2023 Reviews – Best Commercial Weed Eater / PRO String Trimmers. Heavy duty weed eater

23 Reviews – Best Commercial Weed Eater / PRO String Trimmers

If you’re interested in a true professional-grade cordless string trimmer then you need to seriously consider the Makita 40V model as seen above. Makita created their XGT tools to replace their gas-powered power equipment without compromising on power or torque. This isn’t just another disappointing cordless tool. It is one of the best commercial weed eater/string trimmer your money can buy. In fact, it it’s equal in power to a 30cc string trimmer.

For the record, the Husqvarna 324L and the Echo SRM-2620 have 25cc engines and they’re both commercial-grade string trimmers. What’s amazing about this Makita line of tools is they’ve created two distinct tool lines using one 40V XGT battery. On one hand they have their 40V XGT line, which the Makita GUX01JM1X1 belongs to, and they have their 80V line, for tools that require more torque and power.

You might be thinking that battery life makes it useless for commercial work and you would be wrong. If you get a second set of batteries, you can run all day. A 4Ah battery can be completely charged in under 45 minutes. As I said, it’s a true commercial gas replacement. It’s not cheap, but that’s besides the point.

Don’t worry, I look at both gas-powered and battery-powered string trimmers in this guide. For example, Makita makes some of the top rated gas powered trimmers on the market, like the high-torque (4-Stroke) Makita EM2652LHN —

This was made for commercial usage. You can run this all day long and it will do all the hard work for you. It’s well designed, but that’s true for all Makita products. If you’ve used Makita before you already understand what makes this brand special. Everything they make is excellent. It’s very rare for Makita to release a bad product. It rarely happens, so you can feel good about purchasing a Makita string trimmer.

What Exactly is this Tool Called?

What’s the Best Commercial Weed Eater for 2023? Well, let me rephrase that: What’s the best professional-grade string trimmer? Back in the early eighties, When I was a kid, we referred to “string trimmers” as “weed eaters” for some reason. It turns out that the latter is a brand name and it’s actually owned by Husqvarna.These terms are used interchangeably in the same way we use “Kleenex” as a generic term, but it’s actually a brand as well.

Some people use the term “Weed Wacker” to describe a ‘string trimmer,’ and did you know that Stanley/BlackDecker own the trademark for Weedwacker. Interesting indeed.

It’s called “genericization” when a trademarked name becomes so widely used that it becomes the accepted generic term for the type of product or service. Sorry for digressing, this article is actually about commercial/Professional string trimmers, not Kleenex.

Gas-Powered vs Battery Powered String Trimmers

A few years ago you would have likely assumed that a professional-grade string trimmer would be gas-powered — and you would have been right in 2019, but the market has changed a lot over the past two years as battery technology has taken huge strides towards equaling the power of gas tools and power equipment. This is a positive as far as I’m concerned. No more fumes to inhale, quieter when running, no maintenance, lighter in weight, etc. I show you some trimmers that may surprise you with their power output.

The difference between a commercial weed eater and a consumer-grade weed eater is the overall build quality is higher as it needs to withstand endless hours of usage and accidental bumps and knocks, day-in and day-out. Homeowner weed eaters are designed for intermittent usage and the quality of the components are not as robust or durable. Thicker metals cost more money.

Editors’ Picks — Best Commercial-Grade Weed Eaters!

Models that are both affordable and well-made. You decide!

Husqvarna 324L / 4-Stroke

If you need a powerful and well-made gas string trimmer, this is your best bet. Run it all day long. No need to mix fuel or oil as it has a Husqvarna 4-stroke. This also makes it quieter, more efficient and produces less vibration due to the smoother operation.

For the price, I doubt you’ll find a better option, and if you do, please let me know. This straddles the line between commercial and homeowner string trimmer. It’s not the highest durability but it’s above average for a homeowner model. Excellent value!

  • 18” Cutting Width
  • 25cc Pro-Grade String Trimmer with 4-stroke engine
  • No fuel mixing / Saves you time
  • See through gas tank so you can easily check fuel levels
  • Uses Tap ‘n Go twin line cutting system for quick line feed
  • Smart Start reduces the effort required to start it
  • Anti-vibration system makes it more comfortable to use
  • Lightweight at 11.3 lbs.

Echo SRM-2620 ProXtreme

The Echo SRM-620 is a phenomenal machine, certainly one of the best commercial string trimmers you can buy. You’ll immediately notice how light it is in your hands, and the build quality is excellent. No cheap flimsy plastic.

This is a fast cutting trimmer thanks to the Speed-Feed 400 head. I wish it had a 4-stroke engine to make it my dream trimmer. It’s nice not to have to waste time mixing fuel. You can buy premixed fuel, but it is more expensive if you go that route.

  • 1.62:1 gear reduction makes for fast cutting
  • 17″ Cutting Area
  • Two-stage air filtration
  • 25.4 cc 2-stroke engine
  • No tools required to access the air filtration system
  • Easy Starting, even on hot, dusty days
  • Comfortable Rubber Grips / Ergonomic
  • Speed-Feed 400 head is designed for speed / Fast Reloading

A Pro-Grade Brush Cutter, like the Husqvarna 336FR

The Husqvarna 336FR is another option you may have not considered but this gives you the best of both worlds if you need to cut dense brush and undergrowth. It comes with a trimmer head, grass blade and saw blade, making it capable to handle whatever you throw at it. it has Husqvarna’s efficient X-Torq engine (35.6cc) which gives it a lot of power to cut and not slow down.

Consider the 335FR the bigger more muscular sibling of any string trimmer. Either way, this is not the solution for everyone, but it will handle everything that a string trimmer can’t.

Types of Weed Eaters (String Trimmers)

There are several types of weed eaters (gas, battery electric); in this article we generally stick to reviewing gas models. Why?

— Well, because battery power is limited and managing an electrical cord is impractical when you work for extended periods of time. If you’re a professional and you expect to work hours upon hours, day after day, then a gas weed eater is the obvious choice.

The DeWALT 60V FLEXVOLT is an excellent choice for a commercial-grade battery string trimmer, without the fumes and maintenance. Consider it. Get extra batteries to run all day. Available in up to 9Ah battery.

