Harry Sawyers, the editor of this guide and a former pro landscaper, has tested many of the trimmers at his Los Angeles property, which is too steep to mow in many places. Though none of the trimmers we tested were quiet, the Ego ST1511T had the nicest sound, emitting a low-pitched hum, rather than the high, squealing whine of some of the others. Pros: Dont have to mix fuel for 4-stroke engine Super lightweight Large cutting swath, Cons: Expensive Small fuel tank Not compatible with other Husqvarna attachments. With this model, you get a heavy-duty, professional-grade 4-stroke engine in a gas weed eater thats as easy to carry as most electric options. The Milwaukee 2825-21ST is another multi-head system. If thats the case, you may be better off with an electric string trimmer, since gas models tend to be significantly heavier. 
The cutting head is the part of the tool where you load the string, and its the part that does the cutting (thus the name).
But it is compatible with Ryobi's Expand-It system for attachments, which means it can double as a tiller, a brush cutter, and more. Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger, Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer, Our pick: Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Runner-up: Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Also great: Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer, Also great: Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger, Ryobi P2030 18-Volt String Trimmer and Edger, Ryobi P20120VNM 18-Volt Brushless String Trimmer, Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, Kobalt KST 140XB-06 80V Max Straight Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, Ryobi RY40220 40V-X Expand-It String Trimmer, Black+Decker LST136 40V Max String Trimmer, Why We Dont Recommend Artificial Grass for Most People, Lawn and Garden Gear to Get Your Yard Cleaned Up, The Best Garden Hose, Hose Nozzle, and Hose Reel. Basically, you use a string trimmer to cut grass and weeds in areas that lawn mowers wont reach. Trimming is such a start-stop activity that having to deal with a less-than-perfect auto-feed system got old really quickly. In simple terms, the larger the engine (the higher cc rating), the more power output. The good news is that, unlike our other 4-stroke pick, this trimmer is compatible with many attachments, so you can convert it into other lawn care tools. Users reported that the RM25S starts smoothly, works well, and is worth the money. Worx touts this as a feature that makes trimming in tight spotslike under a picnic tableeasier. But for small lawns or people who simply want a lighter load, its a budget-friendly trimmer that should get the job done. Conversely, someone on the shorter side of the spectrum can do the same. We were looking for one that was convenient for intermittent regular use, with enough oomph to handle grass, thick weeds, and the occasional stalky shrub. The most incredible thing about the Husqvarna 324L? By purchasing extra attachments, you can easily convert this one tool into many others, including an edger, blower, and tiller. If neither Ego model is available, we also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer. Youll notice all of our top picks have straight shafts. The motor just whirls along, sounding like a high-pitched hair dryer. Weve been covering lawn equipment since 2013, and we can state that a rating this high, with this many reviews, on a gas-powered piece of outdoor equipment is extremely rare and likely indicates a unique level of quality. This weed eaters 28 cc, 2-cycle engine is among the most powerful on this list, so its great for tough yards with thick grass and lots of weeds. We also werent fond of all the little pieces of string that were ejected. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning. For a well-manicured yard, a lawn mower isnt enough you need a string trimmer (aka weed wacker, grass trimmer, weed trimmer, weed eater, etc). In spring 2016, he purchased the SRM-225 for the job, after trying (and returning) Echos lighter-duty curved-shaft model. For extra tough grass and commercial-grade jobs, the Craftsman CMXGTAMD30SA might be the best choice. The Worx does have some downsides that are worth noting. The ergonomic handle is adjustable for right-handed and left-handed users. The Ego is a dual-line unit, meaning that two strings extend from the cutting head. For these reasons, gas string trimmers are usually the best option for people with large properties or thick growth to cut through. After each cut, I spend roughly 30 minutes using a string trimmer around stone walls, flower beds, pathways, and the chicken coop. With the Craftsman WS205, you can save even more money and still get a high-quality weed eater. It has similar capabilities to the other Ego trimmers, but it also has a manual line load, which is more tedious than whats on the newer models. On the Worx, this process is barely noticeable. During testing, we paid attention to overall ease of use, balance, ergonomics, handling, and noise. It doesnt compete with the power of the Egos, but it does offer enough to get any typical job done. Easy line change: With constant whipping and cutting, trimmer string breaks at a relatively quick rate, so its not uncommon to have to install a new string every few trimmer sessions. Check out our top picks for the best gas string trimmers of the year to find heavy-duty tools perfect for homeowners with lots of grass to trim. We tested the attachment-capable Kobalt KST 140XB-06 80V Max Straight Brushless Cordless String Trimmer and didnt like the weight or the fussy interface. We did a battery test on an earlier model, and the Ego, on a single battery charge, cut down about 3,400 square feet of dense field grass, weeds, and stalky shrubs (in an area nearly 60 by 60 feet). There are a variety of systems that do this, but the Egos is the easiest weve tested. The front handles durability is one drawback. A look at the cons and pros of a fake-turf installation at home. At the time, the next-best trimmer cut about only 2,100 square feet (almost 40% less); beyond that, the others cut 1,600 square feet or less (less than 50% of what the Ego accomplished). But, again, the Ryobi isnt as effective on the thick stuff. If the Ego ST1511T is not available, we also like the Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload. The Ego ST1511Ts power and run time stand far above those of the other trimmers we looked at. Because of the high-quality Honda 4-stroke engine, the 324L is by far the most expensive trimmer on our list. Pros: Powerful engine Cheap Converts to other power tools with Poulan Pro attachments (sold separately), Cons: On the heavier side Starting isnt always as easy as it should be.
