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How To Find The Best String Trimmer
We seldom want a product. A generic thing, with other words. We seldom want a string trimmer, for that matter. What is it we want, then? The best string trimmer there is, of course.
The problem is, there are many products that qualify. What can you do in this case? Well, you can read this guide on string trimmers, so you can make an informed decision.
In the following, I’ll give you knowledge on what makes the best string trimmer, as well as on some brands you should consider, because they lived up to their names.
*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.
Product Name | Our Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Best Cordless String Trimmer | ||
Best Walk-Behind String Trimmer | ||
Best Electric String Trimmer | ||
Why Should You Choose Your String Trimmer Carefully
First of all, there are two main types of string trimmers, and you wouldn’t want to end up with the one that is not suitable for your objective. For instance, you can’t buy a corded one when you’re planning on taking the trimmer with you.
Second of all, not all brands are equally great. Some of them are not worth the money. If they’re unbelievably cheap, you can be sure that they’re no good. Not all cheap products are bad, but most of them are.
That is not to say that you should go for the most expensive trimmer you can find. The price must always reflect the quality of the components, as well as that of the overall product.
Buying something just because there was a huge discount on it is one of the biggest mistakes you can do as a consumer. Before you know it, you’re a couple of hundred dollars short and with no trimmer.
Assess what type of trimmer would serve you best and buy nothing but that. Don’t go for word of mouth, either. What is best for someone might just be a dumpster-fire for you, so be careful.
Things To Pay Attention To
Now we’re talking business. Here’s a rule of thumb: whenever you’re in a store that sells power tools or you’re surfing the Internet, make a checklist with the following aspects. If they’re good, then you’ll end up with the best string trimmer.
If not, you’ll be mad at yourself for not giving the time to check them all out. Here’s what you need to look for when trying to decide which string trimmer is ideal for you.
String Trimmer Type And Purpose
In the previous section, I’ve talked about the two types of weed-eaters: corded and cordless. I’ve provided you with the pros and cons of both of them. To put it shortly again, with a corded string trimmer, you will always be limited by the length of the said cord.
With a cordless one, be it on gas or batteries, you won’t face that problem. Moreover, the string trimmer will have a lot more power, subsequently rotation spin.
If you need a string trimmer for “domestic” use only, a corded one will do. You won’t need to spend money on batteries and/or gas, and it won’t consume nearly as much electricity as you think it will.
Power Type And Power Specifications
A string trimmer can run on electricity, gas or batteries. The last one is the absolute worst of all of them because you will need to change the batteries on a regular basis, since they don’t last too long.
- Pro tip: The higher the voltage that the string trimmer producer, the more powerful the engine will be.
I honestly recommend purchasing a gas string trimmer, anyway. It’s got great power (it literally eats through weed), a tankful of gas can last you for a while, and the motor itself is sturdy enough to need minimal maintenance.
Noise Level
Just what I was saying above. String trimmers that are either powered by batteries or directly through a socket have the perk of being silent. That’s because the motor differs. It’s rarely a 2 or 4-stroke, like the one that you’re likely to find on a gas-powered one.
Most people associate the noise with power, and it’s somehow… partially correct. The motor produces plenty of sound because it’s powerful and the centrifugal force created at the end of the trimmer is gigantic.
If you don’t like harsh sounds, you may want to opt for a corded string trimmer. Or you can buy ear-mufflers. Those will stop the sound, at least some of it.
Attachment Changes
Yes, with the proper technology, you can transform your string trimmers into a hedger, edger or bush trimmer. Moreover, you can replace the wire with a chain link, for more effectiveness and for potential use on heavy terrain.
These attachments come in very handy because they’re often included in the price of the trimmer. It’s so much better than to buy all those individually. It could cost you a fortune, or at least more than you paid for your string trimmer.
Lightweight
A string trimmer that weighs half a ton wouldn’t make much sense. That’s why most trimmers are lightweight. Even children can put them on their shoulders without feeling much of a difference.
Those that are fueled by gas are usually just a tad heavier than the corded ones because they have bigger engines. Weight can be consulted before purchasing a certain trimmer.
You just need to take a look at the specs, where the weight is written. Buy the one you think it has the best weight out of them all.
Cutting Diameter
The cutting diameter is always in lines with the length of the wire or the chain link. The longer that is, the wider the cutting diameter will be.
However, due to the centrifugal force, the diameter can be larger, in the sense that the wire does not necessarily need to touch the grass to cut it. The field of force created around it is almost as potent as the wire itself.
The largest cutting width you can get is probably 35 centimeters.
Edging Option
If the trimmer does not have a standard edging accessory, you can buy one for a pretty decent price. Most people still mistake the string trimmer for the edger. There’s one (and huge) difference between them:
Whereas a trimmer has a horizontal action, the edger has a vertical one. They’re not one and the same thing. Today, approximately all manufacturers provide edger accessories for their trimmers.
