9 Best Lightweight Weed Eaters of 2021 Compared & Reviewed. Lightest weed eater
Best Lightweight Weed Eaters of 2021 Compared Reviewed
If you suffer from arm or back pains when trimming your lawn, then only the best lightweight weed eaters can save you from those troubles.
Any grass trimmer that weighs less than 12 pounds is lightweight and offers many advantages, such as less muscle strain and more enjoyable lawn trimming sessions.
They come with slightly different specifications, however, so this lightweight weed eaters review will show you what matters the most when choosing. You also get a list of the market’s top offers below.
Things To Check Before Buying Your Lightweight Weed Eater
Lightweight weed eaters save you from all the troubles of using heavier units. These include back and muscle strains, as well as getting tired after only a while.
Best Weed Eater 2022 | Top 5 Weed Eaters
Since they are special power tools, you’ll need to understand them a bit, if you want to make an informed decision and buy the best offer out there.
The following are these important aspects to keep in mind when deciding.
Weight
It might seem obvious, but you need to remember in your search for the best lightweight weed eater, that it’s primarily about weight.
So, you need to first consider the weight of any potential weed eater that you’re planning to buy.
You should look for a unit that’s as lightweight as possible while offering all the major features that you want from a weed eater.
12 pounds and less is good, but most of the best lightweight weed eaters weigh just about six pounds.
Power Power-Source
Another important decision is the power source because a weed eater’s source of power helps in determining its overall design and weight.
The following are the major types of weed eater power sources.
– Corded Electric
These are weed-eaters with power cords that connect them to any available mains AC outlet. Their major advantage is lighter weight because they don’t need a heavy battery or combustion engine.
They have a disadvantage and that comes from the power cord having a finite length. This makes them less portable than cordless types.
– Cordless Electric
This type of lightweight weed eaters run on electric power from batteries and this too comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Their advantage is portability. You can take them anywhere with you to work and you don’t have to worry about finding mains AC outlets.
The disadvantage is that batteries add extra weight to the weed eater.
– Gas-powered
Even the best lightweight gas weed eaters are too heavy and completely out of the question here.
Cutting Swath
The cutting swath or width is the diameter of the cutting head and reflects how much grass it can trim at a go.
You’ll find cutting diameters from 8 to 12 inches, depending on the maker.
A weed eater’s cutting width doesn’t matter much if you’re trimming a small area, but if it’s a larger area, then you may want to consider a unit with a larger cutting diameter to help reduce your working time.
Ergonomics
In addition to weight, length and handle design also play a role in determining how comfortable it is to use the weed eater. You want a unit that’s designed with ease of use in mind.
Features to look out for include a comfortable handle, an adjustable shaft, a comfortable assist handle, and an automatic feed or bump head that makes it convenient to release the cutting lines.
Extra Features
Different manufacturers add different features to their weed eaters, so you may also want to consider extra features that may make your life easier.
These include wheel attachments that can turn it into an edger, a wheeled base to turn it into a mower, as well as cross-device battery compatibility that can help you to save costs by using cordless products from just one manufacturer.
Set A Budget
Weed eaters come in different price classes depending on their construction material, brand, features, and attachments. Their price can range from about 50 to a few hundred dollars.
It’s therefore left for you to choose what price range you can afford and stick with it. Remember that costlier products often come with better warranties, but the choice here is all yours.
Best Lightweight Weed Eaters Reviewed
Black Decker LST300 (Ultra Lightweight Cordless)
Black Decker LSTE523 (Adjustable Shaft Length)
Worx WG160 (3-in-1 Trimmer, Edger, Mower)
Black Decker GH900 (Corded Very Lightweight)
Greenworks 21342 (With 24-Volt Battery)
Greenworks 21272 (Corded 15-inch Design)
- Corded weed eater and edger
- Large 15-inch cutting width for larger yards
- Long adjustable shaft to fit different users
- Comes with a 4-year warranty
Worx WG163 (Best 2-in-1)
This Worx WG163 is perfect for anyone that wants a dependable and lightweight modern weed eater. It’s powered by Worx’s 20V battery system and produces a 7,600 RPM to handle its 12-inch cutting diameter.
A simple 90° flip will turn it into a wheeled edger, making it easy for you to precisely give your lawn that fine manicure it needs. It comes with a 10-ft cutting line and Worx guarantees free spools for life.
One downside here is the price since you can find cheaper offers and the other is that it runs at just one speed. So, there’s no battery saving mode.
Worx includes two batteries in the package, however, and backs it with a 3-year warranty. It also comes with an adjustable spacer guard, so you don’t harm important plants or furniture, and this makes it one of the best lightweight weed whackers out there.
- Cordless and lightweight weed eater
- Easily switches from trimmer to edger
- Comes with 2 batteries free spools for life
- Backed by Worx’s 3-year warranty
Black Decker LST300 (Ultra Lightweight)
With this Black Decker cordless weed eater, you get a super lightweight tool at just 5.7 pounds, which delivers enough power for all your trimming needs and is also very silent, besides.