Some users also reported that starting the trimmer can be difficult at times, so this may not be the best option for someone inexperienced with gas engines. One of the greatest benefits of this trimmer is that its compatible with Ryobis line of Expand-It products. Most quality trimmers priced under about $175 have an auto-line feed system that releases about inch of line each time the trimmer is activated. We also liked the pole saw attachment. If the Ego ST1511T is not available, our next choice is the Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload. In addition to being powerful, this Craftsman model is also easy to use, with a two-step prime and pull starting system and an easy-winding bump head that can hold a spool of up to 20 feet of line. The Ryobi P2030 18-Volt String Trimmer and Edger is very small and has none of the ergonomic adjustments that made the Worx so successful. The machines 25 cc, 2-cycle engine features a full crankshaft, which essentially means the engine will last longer. You do not need to pay that much for basic lawn maintenance. The significant differences are that it doesnt have the telescoping shaft or the quick adjustment on the handle, so its not as flexible for varying body heights. But what does that actually mean for you? Simply tap the bottom of the trimmer head against the ground, and a length of string is fed from an internal spool housed inside it. Thats a lot. A nearby child said, That thing sounds terrible. All of this cutting ability is harnessed with a smooth, variable-speed trigger, which makes delicate work just as easy as brute-force clear-cutting. After new tests, the Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload is our pick. For this guide, we focused on rechargeable cordless trimmers with enough power to cut everything from simple lawn grass to thick overgrown weeds.
And in patches of really thick, tall grass, the Ryobi trimmer head occasionally got wound up in the grass or just pushed it over instead of cutting it. While this can seem like an inconvenience, it also means that you wont have to perform regular oil changes. Because the Ryobi is attachment-ready, you can remove the trimmer head and replace it with a number of other tools, such as a brush cutter, a pole saw, or even a cultivator. Worx does have a selection of 20-volt saws, lights, and drills, among other tools, but we dont have enough experience with them to pass judgement on them as a full system. In some extreme circumstances, only a gas tool will doand we have a gas-powered pick for those. In 2021, we also looked at the larger Ryobi P20120VNM 18-Volt Brushless String Trimmer. Price: Gas string trimmers can cost less than $200 or more than $400, so set your budget before you start shopping to narrow down your selection. If youd rather have the assurance of a second battery (though we dont think its necessary), additional ones are available, ranging from about $150 to $400, depending on ampere hours. We compiled tips from five compost experts to get you started. And the Ryobi couldnt sever the Japanese knotweed stalks as efficiently as the Egos. And in tight spots, like between rose bushes, the Ryobi didnt feel as nimble as the Ego. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Putting the Egos performance in perspective, it could trim a 1-foot-wide swath of grass that was two-thirds of a mile long on a single battery charge. The Ryobi uses a hand-crank reel mechanism, which makes line loading easier than with the older models, but its not as good as our main picks push-button system. But in some extreme cases, the nonstop power of a gas model is a better fit (such as for clearing large field areas or remote trimming on an extremely large property). It was one of the smallest trimmers we tested, but it was the only one with a pivoting trimmer head. In general, electric options are quieter, easier to use, and better for the environment than their gas counterparts since they dont produce emissions. In 2021, we tested two other smaller trimmers alongside the Worx, both typically priced under $125. Even if you only use the RY253SS as a weed eater, its worth the price you pay. It has a manual-crank line-load system thats easy to use (although not as easy as that of our main pick). The wheels add control and precision for edging jobs. Once you know what kind of string trimmer youre looking for, youll have to compare the many specific options on the market. Whereas lawn mowers are intended for wide-open areas, string trimmers are for cleaning up the edges and all the places the mower cant go: nooks, crannies, and tight spots between and under hedges; narrow pathways and steep inclines; in close quarters near mailbox poles, raised beds, trees, and lampposts; and along fences and walls. This model replaces our previous pick, the Ego ST1521S, which is almost identical except that it lacks the telescoping shaft and the easy handle adjustment. The benefit is that they install quickly and easily (though with recent advances like Egos automatic system, the advantages of the pre-loaded line arent as significant as in the past). The brush cutter worked as advertised too. It also has only two speeds and no true variable-speed trigger. Egos system is a much-needed improvement in this area. We recommend getting a decent supply of extra spools. Though it cant cut tall and very thick weeds with the ease of the Egos, it still has the strength to slice through dense grass and the run time to handle a large property. In those more-delicate areas, we switched to the low speed setting, so we could maintain the ease of a full trigger pull but not have the trimmer at top speed. We also used many of them to clear a Los Angeles hillside, which was covered with 3-foot-tall grasses, saplings, and nettlesome thistles. Under regular conditions, run time is likely to be even longer. We werent looking for a pro-grade tool that could