With battery voltage, runtime, charging times and other technical specifications varying widely among battery-powered strimmer models, it can be confusing figuring out which product best suits your needs. Not to worry! In this comprehensive guide I will outline everything you need to know to select the ideal cordless grass strimmer.

Evaluate Your Garden Size First

When choosing any cordless tool, the size of your garden should steer your purchasing decision. Cordless grass strimmers are powered by lithium ion battery packs that deliver maximum performance for 30 to 60 minutes per full charge.

Measure your garden’s bounded grass area to determine the appropriate battery voltage and runtime you’ll need. Smaller city or terrace gardens under 100 m2 perform fine with lower 36V batteries and 30 minute runtimes. Larger gardens require extended runtimes over 45 minutes, which call for 40V to 80V battery packs.

Higher Voltage Equals Increased Cutting Power

The battery output measured in volts directly impacts a grass strimmer’s cutting efficiency through blade speed. Higher voltages around 80V generate the ultra high RPMs (revolutions per minute) essential for precise trimming around garden obstacles.

Lower voltage 36V batteries in smaller strimmers spin blades at slower RPMs sufficient for even cutting on open lawn patches. Higher voltage also proves useful when transitioning from grass to thicker weeds. To handle varied vegetation, I suggest choosing the highest voltage strimmer within your price range.

Compare Battery & Charging Specs Carefully

The battery specifications indicate maximum blade runtime per full charge, not actual mowing time. Factoring in battery cooldowns, most higher voltage 80V strimmers deliver 45 to 60 minutes of total cutting time. Lower voltage units in the 36V range provide up to 30 minutes of trimming.

When the battery drains, strimmers require lengthy charging times ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours to restore a full charge. Expect to wait at least 50 minutes for 80V batteries to reach 50 – 80% capacity—adequate for finishing an incomplete garden trim. For rapid mid-task charging, select models with dual ports that allow you to charge two interchangeable batteries simultaneously.

Cutting Preference: Blade vs. Flexible Line

Cordless grass strimmers utilise either a fixed metal blade or flexible nylon line to slice through vegetation. Bladed strimmers provide a smooth, clean cut on shorter grass lengths under 10cm tall. Their sharp edges prove hazardous around trees and ornamentals, requiring extra caution near rigid obstacles.

For safety and versatility, flexible nylon line strimmers constitute the best overall option. With adjustable line lengths up to 30cm, nylon models effortlessly glide over uneven terrain and varying grass heights from 2cm to 30cm. Replaceable spools permit quick, inexpensive line refills once fraying occurs. For precision edging, the rounded line narrowly avoids causing damage to tree bark and garden fixtures.

Determine Ideal Weight Based on Your Needs

Heavier grass strimmers over 4kg deliver substantial cutting power but prove tiring for extended use. Lighter compact models around 2 to 3kg allow for easy manoeuvring in tight spaces and cause less fatigue when mowing your entire garden.

If your needs involve sporadic touch ups along your garden’s periphery, select a lightweight model under 3kg for straightforward control. For routinely trimming thousand square metre wild meadows, the power of a 4kg unit becomes necessary to tackle thick brush. Well balanced units also minimise wrist and arm strain regardless of overall weight. Cordless strimmer weights vary greatly, so test holding brick and mortar store samples to gauge comfort.

I hope these tips give you a clear sense of key considerations when evaluating cordless grass strimmers for maintaining your cherished garden spaces. Let me know if you have any other questions in selecting the perfect strimmer to suit your gardening needs and preferences. Happy mowing!