The 2-in-1 product works beautifully as a trimmer or as an edger. It also features an automatic feed spool, so you don’t need to bump the head often.
You get a package with 1x 2.0 Ah 20-Volt battery and this lasts for about 20 minutes on a full charge. This makes the LST300 less ideal for large lawns but one of the best mini weed eater for smaller lawns and gardens.
Black Decker also includes a guard and a charger, plus it backs the offer with a 1-year warranty.
- Ultra-lightweight 5.7-lb weed whacker
- The 2-in-1 design also works as an edger
- Features an automated spool and adjustable shaft
- Black Decker backs it with a 2-year warranty
Makita XRU02Z (Ergonomic Powerful)
Makita also has a lightweight weed eater offer, although it’s slightly heavier than the previous two products in this review. It’s ergonomically designed, however, and delivers a 7,800 RPM speed.
Makita gives it a 10.25-inch cutting diameter, and it will extend from 48.5 to 56.5 inches to better suit each user, but it also comes with some disadvantages.
There’s no battery or charger in the package, so you need to buy them separately. However, the package comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Ergonomic and well-balanced weed eater
- Produces 7,800 RPM of cutting power
- Includes an adjustable shaft from 48.5 – 56.5 inches
- It’s backed by a 1-year warranty
Worx WG154 (Best 10-inch)
Worx also makes one of the best lightweight weed trimmers in the market. This offer is for the Worx WG154 and it offers a compact design, lightweight, and cordless freedom.
It runs on a 20-Volt lithium battery system and the head tilts easily, so you can quickly switch it from a trimmer to an edger.
You get a folding spacer guard that lets you protect your important plants or garden furniture. What you don’t get, however, is an adjustable shaft length and the battery also needs up to 5 hours for a full charge.
Worx includes the battery and a charger in the package, plus it backs it with a 3-year warranty.
- Compact 10-inch lightweight weed eater
- Rotating head easily switches from trimmer to edger
- Very portable design with folding space guard
- Backed by Worx’s 3-year warranty
Black Decker LSTE523 (Best With Adjustable Shaft)
With Black Decker’s LSTE523, you get a high-quality weed eater with the popular and reliable 20V MAX battery system. It also comes with 2-speed control, so you can choose between power boost and extended run times.
Another nice feature is that you can convert it from a trimmer to a wheeled edger for more versatility. Plus, you can also adjust the shaft to any length you want and it includes soft handles.
This unit comes with Black Decker’s EASYFEED technology, which uses a simple button touch to advance the line, making it one of the best small weed eaters out there. It weighs 6.3 pounds and comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Cordless weed eater with an adjustable shaft length
- Features a 2-speed power control
- Also features a one-button line adjustment
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Worx WG160 (Best 3-in-1)
For true cordless freedom from an ultra-lightweight power tool, this Worx WG160 weed eater offers you a unique experience with its 3-in-1 unique feature to make it one of the best lightweight weed eaters.
You can use it as a normal trimmer, then easily switch it to a wheeled edger, and additionally to a mini mower. This makes it a very versatile tool, and being cordless means you can do more as well.
It also offers tool-free shaft adjustments, an adjustable spacer guard to protect plants and furniture, as well as a high-capacity 4.0 Ah battery at 20 Volts.
Downsides include its higher price and the lack of variable speed control as the Black Decker above has. It’s lighter, however, at just 5.7 pounds and Worx backs it with a 3-year warranty.
- Converts easily from trimmer to edger and mower
- Fast and easy height adjustment
- Ultra-lightweight at 5.7 pounds
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
Black Decker GH900 (Corded Very Lightweight)
Here’s another weed whacker from Black Decker, this time it’s a 5.5-pound lightweight corded design with a 13-inch cutting swath. It’s powered by a 6.5-Amp motor, which produces plenty of torque to get the job done.
You get an ergonomic design, an adjustable shaft length, and an automatic feed system for a continuous line feed. The unit is also easy to convert to a wheeled edger with a simple rotation.
Its large 13-inch cutting path makes it easy to finish larger areas in record time, but being corded means that it has physical limits, unless you use a long extension power cord. Black Decker backs it with a 2-year warranty.
- Corded weed eater needs no battery
- Weighs only 5.5 pounds
- Easily converts to a wheeled edger
- Comes with a 2-year Black Decker warranty
Greenworks 21342 (Lightweight with 24-Volt Battery)
Greenworks makes power tools that often come with unique features. This one features a 24-Volt system and although it comes with a 2.0-Ah battery, it packs more power in total.
It features a pivoting head, which lets you switch it between trimming and edging positions, and it features an automatic line feed.
One issue with this offer is that it weighs 8.82 pounds, making it the heaviest weed eater so far in this review.
