Line Trimmer vs Whipper Snipper: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you want to tidy your lawn edges, tackle stubborn weeds or clear dense vegetation in your yard, there seems to be a myriad of tools at your disposal. Line trimmers, string trimmers, whipper snippers, weed wackers, and brush cutters are all available. However, these terms are used interchangeably, making it difficult to know what’s what.

JAK Max has over a dozen years of experience in supplying finished units and parts for brush cutters and line trimmers, sourced from the most trusted and reliable brands. We know what works best for all the different tasks required for tidying and maintaining your yard.

So here’s a guide to all of these tools. We’ll compare them to each other, giving you the differences between a brush cutter vs weed wacker, a brush cutter vs string trimmer, a whipper snipper vs line trimmer, and more. We’ll tell you how and when to use them, to save you time, effort and money.

What is a Line Trimmer (Grass Trimmer / String Trimmer / Weed Wacker)?

A line trimmer is also called a grass trimmer, a string trimmer or a weed wacker. It’s mainly used to trim lawn edges and to cut through soft vegetation. It’s also very useful for keeping features like paving stone pathways clear of overgrown grass and is the perfect tool for tidying up hard-to-reach places.

Line trimmers use a spool of nylon string that spins at high speed to efficiently cut through grass and soft weeds. It’s very lightweight, manoeuvrable and easy to use. 
You can choose whether you want an electric line trimmer, a battery-powered one, or one that uses fuel. For eco-friendly options, JAK Max offers Greenworks battery operated string trimmers.

This brand is growing in popularity in Australia due to its ease of use and eco credentials. It operates quietly, emits no fumes, and requires no maintenance besides replacing the nylon string from time to time. You can get high-quality JAK Max nylon spools when you need more.

What is a Brush Cutter (Whipper Snipper)?

A brush cutter is also called a whipper snipper. Comparing a brush cutter vs a grass trimmer, the former is more robust, and designed to handle heavier work. It uses blades instead of nylon cutting lines. 

Brush cutters have more powerful engines to supply the force necessary to tackle tougher vegetation, especially in areas that have become overgrown and require mass clearing. 

You can get various accessories and attachments for specific garden tasks, such as differently shaped blades and saws. Whatever you need, JAK Max is a specialist supplier of all kinds of brush cutter accessories and spare parts, from blades to springs, studs and base plates.

Line Trimmer vs Brush Cutter: Key Differences

There are two main things that distinguish a brush cutter vs a trimmer. The first is the increased power that a brush cutter (or whipper snipper) offers. Whereas grass trimmers are confined to cutting grass and light weeds, whipper snappers can take on much denser vegetation.

The reason for this lies in the second difference between a line trimmer and a whipper snipper. Instead of using nylon string, a whipper snipper has metal blades. Some can even handle small saplings.

Here’s a quick reference table on the key differences between a brush cutter vs a grass trimmer:

Brush Cutter and Line Trimmer: How to Use

If you don’t already know how to use a grass trimmer or brush cutter, you only need a few simple steps for either.

Step 1 – Preparation:
If you’re using a line trimmer, check that you have the right thickness of the nylon string and make sure that the nylon spool is properly loaded and aligned. If you’re using a brush cutter, inspect the blades for wear and tear, and to ensure that they’re still sharp. 

Step 2 – Safety:
It’s always a good idea to wear safety gear like goggles and gloves. Boots are recommended for brush cutters, to protect against debris or accidental contact. With line trimmers you want to protect your feet from the nylon cutting string, so sturdy footwear is also recommended.

Step 3 – Usage:
Hold the trimmer or brush cutter firmly in both hands and get a stable footing. Then sweep it from side to side across the vegetation you want to cut. With a line trimmer, keep the cutting head an inch or two above the surface. If necessary, change the angle of the cutting head for more precision. To trim lawn edges, hold the trimmer vertically and follow the contours.

Step 4 – Maintenance:
When you’re done, inspect the nylon spool or blades for wear and tear, and clean the cutting heads. If yours is petrol-powered, empty the fuel tank to prevent corrosion or clogging. In the longer term, change the nylon spool on your trimmer as needed, and sharpen or replace brush cutter blades when required.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs

If you’re deciding whether you need a line trimmer or a brush cutter, consider the following factors:

• Size of your yard – for a small to medium yard, we recommend a simple battery-powered line trimmer like the Greenworks cordless models from JAK Max. For larger yards, a brush cutter will be more efficient.
  
• Type of vegetation – line trimmers are great for grass, soft weeds and light vegetation. Brush cutters are required for denser vegetation and clearing overgrowth.
  
• Frequency of use – if you don’t have a lot of vegetation that requires frequent maintenance, you’ll probably only need a lightweight line trimmer. If you have a large yard or garden that needs plenty of upkeep, or if you need to clear lots of overgrowth, a brush cutter is a better choice.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

What is the Difference Between a Line Trimmer and a String Trimmer?

There is no difference – these are just regional terms for the same thing. In some places, they’re also called grass trimmers or weed wackers.

Can a Brush Cutter Replace a Grass Trimmer?

A brush cutter can do many of the same things as a grass trimmer, as well as handling tougher tasks due to its more robust build and higher power. However, it’s not good at more delicate tasks like lawn edging. A grass trimmer is better for this.

What Are Some Common Issues and Fixes?

Line trimmers and brush cutters are typically low maintenance. The main issues to consider are nylon spool replacement with line trimmers, and blade sharpening or replacement with brush cutters. For more, here’s a detailed guide to brush cutter blades.

Quick Summary

Choosing a line trimmer vs a whipper snipper is simply about assessing your needs. If you only need to do light lawn work and edging or have a small yard, a line trimmer is all you’ll need. For denser vegetation or if you need to clear a lot of overgrowth, a whipper snapper is more suitable. Line trimmers are good for lightweight, detailed tasks, while brush cutters are designed for tougher work. 

Whichever you choose, remember that both line trimmers and brush cutters require a small amount of maintenance. We have a wide dealer network across Australia, stocking the highest quality spare parts and accessories, as well as finished units. You can confidently contact JAK Max for everything you need to keep your yard or garden in great shape.