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The best whipper snippers and line trimmers in Australia

We’ve found the 8 best electric and petrol-powered whipper snippers you can buy right now.

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Ericka Pingol
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The best whipper snippers in Australia

How did we pick this list?

For this list, we chose whipper snippers based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Amazon and ProductReview. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Best overall whipper snipper: BLACK+DECKER Powercommand Grass Trimmer Kit

Pros

  • Cordless
  • Suitable for large yards

Cons

  • Flimsy plastic motor housing
  • Short battery life
Price (RRP): $259.00
Amazon pricing: From $259.00
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Appliances Online
Buy at Catch

Why we chose it

Our pick for the best overall whipper snipper is the BLACK+DECKER Powercommand Grass Trimmer Kit. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 2,000 reviews on Amazon.

This whipper snipper from BLACK+DECKER is powered by a 36V 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery, offering up to 3,750 linear metres of cutting power in a single charge. According to the company, it features E drive technology, which can power through even the most stubborn overgrown areas. It also has 30cm of cutting swathe and two modes – eco mode for energy saving and turbo mode for thicker grass.

Customers gave positive feedback on the tool's reasonable price, high-quality build and superb power. It can cut through thicker, overgrown grass, making it a suitable contender for larger gardens. Reviews also mentioned that it is easy to operate while being lightweight. However, the battery life left a lot to be desired. Several customers said it only lasts for about 30 minutes.

Best petrol-powered whipper snipper: Stihl FS 94C-E

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Lightweight yet powerful

Cons

  • Consumes more petrol than other trimmers
  • Not cheap
Price (RRP): $649.00
Buy at Tools Warehouse

Why we chose it

For the best petrol-powered option, we selected the Stihl FS 94C-E. On ProductReview, it's got a rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Stihl's FS 94C-E has a slim design for ease of use. Its reduced weight and variable speed also allow the machine to be dialled up or down, suitable for trimming around delicate plants and windows. This tool also has the brand's Easy2Start feature and fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engine technology.

As the best-rated whipper snipper brand, Stihl gained the highest marks when it comes to ease of use, performance and safety. The brand's FS 94C-E is a fantastic option for professional use because of its powerful 900W motor. It can trim overgrown grass in mere seconds. According to customers, it is beginner-friendly and lightweight as well. However, it consumes more fuel than its competitors. But despite this minor issue, the FS 94C-E remains a top pick for many buyers.

Best battery-powered whipper snipper: Bosch Cordless Line Grass Trimmer

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Superb battery life

Cons

  • Battery is sold separately
  • Not for large gardens
Price (RRP): $180.00
Amazon pricing: From $159.00
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we chose Bosch's Cordless Line Grass Trimmer as the best battery-powered whipper snipper.

Bosch's Cordless Line Grass Trimmer features an 18V motor and a rechargeable battery that can cut up to 6 tennis courts. It offers various functions, including edge trimming and semi-automatic feeding. According to the company, this whipper snipper can reach tight spaces to trim even the most stubborn grass.

The general sentiment is that this Bosch whipper snipper is a great option for light works in small gardens. It's got superb battery life and smart features, allowing you to trim overgrown plants and grass a lot easier. However, customers wouldn't recommend this tool for removing heavy weeds. Several others also wish that the kit already included a battery for better convenience.

Best electric whipper snipper: Stihl FSE 71

Pros

  • Comfortable handle
  • Suitable for small yards

Cons

  • Feeding new line through the cutting head may be difficult
  • Pricier than competitors
Price (RRP): $199.00
Buy at Tools Warehouse

Why we chose it

Stihl's FSE 71 is our pick for the best electric whipper snipper, garnering a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on ProductReview.

With a 240V motor, the Stihl FSE 71 is a powerful trimmer featuring an AutoCut C 5-2 nylon line mowing head. It also has a rubberised 2-component handle for a more comfortable grip. Apart from a gauge wheel, this machine has a cable strain relief function, which prevents the cord from becoming disconnected accidentally.

The Stihl FSE 71 is a great, basic electric-powered whipper snipper that is easy to set up out of the box. Customers praised its powerful motor, soft-grip handle and durable build. It is also not as noisy as other trimmers in the market, according to several reviews. However, a few customers reported difficulties getting new lines to feed through the cutting head.

