power output of 0.46W, so it can handle big jobs and tough tasks. You also get 2-stage speed control (4,600rpm and 6,000rpm) so you can choose a suitable speed and conserve power.
The narrow guard design on the head allows a better line of sight and more precise trimming. Then the batteries have overload, over-discharge, and overheat protection to keep you and your line trimmer safe.
Most Powerful Whipper Snipper: Honda UMK435U Petrol Brush Cutter
GX35 35cc 4-stroke Engine | 432mm Cutting Width | 0.65L Fuel Tank | 7.0kg Weight
Power through just about any growth in your garden with the Honda UMK435U Petrol Brush Cutter!
Perfect for gardeners, landscapers, and everyone in between, it can handle heavy-duty work while minimising noise, emissions, and fuel consumption.
You can use the metal cutting blade for thick grass or the nylon cutting head for lighter work. The 35cc engine has 1.2kW of power means either cutting option will slice right through any overgrowth.
The easy-grip bike handle allows for easy manoeuvring and control, while the safety guard protects you from flying debris. The full kit even comes with a hardness and safety goggles for your convenience.
Easiest Whipper Snipper To Use: BLACK+DECKER 18V Power Command String Trimmer Kit
1 x 2.0Ah Battery | 300mm Cutting Width | 4.49kg Weight | E-Drive and Power Select Systems
Trimming the edges of your yard has never been easier thanks to the BLACK+DECKER STC1840EPC-XE String Trimmer Kit!
This model is part of the brand’s Power Command Range, which features easy feed for the trimmer cord and Power Select Run Time Extender. This system lets you increase or decrease the power depending on your trimming needs.
The line trimmer is powered by E-Drive, a high-torque gear system that can power through even tough overgrowth. It also has a Flip-To-Edge mechanism so you can swap between trimming and edging.
Best Whipper Snipper for Long Grass: BLACK+DECKER 18V STC1820PC-XE String Trimmer Kit
1 x 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery | 280mm Cutting Width | 4.0kg Weight | Power Select System
BLACK+DECKER has stepped up its line trimmer game with their 18V String Trimmer. The Power Select Run Time Extender increases power for overgrown areas or reduces power for lighter tasks – extending your run time.
It’s also powered by an E-Drive high-torque gear system that can cut through even long grass with ease.
This model features a new and improved Flip To Edge Mechanism, converting from trimming to wheeled edging. The adjustable second handle and telescopic shaft allow for maximum comfort and control.
Best Commercial Whipper Snipper: Stihl FS85R 25.4cc 2-Stroke Petrol Brush Cutter
If you want a professional-level line trimmer, the Stihl FS85R model is for serious domestic and commercial trimming.
This powerful yet lightweight brush cutter features a loop handle for working in limited space and narrow areas. The multi-function handle allows you to control all the functions right at your fingertips.
Stihl’s petrol brush cutter features an anti-vibration system to improve comfort during operation, and an integral damper for a smooth start.
Online whipper snipper reviews swear by its longevity and durability, especially with good maintenance. And with a 25.4cc engine with a 1.3hp output, we don’t blame them!
Whipper Snipper FAQs
Should I get a two-stroke or four-stroke petrol whipper snipper?
The type of engine that is better for your needs depends on your specific requirements. If you need a lightweight but powerful tool, a two-stroke engine may be the better choice.
However, a four-stroke engine is the right way to go if you prioritise lower emissions and noise levels and are okay with a heavier tool.
Which trimming line feed option is better?
In general, bump feed whipper snippers are better for smaller properties or those who only use the tool occasionally.
Automatic feed whipper snippers are better suited for larger properties or for those who use the tool frequently and need a more efficient option.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
Are brush cutters the same as whipper snippers?
While both tools are used for trimming grass and lawn maintenance, brush cutters are designed for heavier-duty tasks, while whipper snippers are intended for lighter trimming and edging.
A brush cutter may be better if you have a large property with a thick brush and vegetation. But a whipper snipper should suffice if you have a smaller property and mainly need to trim grass and light foliage.
Do I need a whipper snipper if I use a lawn mower?
If you want a perfectly manicured lawn, yes. Even the best lawn mower can only do so much to keep your grass looking its best.
You can use whipper snippers to trim the edges of your lawn and achieve a clean finish overall.
Plus, whipper snippers are great for getting into those tight corners and hard-to-reach places that would otherwise be tricky with just a lawn mower.
