Grass trimmer vs. lawn mower: Which one do you need?

Don’t you feel a sense of pride and joy every time you see your lawn well-kept and free from weeds? However, the reality is that maintaining a freshly cut and mowed lawn can be a real pain in the neck, especially if you choose a natural grass lawn over artificial turf. Fortunately, you can use many gardening tools like grass trimmers and lawn mowers to make lawn maintenance easier. 

But how are these tools any different? Do you need them both, or is it enough to buy and choose only one? This grass trimmer vs. lawn mower guide will answer all the questions.

What is a grass trimmer? 

Freshly cut grass and flying clippings during lawn maintenance (Source: iStock)

A grass trimmer, also known as a string trimmer or strimmer, cuts overgrown grass or weeds around the garden’s trees, shrubs, and other hard-to-reach areas. It consists of a single or dual nylon cutting line that rapidly spins to trim the grass or remove the weeds. Some grass trimmers use plastic blades as an alternative to easily cut woody plants, vines, and other tough vegetation around the grass. 

There are many types of grass trimmers, including:

• Gas-powered trimmers — generate powerful cutting power, ideal for large lawns with thick, overgrown grass.

• Corded electric trimmers — lightweight grass trimmer with consistent cutting power to maintain small to medium-sized lawns

• Cordless electric trimmers — quiet and rechargeable grass trimmer, ideal for medium-sized lawns and gardens. 

You can also use grass trimmers for edging because some models have a plant protector that helps prevent damaging the plants while trimming. Edging lawns is a good way to prevent grass and weeds from spreading beyond your garden. It also helps keep flower and garden beds intact since it creates a barrier to prevent the soil and mulch from eroding and being displaced. 

What is a lawn mower? 

A lawn mower cutting through lush green grass in a backyard (Source: iStock)

A lawn mower is a gardening machine used for cutting grass. It originated in the 1830s when British engineer Edwin Bunning made a manual reel mower, which required the user to push it for the cylindrical blades to cut grass in small, flat lawns. Eventually, gas-powered and electric mowers were invented in the 1900s, offering a much more convenient method of maintaining grass. 

Today, thanks to the ever-evolving mowing technologies and innovative cutting mechanisms, you can find a wide range of lawnmowers. Some of these popular modern lawnmowers you can find include:

• Rotary mower — a pushed or self-propelled lawn mower with cylindrical blades, ideal for large lawns.

• Riding mower — a garden tractor that the user can ride on the lawn mower while the blades work to cut the grass; also ideal for large lawns and gardens. 

• Hovercraft mower — a lawn mower that floats in the air using a fan system; ideal for manoeuvring uneven lawns and terrains. 

• Robotic mower — the most advanced type of lawn mower that uses boundary wires and sensors to cut long grass without a person operating it automatically. 

Although there are different types of lawnmowers, they all share similar components. You can find rotating blades that cut the grass, a deck that holds the blade and spreads grass clippings, an internal motor that powers the blade, a throttle to regulate the motor’s speed and power, and wheels to manoeuvre the lawn mower. 

Lawn mower vs. grass trimmer: How do they differ?

Trimmers and lawn mowers are essential gardening tools for homeowners with lush outdoor spaces. But they might get stuck in the garage if they are not used properly. This is why it pays to know the differences between these lawn care equipment.

In terms of functionality

Grass being edged neatly along a curb with a string trimmer (Source: iStock)

A grass strimmer is ideal for detailing and edging, which requires precision work. This includes defining the edges of a lawn to create a thin gap or borderline between the grass and the sidewalk. Doing this will make your backyard garden appear more polished while preventing weeds from growing out of control. 

Trimming grass can also make flower beds stand out. This involves an edging technique that creates a distinct cut into the ground to frame the flower beds. If this seems too complex or advanced, you can always hire a gardening expert to do the edging and detailing work.

Since the functionality of grass trimmers mainly involves detailing work, they are only suitable for small to medium garden and lawn areas. You can use it for large lawns, but expect uneven grass cuts. A much better option would be lawnmowers because these machines are designed to cut overgrown grass in large, open areas. 

Lawnmowers have a motor that can mow large yards faster and more efficiently. They also have an adjustable height setting that allows you to cut grass evenly and consistently. Additionally, they come in various types suitable for multiple lawn types and sizes.

In terms of cutting performance

Lawn mowers provide better cutting performance than grass trimmers because lawn mowers come with various blades and cutting mechanisms.

• Rotary blades are the most common horizontal rotating blades used to cut grass at high speed. They help provide an even and consistent cut in large lawns.

• Reel blades are vertical rotating blades that cut the grass like scissors. They cut cleaner and more precisely than other lawn mower blades, reducing the risk of damaging the grass blades and keeping lawns healthy. 