Best whipper snipper under $300: Victa Swift-Start Straight Shaft Trimmer 883226

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Comes with a shoulder strap

Cons

  • Some customers had issues starting the 2-stroke engine
  • Heavier than other whipper snippers
Price (RRP): $279.00
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

For the best option under $300, we selected the Victa Swift-Start Straight Shaft Trimmer 883226. It has a rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars on ProductReview.

Victa's Swift-Start Straight Shaft Trimmer 883226 has a full-crank 25.4CC 2-stroke engine and a Walbro Carburettor to help you cut and trim even the thickest and most stubborn weeds. It has a lightweight and balanced design with a shoulder strap, which makes trimming for extended periods more comfortable.

Customers gave positive feedback on the trimmer's sturdy build, powerful motor and comfortable handle. According to several reviews, this works well for both small and large yards. It can also cut through very long grass without any issue. It is easy to set up out of the box as well. However, some customers had difficulty with its 2-stroke engine.

Best whipper snipper under $200: WORX WG163E 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer/Edger

Pros

  • Adjustable shaft and handle
  • Can be used as an edger

Cons

  • Instruction manual is confusing
  • Difficult to thread a new line
Price (RRP): $189.00
Amazon pricing: From $189.00
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay
Buy at Catch

Why we chose it

The WORX WG163E 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer/Edger is our pick for the best under $200 whipper snipper. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The WORX WG163E 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer/Edger has a 90-degree pivoting head to make trimming various terrains easier. It also has a command feed button to advance the line on command. Apart from an adjustable handle and shaft, this tool can also be used as an edger. The kit includes 2 lithium-ion batteries.

Customers praised the product's versatility, fantastic battery life and lightweight build. The pivoting head is also handy for trimming grass in tight spaces. Several customers also loved its comfortable handle and shaft. A few others said it's difficult to thread a new line on this whipper snipper, but this seems to be an isolated issue.

Best whipper snipper for small yards: Redback Swift 40V Cordless Whipper Snipper

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly
  • Soft grip rubber handle

Cons

  • Noisy motor
  • Battery life could be better
Price (RRP): $175.00
Buy at eBay
Buy at Catch

Why we chose it

For small yards, we recommend the Redback Swift 40V Cordless Whipper Snipper as the best option. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Redback's Swift 40V Cordless Whipper Snipper is powered by a single 40V 80WH lithium-ion battery. It also has a 25cm nylon blade cutting system, allowing you to cut through heavy weeds without difficulty. The head can be used as an edger as well.

Apart from its lightweight design, this Redback whipper snipper features a soft grip rubber handle that many customers love. It is comfortable, which is especially helpful when trimming for long periods. The tool's body is also lightweight yet durable. But for some customers, its powerful motor is too noisy. The battery life also pales in comparison to pricier competitors.

Best whipper snipper for big yards: Makita DUR192LZ 18V

Pros

  • Easy switch from trimmer to edger
  • Batter life is up to 45 minutes

Cons

  • Line size is too thin for more difficult jobs
  • Handle is uncomfortable according to some
Price (RRP): $212.34
Amazon pricing: From $228.58
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

The Makita DUR192LZ 18V is our pick for the best whipper snipper for big yards. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

The Makita DUR192LZ 18V has a 2-part shaft design, allowing the tool to be compact and easy to transport. It also features 2 speed settings, a brushless motor and onboard storage for a hex wrench. This whipper snipper has a 300mm cutting diameter powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery as well.

Despite being smaller than other whipper snippers, the Makita DUR192LZ 18V packs a punch. It offers up to 6,000 rpm on high and 4,500 rpm on low for faster cutting. A single charge can also last up to 45 minutes, allowing you to trim bigger areas with stubborn overgrown grass. Several reviews didn't like the tool's grip, adding that it strains their hands after extended periods. Others also said that the line size is too thin for heavy-duty tasks.

Amazon prices last updated on 17 September, 2021 at 08:01 am

Methodology

18
Brands considered
64
Products compared
8
Best products chosen
  • We compared over 60 products from more than 15 brands.
  • We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings on Amazon and ProductReview.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

For more information about how to compare your options, check out our whipper snipper buying guide.

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