Features : 60V commercial grade, weed-eater

  • Gear drive design can handle thick overgrowth
  • Brushless motor maximizes run time and motor life
  • 15″ Cutting swath / 0.080 in. Line (also accepts 0.095 in.)
  • Variable speed trigger : hi/lo speed control
  • Lightweight ergonomic = Control / minimizes stress on your arms
  • Designed to withstand everyday heavy-duty usage
  • Bump feed head comes with 1 quick load spool of 0.08 in. Dual line installed
  • Amp hour : 3.0 ah (Increase running time with 9A battery)
  • Line diameter : 0.080/.095 in
  • Power source : lithium ion
  • Rpm : 0-5,600/ 0-6,600 rpm
  • System : 60v max
  • Weight : 12 lbs

Before we get into the heart of this article let’s go over the variety of ways you can refer to a weed eater. It seems that everyone has their own name for it. When I was a kid, growing up in the 70’s, our family called it a ‘weed eater.’ The following names are also common: string trimmer, weed wacker, line trimmer, whipper-snipper, line-trimmer and even strimmer (UK/Ireland).

Buying Guide for String Trimmers

We review several excellent industrial-grade weed eaters that are suitable for landscapers or homeowners. Many homeowners invest a little extra money and purchase a weed eater that will last. Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of cheap string trimmers, but you can be certain that they won’t last very long if you intend to use it on a regular basis.

I have a very large garden with acres of lawn to maintain. This makes my weed eater one of the most important garden tools in the shed. They go by many names: string cutter, brush cutter, bush whacker, or edge trimmer, to name a few. Though weed eater is the best name of the lot, it really describes these versatile garden tools to a tee. They do, literally, eat through weeds like no other.

Weed eaters come in many variations. You get small electric corded models that are really only suitable for small lawns. Larger electric machines (battery or corded) are okay for most residential gardens but for commercial landscapers and those of us who have bigger than average yards, a commercial weed eater is the best tool for the job.

Buying Criteria when Shopping for a Commercial weed eater?

The main difference is how it derives the power. While electric is convenient, quieter, and you don’t have gas fumes, they simply don’t have the power to meet the needs of landscapers and people with large gardens. So if we’re going to be talking about the best commercial weed eaters, we need to look at gas-powered machines.

Weed Eater Engines

Weed Eaters use small lightweight gas engines. The weight is important because you’re carrying the entire weight of the engine and all the other components that make up the weed eater. You need to be able to maneuver the weed eater freely and a heavy machine is not going to be practical.

The type of engine is also important. This can either be a 2-stroke (2-cycle) or 4-stroke (4-cycle) engine. For the high-rev power that a weed eater needs, 2-stroke engines are the best. But this extra power does come with its disadvantages. You need to pre-mix your oil and gas and this needs to be done at the correct ratio. If there’s not enough oil in the mixture, the engine will overheat and this damages the engine. Too much oil, and the engine will smoke excessively. Carbon will build up on the spark plug, hindering the engine’s performance. These engines are also noisier and not as environmentally friendly, they have higher emission levels of harmful toxins.

Walk Behind Trimmer | BLACKDECKER (25A-26S5736) 4-Cycle

A weed-eater with a 4-stroke engine might not have the same power, but they are much less hassle. The oil is added to the crankcase. This means that you have to keep an eye on the oil level, but most modern 4-stroke engines have an automatic shutoff switch that will stop the engine when the oil level drops too low. You also don’t need to measure your oil and fuel, you simply add oil to the engine through a filler cap when needed. Four stroke engines are quieter and emit less toxic fumes. Generally, you won’t have as many maintenance issues with a 4-stroke engine, mostly because the plug and carburetor don’t collect as much carbon or oil residue.

Whether the engine is 2 or 4-stroke, they will generally be in the region of 20-25cc. As with automobile engines, the actual design of the engine will have a big effect on how much power it delivers and its fuel consumption. So while you may think a 22cc engine may be less powerful than a 25cc from a different manufacturer, this won’t necessarily be the case. It really isn’t easy to determine what type of power you’re going to get without testing the machine. Even then, the differences may not be that noticeable.

Fortunately, we’ve taken the guesswork out the equation for you by choosing three of the best commercial weed eaters that have been put through their paces. Some models (Husqvarna 324L) have 4-stroke engines and the rest have 2-stroke engines. The cheaper Hitachi CG23ECPSL has a slightly smaller engine than the other two and is not quite as sophisticated.

The two more expensive weed eaters are closely matched in terms of engine size and their power output is very similar. What they all have in common is that they all come highly recommended by both homeowners and landscapers alike. So you can be assured that the engines used in all of these weed eaters are up to the task of cutting through thick weeds and tall grass.

Honda | Efficient 4-stroke engine : Impressive Weed Eater

While you can’t see inside the gearbox and probably have no idea of how it works, this is just as important as the engine itself. The gearbox delivers the power to the cutting head and needs to be tough and well-designed. When looking at the machine, we can get some clues as to how they’ve built the weed eater. A larger gearbox with a cast aluminum housing is an indication that the engineers have done their job properly. Again, we’ve ensured that you’re getting what you pay for and all three of the weed eaters in this review have gearboxes to match the power that the engine delivers.

The shaft can be curved or straight. Machines with a straight shaft usually cost more and, while this doesn’t make the machine perform better, it does offer better reach. As a tall guy, I definitely prefer a straight shaft. A weed eater with a straight shaft is also safer because you are further away from the cutter and this means that you’re further from the flying debris.

Weed eaters are known as string cutters because they use nylon string instead of a conventional steel blade. This is what makes them such versatile machines. A blade is easily damaged by stones and it’s impossible to cut up to a wall or any solid surface with a blade. The nylon string is flexible so it can handle most hard objects and if the string breaks, no big deal. It’s cheap and easy to replace.

The problem with nylon string is that it wears down easily so you need to replace the string frequently. Traditionally, you would use a string that’s the exact width of the cutting path and this starts to wear down as soon as you start using it. So as you work, your cutting path is reduced by small amounts with every minute that passes. This reduced their efficiency.

For this reason, the bump head was invented, which negated this problem. This means that you can roll several feet of nylon string around a spring-loaded barrel. By tapping down on the bump head, it will automatically release a few inches of string and a small blade inside the cutting guard cuts the string to the correct length. So you can work constantly with the full cutting capacity of the string. It’s an amazing invention which has drastically improved the efficiency with which these machines work.

As great as the bump head is, I’ve been through a few with different brands of weed eaters. Cheap bump heads are more trouble than they’re worth. If it’s not made of quality materials and designed well, the mechanisms jam and basically don’t function like they should. So you end up spending more time opening the bump head assembly and fixing it than you do working.

So as great as these mechanisms are, it’s really important to know that you’re getting decent quality. Making it really important to buy a weed eater from a trusted brand. Cheap bump head assemblies look exactly the same as decent ones. So it all comes down to the faith you have in the manufacturer. Like so many things, you get what you pay for.

