If you have a cordless strimmer...

[Seahorse]

... can you tell me whether you'd recommend your particular make/model?

I've decided to get one for my allotment, in the first instance to help me keep down weeds while I continue to dig proper beds, then ultimately for paths. (And I know petrol ones are bigger/better etc but I'm a midget with no transport - I *can* wield and carry the Big Boy's Toy style ones but I don't want it to become a chore that I keep putting off cos it's too much faff!).

Obviously, lower priced ones are appealing but I'd rather pay a bit more for something decent if the cheapo ones aren't much good.

(edited cos I obviously didn't make myself clear)

[Madasafish]

I bought the cheapest I could: approx £20 from Argos..
On the basis that after 3-4 years batteries get exhausted and need to be replaced - cost £20-£30... So I reasoned I would buy a cheap one and live with any inherent problems and throw it away when it dies.

I have now had my Argos one two years.

The good news : it cuts very well and is still working.
The bad news: it really only cuts for about 10 minutes and then the battery runs out: but I plan the work on that basis.

Am I happy with my decision? Yes.

But I only use it once a week . If I had a lot of cutting to do, it would be a waste of money.

[Sprocket*]

We have two, one came from bumblebee auction site on the net which is where the police sell off all the property in the stores that they no longer need - bargains to be had. The other one I bought from B&Q for about £90, its petrol and comes with a brush cutter which is easy to change and works wonders on the stronger weeds and brambles. It is light and easy to use, and I could recommend it to anyone. It is a JCB make. We have had it two years and it has always been reliable.
Alternatively have a look on e-bay!

[Nicos]

We bought our Ryobi petrol strimmer about 10 yrs ago - and it's been great.
I think it cost about £150?????

If you're going for a petrol strimmer, then try and get one with a push button start- tis a bit easier!

[Glutton4...]

Personally, I'd go for petrol every time. I think they're worth the money, and if you look after it, it will last a lifetime.

[Matt.]

I got an electric battery powered strimmer a couple of years back for using on the allotment. Its totally rubbish and I'd advise to stay well clear. It was cheap (about £20) but the battery runs out very quickly and its pretty feeble even when fully charged. If you use it every week it would be ok but leave the grass a month and you'd get nowhere. If you can manage the extra weight (and cost) I'd definitly go for petrol.

[snuffer]

I have a flymo 24 volt battery strimmer. The battery is worn over the shoulder and the strimmer plugs into it. It is very good for 'edgeing' the beds and light grass trimming but doesn't have enough umph for any serious work.

I know it's not what you want to hear but if your only going to buy one strimmer and you want it to do some serious work then it really does have to be a petrol powered one. Sorry.