✓ Reviewed by the Ultimate House Team
Powerful Strimmers for Long Grass, Weeds and Overgrown Areas
Heavy duty strimmers are built for jobs where a standard grass trimmer starts to struggle, from long, overgrown grass to thick weeds and rough areas of the garden. The right machine needs enough cutting power without becoming awkward to handle, particularly when you’re working for longer periods. We’ve compared the important differences between heavy duty strimmers, including cutting performance, power source, cutting width and handling. Below, we review the options worth considering before covering what to look for when choosing one.
» OUR TOP PICKS
01 · Best Overall
Greenworks heavy duty cordless strimmer
Excellent
KEY DETAILS
Power: 48V | Power source: Battery | Cutting width: 25cm | Speed: 6,200 RPM | Weight: 5.95kg | Batteries: 2 x 24V 4Ah | Motor: Brushless | Guarantee: 3 years
Greenworks’ 48V cordless brushcutter combines two 24V batteries to power a brushless motor for tougher grass and weeds. The dual line head can be switched to a blade, while the bike handle, harness and bump-feed system make it suited to larger gardens and longer cutting sessions.
WHAT WE LIKE
02 · Best for Large Areas
Hyundai HYBC5200X 52cc Petrol Brushcutter
very good
KEY DETAILS
Engine: 52cc 2-stroke | Power source: Petrol | Cutting width: 450mm | Weight: 9.1kg | Speed: 9,000 RPM | Blade: 255mm steel | Handle: Bike handle | Warranty: 3 years
The Hyundai HYBC5200X is a petrol brushcutter designed for thick grass, brambles, weeds and heavier overgrowth. Its nylon line head and steel blade cover different cutting jobs, while the wide cutting width, bike handles and shoulder harness make it suitable for clearing larger areas.
WHAT WE LIKE
03 · Best for Thick Overgrowth
FUXTEC FX-PS162 62cc Petrol Strimmer
very good
KEY DETAILS
Engine: 62cc 2-stroke | Power: 3.5 HP / 2.6kW | Power source: Petrol | Cutting width: 32cm | Weight: 13kg | Speed: 9,000 RPM | Cutting options: Nylon line and metal blade | Handle: Double handle
The FUXTEC FX-PS162 uses a 62cc two-stroke engine for demanding grass and overgrowth. It can switch between a nylon line head and metal blade, with a double-handle design, anti-vibration system and shoulder harness aimed at providing greater control during longer cutting jobs.
WHAT WE LIKE
Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for in a Heavy Duty Strimmer
Choose enough power for the job
Heavy duty work puts much more demand on a strimmer than ordinary lawn edging. If you’re cutting dense grass, weeds or brambles, an underpowered machine can struggle and require repeated passes. Battery models with higher-voltage systems generally offer more power, while petrol machines use engine capacity in cc as an indication of power. However, power shouldn’t be considered on its own. A stronger machine will often be heavier, so choosing more power than you actually need can make longer jobs tiring.
Consider the cutting width
A wider cutting width covers more ground with each pass, which is useful when clearing larger areas. For heavy duty work, a cutting width of around 30–40cm can be useful, although the appropriate size depends on the vegetation and terrain. Very wide heads aren’t always convenient around trees, fences, borders and other obstacles.
Battery, Electric or Petrol?
Cordless
Battery-powered machines are convenient because there is no cable to manage and they produce less noise and maintenance than petrol models. For heavier work, look beyond basic low-voltage garden trimmers and check the battery capacity and expected runtime as well as voltage. If you have a large area to clear, having a spare charged battery can be more useful than simply choosing a machine with a slightly wider cutting head.
Petrol
Petrol remains useful for large areas and demanding vegetation because there is no battery runtime limitation. The trade-off is greater weight, noise, fumes and engine maintenance. Petrol brushcutters are particularly suited to heavy undergrowth and larger areas.
Corded electric
A mains-powered machine can provide continuous power without charging, but the cable restricts where you can work. It’s generally more practical when the area is reasonably close to a suitable power supply.
How to Use a Heavy Duty Strimmer Safely
Clear the area first and remove stones, wire, toys and other objects that could be thrown by the cutting head.
Before starting:
- Wear eye protection, sturdy footwear and suitable protective clothing.
- Check that the guard is fitted correctly.
- Inspect the line or blade for damage.
- Keep people and pets away from the working area.
- Use the harness correctly if supplied.
- Stop the machine before changing the cutting head or clearing a blockage.
When cutting dense growth, work gradually rather than forcing the head through everything at once. Keep the cutting head controlled and avoid using a blade where the machine’s instructions do not permit it.
Is a battery strimmer powerful enough for heavy duty work?
Yes, higher-powered cordless machines can handle demanding grass and vegetation. Check the battery system, cutting head, runtime and manufacturer’s intended applications rather than judging performance from voltage alone.
Do I need a harness for a heavy duty strimmer?
A harness can make a significant difference when using a heavier machine for extended periods because it helps distribute the weight. Proper adjustment is important for comfortable and controlled operation.