Commercial weed eaters will have a much wider cutting path than the smaller machines. This means a longer string, generally, about 17”. A thicker string is also going to last longer and be able to do more heavy-duty cutting without breaking the string. I prefer twisted string to the straight type as this is also stronger. Though your string type is not brand specific. As long as your weed eater can handle the correct width, you can use any type of nylon string.

The best commercial weed eaters are designed to eliminate vibration as much as possible. Engines and gearboxes are designed to operate as smoothly as modern engineering will allow. Even with the best technology, weed eaters vibrate quite a lot. This causes strain on your arms and fatigue will reduce the amount of time that you’re able to spend doing what you intended – trimming the lawn and cutting back weeds.

So the handle design is more critical than one might think. There are two types of handle designs. Bike handles have two separate grips, like the handlebars of a bike. A loop handle is a wide loop on the shaft offering a variety of gripping positions for the operator. I prefer loop handles but this is really a matter of preference. Many prefer bike handles. So, in the end, each one of us will choose the handle type based on personal preference.

What’s really important is the amount of padding on the handles, this is what reduces the vibration that you feel. The position of your throttle trigger can also be important and not all of them are the best for left-handed operators. Bike handles are almost always designed for right-handed operation, whereas loop handles can be used with either hand.

Reviews — Best Commercial Weed Eaters

Having concluded what to look for in a commercial weed eater, let’s put this into practice by reviewing your best options. These machines meet the criteria I’ve mentioned above and can, therefore, all be considered as being among the best commercial weed eaters. They differ somewhat but are all great machines.

Only one can hold the top position as the ultimate commercial weed eater. In my opinion, this would be the Tanaka TCG27EBSP. Usually, Husqvarna would be my first choice and I can see many preferring the Husqvarna 324L, based on their respect for the brand. In truth, both of these are exceptional weed eaters. So there isn’t an outright winner, it really is a matter of opinion. The Hitachi CG23ECPSL is the cheapest of the three and isn’t quite up there with the other two. It is, however, a heavy-duty, powerful weed eater and can certainly hold its own when compared to any of the best commercial weed eaters.

To decide which of these machines is going to be the best for you, I’m going to give you a detailed review of each one. So you can be the judge, after all, the final decision is going to come down to what your requirements and budget are.

Husqvarna 324L Review

Thoughtful design and Smart engineering makes this one of the best commercial weed eaters for the money.

Best Battery Powered Weed Eater for 2022

Even before you finally pull the trigger on a battery-powered lawn mower, cordless string trimmers present a much more accessible entry point for homeowners. Pros running landscaping crews have grabbed these tools when they need a quiet solution for municipalities. So what’s the best battery powered weed eater (string trimmer) for your needs? It depends. We got our team together to give you our top picks for a wide range of applications and users.

Want to see our top overall weed eater picks, including gas models? Check out this article!

Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater for Homeowners

EGO PowerLoad String Trimmer with Line IQ ST1623T

Even before becoming a household name, EGO launch out the gate with a fairly capable weed eater. Since then, the company improved power, capability, and vibration control. It now makes what we consider the best battery-powered homeowner weedeater in the industry.

With PowerLoad automatic line loading, EGO makes the easiest-to-load weed eaters we’ve ever used. For 2022, we felt their PowerLoad technology and carbon fiber shaft simply dominated the battery-powered string trimmer category for homeowners.

Price: Price: 299 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Battery-Powered Weedeater for Power

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Carbon Fiber String Trimmer RY402110VNM

Believe it or not, Ryobi has unleashed some incredibly powerful and feature-rich OPE products in the past couple of years. Their 40V HP brushless tools have redefined what we thought possible at these price points. Their latest flagship Whisper Series string trimmer produces truly impressive cutting speed and power.

Ryobi combined advanced battery and brushless motor technology to spin 0.105-inch line with a 17-inch cutting diameter. Plus, since this battery-powered weed eater falls under their Whisper Series, it operates with roughly 60% less noise than comparable gas models.

Price: 299 with 6.0Ah battery and Rapid charger

Best Lightweight Battery-Powered Weed Eater

Makita ConnectX String Trimmer CRU03

Makita claims 30cc of gas-compatible power in their ConnectX battery-powered weed eater. They dropped the tool weight under 10 pounds by shifting the battery to a harness you wear on your back. Because you can hold more juice, you get up to 1200Wh of capacity and commercial-level runtime. While Makita joins an existing group of companies sporting backpack batteries, ConnectX has a particularly value-based weight and performance combination we really like.

Best Attachment-Capable Battery-Powered String Trimmer

STIHL Battery-Powered Kombi System KMA 135 R

When we reviewed and compared weed eater attachment systems, the Sithl 36V KombiSystem beat everyone in both performance and options. It felt like we had a gas-powered system in our hands. The KMA 135 R powerhead makes it even better.

Unfortunately, STIHL uses a proprietary attachment mechanism. However, they provide so many attachment options we don’t really mind. On top of all that, the extensive STIHL dealer and service network supports these tools long after the sale. That simply isn’t the case with most other manufacturers.

Best Budget Battery-Powered Weed Eater

SKIL 40V PWRCore Brushless Weed Eater LT4818-10

With our best budget battery-powered weed eater recommendation we set a price limit: 160 for the entire kit—including battery and charger. The Skil 40V PWRCore Brushless Weed Eater (model LT4818-10) presents a powerful option that fits the bill.

This battery-powered weed eater really fills a need for a capable trimmer that doesn’t go overboard on weight or price. With more power than 18V/20V trimmers, it’s a good fit for budget-minded individuals.

Price: 159 with 2.5Ah battery and charger.

Best Battery-Powered Weedeater Overall

Husqvarna 520iLX Battery-Powered String Trimmer

When we’re talking about the best all-day, everyday professional tool for residential crews, we love the Husqvarna 520iLX string trimmer. It weighs almost nothing—an amazing tool. On top of that, you get really low vibration and well-rounded features mixed with top-notch cutting performance. While other pro brands match it in some areas, nobody has quite as good of an overall package as Husqvarna.

Best Line for Battery-Powered Weed Eater Use

Echo Black Diamond 0.095-Inch Trimmer Line

We love Echo Black Diamond trimmer line. Denser than other brands and with sharper cutting edges, it excels when used with battery-powered weed eaters. We use Black Diamond 0.095-inch line specifically. It cuts like a thicker line without reducing trigger time.