Look beyond that, however, and you’ll appreciate its 40-inch adjustable shaft, a battery, and charger in the package, the 3-position pivoting head, plus the 4-year trimmer and 2-year battery warranties.
- A more powerful 24-Volt system
- Comes with the battery charger
- Features a 40-inch adjustable shaft
- Backed by Greenworks’ 4-year warranty
Greenworks 21272 (Corded 15-inch Lightweight)
Here’s another Greenworks offer, but this time, it’s a cordless weed eater that you can convert to a wheeled edger easily. It comes with a 54-inch long and adjustable shaft to make it perfectly adjustable for all users.
The system features a 5.5-Amp motor to power its large, 15-inch cutting width. In addition to that, it features a dual-line feed, which is also fully automatic for your convenience.
For downsides, this is one of the heaviest weed eaters on this list. You need an extension cord to cover your yard.
On the brighter side, it’s the cheapest offer here and Greenworks also backs it with a 4-year warranty.
- Cheap corded weed eater works as edger too
- Large 15-inch cutting width
- Features an automatic dual-line feed
- Backed by a 4-year warranty
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of this lightweight weed eaters review and you’ve seen all the different offers out there.
You’ve seen both corded and cordless units, as well as those with other different features.
This last decision is all yours because we are all different and we also need slightly different products. So, you’re the only one that knows which weed eater will best fit your yard.
Best Weed Eaters 2023: Obliterate Those Weeds With 12 Wonderful Weed Eaters
Weeds, weeds, weeds – the bane of my life, or they used to be until I discovered the wonderful world of string trimmers – also known as weed eaters.
Want something to help you control those unruly invaders in your yard? Take a look at our list of the best weed eaters of 2023.
Best Weed Eaters 2023 – At A Glance List
Below is a quick view of my favorite weed eaters of 2023. To find out more about them click on the link to take you to the full review.
Best Electric Weed Eaters
| Name | Cutting Size | Rating | |
| #1 – Black Decker BESTA510 BEST FOR: Best Buy | 14″ | 93% | Read Review |
| #2 – Black Decker GH900 BEST FOR: Performance | 14″ | 92% | Read Review |
| #3 – Greenworks 21212 BEST FOR: Price | 13″ | 91% | Read Review |
| #4 – Toro 51480 BEST FOR: Large Yards | 14″ | 88% | Read Review |
Best Battery PoweredWeed Eaters
| Name | Cutting Size | Rating | |
| #1 – WORX WG154 BEST FOR: Best Buy | 10/12″ | 92% | Read Review |
| #2 – Black Decker LSTE 523 BEST FOR: Price | 12″ | 91% | Read Review |
| #3 – Makita XRU02Z BEST FOR: Comfort | 10″ | 91% | Read Review |
Best Gas Weed Eaters
| Name | Cutting Size | Rating | |
| #1 – Husqvarna 128LD BEST FOR: Best Buy | 17″ | 94% | Read Review |
| #2 – Echo GT-225 BEST FOR: Starting | 16″ | 92% | Read Review |
| #3 – Remington RM25 BEST FOR: Maneuvering | 15″ | 91% | Read Review |
| #4 – Husqvarna 967055801 BEST FOR: Power | 18″ | 90% | Read Review |
The Details…
For something so small they are surprisingly stubborn and there is nothing more annoying than going over your lawn with your mower, thinking it is looking nice and Smart and then looking back and noticing a weed or two protruding!
Electric, Battery or Gas?
So you are considering buying a weed eater?
Well you need to first consider how you want it to be powered and there are three choices:
Electric weed eaters are generally lighter than gas weed eaters and much cleaner as you have no engine and no exhaust fumes to worry about.
You don’t have to worry about them starting – you just plug them in and they are good to go – no thinking about if the battery is charged or if there is enough gas. There is also minimal maintenance and they are generally quiet.
The fact you have a lead attached means you are restricted in your mobility. You can get a decent amount of power, but never as much as a gas weed eater.
A battery powered weed eater gives you the ultimate in mobility!
They are fairly light, certainly lighter than gas powered weed eaters, although heavier than electric weed eaters as they carry a battery.
Pricewise they fall between gas models (which are more expensive) and electric models (which are generally cheaper).
Of course the batteries only last a certain time and then you either have to have a spare battery on hand or wait for your battery to recharge.
Powerwise they are not as powerful as gas weed eaters.
Gas powered weed eaters are the most powerful weed eaters you can get and you have the benefit of no cord, giving you unlimited mobility.
They can deal with heavy duty jobs that would be beyond electric and battery powered weed eaters.
They require gas, but you will get more use out of a gas weed eater before the gas needs topping up than you will with a battery powered before the battery need charging.
They are at the top of the price bracket – more expensive than battery or electric weed eaters and heavier too.
P lus there is more to consider in terms of upkeep, maintenance and general running costs.
How Big Is Your Lawn?
If you have a large yard a gas weed eater will probably be best for you. For smaller yards an electric or battery powered unit should do.
