Best Whipper Snippers in Australia (2024 Hands-On Reviews)

What is the Difference Between a Whipper Snipper and a Line Trimmer?

These are two similar pieces of equipment with a couple of important differences. Line trimmers, or grass trimmers, usually have bent shafts to make trimming the edges of lawns quick and easy.

Whipper snippers, or brush cutters, have straight shafts that are more suited to heavy duty work like clearing brush and overgrown areas.

They can also come with an attachment to trim large areas of grass that aren’t accessible to your push lawn mower or riding mower.

Different Types of Whipper Snipper

There are many different types of whipper snipper on the market, and the main difference is in how they are powered.

Petrol Whipper Snipper

These are the most powerful engines and are best-suited to demanding jobs or landscaping contractor work, although they are still used in many gardens.

They are fully portable, which makes working on larger properties easy, and fuelling them is inexpensive. They do require some maintenance however, and 2-stroke models require you to mix the fuel yourself. They are also noisy and emit fumes.

The difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke is explained below. 

Battery Whipper Snipper

These tend to have less power than petrol engines, but are still well-suited to average garden use. Because they have a battery, they have to be charged in advance and then recharged again when the battery gets low, so they are not ideal for very time-consuming tasks.

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Again, they have enough capacity and power to do a typical garden in one charge, although having a spare battery is highly recommended just for convenience’s sake.

The big advantage with the battery is that it is fully portable, emits no fumes, requires no maintenance and fairly quiet to operate, so it’s a great choice for smaller gardens in quiet neighbourhoods. 

Corded Whipper Snipper

Electric corded models are also available, giving you the benefits of quiet operation, no maintenance and zero emissions without the hassle of charging and recharging a battery.

Of course, the downside is that you have to drag a cord around with you and add an extension cord for working in more remote spots.

As a result, they are best-suited to smaller gardens. The most popular options on the market are the petrol and battery-powered whipper snippers.

Understanding Whipper Snipper Batteries

Battery whipper snippers are dominating the market right now, because they’re cheaper to produce, lighter, and store more easily in the shed. But, are they really any good? Well, yes and no.

Petrol whipper snippers are much better for larger lawns and tough tasks, but with battery technology quickly catching up to the power of traditional 2-stroke petrol whipper snippers they are becoming more and more popular.

How long do whipper snipper batteries last?

Whipper snipper batteries tend to have a charge of around twenty minutes, but those with better motors and more efficient builds tend to last a little longer, with the maximum being 30-40 minutes of constant use before you’ll need to recharge.

For most lawns, that’s enough, but for those with bigger gardeners to tend to, it can be pretty frustrating!

How long do whipper snipper batteries take to charge?

Most cordless electric whipper snippers take between three and five hours to charge. A 40V lithium battery on a standard charger will take a little longer, so stump for a more expensive unit with rapid charging if you’re going to be delayed by charge times.

Petrol Whipper Snippers - 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke?

If you are buying a petrol whipper snipper, you’ll need to decide between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine.

2-stroke engines  

2-stroke engines tend to be more powerful, but they do require you to mix oil and petrol in a very specific ratio each time you want to use it.

It’s a simple engine, which means it’s usually cheaper to buy and lighter to carry, and it’s less maintenance than a 4-stroke.

4-stroke engines   

4-stroke engines tend to be less powerful, but still offer plenty of performance capacity for clearing brush. Unlike 2-stroke engines, you can put the same fuel in as you do your car – no need to mix oil and petrol.

They need a bit more maintenance and tend to be a bit heavier and more expensive than 2-stroke options, but they do tend to have a longer lifespan.

What are the Best Whipper Snipper Brands?

When looking for a whipper snipper, it’s a good idea to focus on established brands. The best whipper snippers include:

• Ryobi
• Stihl - Read our reviews of Stihl whipper snippers
• Makita
• Honda
• Husqvarna - Read our reviews of Husqvarna whipper snippers
• Black and Decker

How Much Does a Good Whipper Snipper Cost?

Since there’s a wide range in terms of quality, the cost of a whipper snipper can be as little as $60 and as much as $900. What you want to aim for is something around $200-$300, so that you get quality that lasts and features that suit your garden’s needs.

Features to Look for in a Whipper Snipper

Here are some key features that are good to have in any whipper snipper.