The only potential issue we’ve seen ahs to do with the EGO PowerLoad system. That prefers smoother line and tends to snag on Black Diamond (loading and when feeding it out)—so we avoid it in that particular tool.

Price: 14.99 for a 1-pound package (253 ft.) or 60.99 for a 5-pound spool (1394 ft.)

Battery-Powered Trimmer Options from Brands We Trust

Best DeWALT Battery-Powered String Trimmer: DCST972

We like the 17-inch cutting diameter of the 60V Max brushless battery-powered weed eater. This 2-speed trimmer features a universal connection system. You get a swift 5800 RPM on the top end and support for 0.95-inch line (it comes spooled with 0.080″).

Surprisingly, for DeWALT, it has a rather thick grip. It might bother those with smaller hands. Attachments can rotate in any of three positions—makin git easy to use the trimmer head for edging.

Price: 249 bare tool, 299 with 3.0Ah battery and charger

Best EGO Battery-Powered String Trimmer: ST1623T

There’s a reason we picked EGO’s Line IQ trimmer as our best overall for homeowners. It’s so easy to use with excellent performance and smooth operation, that it can make one of the worst tasks enjoyable.

Price: 299 with 4 Ah battery and charger

Best Greenworks Battery-Powered Weed Eater: ST60L254

Greenworks’ Pro 60V line has a few options and we like the ST60L04 as the best overall balance of performance and price for trimming. It’s a smooth-operating trimmer with an easy-loading Load N’ Go head that uses 0.095-inch line and runs for more than half an hour on its 2.5Ah battery.

Price: 179.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best Makita Battery-Powered Weed Trimmer: GRU01

We realize not everyone is in a place to jump onto Makita’s ConnectX system. If you want high performance with wider OPE and power tool compatibility, give the 40V max XGT GRU01 a look. It has three speeds and tops out with a blistering 6500 RPM. Plus, there’s an Automatic Torque Drive feature that auto-adjusts the speed to match what you’re cutting. Even better, this one is just 10.4 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, giving it an excellent blend of performance and weight.

Price: 289 bare, 439 with 4.0Ah battery and Rapid charger

Best Milwaukee Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 2825-21ST

Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Quik-Lok attachment system still holds the top spot for the best Milwaukee string trimmer in our books. Its 2-speed brushless design does an excellent job on a wide range of grasses. Even though it doesn’t use a universal connection, the available attachments have done a fantastic job over several years of service with our crew.

Now that there’s a new commercial lawn mower, whispers of further Milwaukee OPE expansion are in the wind, so keep your eyes open in case something new in the string trimmer department shows up.

Price: 229 powerhead and string trimmer attachment, 299 string trimmer kit with 8.0Ah High Output battery and Rapid charger

What We Look for in the Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater – A Buying Guide

Cutting Power

We consider 3 key metrics that contribute to cutting power in weed eaters: line speed, line thickness/mass, and the torque of the motor.

A faster line speed yields better and cleaner grass cutting. Most battery-powered string trimmers do well—at least in dry grass. You want at least 5000 RPM to ensure your line spins quickly enough to slice through thicker grasses. The top models on our list might spin at upwards of 6500 RPM. This really impacts cutting wet grass and thicker weeds.

Thicker trimming line also helps cut tougher grasses. Most battery-powered weed eaters we recommend handle 0.095-inch line. Some homeowner models use 0.080-inch. That works fine for dry grass, but tougher loads and coming into contact with cement boundaries and fencing can quickly run through line. A battery-powered weed eater that supports 0.105-inch tells you two things: 1) it has lots of power, and 2) you have a pro model in your hands.

Remember that thicker line or string means less runtime—all things being the same.

We also look for a motor that can maintain speed under load. Run a weed eater in wet grass and you can quickly hear the speed drop on lesser models. Models with brushless motors and higher torque keep the head spinning when it runs into those tough cutting situations.

Cutting Width

A wider cutting path means you get more work done in the same amount of time. It takes more battery power to run these wider cutting paths or swaths, however. Look for at least 15-inches of cutting diameter. If you end up with a 16- or 17-inch model, be sure you have the torque and battery size to handle those larger sizes.

Runtime

The average homeowner on a 1/4-acre lot only needs about 15 minutes of consistent trigger time to cover trimming. Most cordless string trimmers are able to hit that at high speed without too much trouble.

Professional lawn care crews and homeowners with larger properties or acreage need much more.

You may also want to maximize dual-speed models for their best effect. Learning how to trim at low speed for dry grasses gives you a lot more runtime that if you run the battery-powered weed eater at full-throttle the whole time.

Vibration

We highly value low-vibration string trimmers. We already have enough work to do managing the weight of such a long tool without vibration adding additional fatigue. Some of the latest models let almost no vibration up the handle to the user.

Weight and Balance

If you’re working all day on a lawn crew or even just putting the finishing touches on your own lawn, you want the lightest weight you can get without sacrificing the power you need. Bare weight isn’t everything—the battery can add a lot. If you can get a fully-loaded battery-powered string trimmer that meets your performance needs and comes in under 10 pounds, that’s a big win.

Balance is a consideration and the trimmers that have the best typically mount the motor on the trimmer head to counter the battery weight on the back. Many models also let you adjust the front handle to help dial in your fit.

If you’re after an attachment-capable model, you’re stuck with the motor in the back, and the balance shifts back. For those and trimmers that are simply heavier by nature, consider adding a shoulder strap to help you out.

Sound Level

Low noise is one of the major benefits of moving away from gas power. Cordless string trimmers we’ve tested range from decibels in the low 80s to the upper 90s (measured at our operator’s ear). Even at the top end, it’s an improvement over the majority of gas trimmers.

Your line selection plays a bigger part than it does on gas trimmers. Sometimes, switching the line you use can reduce the overall noise level or change the tone to a less irritating pitch.

Line Changes

When changing line, we don’t mind manual loading. We do, however, look for models with a fast-loading system (SpeedFeed, Rapid Load, etc). These loading methods let you feed line straight through the head and either turn the head to load it, or activate a power loader to pull in the string.

The best on the market right now is EGO’s PowerLoad design. It takes the fast-load concept and adds automatic winding and gives us the easiest, quickest line changes we’ve ever had.

Attachment Capability

Pro lawn crews typically have dedicated machines for string trimming, edging, and hedge trimming, but homeowners can save a lot of money by using interchangeable heads and tools that cover everything from blowing to brush cutting.

As we mentioned earlier, attachment systems require a top-mounted motor that affects the balance. It’s a trade-off you have to make for the convenience you gain.