Low Vibration
The vibration is bigger when the motor is more powerful. The RPM (Rotations per Minute) may account for vibration, as well. The quicker the wire spins, the higher the vibration will be.
Why does vibration matter? Because, if it is extremely high, you can drop it, which poses a huge safety hazard. What’s more, you’ll have to make more effort in keeping it in a steady position.
Before you know it, your hands start to hurt so bad that you need to stop trimming for a while and have them massaged. The vibration can be fought against by purchasing a better and softer shoulder strap.
Easy To Use
All string trimmers are easy to use. That’s the idea on which this portable trimmer was built decades ago. Now, it’s all about what you mean by “easy to use.” This can include maintenance, as well.
For some, it’s fueling it and other aspects pertaining to the trimmers. Maintenance is fairly easy because more often than not, you just have to take the protective cover off and rinse the grass from the wires.
If by “easy to use” you mean actually the easiness of using it, nothing is simpler, really. You either pull the cord (like you’d do on a chainsaw to start it) or plug it into the socket and turn it on.
As promised, I’ve prepared a list with 5 of the best string trimmers. Each of them has been verified and researched properly. You can rest assured that here you’ll get the truth and only the truth.
Best Cordless String Trimmer
Here's our recommendation for the best cordless string trimmer:
Winner: Black + Decker LST136W
This Black + Decker has a long and illustrious history in the industry of power tools. The LST136W is one of their latest string trimmers. Like many others today, it can be turned into an edger by rotating the head to 1800.
The product can be bought with the 40V battery (which pumps up to double the price) or you can purchase that later on, whenever you please.
Here are some features that this Black + Decker trimmer/edger is equipped with:
PowerDrive Transmission (an innovation that helps the spin be a lot more powerful, which means you’ll finish trimming a lot faster).
It also has Automatic Feed Spool (helps the trimmer keep on going, even when it hits bumps in the terrain). It works with a 40-volt lithium battery (it goes right on top of the rod, where your left hand is).
It has two options: Max power and Increased Battery Life; when you choose the former function, you get 8500 RPM. When you go with the latter, you only get 6500 RPM. 13 inches is the cutting diameter and the weight is 9,75 pounds.
To cut it to the chase sooner than later, this is the best cordless string trimmer you can get for less than $150 and even less than $100 if you get it without the battery. It surely does its job, and it’s not that expensive.
There are other trimmers with pretty much the same array of features that cost double the sum you’d pay for this one. It’s a cheap alternative for those who are shopping on a tight budget. If you’re wondering about the pros and cons, here they are:
Source: blackanddecker.com
Our Rating
Pros
- Can easily be turned into an edger
- The battery lasts long and charges quickly
- The price
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- The battery costs almost as much as the trimmer does
- Complaints that the motor is low-quality
Runner-up: Ego Power+ 15 Inch String Trimmer
Back to the futuristic and equally eye-catchy Ego Power. Their products are everywhere, but their trimmers have just recently come into the spotlight. The cutting diameter on this one is a little larger than the one of the Black & Decker Model.
This Ego Power has a cutting width of 15 inches. This, too, works on batteries. A 56-volt Lithium-Ion battery, to be more precise.
The thing about the battery-powered Ego Power products is that they don’t go to waste as quickly as others do.
That’s because the company has invested in a certain technology that helps the batteries remain charged for a longer period. Thanks to this, the motor, also, is more powerful.
By purchasing this, you get some accessories, too. I know that most people tend to look at Ego Power tools as incredibly flimsy toys.
To be honest, they do have this toy quality about them, but it’s due to the design.
The quality, trust me on this, is almost unmatched. As a proof stand the positive reviews that all their products, this model of string trimmer included, have gotten during the past years.
Source: homedepot.com
Our Rating
You really can’t go wrong with an Ego Power trimmer. If you want a heavyweight trimmer, then this is the best purchase you can make. It’s also considered the best battery string trimmer. It literally annihilates weeds, even those that don’t seem to want to go away.
I highly advise you to wear protective equipment when using this trimmer. It’s simply so powerful that it spreads debris all over the place. It wouldn’t be such a problem if those pieces of debris won’t fly off at insane speeds.
Yes, it’s that powerful. The battery charges quickly and you can trim for a maximum of 60 minutes when it’s charged completely. Buy a spare one, and you’re all set.
Pros
- Insane power for a cordless trimmer
- Charges very fast
- The weight is nicely balanced
- The price includes two batteries
Cons
- Some may find it a little too big for their taste
Alternative: Husqvarna 128LD
If you were looking for the best gas string trimmer, look no further. Husqvarna 128 is sure to meet all your requirements. For starters, it’s a Husqvarna, which is like money in the bank, because this company does not make any compromises in respect to quality.
