Best Petrol Strimmers for Cutting Long Grass and Tough Weeds
Long grass around fences, stubborn weeds and overgrown garden edges can be difficult to tackle with a lawn mower. A petrol strimmer gives you the freedom to work without cables or battery restrictions, but choosing the right cutting head, engine and weight makes a real difference to the job.
Our review of the best petrol strimmers covers options for everyday garden maintenance and tougher vegetation, with practical buying advice and tips for getting cleaner results.
01
Hyundai’s 5-in-1 petrol strimmer suits gardens with more than just grass to manage. Swap the line head for a brushcutter, hedge trimmer or pole saw to tackle overgrowth and pruning. The extension shaft reaches higher branches, while the harness helps spread the weight.
Pros
- Bump-feed spool extends cutting line without stopping
- Hedge cutter adjusts to 12 positions for awkward angles
- Automatic pole-saw chain lubrication reduces upkeep
- Rev limiter helps protect against engine overspeed
- Three-year domestic warranty with UK spares support
02
FUXTEC’s FX-MS152 is built for larger lawns, thick weeds and rough garden edges that need more than a light-duty trimmer. Its bike-style handlebars make wide, sweeping cuts easier to control, while the 52cc engine is well suited to clearing overgrown patches.
Pros
- Bump-feed twin-line head reduces stops for new line
- Variable speed control suits different vegetation
- Padded carrying strap helps distribute the load
- Tool-free air-filter access simplifies routine maintenance
- Oil-damped drive-shaft bearings help reduce vibration
03
FUXTEC’s FX-MS125 makes sense for smaller gardens that need more than light grass edging. At 5.5kg dry, it is easier to handle than the larger 52cc models here, yet includes a metal blade for thicker patches. The shoulder strap helps during longer tidy-ups.
Pros
- Nylon cutting head makes neat work of lawn edges
- Bike-style handles give balanced two-handed control
- Fuel-mixing container simplifies two-stroke preparation
- Toolkit helps with assembly and adjustments
- 1.2L fuel tank means fewer refilling interruptions
04
BU-KO’s 52cc petrol strimmer suits overgrown borders and neglected garden corners. The nylon spool handles grass, while the metal blade tackles tougher weeds. A wire-brush head adds an option for suitable hard surfaces, and the double-shoulder harness helps distribute the weight during longer clearing sessions.
Pros
- Bump-feed nylon spool lets you extend the line quickly
- Quick-release mounting helps when changing attachments
- 1.2L fuel tank reduces refuelling interruptions
- Toolkit and basic protective accessories supplied
- 12-month warranty with spare-parts and technical support
Buying Guide & FAQ
How to Choose the Best Petrol Strimmer
Match the Strimmer to Your Garden
Start with the type of vegetation you need to cut rather than choosing the biggest engine available.
-
Grass and lawn edges: A petrol strimmer with a nylon cutting line is suitable for trimming around fences, borders and areas a mower cannot reach.
-
Long grass and thick weeds: A more powerful machine with a wider cutting path can make clearing larger areas quicker.
-
Dense vegetation and brambles: A brushcutter designed to accept compatible metal blades is generally better suited to tougher growth.
For ordinary garden maintenance, a reliable line-feed strimmer is often all you need.
Consider Engine Type and Ease of Starting
Most petrol strimmers use two-stroke engines, which are generally compact and relatively lightweight. They usually require petrol mixed with two-stroke oil at the ratio specified by the manufacturer. Conventional four-stroke engines use separate engine oil and generally don’t require fuel mixing, although some specialist engine designs differ. Look for straightforward starting controls, a primer bulb where fitted and clear operating instructions. These features can make regular use less frustrating.
Don’t Overlook Weight and Handling
A powerful strimmer can become tiring if you’re carrying it around a large garden. Consider the machine’s weight, handle design and whether it includes a shoulder strap or harness. Loop handles are convenient for manoeuvring around obstacles, while bicycle-style handles can provide comfortable control when clearing wider areas. A bump-feed cutting head is another useful feature, allowing you to release more nylon line by tapping the head on the ground while it’s rotating, as directed by the manufacturer.
Tips for Using a Petrol Strimmer Effectively
Good technique helps you cut more evenly, reduces unnecessary line breakage and makes garden maintenance easier.
-
Clear the area first: Remove stones, loose branches and other debris that could be thrown by the cutting head.
-
Work in controlled sweeps: Move the cutting head steadily from side to side, allowing the line to cut without forcing it through the grass.
-
Tackle long grass in stages: Cut the upper growth first, then make another pass closer to the ground to reduce tangling.
-
Avoid hitting hard surfaces: Repeated contact with walls, paving and fences wears down the cutting line quickly.
-
Take regular breaks: Longer sessions can be tiring, particularly when using heavier machines.
-
Keep the cutting head clean: With the engine switched off and the cutting attachment completely stopped, remove accumulated grass and check the line for wear.
Safety tip: Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection, sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. Keep other people and animals well away from the working area, and always switch off the engine and allow it to cool before refuelling.
Our Top 3 Picks