One thing to keep an eye on is the attachment connection style. Models with a “universal” connection can use attachments from other brands, opening up far more choices. Recent multi-head systems including EGO, Milwaukee, and STIHL aren’t compatible with others, so you need to make sure they have everything you need before investing.

Why You Can Trust OPE Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2016 covering outdoor power equipment, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the landscaping, heavy equipment, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers have lots of experience in these fields as well as the skills and experience to know whether these products can perform well on the job.

Each year, our team reviews and gets their hands on hundreds of additional landscaping tools and equipment at our shop and at media events and trade shows.

We work with dozens of professionals around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

Best Heavy Duty Weed Eater / Wacker In 2022 Reviewed By Expert

Heavy duty weed eater models are tools you can use for the more complicated state of the yard. That means you can easily cut most of the weed in the yard, no matter how thick they are or how unmaintained the yard is. Those tools aren’t made for light trimming, those tools will make every grass, meadow or lawn look amazing, no matter how bad it looked in the beginning. It is used by more experienced persons because it has more power than ordinary trimmers.

Heavy duty weed wacker models are made for professionals and most of the time they are gas trimmers. Gas trimmers are stronger, heavier and they can cut thicked weeds than electric trimmers. Besides that, they require more maintenance and more experience so they are a better option for people who know what they are doing.

If you are looking for a heavy duty weed eater for sale, then you should definitely go with gas trimmers because they will get the job done quickly. Gas trimmers have stronger motors so no matter how thick the weed is, they will cut it.But, there are a few electric heavy duty electric string trimmer models you can use if you dont’ want to do the job with gas trimmers and you can learn all about them in this post.

Best Heavy Duty Weed Electric Eaters

Greenworks 21142 Heavy Duty Electric Weed Trimmer

The first heavy duty electric weed wacker I want so share with you is made by Greenworks and it is a pretty impressive tool for an electric version. It is their most powerful tool thanks to the 10 Amp motor and a long 18″ cutting path. This electric string trimmer comes with a straight shaft so you will easily reach all the places in your yard. Since it is an electric weed eater, you know it doesn’t have to be heavy and you would be right. This tool has only 13lbs so you can trimm everything at once without stopping. Another perk is the fact that you can change the heads so it doesn’t have to be only a trimmer, you can use it as an edger, brush cutter, or anything you need, but you have to buy the head separately. You can have a multi-tool in your shed with this model.

It is the most powerftul electric trimmer by Greenworks.

It is corded so you are tied to the cord lenght.

Serene Life PSLWEWCKR22 Heavy Duty Electric Weed Trimmer

The next electric heavy duty grass trimmer I want to share with you is made by Serene Life and it is slighty weaker than the model above, but it is still strong. The operation speed of this grass cutter is 11,000 RPM and the cutting path is 8.7″ long. The is additional cutting guard feature that allows you precise work and easy control of the heavy duty corded trimmer. The handle on the trimmer is ergonomic so you can be sure that the tool will fit nicely in your hands from the first to the last minute of the job. Also, the downside of this model is that you can’t change the heads, but you can use it as an edger and as a trimmer, which is pretty OK.

Best Heavy Duty Battery-Powered Weed Eater

Worx WG191 56V 13″ Cordless String Trimmer

One of the strongest battery-operated models is this heavy duty cordless string trimmer made by Worx. Many people compare it to heavy duty gas grass cutters so you can expect great power from it. As you can see it on the picture, it comes with a straight shaft which is better because you can easily reach places like under the bushes. Probably the most important part in this battery-powered weed wacker is the battery and this battery is a 56V battery so you know it is durable. You don’t have to measure the time becuse the battery comes with an indicator so you know when it is almost empty. This heavy duty electric weed eater is equipped with.080” professional-grade trimmer line which makes every trimming task light as a breeze. It also comes with adjustable head so you can turn it 90° if needed so switching between a trimmer and an edger will be in seconds thanks to the push-button design. The best part is that you can easily adjust the speed of the heavy duty cordless trimmer to the state of the lawn you are trimming. That can save the battery life and make the entire job much easier.

The 56V battery s fully charged in 3 hours.

You can adjust the speed of the trimmmer.

The replacement parts can be hard to find.

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Top 5 Best Commercial Weed Eater in 2023

BLACKDECKER LST560C 60V May Easyfeed Cordless String Trimmer

BlackDecker is a famous brand and this heavy duty cordless trimmer is one of their best battery-operated models. The power of the trimmer is pretty good and the best part is that you can choose one out of two trimming modes. The first one is a regular trimming and the second one is a full-power trimming. But, you have to be aware that the 2nd speed empties the battery much faster. You simply have to press the button to change the speed. The heavy duty weed cutter will cut most of the weed and other unwanted grass in your yard. The entire BlackDecker tool is very light, it is only 9lbs so you can work without a strap. Just like other models, you can use this trimmer as an edger so you get two tools in one.

The 2nd speed drains the battery quickly.

Best Heavy Duty Gas String Trimmers

Husqvarna 967055801 Gas String Trimmer

Like I have already mentioned, Husqvarna is a well-respected brand so it is natural to see their heavy duty gas trimmer model on this list. This trimmer is slightly weaker so I would recommend it for people who aren’t too experienced, but they need a strong trimmer. This straight shaft trimmer comes with the 4-cycle 25cc engine and that is more than enough to keep your yard in the perfect shape for a long time. This heavy duty gas weed trimmer comes with the Smart Start feature which will start the trimmer in seconds. Interestingly enough, it is one of the haviest models on the list because it weighs about 18.1 pounds. That is why I would recommend you to use the strap with the trimmer so you don’t have to experience pain or discomfort the day after trimming.

It comes with the Smart Start feature which starts the trimmer in seconds.

It comes with a straight shaft which is better for places that are hard to reach.

It is not light so use the strap during trimming.

Tanaka TCG27EBSP 2-cycle Gas Heavy Duty Weed Eater

Tanaka trimmers are pretty good quality and they will get the job done, especially this one. The most interesting part about this trimmer is that you can pick the power of the engine you want. There is a weaker version which is 23.9cc and a stronger version with the 26.9cc engine. It is logical that a heavy duty gas weed eater is a stronger version so it is a better option for a heavy duty weed eater, but the final decision is entirely up to you. The clutch housing is made from aluminum which prevents overheating and the solid steel shaft decreases vibration made by the engine so you could work for hours with this trimmer without your getting tired. The handle on the trimmer is padded to give you a strong grip during the trimming process. This trimmer is lighter than one above, it weighs about 11.2 pounds and it doesn’t come with the strap. If you prefer working with the strap then you have to order is additionally.