• Accessories – Some whipper snippers have a wide range of accessories to make them as multi-use and functional as possible, including brush-cutting blades, edging heads, and lawn attachments. 
• Safety guard – This is a mount that sits at the rear of the cutting head to deflect debris that flies up while cutting. While they can limit your view a bit, they are important for preventing injuries from flying stones and plant matter.
• Cutting diameter – If you are spending the majority of your time cutting wide open spaces, a wide cutting diameter will allow you to cut more grass and brush at a faster rate.
  Smaller cutting diameters are better suited to everyday gardening.
• Line feed system – Also called a bump feed system, this is a simple system that feeds more lines to the cutting head when you gently bump the cutting head on the ground.
  Some whipper snippers have an automatic line feed for additional convenience, no bump required!
• Shoulder harness – Although most whipper snippers are designed to be lightweight, holding one in position while you work is no easy job. The shoulder strap, which is often an optional extra, takes the weight of the unit and makes this gardening task easier.
• Line length-limiting blade – If your whipper snipper uses a line rather than blades, then the safety guard should have a small blade that trims the line to the correct length to prevent overloading the engine.
• Rotating head – This is a really simple feature that makes all the difference if you are cutting vertically as well as horizontally. The rotating head allows you to change cutting direction easily, rather than having to tilt the entire machine.
• Cutting lines – Twin cutting lines usually offer better performance but can make re-spooling the line a bit frustrating. Single cutting lines are easier to manage, but may struggle with more dense growth.
• Edging guide – If you are regularly edging flower beds, paving and driveways, this is an essential feature. It allows you to make super straight, neat edges easily.
• Adjustable handles – Handles should be easily adjusted for vertical or horizontal trimming.

Safety Tips for Using Your Whipper Snipper

When using a whipper snipper, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:

• Always wear thick gardening gloves and safety glasses, closed shoes (preferably heavy work boots with toe protection), and thick long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Use ear protection if you are using a petrol whipper snipper, especially for long periods of time.
•  Make sure that small children and pets are not nearby.
• Check the line to ensure they are in good shape and replace if needed
• If you have an electric corded model, check the cord and do not use if it’s damaged or if it is very wet outside
• Remember to mix oil and petrol in the right ratio if you have a 2-stroke petrol model
• Use slow, even movements while watching your feet and avoiding any large objects like rocks or plant containers
• Clean your whipper snipper well before storing it, removing debris and soil as well as wiping it down

1. Bosch Cordless Line Grass Trimmer

Another great cordless option this Easy Grass Cut 18 from Bosch. With a powerful motor, ergonomic design and good battery life, it’s a quiet option that can take on weeds, grass and undergrowth with ease.

It has a semi-automatic line feed for convenience, emits no fumes and is maintenance-free.

Pros:

• 26cm cutting diameter
• Balanced ergonomic design for comfort
• Exceptionally lightweight at 2.7kgs
• Easy engagement of edging function
• 2 year warranty plus additional 1 year via online registration at MyBosch
• Powerful 18V battery lasting about 84 minutes
• Adjustable handle

Cons:

• Relatively basic whipper snipper
• No/few attachments

2. MTM MTX800 Pro-series 8in1 62cc 2-Stroke Petrol Pole Multi Tool

MTM isn’t exactly a household name when it comes to garden tools, but this incredible multi-tool is insanely durable and easy to fit out with seven different cutting heads for different purposes.

On test, it seems like its core function was always meant to be brush cuttings, but it’s useful for most other garden tasks too, from edging to hedging.

On top of its general usefulness, the MTM whipper snipper is really quite comfortable and very well-balanced. There’s no anti-vibration built in, which is a shame, but for gardeners who just want good value tools, this is a clear choice.

Pros:

• Great value multi-tool
• Well built
• Easy to change between heads
• Powerful cutting
• Wide cutting head on whipper snipper attachment

Cons:

• High vibration

3. Makita XUX01Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Couple Shaft Power Head

The Makita XU01Z is one of the most powerful electric whipper snipper on the market. Sold as a separate power head, it can be adapted to suit the needs of the user, with optional hedge trimmer, chain saw, and rotavating attachments. 

The power head might be more expensive than comparable models, but it is the only multitool truly capable of heavy-duty commercial use, making light work of tree pruning and large estate maintenance.

Pros:

• Great value for a durable and reliable brand
• One of the most powerful battery-operated whipper snippers, delivering 700 RPM on its highest setting.
• Compatible with a range of 11 shaft attachment for all landscaping jobs, including aeration, rotavating, sawing and trimming
• Simple starting switch
• One of the few electric whipper snippers suitable for heavy-duty commercial use
• Rechargeable Battery compatible with other Makita products 

Cons:

• Battery not included
• More expensive than similar models sold with battery and attachments included

4. Trimmer Grass Rok® Quality Petrol Whipper Snipper

ROK’s garden tools are designed to handle the toughest jobs in the garden, but that does tend to mean they skimp on some other parts. 