Consider how long it would take you to trim your yard and look at whether a battery powered unit would give you enough run time or an electric powered unit would be convenient enough.
Weight
If you have mobility issues or struggle with heavy weights look at the weight of the weed eater and how well balanced it is.
Gas weed eaters are the heaviest, but if they are well designed they can often feel lighter than their battery or electric counterparts.
Edging Functionality
Most weed eaters, or string trimmers as they are also known, can be converted to edgers, but some are easier to convert than others and some edge better than others.
If this is important to you do some in-depth research on the product you are intending to buy.
Vibration
The best weed eaters have anti-vibration technology that makes them much more comfortable to use and saves you getting fatigue and discomfort in your arms and hands. Check this out when researching your products.
Feed System
Some weed eaters use bump feed systems where you have to tap the head to release line feed and others have automatic feeds that release line as soon as it is needed.
No one system is better than the other, it is more about how the manufacturer executes their choice of line feed. The best weed eaters have a spool that is easy to reload though.
Shaft Adjustability
Check the length of the shaft on the weed eater you are thinking about buying and how much it can be adjusted up and down – this may be especially pertinent if you are particularly tall!
Battery Performance
If you are going for a battery powered weed eater take a look at how long the battery lasts on a full charge, how long it takes to recharge and the price of buying a replacement battery.
The video below should give you a few more tips when it comes to selecting a weed eater (or string trimmer as they are also known).
I hope you love the products that I recommend here! Just so you know, I work with Amazon and other affiliate partners and may be compensated from the links below.
The Best Weed Eater Of 2023 – My Choice
My Top Choice #1: EGO Power ST1500
BEST FOR… Those wanting a top class weed eater with the best battery in the business.
- Cutting Path : 15 inches
- Line Diameter : 0.095 inches
- Battery Run Time : 45 mins (2Ah battery)
- Weight : 9.7 lbs
- Five Year Warranty
- PRICE GUIDE:
EGO Power have done it again. In the EGO Power ST1500 they have come up with an unbelievable battery powered trimmer that is top class combining quality performance and an amazing battery.
It uses a 56-volt Lithium Ion battery and has a brushless motor that has variable speed. The cutting swatch is 15 inches and the shaft is made of aluminium and is easily extendable. It has a 0.95 dual line bump feed and weighs 6.70lbs without the battery.
There is a lot to like about this, but I will start with the battery which really is head and shoulders above the competition.
The 2Ah battery charges in around 30 minutes, which is pretty unbelievable and much better than all of its competitors. Depending on how hard you work the battery you can get get 20 to 60 minutes use out of it – with around 30 minutes being average I would say.
The power is great too. It is probably on a par with a 28cc gas trimmer, that is to say it is powerful enough to breeze through heavy weeds and tall grass with minimum effort. Even when you flip it on the end to use as an edger it works excellently.
The power is variable too, and this is really nice feature. The trigger allows you to chose the right speed for the job you are doing – why have it on full power when you are only trimming grass? Not only that it saves the battery, giving you a longer run time before needing to recharge it.
This is really well balanced, thanks mainly to the battery being at one end and the motor at the other. Combined with the straight shaft handle, this gives it a really nice feel. With the motor on the head it is minimal vibration too and as a result less fatigue for you!
In fact the handle is another nice feature – it is easily adjust by unlocking a lever and without the need to remove the battery and the it has padding on it which further absorbs the vibration. It is so comfortable to use.
At 0.095 inches the line is thick and durable and the bump head feed works great.
I don’t like the fact there is no edger guide – given the quality of this unit it is a surprise that feature has been overlooked and also the guard isn’t great, so make sure you are wearing something to give you protection from the debris you may get sprayed with.
To cut a long story short:
Look at any of my other Buyers Guides and you will see that EGO Power nearly always feature in them. This weed eater upholds their fine reputation. It has power in spades, has been exceptionally well made and the battery and charger is so far ahead of its competition it is unreal. The best battery powered trimmer on the market.
- Amazing battery life and charging system
- Power of a gas trimmer
- Variable power
- So comfortable to use
- Thick and durable line
Best All-Around Battery Powered Weed Eater
Black Decker LST136W Weed Eater
on this model:
While we’ve covered several different models on this list, each with their own great features, we feel that these battery powered weed eaters provides the best all-around performance for your average household without breaking the bank. This Black Decker 40V model checks all of our boxes without getting too fancy. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and does well with precision edging. While it may not be the most powerful weed eater on paper, it will hold up to most yardwork tasks as well as any other weed eaters you might find.
To start, the Black Decker LST136W weighs about 8 pounds. It’s not the lightest battery powered weed eater on the market, but it’s still more agile and easy to maneuver than most other options in this price bracket. It has a great design, constructed of a combination of plastic and aluminum, and is well-balanced. The shaft length is adjustable, making it quite versatile for people of varying heights, perfect for families. The 13-inch trimming radius is a good middle-ground between speed and precision. It uses 0.065 cutting line which is commonly available at any hardware store.