• Mulching blades are an additional feature in rotary lawnmowers that chop grass clippings into finer pieces for use as mulch. 

Apart from having different blades, lawnmowers have an adjustable blade height feature. This allows them to cut varying grass heights more efficiently and evenly. 

Meanwhile, the cutting mechanism for grass trimmers relies only on a rapidly spinning nylon line. Although some grass trimmers have a dual nylon line to increase their cutting efficiency, the nylon is designed to be flexible or bendy. This produces a rougher and more uneven cut on the grass edges.

In terms of size and portability

A person cutting the lawn with a gas-powered mower on a bright day (Source: iStock)

Grass trimmers are the clear winners when it comes to size and portability. They are smaller and lighter than lawnmowers because their rotating nylon lines are less bulky. Not to mention, their motors and engines are more compact. Some models would fit in small outdoor garden sheds, so you don’t have to worry about storage! You can just hang them on the walls to save some space. 

On the other hand, lawnmowers are larger and heavier because they typically have more components. In addition to the blades, motors, and wheels, lawnmowers often come with a grass collection bag, which makes them bulkier. Although some lawnmowers have foldable and detachable parts, they occupy more room and space than grass trimmers. 

What’s also great about cordless grass trimmers is that you can easily carry and manoeuvre them around the garden. These are ideal for homeowners with small gardens who need to trim grass and remove weeds around fences and other tight spaces. While some lawnmowers have zero-turn riding features to improve manoeuvrability, they still are difficult to use in tight corners and spaces, given their large size.

In terms of maintenance

Grass trimmers are easier to maintain than lawnmowers because they have fewer moving parts and simpler mechanisms. Bear in mind that a grass trimmer is a string trimmer used for detailing work, like adding clean edges on lawns. Unlike a lawn mower, it’s not designed to cut thick, overgrown grass in large lawns and gardens, so it has a simpler engine and fuel design, requiring less maintenance. 

Moreover, lawnmowers require proper blade maintenance and repair to ensure a clean cut. Aside from aesthetic benefits, this helps the grass be less susceptible to diseases because a clean cut makes it easier for the grass to heal faster. While grass trimmers also require replacing and maintaining specific parts, their trimmer lines, in particular, are easier and quicker to finish. 

However, both lawn equipment need general maintenance, like removing debris and grass clippings right after use and storing them in a dry garage or shed to protect them from moisture and dust. Also, seasonal maintenance is crucial for gas-powered lawn mowers and grass trimmers because fuel can go bad after a few weeks, clogging some machine parts. You must drain the fuel from the gas tank before storing the lawn mower for winter.

In terms of safety

A person in protective gear maintaining a yard with a grass trimmer (Source: iStock)

You need to follow certain precautions when using lawn mowers and grass trimmers because getting injured is highly likely. However, lawnmowers pose a higher injury risk than the two because of their sharp, powerful blades. 

Plus, lawnmowers are designed to eject debris and grass clippings fast, so if small rocks and metal shavings are left lying on your lawn while mowing, they might go flying and hit you, causing severe injuries. This is why you should level the lawn first and clear it of stones and debris before mowing. It would also help to wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, closed shoes, and long pants to avoid injuries. 

Although lawn mowers are highly likely to cause injuries, it doesn’t mean using grass trimmers will keep you away from harm. The spinning nylon string of grass trimmers can still cut and scrape your skin, and like lawn mowers, they can potentially throw debris around. Aside from knowing how to properly use a strimmer, wear long sleeves, pants, and a face shield, and tell your family (especially children) to stay away from the lawn area when using a grass trimmer.

In terms of cost

Lawnmowers are more expensive, with manual mowers starting from $32, while high-powered petrol and ride-on mowers can cost as much as $8,600. Their high price point is due to the functionality and complexity of their engine and cutting mechanisms to cut large areas of grass. Not to mention, lawn mowers with higher price points often come with additional features like self-propulsion and mulching capabilities. 

On the other hand, grass trimmers can cost as low as $19, while the more advanced models can cost as much as $1,727. Their price increases if they are equipped with additional features like a telescoping handle, adjustable cutting heads, and brush attachments. Despite the additional cost, grass trimmers are still more affordable than lawn mowers. 

Aside from the initial purchase cost, you may have to consider costs for grass trimmer and lawn mower repairs. While these might seem hefty, investing in proper care and maintenance can help you save money in the long run.

Effortlessly maintain your lawn with Airtasker

Even with grass trimmers and lawn mowers on hand, lawn maintenance can still take much time and effort. Instead of doing this tedious task by yourself, hire a lawn care expert. Luckily, you can find one easily through Airtasker! Simply post a task, and we’ll help you connect with the right Tasker for your needs.