Best Battery Whipper Snippers

Why choose a battery whipper snipper?

A battery whipper snipper uses power from either a removable or built-in battery to cut grass and weeds. The motor is usually located at the cutting head rather than the handle (as is the case for petrol whipper snippers).

Understanding the voltage of your whipper snipper

The voltage (V) of your battery indicates its power. It’s common to see power tools that take an 18V battery, but nowadays there are many models on the market that use batteries from 36V to as high as 82V. Generally speaking, a higher voltage battery means better cutting and trimming performance.

Although battery operated whipper snippers don’t quite offer the same level of power and run time of petrol models, developments in lithium ion battery technology are closing this gap between the two. Also take into consideration that the larger your lawn, the larger your battery will probably have to be.

How long does a trimmer battery last?

If you’re unfamiliar with battery cutting edgers, you may be surprised at their seemingly short battery life. The batteries for these whipper snippers usually last between 30 and 60 minutes of continuous use, and should take anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours to charge, depending on your battery and battery charger.

Features

When you’re shopping for a battery whipper snipper or garden bed edger, there are some features you should look out for that can take a lot of the hard work out of gardening.

• Vibration damping: A vibration damping feature steadies the handle of your edger trimmer, letting you hold it without feeling any discomfort from the vibrating machine.
• Shoulder strap: A shoulder strap helps take some of the weight of the machine off your hands, so you can power through large areas without working up too much of a sweat (and also saving you sore muscles later).
• Automatic line system: An automatic line feed system sends out more cutting line when it gets too short, as opposed to a manual feed system that requires you to turn off the whipper snipper and unwind the line.
• Pivoting head: A pivoting head lets you easily change the cutting direction (either horizontally or vertically) so you don’t need to tilt the entire machine.

Ease of use

Battery whipper snippers are generally easier to use and maintain than their petrol counterparts. You can just insert a charged battery when you’re ready to use it and start the motor at the push of a button. They make for a more lightweight whipper snipper.

You should however consider getting a second battery to keep with you, so that if you have a larger yard that needs more than one battery charge, you can easily switch them out - saving you time waiting for your battery to recharge.

The type of shaft on your whipper snipper also affects how easy it is to use.

The different types are:

• Straight shafts: Straight shafts are generally more ergonomic, as you don’t need to stoop to use them - making straight shaft models better suited to taller gardeners or those who need a further reach in their yard work. They’re more expensive, but are easier to service and find parts for.
• Bent shafts: A model with a bent shaft is more affordable and can do the job effectively if you don’t have a large yard or do simple gardening work. It can however be hard on your back over time as you may need to bend a little to use it.
• Split shafts: A split shaft lets you use the same motor to power other attachments for different gardening purposes, saving you valuable shed space.
• Extendable shafts: An extendable shaft gives you extra reach when trimming your lawn.

Cleaning and maintenance

Battery powered whipper snippers are generally easier to clean and maintain than their petrol counterparts, however you should still be aware of what’s needed to keep your machine spick and span before you buy one.

Luckily, you won’t have any fuel spills to clean up, but you will have to clean your machine with a damp cloth. You should keep any metal bits of your machine lubricated to prevent rust, and sharpen blades once a year. Ensure that before doing any maintenance or repair work on your garden tool, you turn it off and remove the battery cartridge.

Safety

When using a battery grass trimmer, ensure you follow these safety guidelines:

• Use ear protection, particularly if you’re going to be using your whipper snipper for a long period of time.
• Wear closed shoes (such as work boots), thick gardening gloves, safety glasses, thick long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Ensure that there aren’t any small children or pets near your work area.
• Check that the line of your tool is in good condition before starting your gardening, and replace it if required.
• Use the machine slowly, with even movements, while watching where you step - large rocks and pot plants can trip you up when you least expect them to.
• Ensure your battery trimmer is dry before you store it.

Price

Battery whipper snippers can set you back anywhere from $80 to upwards of $600, although most of these battery powered tools cost between $200 and $400.