This cordless weed eater uses only a single strand of trim line, which won’t provide as good cutting capabilities as a thicker or dual-line model. As a result you may find yourself using a little more line than other models when shredding larger, thicker plants. Line is fed out of the head consistently using an automatic spooling system, negating the need to bump-feed line out when running low. Unlike other models, there is not a wheel mounted to the guard to aid in edging, however there is a small metal guide that will help you keep consistent, straight lines when cutting clean edges around flower beds and paths. This is a great trimmer edger combo.
The 40V battery provides a good mix of power, weight and efficiency. 40V provides more power than smaller 20V batteries, more than enough to tackle thicker weeds and plants, without having the extra bulk of a 60 or 80v battery powered weed eater. The PowerCommand dial allows you to conserve power by adjusting the operating speed from 6500 RPM, for lighter jobs and more efficiency, to 8500 RPM for thicker vegetation. It will last you around 30 minutes, depending on the use you put it through. You can always purchase a second battery to keep fully charged to switch out, and they can be fully recharged in about 60 minutes.
Although it’s not as light as its cousin, the Black Decker LST522, the adjustable size and medium weight of the Black Decker LST136W weed eater makes it a great model for families, and a potential option for those with back or knee issues. It’s not as powerful as the GreenWorks Pro 80V, but the 40V battery provides enough power to shred thicker plants and vegetation, while still providing acceptable use time. The metal trimmer edger guide will help you produce clean, sharp edges where necessary – and this isn’t a feature that you’ll find on just any weed eater. While the BD LST136W may not dominate in any of the categories we’ve covered, it contains the best overall blend of the most critical features needed in a unit.
Best Battery Powered Weed Eater
DeWALT DCST990H1
CHECK PRICE ONLINE
about the DeWALT
Depending on the size of your property, you (or your kids) could be spending hours taking care of your lawn. Many of the other cordless weed eaters models only last about 20-30 minutes of operation before needing to be recharged. Of course, these batteries are rechargeable, but often take about twice as long to charge. If you are going to spending more than 30 minutes outside trimming weeds, and don’t want to stop mid-job and wait multiple hours before you can continue, you need a large, energy-efficient model like the DeWALT DCST990H1 40V 6.0Ah.
The 40V, 6.0Ah battery of this DeWALT weed eater is the longest lasting we’ve ever seen. The physics behind voltage, current and operating time is more complicated than we’re going to get into here, so we’ll cover just the basics. The unit, Ah, is defined as the current (amperes, A) that flows over time (hours, h) and is basically a measure of the capacity of a battery (remember, this is simplified). So in general, the larger the rating of Ah a cell possesses, the larger capacity to hold charge. However, amount of current that is used by a device will vary over time, depending on the job you are carrying out. The 6Ah in this trimmer is far beyond any of the other models available. It will provide operation of about one hour, and sometimes longer, depending on how heavy of a job you are taking on. There are also two speed options available, high and low, allowing you to choose the speed necessary for the job you need. Operating at a lower speed when you need less power will help conserve power on this surprisingly powerful weed eater.
The DeWALT DCST990H1 weed eater not only boasts impressive operating time, but is also a heavy-duty and durable machine. It weighs about 12 pounds, and is constructed of both metal and plastic components. The aluminum shaft provides strength and rigidity while keeping the weight low. The shaft is not adjustable, but the plastic handle is, allowing people of varying heights to adjust as needed to balance the weed eater for comfortable use. Line is released using a bump-feed mechanism, but unlike most bumpers, the line comes out quite easily. The head uses two lines of 0.08 trimming line, which shreds even thick weeds and plants in its large 15-inch cutting swath.
The DeWALT DCST990H1 is a great all-around weed eater. It is built with durability in mind, and the 40V battery produces enough juice for shredding tough, thick weeds. It may not be suitable for shorter or younger people, due to its non-adjustable shaft, but the handle can be adjusted to compromise. Its greatest feature is without a doubt its long-lasting 60Ah battery, capable of providing more than an hour of operation on a single charge. If you want a long-lasting battery, give the DeWALT DCST990H1 weed eater a look, our pick for the best cordless weed eater with the Most Powerful Battery
Most Powerful Weed Eater
About the GreenWorks Pro
Many folks use their battery powered string trimmers and for light use in their backyards, for grass, edging and light weeds. For these uses, a 20V or 40V cell is more than enough power. For others people, however, these low voltages just don’t provide the power necessary for the types of weeds and vegetation they are chewing up. If you are looking for the most powerful cordless weed eater to cut through big, thick weeds and plants with ease, then the GreenWorks Pro 80V 16” could potentially be the device for you.
