Grass trimmers: How to buy the best grass trimmer Features to look out for

Rotating head

If you have a lot of lawn edges against a soil border, look for a grass trimmer with a rotating head. 

This feature allows you to change the angle of the head to cut horizontal standing grass or grass against a wall, or to cut vertically against a path or soil border, without having to change handle position. 

With some models the head angle can be altered to cut under over-hanging plants too.

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Second handle

This is useful to steady the trimmer and gives greater control of the cutting head.

Telescopic shaft

This allows you to adjust the length of the shaft to suit your height and so avoids you having to stoop. You should be able to hold the machine comfortably with the head parallel to the ground.

Batteries

Cordless grass trimmer batteries can be removed easily so you can charge them indoors. Check the charging times as some take much longer than others.

Grass trimmer guard

Some grass trimmers have a wire guard that can be swung into place in front of the cutting head to prevent accidental damage to plants. On some models these double as a guide for cutting along a vertical edge.

Replaceable lines/blades for grass trimmers

With nylon trimmers you can buy replacement cassettes. A cheaper option is to buy loose line and rewind the cassette yourself. 

Some grass trimmers now have a small replaceable plastic blade instead of a nylon line, rather like a small hover mower. 

Replacement blades are available from DIY stores, or by contacting the manufacturer for stockists.

More on this...

• Discover our Best Buy grass trimmers
• Find out how to cut the perfect lawn
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