You can choose the waker or the stronger engine.

The aluminum clutch housing prevents overheating and the solid steel shaft reduces vibration.

Heavy Duty Weed Eater String

The most important part of every trimmer is the string and if you want a heavy duty trimmer, you have to use the heavy duty grass trimmer wire. The wire is the one that cuts the grass and if you have a thick grass, you need a heavy duty one because the regular one will break. If you are looking for a heavy duty weed eater line, go with the twisted line because they are best for big lawns. Also, when it comes to the materials, go with the stronger material than nylonn. THe most common material for a weed wacker string is a combination of nylon, aluminum, and synthetic polymers. The msot important thing you should now know is that you need a reinforced line, not a regular one because that one will break too quickly. After all, you are looking for a heavy duty string trimmer line, not a regular one.

Heavy Duty Weed Eater Head

Another pretty important part of every heavy duty weed wacker is the trimmer head. If you have a lawn with all kinds of grass, consider getting a heavy duty weed wacker head that can have blade and string so you can exchange them as the state of the lawn requires. A heavy duty weed eater head with that option allows you to cut everything from small weeds to the branches and a very thick grass without beaking a sweat. With an adjustable heavy duty weed trimmer head like that you will do everything much quicker.

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Tools for women – why I love this FeatherLite WeedEater weed trimmer!

Is your weed trimmer to heavy or jittery? Check out this teen or girl-friendly review of the lightweight FeatherLite WeedEater trimmer that’s so easy to use!

This post contains some Amazon affiliate links in which I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank-you for helping to support my blog!

I have a weed trimmer that I think you’ll love, that makes using it a snap… especially if you’re a woman!

Why I love this FeatherLite WeedEater weed trimmer!

This Weedeater Featherlite weed trimmer from Canadian Tire is a quality item I am so, SO thrilled I found after having been told they were discontinued. So if you can still find this model, don’t hesitate. Get it!

I do all my own yard work, except for the odd mow my son takes care of. This means one thing… my tools have to work for me. From a good lawnmower that self propels, right down to a string trimmer I can handle myself for all the grass trimming and landscape edging.

So many tools are too heavy, bulky, and just require more muscle than I have. How many times do you wish you could do something yourself, knowing what you have is too heavy or hard to operate?

Well, I’m going to change the way you think about gas trimmers as of today.

The important advantage to this timmer is that it’s perfect for those who desire a lightweight option, yet still has the power to do the job right for a mid-sized, well kept up yard.

The story

I had been using a FeatherLite WeedEater like this for a very long time. Previously, we owned a very big and heavy bulkier one that I couldn’t manage myself. Since I wanted to do edging, I wanted one of my own! So when I found this model, I was in LOVE. It was much lighter to hold with less shake, and with all the power of a gas trimmer, so I was sold!

But like with everything, there’s a time expiry, so I decided to replace it.

Update: If you don’t find this particular model on Amazon, find all their weed eaters HERE

When I went hunting for another, the story was they were discontinued. I wasn’t a happy camper so I bought something else. But it was hard to start and too jittery to hold. Not a good experience!

It was then returned and I bought yeter another model late in the season. Used it once (was a pretty rocky first) and put it away. Next time I needed it I couldn’t even start it and it was too late to return. What a waste of money.

So all last year I’d been trimming weeds with hand clippers or just hand-pulling, refusing to spend one more dime on yet another weed trimmer that wouldn’t work for me.

Then this model returned!

Then while randomly shopping one day, I came across a FeatherLite WeedEater weed trimmer in Canadian Tire yet again all by itself on a store shelf. No way!! I couldn’t put it in my shopping cart fast enough! And had there been two, I would have purchased another for an early replacement!

I went home, put it together in minutes (it was a VERY easy installation, just follow the manual), added the oil/ fresh gas mix, primed it (by pushing the primer bulb), and it started in a few short pulls. The lawn was edged in about 10 minutes.

This FeatherLite WeedEater weed trimmer was MADE for women or even beginner lawn mowers or teens. It is lightweight, smaller scale, makes very clean path cuts, ease of use is perfect for a woman or teen or youth mower, and is perfect for a regular sized lawn that is generally well maintained.

Here’s a little more about it and why I love it…

Oil and gas mix

This trimmer requires a mixture of oil and gas mix. A small amount of oil comes with the unit to start with so you can just get to work.

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Although the weed trimmer also comes with a small amount of weed trimmer line, I recommend buying another pack before you leave the store.

How I mix and store the gas and oil

I have a special 1 gallon gas tank that is filled with straight gasoline and oil mixed. Then simply follow the instructions for the recommended oil ratio:

  • pour the correct ratio of fresh fuel and oil into a 1 gallon gas tank
  • shake the tank
  • pour the mixed gas and oil into the weed trimmer fuel tank until full
  • top up every time you use the weed trimmer

Since gas can go bad in time, I suggest to drain the weed trimmer tank before it’s put away for the summer by using all the gas up in the tank. Then mix a fresh batch of gas and oil next spring. Your yard equipment will start easier (with first pull if you maintain it well) and will stay working longer.

Curved shaft

The only thing that makes using the FeatherLite WeedEater a little tricky is the angle of the bent shaft, or ergonomic design. If you are trimming something that needs to dip down in front of you, you will need to exaggerate your hold further forward due to the bend.

Creating a DIY shoulder strap helps

I’ve also rigged up a shoulder strap out of rope to take the weight off my arms. But on every other account, this thing is WORTH it.

The trimmer head

It has a single trimmer head so it’s easy to install and use. There’s no need to bump feed or tap the head on the ground as it’s automatic.

Lighter weight and light duty

While the unit is very lightweight to use vs. most others on the market, know it’s also a lighter duty weed trimmer.

If you commonly have areas that are well maintained, this quality trimmer is the right choice for lawn enthusiasts.

This light duty trimmer won’t last you forever. It’s around 100 bucks but even if it only lasts for one season, I’d buy it.

Other maintenance

I honestly don’t remember anything about a fuel filter, spark plug or making other adjustments. So if you do get one, look into those missing things. Perhaps that’s why mine didn’t run as long as it could have.

Anything gas run does obviously require more upkeep than something battery powered, so it pays to look into it.