We won’t get too much into the physics behind batteries, voltage, current and other associated physics today. Instead, it’s important to simply understand that in general, for cordless tools, the higher the voltage of a battery, the more RPMs the weed eater can achieve. The higher RPMs your weed wacker can produce, the more cutting power you get. The Greenworks Pro model is powered using an 80V battery, providing extremely Rapid rotations of the cutting head, and producing the equivalent power to a 32cc gas engine.
There are some drawbacks to a higher voltage battery, mainly that it will be larger, and therefore heavier. Despite the aluminum shaft and plastic components where possible, these GreenWorks Pro 80V battery powered weed eaters weigh almost 18 pounds with the cell attached. This may not be the ideal weed eater for those who tire more quickly, but hopefully with such a high-powered unit, you can blast through your yard work with ease and in half the time as a less-powerful model, spending less time hauling it around.
The 80V battery doesn’t just pack a huge punch, but it will also last you a long while as well. The 4Ah cell gives you almost 45 minutes of operation, enough for those bigger jobs. This isn’t quite as long as DeWalts weed eater, but the tradeoff is you get more power. The batteries also charge extremely quickly, as fast as 30 minutes. The Greenworks Pro 80V weed whacker uses two threads of 0.08 inch line, which is thick enough to withstand thick, tough weeds and won’t break down as easily as thinner line. Two lines of thread make sure you leave no plant standing, and the thicker line ensures that even when you’re working near fences or concrete, your line won’t shred as quickly. Be careful you don’t damage anything important, though! Refilling line is extremely easy into the detachable head.
The Greenworks Pro 80V won’t be for everyone. Although it is extremely heavy-duty, it is the heaviest trimmer on this list, so keep that in mind. And don’t forget, you get a nice wide-range speed trigger to help you control all that speed. You don’t have to be running full power all the time. But if you have thick, out of control weeds and vegetation, it will certainly do the job. The dual line rotating head shreds up even the thickest plants. The 80V battery powers the motor to the equivalent of a 32cc gas engine. The batteries are large, but charge very quickly, and the device requires very little maintenance. The GreenWorks Pro 80V truly is the most powerful, highest voltage best battery powered weed trimmer on the market.
Most Lightweight Ergonomic Weed Eater
Black Decker LST522 Cordless String Trimmer
Recommendation: The lightest cordless string edger you can get, this little fella is great for smaller yards and smaller operators alike. It’s not going to shred up vegetation the way #1-3 will, but if you need a precise trimmer edger for your smaller landscaping jobs, this is a great choice.
Details about the Black Decker
Yard work and lawn care is a great physical activity. It’s maybe not as arduous as other activities like running or sports, but is a great way to stay active. There is plenty of bending over, walking, lifting, and operating power tools. Yard work is a great way to stay active, but some people may have the misconception that activities like weed eating will be too difficult, too physically demanding for them. If you’re looking to get your kids involved in the lawn care, many devices will be too large and heavy proving to be a safety concern. Many battery powered weed eaters like the GreenWorks Pro 80V weighs almost 20 pounds, which is much too heavy for some, especially younger teens or people with issues like back pain or knee problems. If those scenarios sound familiar, then perhaps you need to consider a lightweight cordless weed cutter such as the Black Decker LST522.
The BD LST522 20V Max is our top pick for a lightweight model weighing in at only 7.7 pounds. The LST522 is constructed of a perfect mix of plastics and aluminum to provide a lightweight but sturdy design. It is very ergonomic, with an adjustable handle with micro-texture soft grip technology to allow for comfortable operation. The pole length is also adjustable, so regardless of you or your family member’s height, the LST522 can be operated comfortably. Plus, with limited power, you can just hold down the speed trigger and let it rip. There is no chance of it taking off on your unexpectedly.
The 20V lithium ion rechargeable battery isn’t the most powerful, but in general, voltage is typically associated with weight. As the voltage increases, so does the weight, so by using a lower voltage, weight is kept minimal. For standard backyard use and lawn care, grass and weeds still don’t stand a chance against the LST522. Another great feature of this lightweight cordless weed trimmer is the adjustable operating speeds. There are two speeds you can switch between, high and low. When you need a little extra juice, the higher speed cranks up the RPMs for thicker weeds and vegetation. For weaker plants like grass and other smaller jobs, the lower speed is more than enough and functions to preserve battery capacity, using only what is necessary.
This lightweight unit uses a single line of 0.065 inch trimming line. The spool automatically feeds line out as it gets used up. Other bump-dispenser models can be annoying and inefficient, forcing you to stop working to dispense line. With the auto-feed the line is kept at a constant length, providing a 12” cutting radius. The head of this model swivels, and has a wheel mounted trimmer edger on the top of the guard. This makes it a perfect tool for edging, providing clean, consistent cuts around areas you need a clean edge such as along the sidewalk or around your garden.
Although the Black Decker LST522 isn’t the most powerful string trimmer, it makes up for it in its lightweight design and great features. For general lawn care, the 20V battery is plenty powerful enough, and your lawn will be kept clean and trim. Because it weighs only 7.7 pounds, it is our pick for the best lightweight model. The light weight makes it an ideal machine for those who tire more easily, for teenagers, and for those with any back or knee problems.