For example, the 25cc engine might have high torque, but for light grass clipping, and edging, it’s actually pretty slow. The handle is well balanced, but it’s got really severe vibrations, and the small petrol tank, while making it easier to handle, means it needs refilling more than most petrol whipper snippers.

Having said that, it’s one of the cheapest whipper snippers on the market and is more than capable of simple garden tasks, so don’t discount it just yet!

Pros:

• Good value
• High torque for tough jobs
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Small tank
• Not great at light jobs
• High vibration

Bosch is a great name in the gardening tool industry, and the Bosch Cordless Line Grass Trimmer has a lot to offer for a good price. The dual-line cutting system takes on grass and light weed growth with ease, creating a neat finish for boarders, pathways and driveways.

The semi-automatic line feed makes operation easy, and the adjustable handles keep you comfortable while you work. It’s an especially good option if you have other Bosch battery-powered tools, as it takes the same 36V battery as others in the Bosch range. 

Of everything we’ve checked out for this review, the MTM MTX800 Pro-series Multi Tool stands out at the best premium whipper snipper.

Usually, when we include multi-tools in our selections, they tend not to perform that well and are mostly valued for their general functionality, but this MTM one, despite being a relatively unknown brand is a truly brilliant whipper snipper, and easily worth your money for something that will last for years, and do most garden jobs with ease.

Whipper Snippers Frequently Asked Questions

What are other names for whipper snippers?

Whipper snippers are also called strimmers, line trimmers, lawn edgers, brush cutters, and about a dozen other names. All of them mean one thing though; effective line trimming for lawns, brush, and weeds. 

Are whipper snippers Australian?

Line trimmers are called all sorts of names in every corner of the world, but in Australia and Canada, whipper snippers are generally called whipper snippers, with the term thought to have originated in Australia.

Can I whipper snipper wet grass?

Cutting wet grass with any tool is usually a bad idea. Whipper snippers are best used on dry grass, brush, or weeds as it is less likely to clog the machine, and less likely to damage the soil.

If you absolutely must use a whipper snipper on wet grass, stop regularly to clean out the line.

How long do whipper snippers last?

Whipper snippers come with a standard warranty of three years from most manufacturers, but in my experience, they tend to last for ten to fifteen years if properly kept.

With regular maintenance, whipper snippers can last a lifetime, but you’ll need to keep them somewhere dry and clean them out regularly to avoid rusting the spindles or damaging the engine.

Can you use a whipper snipper as an edger?

You can use whipper snippers as an edger really easily, and on good dry days, with reasonably well-kept lawns they often do a better job. Edgers are designed to clean up lawn edges, and tidy up the soil around trimmed turf, while whipper snippers do a better job of trimming runaway grass before it gets into your border, without reducing the size of your lawn at all.

How long does a battery last when whipper snippering?

Most whipper snipper batteries last somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes, but for heavy use, or tough grass it will be less as the strain on the motor is higher. Some whipper snippers will lose charge after just 5 minutes, so be sure to find an electric whipper snipper with proven battery life.

What is the difference between a whipper snipper and an edger?

Whipper snippers are line trimming tools, using plastic or metal lines to, literally, whip and snip your lawn into shape. Lawn edgers tend to have solid blades and are designed to reduce the size of the lawn and clean up any slumped soil.

Should you mow or whipper snip first?

I prefer to start my lawn care routine with the whipper snipper. Running round the edges of a lawn before mowing gives neater edges, and means you don’t need to mow right up to the lawn edge.

However, there are some gardeners who will always mow first, because it reduces the time needed with the whipper snipper which is a heavy, and noisy tool.

Can you use a whipper snipper instead of a lawn mower?

Lawn mowers and whipper snippers are by no means interchangeable, so you can’t use one instead of the other. However, for overgrown lawns, or brushes, it's best to use a whipper snipper to reduce the length of the grass before using any lawn mower as the long grass can clog the blades, and will quickly fill up the grass catcher.

How do you cut a straight edge with a whipper snipper?

Cutting a straight edge with a whipper snipper is easy. All you need to do is hold the whipper snipper backward, so the face of the snipper's head is at 90 degrees to the ground, and the guard is pointing directly up.

That way, you’ll get crisp edges on your lawn. Do this after trimming the edges and mowing the lawn for the perfect finish.

Check out our compilation of different types of lawn mowers to help you maintain your lawn depending on your needs:

• Electric Lawn Mowers
• Self Propelled Lawn Mowers
• Robot Lawn Mowers
• Push Lawn Mowers
• Petrol Lawn Mowers
• Zero Turn Mowers
• Ride On Mowers