Pros vs. Cons

Pros:

  • super lightweight
  • perfect weed trimmer for women or teens
  • dimensions are smaller than most
  • easy to assemble
  • very easy to start
  • easy to operate
  • economical purchase for a small budget
  • not much shake when using
  • comes with line and oil mix
  • no need to ‘bump’ for more line, it’s automatic
  • excellent for a small to medium-sized yard
  • gas run so no need for a power cord

Cons:

  • no shoulder strap
  • bent shaft can be tricky, but most times, doesn’t matter
  • may be a little short for someone taller than 5’5″
  • not enough power for unkempt trimming
  • noise level is medium

Overall impression

I don’t generally pump particular brands unless there is something I absolutely LOVE. And this is one of them.

If you wish to do your own yard work in a regular sized lot and heavy tools bog you down, this weed trimmer offers better handling, is an inexpensive device, and is an excellent choice that will meet the needs of the average customer. And it runs like magic.

No excuses gals, you can have your OWN FeatherLite WeedEater lawn trimmer. If there had been two on that shelf, there’s a small chance I would have purchased them BOTH!

This weed trimmer is a good shopping choice if you want the convenience of a gas powered trimmer that is easy to use.

That is, if you can still find one. Scour the internet for a dealer near you.

What are your favourite tools for weeding and edging?

Other tools I recommend

Battery powered weed trimmer

Because my current lawn is well kept and only small – medium in size, I’ve found a battery run weed trimmer has been more than adequate and there’s no motor to upkeep.

This is a light duty trimmer that does work well when the battery is fully charged. However I do recommend having more than one battery on hand. I can luckily do my small yard on one charge.

Gas-Powered vs. Battery-Powered Weed Eaters

Do the loud noises from neighborhood lawn equipment ruin your quiet Saturday? Or are you more, “Give me power at any cost?” These are things you’ll need to consider when choosing between gas vs. battery-powered weed eaters.

Battery-powered and gas-powered weed eaters do the same job, so you may wonder, “What’s the difference?” Actually, power sources mean big differences in the use and performance of machines. Before you buy a weed eater, you want to know what type of machine will serve your lawn most efficiently and whether or not the noise or gas smell will bother you.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of gas-powered vs. battery-powered weed eaters to help you decide which is best for your lawn.

  • Why do I need a weed eater?
  • Essential weed eater terms
  • Pros and cons of gas-powered weed eaters
  • Pros and cons of battery-powered weed eaters
  • Which is the best weed eater for me?
  • FAQ about weed eaters

Why do I need a weed eater?

Weed eaters are an indispensable power tool in the DIY lawn maintenance tool kit. These handy machines help homeowners and lawn pros cut down grass and weeds in areas that a lawn mower just won’t reach.

If you have a drain ditch in your lawn or a steep slope, a weed eater will keep the grass looking nice and neat. These machines also create that professional, finished look when you use them to create clean lines around the edge of your lawn and flower beds.

Believe it or not, battery- and gas-powered machines aren’t the only types of weed eaters on the market. You’ll also see electric string trimmers (AKA corded models that require an extension cord) and even propane weed eaters.

Electric models are popular in very small, “postage stamp” lawns, and propane models perform as well as gas. While it’s good to know there are other options, we’ll FOCUS on the more popular gas-powered and cordless models in this article.

Not only do weed eaters accomplish many lawn tasks, but they also have many names:

Best Weed Eater String: Ultimate Test 2023

  • Weed whacker (or weed wacker)
  • Whipper snipper
  • Weed trimmer
  • String trimmer
  • Strimmer
  • Weed whipper
  • Line trimmer
  • Grass trimmer

They all mean the same thing and do the same job. Here are a few brands you’re probably familiar with:

Essential weed eater terms

If you’re a weed eater novice, here are a few terms and components to familiarize yourself with as you do your research:

Power source

Gas models rely on gas and oil to power the engine. Battery-powered models rely on batteries — usually a lithium-ion battery. Both types offer brushless motors as well. Brushless motors are more efficient and less noisy than brushed motors. If you’re concerned about cost, though, know that the brushless motors are more expensive.

When you look at these power sources, gas models will label motor power in cubic centimeters (cc) and battery models will label it in volts (24V). The higher the number, the more power they offer.

Battery-powered models work well on lawns up to an acre, depending on your level of power. Use a machine with 20-40 volts for up to ½ acre, or from 40-80 volts for up to an acre. If your lawn is over an acre, you may want to consider a gas-powered machine.

Also, pay attention to rpm (revolutions per minute). Some will have a variable speed option as well (3,500 rpm, 5,300 rpm, 6,500 rpm) to save battery power. The higher rpm, the better the line will cut through thicker material.

Line feed

There are four types of feed systems: bump feed, auto-feed, command feed, and fixed-line feed. The purpose of the feed system is to release more line when you’re running low.

  • Bump feed: Tap the machine on the ground a few times while it’s running to get a longer string. This system is quick and easy and, if you’ve removed the guard, it gives you control over the length of your line.
  • Auto-feed: The trimmer uses its own “brain” to release more line when the line is too short. This system is convenient but gives the operator less control over the length of the line.
  • Command feed: When you run low on line, simply push a button or turn a dial, and the feed mechanism will release more line. This is similar to the bump feed because you can make your line as short or long as you wish.
  • Fixed-line system: Buy pre-measured segments of line to load into the feed mechanism when your line runs low. This system works with fixed-line heads to load a pre-cut length of line into the machine. These heads are often ideal for heavy-duty trimmers that require thicker string.

Trimmer line (or blade)

Different trimmers will accept different trimmer line widths. (Trimmer line is the string that does all of the cutting.) Some battery-powered models accept slightly thinner line widths than gas models. Some trimmers come with the option to buy blades for tougher jobs.

Handle

You can choose from two main types of handles: loop handles or bicycle (AKA “bullhorn”) handles. Loop handles are most common on residential weed eaters. Bicycle handles may be more comfortable for larger, longer, brush clearing jobs. Try both types to see which feels more comfortable for you.

Shaft

Weed eaters come with curved shafts or straight shafts. Curved shafts are for light use on a residential property, and they are great for beginners. Straight shafts are for more strenuous commercial work and sometimes come with the option to buy a blade or other accessories. Straight shaft trimmers are also easier to get under bushes. Curved-shaft models are less expensive overall.

Debris guard/deflector

If you have lots of brush or rocks in your lawn, pay attention to the size of your debris guard on the back of the head. Some are larger than others. You’ll want to invest in a model with a larger deflector (or purchase a kit) if this is a concern for you. Some models also come with a flip-down edge guard in the front that ensures you don’t get too close to trees and other plants.