The Most Affordable Weed Eater
GreenWorks 21342 G-24 Cordless String Trimmer
Recommendation: Similar to the lightest above, this Greenworks doesn’t have the same power or life as the others, but if you just need a quick n’ dirty zip of your lawn edges, this is a cheap solution for smaller jobs. It’s obviously not our top recommendation for a reason, but if you don’t want to break the bank, this one works!
Details on the GreenWorks
The GreenWorks 21342 G-24 is our pick for the for the best at the lowest price. The GreenWorks 21342 is lightweight and ergonomic, weighing only 8 pounds, including the weight of the battery when installed. The bright green and silver design looks great, and has a large, comfortable handle compatible for both left-handed and right-handed folks. The plastic does feel a little but thin, but it’s still solid and doesn’t bend or give. Dropping it from a large height may crack some of the components, however. The length of the plastic pole is adjustable, making it ideal for most folks, regardless of their height. And the speed trigger is responsive and easy to use.
This cordless trimmer has a 12” cutting radius, using one line of 0.065 inch trimming line. A 12” radius is a good length for most jobs, allowing you to cover a fairly large area while still producing enough torque on the strings to cut effectively. The trimmer features an auto-feed mechanism, which provides you with a constant feed of line while working. Trimming line will break down over time, most notably when working through heavier and thicker weeds. Sometimes when using the weed wacker in longer or thicker weeds, you may need to wait and spin the line out to let the auto feed catch up as you can burn through line in thicker areas. The trimmer head can also swivel to a vertical position, and has a wheel attached to the guard. These features combine to make the GreenWorks 21342 a perfect tool for edging areas of your grass where you need a sharper line, like along a flower bed or path.
The rechargeable 24V lithium ion battery provides more than enough juice for most backyard needs. It whips through grass, but you can feel it slowing down and working harder in thicker areas. It has only a 2Ah capacity though, which will last you over 20 minutes of operation before it needs to be recharged. The cell and recharger are included with the device. Recharging actually takes only about 45 minutes, and so if you need more than 20 minutes of operation at a time, we recommend buying a second battery so that you can charge one while you use the other. The batteries also include a 2-year warranty, should they stop providing the life that GreenWorks claims before that time. The batteries are also compatible with other GreenWorks G-24 devices such as their leaf blower and cordless drill.
Some light assembly will be required when you receive the weed wacker, but it’s quite simple. Although the GreenWorks 21342 isn’t the sturdiest, or most powerful string trimmer, but it does have some great features, and remember it’s our pick for the cheapest cordless weed eater. The plastic design does make it lightweight relieving the load on your arms and back. The battery doesn’t last the longest, but for many, 20 minutes is more than enough to get their yard work done. Plus, if you have a second one, you should be covered. The swiveling trimer edger allows you to cleanly trim up any edges. The GreenWorks 21342 weed eater is our top pick for the best pick for small budgets.
Why Go With A Cordless String Trimmer?
Weed Eaters are one of your best tools for keeping your lawn looking great. Older models are usually powered by gasoline, which some of you may still have one collecting dust in your garage. These string trimmers are overly noisy, bad for the environment, and are not economical, costing you extra dollars in gas money every time you want to use them. Electric weed eaters are a good alternative, as the energy cost is much lower to operate compared to the price of gas, and is a cleaner source of energy. But, you need to invest in long, expensive extension cords and deal with the inconvenience of hauling around an extension cord behind you, being careful not to accidentally strike the cord.
There is one glaring issue though, and that is the fact that there are so many to choose from. We’ve taken away that headache by compiling the best of the best in these reviews. Keep reading to make an informed decision on buying the best cordless weed trimmer.
Did this article help you choose the right tool for your needs? Did your model provide inconsistent results? Or have you found one with better features or prices? Let us know your thoughts or findings in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below and help us improve!
STIHL Trimmer Weight By Model: Complete List – Battery Gas
STIHL products are some of the most recognized and reliable lawn care products on the market, trusted by homeowners and professionals alike. But is the weight of one of these weed eaters too much to warrant its use by the casual weekend user? Let’s find out!
How much does a STIHL Weed Eater weigh? The lightest STIHL trimmer is the battery-powered FSA 45 that weighs 5.1 lbs. The heaviest model is the Professional Series FS 311 weighing in at 15.9 lbs. The average weight of STIHL gas-powered trimmers for homeowners is 10 lbs.
STIHL weed eaters (technically trimmers but in the south we refer to all trimmers as “weed eaters”) offer a unique balance between practicality, comfort, and efficiency.
Check out the DynaTrap Mosquito Flying Insect Trap – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, Other Flying Insects – Protects up to 1/2 Acre (link to Amazon).
