BLACK+DECKER GL9035 vs Bosch ART 30 Combitrim
Both are corded, line-only grass trimmers for gardens near a socket. The GL9035 has more power, a wider cut and automatic line feed; the ART 30 is lighter with a telescopic shaft.
In short:The BLACK+DECKER GL9035 and Bosch ART 30 are corded, line-only grass trimmers. The GL9035 has a 900 W motor, a 35 cm cut, 2.0 mm line on an automatic feed spool and an edging function, and weighs 3.2 kg. The ART 30 has 480–550 W depending on version, a 30 cm cut with twin 1.6 mm line and a telescopic shaft, and weighs about 2.8 kg. The GL9035 suits a small-to-medium lawn; the ART 30 suits edging and finishing on a very small plot.
The BLACK+DECKER GL9035 and the Bosch ART 30 Combitrim are both corded, line-only grass trimmers — neither takes a metal blade. The GL9035 is the stronger machine with automatic line feed; the ART 30 is lighter, with a telescopic shaft for comfort.
At a glance
| BLACK+DECKER GL9035 | Bosch ART 30 Combitrim | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 900 W corded | 480–550 W corded (by version) |
| Cutting width | 35 cm | 30 cm |
| Line | 2.0 mm, automatic feed (AFS) | Twin 1.6 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg | About 2.8 kg |
| Edging | Edging function, rotating head | Angle the trimmer; telescopic shaft 80–115 cm |
| Availability (Oct 2026) | Amazon.co.uk resale only | No current Amazon.co.uk listing |
| Best suited to | Small-to-medium lawn | Very small garden, edging and finishing |
Power and cutting width
The GL9035’s 900 W motor and 35 cm cut let it clear a small-to-medium lawn at a real pace, including longer grass. The ART 30’s 480–550 W (Bosch’s Irish page lists 480 W; some UK and German retailers list 550 W) and 30 cm cut are fine for edges and corners but slower over any real area. The gap is large enough to drive the decision.
Line and edging
The GL9035 uses 2.0 mm line on BLACK+DECKER’s automatic feed spool, so there’s no tapping to release line, and its edging function turns the head so the line cuts vertically along paths and borders. The ART 30 uses twin 1.6 mm line and has a telescopic shaft (80–115 cm) so you can set a comfortable working height; for edges you angle the whole trimmer.
Weight and handling
The ART 30 is the lighter tool at about 2.8 kg, which suits short tidy-ups. The GL9035 is 3.2 kg — still easy to manage, and the extra weight comes with nearly twice the power.
Know the limits
Both are tethered to a socket, so use an outdoor-rated extension lead on an RCD and keep the cable behind you. Both are line-only: brambles and woody growth need a blade machine — see the best electric brush cutters.
Availability
When we checked in October 2026, the GL9035 was only offered on Amazon.co.uk through Amazon’s resale (used) channel, and we found no current Amazon.co.uk listing for the ART 30 — check UK DIY and garden retailers for both.
Which should you buy?
For anything more than a small patch — a proper lawn, long borders, grass left a week or two — the GL9035 earns its extra weight with real power and automatic line feed. If “trimming” means tidying a few edges after mowing on a tiny plot, the lighter ART 30 is enough. If brambles ever appear, you need a different class of tool.
Full specifications
| BLACK+DECKER GL9035 | Bosch ART 30 Combitrim | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Corded electric | Corded electric |
| Engine / power | Corded 900W | Corded 480–550W |
| Power | 900 W corded | 480–550 W corded (by version) |
| Cutting width | 35 cm | 30 cm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg | About 2.8 kg (Bosch) |
| Head | Rotating, trim + edge | — |
| Line | 2.0 mm, automatic feed (AFS) | — |
| Speed | 7,000 rpm (listing) | — |
| Cutting | — | Twin 1.6 mm line |
| Shaft | — | Telescopic, 80–115 cm |
| Runtime | — | Unlimited (mains) |
| Best for | Tidy trimming and crisp edging on a small-to-medium lawn near a power socket. | Very small gardens, edging and tidy-up work near a socket. |
| Our rating | 7.6 / 10 | 7.2 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
BLACK+DECKER GL9035
- + Strong 900 W for a corded trimmer
- + Rotating head for edging, automatic line feed
- + Wide 35 cm cut with 2.0 mm line
- − Line only — no brush capability
- − Tied to a cable and socket
- − Heavier than mini edgers
Bosch ART 30 Combitrim
- + Light (about 2.8 kg) and simple to use
- + Unbeatable price for edging and finishing
- + Reliable Bosch build for its class
- − Line only — strictly grass, not brush
- − 30 cm cut, slow on large areas
- − Cable limits reach
Frequently asked questions
Can either the GL9035 or the ART 30 cut brambles or brush?
No. Both are nylon-line grass trimmers with no metal-blade option, so they're limited to grass and soft weeds. For brambles or woody growth you'd need a blade-equipped machine such as the Bosch AFS 23-37.
Which is better for edging along paths and borders?
The GL9035 has a dedicated edging function — the head turns so the line cuts vertically — and its automatic feed keeps line coming without tapping. The ART 30 can be angled for edges, and its telescopic shaft helps you set a comfortable height.
Is the extra power of the GL9035 worth it over the ART 30?
If your plot is more than a small patch, yes: 900 W and a 35 cm cut clear grass faster than the ART 30's 480–550 W and 30 cm. For edging and finishing a very small garden, the lighter ART 30 is enough.