Operator controls

After you’ve started the engine, you may wonder, “How do I spin the line?” There are often two control buttons above the handle. Why are there two? One acts as a safety. For example, if you mistakenly press one while you are holding the machine, the line won’t run (and you’ll be less likely to cut something unintentionally). So, when you’re ready to start weed eating, press both control buttons to spin the line.

Pros and cons of gas-powered weed eaters

Gas-powered string trimmers are the “old guard” of the string trimmer world. They’ve been around much longer than battery or electric weed eaters and have a good track record of reliable performance. Here are some pros and cons of these machines.

✓ Delivers commercial-level, all-day performance✓ Sufficient power for large properties or many properties✓ Handles tall grass and overgrowth with ease✓ Preferred choice of pros✓ Can be repaired ✓ Consistent power throughout use✓ Easy to carry gasoline with you

✗ Gas engine requires maintenance✗ Exhaust emissions may have adverse effects on people and air quality✗ Noisy to operate✗ Engine can become gummed up with old fuel or fuel without proper stabilizer ✗ Pull starters can be difficult for some homeowners✗ Gas and oil can be messy to work with

Pros and cons of battery-powered weed eaters

Battery-powered weed eaters (AKA cordless weed eaters) are the (relatively) new kid on the weed whacking block, but they’ve made quite an impression on many homeowners. Many residential customers enjoy their quiet, emission-free operation and sufficient run time.

✓ Does a sufficient job for a small property or a single property✓ No engine to maintain✓ Batteries swap out easily if you run out of power✓ Very low noise✓ No gas or oil to replace✓ Easier to start — no pull cord✓ No fumes✓ Can use batteries from other machines from the same brand✓ No emissions

✗ Battery power dilemma — Need a recharging station if you want to weed eat all day (or have tons of batteries)

✗ Battery run time✗ Battery recharge time✗ Hard to find someone to repair✗ Power fades as battery life fades✗ Rechargeable batteries and charger may not come with the unit

Which is the best weed eater for me?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you make a decision:

What size property do you have? Smaller residential properties are ideal for battery-powered weed eaters. Larger properties not only have more space but are likely to have taller grass and brush, so gas-powered trimmers may be a better fit.

How do you plan to use the weed eater? Unless you’ve built your lawn care business around being an all-electric provider, you’ll need at least one gas weed eater in your arsenal. If the machine will only be for you as a homeowner, a battery-powered model has plenty of power.

What level of engine care are you willing to do? Gas-powered models require you to get your hands dirty. You’ll need a constant supply of gas and oil, and you’ll need to winterize it before you put it away for the off-season. If you’re not willing to do this, go with a battery-powered model.

What kind of attachments do you need? Before you make a purchase, look into which attachments (if any) your top pick offers. Common attachments include hedge trimmers, pole saws, edgers, and cultivators. Attachments save space and money and are a good investment for many customers.

Both gas string trimmers and cordless string trimmers come with a few models that are dual brush cutter/trimmers. This gives you many more options for ways to use your trimmer.

Physical considerations: As you’re shopping around, pay attention to the weight of the machine. If you don’t like to carry around heavy machinery for a long time, consider that as you shop. Gas-powered machines are generally a little heavier than battery-powered models.

See if it has other ergonomic features for ease of use or for jobs that will require more than a quick walk around the lawn. Sometimes straps and slings are helpful for those larger cleanup jobs. Straps and slings distribute the weight across your shoulders and give your arms and back a break.

Finally, consider the length of the shaft. Although some shafts have an adjustable-length feature, other machines only have one length, which could be problematic for some buyers. If you’re concerned about getting a machine that works well for your stature, go inside the store and hold several different machines to gauge weight, ergonomics, and length.

Extras: Not all battery-powered models include the battery and/or charger. In addition, you’ll probably want to buy a backup battery upfront so you can have an extra battery on days when you want to stay out in the lawn longer than one battery will allow.

Cutting width: If you prefer a wide cutting width (diameter), check this before you buy. If you’re used to a 17-inch cutting path, for example, you might be disappointed if you get home and find that yours only has a 13-inch reach.

Warranty: If this is important to you, check to see what warranty is offered. With battery-powered equipment, battery warranties may be separate. If you don’t see a separate warranty for the battery, check to see whether or not that is included.

FAQ about weed eaters

Which is the best weed eater for seniors?

For seniors or for anyone who isn’t as strong as Joe Lumberjack, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

—Weight: Look at the tool weight. Also, consider that a battery or tank of gas will add to that. —Pull start vs. battery start: With a gas model, the pull start may be an issue for some seniors. You have to put the weed eater on the ground and quickly pull up on the string. A spring-assist pull start may make starting the machine easier if you prefer a gas weeder. However, if you’re considering a battery-powered model, push a button, squeeze the trigger, and you’re good to go. —Ergonomics: You may want to invest in a special handle or shoulder strap. Even though this tool may only see residential use, these components may make even a small job that much easier. —Cost: If you don’t have a lot of extra money to spend, curved-shaft models are usually less expensive. Also, look for refurbished models or seasonal sales. Generally, stores offer both great and great selection s on lawn equipment on the three summer holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day). Fall sales starting in September offer great deals (end-of-season), but selection may be more limited.

Which is the best brand of weed eater?

What brand of lawn equipment have you enjoyed using in the past? Or, what brand does your neighbor recommend? Personal experience and the recommendations of friends go a long way.

You may even ask the lawn workers in your neighborhood to see what type of equipment they use. If someone works with a tool day in and day out, they probably have a favorite brand to recommend.

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Pro Tip: If neighbors or lawn crews are in short supply, call your local small engine shop. They’ve got the inside scoop on which brands they never see, and which ones come in all the time for repairs.

Which is the best residential weed eater?

Heavy-duty vs. light-duty use: If you have a small, postage-stamp-sized lawn, don’t go all out. A simple, lightweight machine will do fine. If, on the other hand, you have a standard yard, a large yard, or a backyard that looks like a jungle if you let it go, you may want to opt for a more powerful model.

Quality: High-quality machines usually cost more. If you don’t have experience with a particular brand or model, read helpful online “Best Weed Eater” guides, talk to neighbors, and read reviews.

Cost: This is a defining factor for many homeowners. Lighter use means a lower cost and vice versa. Shop sales, and do your research for a model that will do what you need at a price you can afford.

If weed-eating is not your favorite way to relax after a long week, let our local lawn care pros take the guesswork out of “Who’s going to mow my lawn?” Our reliable crews give your lawn a professional cut and edge every time.

Main Photo Credit: StrangeApparition2011 | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0