The company designs state-of-the-art string trimmers with the needs of the user in mind. You can find the ideal trimmer for you in their range of products. But if you aren’t yet committed to buying a STIHL, be sure to read my comparison of STIHL vs. Echo.
Now, let’s get to the details on this but be sure to watch the video at the end of this article on how to choose the right STIHL trimmer for you.
STIHL Trimmers By Weight
Gas Trimmers (Professional Series)
| FS 70 R | 10.6 lbs. |
| FS 91 | 12.8 lbs. |
| FS 91 R | 12.1 lbs. |
| FS 94 R | 10.1 lbs. |
| FS 111 | 12.8 lbs. |
| FS 111 R | 12.1 lbs. |
| FS 111 RX | 11 lbs. |
| FS 131 | 12.8 lbs. |
| FS 131 R | 12.1 lbs. |
| FS 240 | 15.2 lbs. |
| FS 240 R | 14.6 lbs. |
| FS 311 | 15.9 lbs. |
As you can see, weight varies significantly depending on the model and power source.
If you are looking for a weed eater, few brands on the market can compare with the high-efficiency products created by STIHL. The company’s range includes hedge trimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, and chain saws, making it a giant in the field of 2-stroke outdoor handheld equipment.
They also make an all-in-one multi-attachment yard tool called the STIHL KombiSystem. It’s been my tool of choice for several years when combating weeds and high grass. Click here to read my complete review.
You can also check out our head-to-head comparison of multi-attachment yard tools from STIHL, Echo, EGO, and Maruyama.
Sthil has designed their products to be highly functional and maneuverable. Thanks to the ergonomic design, STIHL weed eaters are reasonably lightweight and compare respectably to their competitors.
A basic, entry-level gas trimmer from STIHL like the FS 38 is just over 9 lbs.
If you are looking at landscaping as a side job and you need to optimize your performances, you may want to explore the other models offered by the company in their Professional Series.
While unique, each product manufactured by STIHL is easy to use, highly efficient, and adaptable to any need. Yet, their product line includes a ridiculously large list of string trimmer models and, if you are not an expert in the field, it can be challenging to pick one that fits your needs.
Types Of Weed Trimmers
String trimmers, aka weed eaters, have come a long way since they were first introduced in 1972. Today you can purchase one that is electric, gas-fuelled, battery-powered, straight, or curved.
Here are the factors that can affect the weight of your weed eater.
Battery, Electric, Or Fuel-Powered
Studies have been supporting the argument regarding the high environmental impact of gas-powered weed eaters since 2011. Their construction is more straightforward and they can be more substantial due to the added weight of a full fuel tank.
Yet, while 120V electric-powered yard tools are more sustainable, they are not as efficient to groom large green areas. Who wants to drag an extension cord around their yard.
Alternatively, battery-powered weed eaters are lighter, quieter, and guarantee you all the freedom of movement you need to reach the corners of your lawn.
I have two acres and have been itching to trade by STIHL Kombisystem for one of the new EGO Multi-Head systems (link to Amazon). They are cheaper, lighter, and the reviews on the battery life have been outstanding. But I just haven’t been able to let go off my STIHL… at least not yet.
Straight Or Curved Shaft Trimmers
If your lawn is easy to groom and does not include spots that might be challenging to reach, a weed-eater with a curved rod is often the ideal choice. Curved shaft trimmers generally have a better balance to them.
Oppositely, trimmers with a straight shaft are usually heavier and more difficult to maneuver if you are not of a tall or adequately strong built. Yet, straight trimmers are perfect for grooming uneven surfaces and tricker spots in your garden.
I prefer to straight shaft but this is really a personal preference. Just know the straight shaft models can be a little heavier. Be sure to watch the video later in this article. It covers choosing a curved or straight shaft trimmer with some pretty good guidelines.
Power And Engine Displacement Capacity
The engine’s displacement capacity is a loose indicator of a gas engine’s power and, therefore, the efficiency of your weed eater. To express such a measurement, manufacturers use “cc” (Cubic Centimeters) or cm³.
The higher the engine’s capacity is, the more powerful the weed eater will be.
Often the weight and price of the trimmer are related to this measure. For example, a STIHL weed eater’s engine of 27.2 cm³ will weigh between 8 and 9 lbs. A model with a much higher displacement will weigh heavier.
Battery-powered and electrical STIHL weed eaters follow a similar pattern, but you will need to calculate their power in kW (kilowatt). Just know that the higher the number, the more power it has. Example 56V is more power than a 40V battery trimmer.
How To Choose A String Trimmer
You really need to take just a few minutes and watch this short buying guide from STIHL. They explain the various uses and how to choose between the curved or straight shaft and even point out their best options for different use cases.
Thriving Yard aims to simplify the unnecessarily complex process of growing and maintaining a healthy, thriving lawn and garden. Unlike corporate website companies who write articles from an office overlooking a major city, the authors on this website live in small towns and regularly use many of the tips and recommendations provided in their own garden and lawn care. Read