Petrol strimmer for garden and meadow

[Butty]

I'm thinking of buying a petrol strimmer to do some jobs in the garden but in particular in our pony meadows. I want it to keep down the thistles, nettles and generally avoid having to pay the farmer to top the fields twice a year.

There is a vast variety of types and prices and I wonder if anybody can advise me on the most important attibutes to look for. What sort of spec is worth paying extra for?

[Catso]

Well, from what you've said, I'd advise something a bit beefier than the bottom of the range. Nettles & thistles take some cutting. As ever, you get what you pay for.

[Thunderbird+]

If you have plants / weeds with tough woody stems like nettles, thistles, docks and bramble etc, I'd go for a strimmer which can convert to a brush-cutter, RYOBI do a very versatile and light-weight one. Good Luck Tbird+

[naz_nomad]

Honda 4-stroke ...

takes 3mm strimmer line, or converts to a blade for ''brush'' cutting.

don't pay more than �300

Had one for years ...starts first time every year ...never had problems with it.

plus ...you don't have to mess about mixing petrol & oillike you would with a 2-stroke

just stick unleaded in it

[Butty]

Thank you everybody. I was concerned about the unleaded v 2 stroke issue. I've seen on websites that I should be going for a brush cutter - rather than a strimmer.

I also see that some come with metal cutting heads for the tough stuff.

I'll probably have to do some more research in a specialist shop. I appreciate your ideas.

[Artful Doris]

From the tree surgeon perspective , Stihl is the best also pay under �300 for a decent strimmer/brush cutter. We use mostly all Stihl products , they are tough enough for the job and last for ages of course chopping through flint is never good for them. And its quite loud too!