Their products can last a lifetime. If you’ve ever had a Husqvarna chainsaw, you know you couldn’t damage it if you wanted to. This weed-eater is equally fantastic. It has a 28cc engine, which is just about enough to ensure complete annihilation of weeds.
In terms of cutting width, this model has the largest in our top: a whopping 18 inches. And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t weigh more than 11 pounds. Considering the features and the power of this beast, that may be a little hard to believe, but it’s true.
Source: husqvarna.com
Our Rating
It’s lightweight and heavyweight at the same time. However, you must be aware of the fact that the shipped package will weigh 8 pounds or so more than the actual item.
Words fall short to express how much power this device has. But it’s also very noisy. Some may find that a little unpleasant, while others may like it. The Husqvarna 128LD has an ergonomic design.
It feels just about right once you’ve gripped the handle. Whereas some other cordless, gas trimmers might start after 10 pulls of the cord, this one starts right away, so you can get down to business.
I’m pretty positive you could cut trees with this if you would put some blades on it. Don’t do that, however. The fact that somebody called this particular model “the Cadillac of trimmers” says it all, I guess. This is the best lightweight string trimmer, as well.
Pros
- Husqvarna quality
- Great engine
- Can be equipped with attachments
- Largest cutting width
Cons
- None as of yet
Best Walk-Behind String Trimmer
Here's our recommendation for the best walk-behind string trimmer:
Black + Decker MTC220
Another Black + Decker on our list, but not any kind of B&D, but the best budget string trimmer. Coming with a price tag of less than $130, this is the cheapest trimmer on our list.
It looks somewhat similar to a vacuum cleaner, but it’s a nightmare for the weeds in your courtyard. What makes this a fantastic purchase is the fact that it’s actually 3 tools comprised in 1.
It’s at once trimmer, edger and lawn mower. I can’t even begin saying how much money you’d save by getting this. Like other B&D products, this also has an automatic feed, which means that it won’t stop around.
It can be purchased as either corded or cordless. The price difference between the two isn’t scary at all, so you can exhale.
The power, if it’s cordless, comes from 20-volt lithium-ion batteries (you get 2 in the package).
The height can be adjusted easily and it’s perfect for smaller yards. I wouldn’t recommend using it on god knows what plains. This was designed for domestic use, so you shouldn’t utilize it as an industrial tool.
Source: blackanddecker.com
Our Rating
It is efficient and all that, but it can break down if forced, just like any other power tool. This is a winner because the price is absolutely unbelievable considering it’s also an edger and a lawn mower. You don’t see this every day.
I honestly don’t think you can get a better deal anywhere else and that Black + Decker really stepped up their game with this one. We can expect to see this everywhere we look in a couple of years.
Pros
- Best value string trimmer
- 3-in-1
- Corded or cordless
Cons
- None (somebody complained it wasn’t electrical, but he/she probably ordered the cordless one)
Best Electric String Trimmer
Here's our recommendation for the best electric string trimmer:
Greenworks 21142
This looks awfully similar to an Ego Power product, but well… it’s a small world, isn’t it? Yes, this is the best electric string trimmer, and it comes crazy cheap (in the range of $80 - $85).
The maximum width is huge, having 18 inches. If you want a smaller one, it can be purchased in either 15 or 13 inches. The amperage differs from one to the other, and so does the price. For instance, the 13 inches one is less than $50.
It has auto-feed, it can be used as an edger, it is fabulously silent and lightweight. It starts with the press of a button, so you won’t need to spend a few hours to figure out how to do it.
This is among the best-rated weed-eaters you can find nowadays. That’s great, in spite of the fact that GreenWorks isn’t quite a known brand.
Or not yet, who knows? I can vouch for this trimmer because I’ve got one for myself.
I had it for a while now, and didn’t have any issues with it. I saw some persons whose trimmers burned out. I think that’s their fault, not the fault of the product.
If you’re using it for a job it’s obviously not suited for, that’s what you’re going to get.
Our Rating
It does its job and it’s worth every penny. Reviews can be read at leisure, but believe me when I say that this truly makes a great purchase. I’m well aware of the fact that there are many people who can’t really afford trimmers.
Well, it’s your lucky day! This is probably the cheapest one you can get. And make no mistakes – the price does not chip its quality in any way. Quite from the contrary, it does what any other trimmer does.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Efficient and lightweight
- It comes in 3 versions
Cons
- It might be too short for some people
- Could’ve been a little sturdier
Concluding Remarks
I’m sure that you now know a lot more about trimmers than you did before reading this review. As you can see, it’s not rocket science and will never be so. Not even in 100 years. And that’s not all yet.
If you stay on the same wavelength, you’re going to be the beneficiary of 4 in-depth reviews of 4 string trimmers.
That’s when you’ll become an absolute expert in this field. Whenever somebody will ask something about weed-eaters, you’ll be there to provide an answer.