be used all day to flatten a hay field or that was necessarily durable enough for constant, rugged use. Instead of a blade, string trimmers use a string (or line) to slice through foliage. LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. But if you have an area that is difficult for a mower to get to (like between two raised beds), these added wheels might help you make a consistent cut (versus using the trimmer with no wheels). Comfort and balance: Trimmers, in an ergonomic sense, are little more than a long pole with a weight on each end. To convert the trimmer into a mini-mower, you remove the wheels and reinstall them at the back of the debris guard, so they stick down below the plane of the trimmer string. Thats easily enough to handle all but the most expansive lawns. Weve added the Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger as a pick for small lawns. The Ryobi has a manual line-load system that is trickier to use than the Egos push-button set-up. In addition to the regular trigger, it has an annoying activation button that you need to press each time you start the tool (but if you shut the tool off for only a few moments, you dont have to re-press the button). Power: All of the cordless trimmers we looked at can cut regular lawn grass, but we wanted one that also had the ability to handle tall weeds or densely overgrown grass. Its a nice featureparticularly for those who might not be used to handling a string trimmer. Its hard to overstate what an improvement this is to whats often the single-worst aspect of using a string trimmer. Another significant disadvantage is that, unlike our other Husqvarna pick, this model is not compatible with attachments that let it do the work of multiple power tools. But it was the quietest tool we tested, with a hair-dryer-like hum that sounded more pleasant than the whine of its competitors. Theres a removable set of wheels, for when you want to use the Worx as an edger and a mini-mower. I also have extensive string trimmer experience. And we should note the Ryobi is louder and heavier than the Egos, plus a little harder to maneuver. What impressed us the most about the Worx: its ergonomics. Our string trimmer recommendations are for those who want a reliable, powerful tool to help with post-mow cleanup and weed clearing. Worx sells them, and there appear to be a number of other brands selling compatible spools (we havent tested these and cant vouch for them). The best straight-shaft gas trimmers are mostly in the $175 to $250 range, which is about where the solid 40-volt-plus cordless trimmers land. It also has the easiest line-load system weve tested, as well as a telescoping shaft and quick handle adjustment, to accommodate people of all heights. The larger guards dont stop everything, but they do a much better job. Some models (usually those designed with the pro in mind) had narrow guards, and they stopped some debris but not all, leaving our legs and feet stained green by the end of a trimming session. Its Egos previous version of the tool, and it is nearly identical to the ST1511T, other than that the shaft is not telescoping and the trigger design is slightly different. Gas-powered models, though loud and bad for the environment, are really the only option if you need a high level of power coupled with high mobility. These use a thinner string and can cut grass and some weeds, but they struggle with thicker, stalkier plants. In our tests, we found that wider guards were better. Line diameter: Line diameter tells you the thickness of the string a weed eater can hold. We tested the Echo in Los Angeles on a steep rear hillside (approximately 2,000 square feet), which Wirecutter senior editor Harry Sawyers has to clear every year before Southern Californias fire season. As the motor starts up, the string is cut to the proper length by a small edge that hangs down from the underside of the debris guard. Thicker string is usually more durable and can cut through thicker grass. To see how the trimmers handled different grassesand plantswe tested them in New Hampshire at a rural property with extensive trimming needs: 187 feet of stone wall, 182 feet of split-rail fence, 180 feet of garden fencing, 137 feet of flower beds, 150 feet around a variety of structures and sheds, 51 feet of miscellaneous trimming (around trees and large rocks), and an additional 556 square feet of hillside clearing (where its too dangerous to use a mower). Run time and charge time: Cordless trimmers typically come with a single battery, so its crucial that they have a decent run time. With our top picks, we made price the most important ranking factor to show you the models that will give you the most bang for your buck. Trimmers with curved shafts are usually shorter, lighter, and cheaper. With the combination of the adjustable trimmer head and the pivoting handle, a 6-foot 5-inch tester was able to use the Worx while standing perfectly straight. *At the time of publishing, the price was $90. If you do go the attachment route and want to be able to jump quickly from task to task, you may consider purchasing a second battery for about $140. This model shares some problems common to any other gas trimmerits super-loud, it vibrates your hands at full throttle, and its strong enough to kick all kinds of junk up into your face. You can expect about the same power, run time, and charge time, as with our main pick. We did look at a number of very light-duty trimmers, ideal for smaller lawns. But those rarely apply to most peoples needs, so the rest of this section outlines our criteria for cordless string trimmers. Ryobi RY253SS 25 cc 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer, 2. The Worx actually has three modes: string trimmer, edger, and mini-mower. Its not an unpleasant sound, and because the Egos motor is down at the cutting head, its far away from the ear, lessening the effect even more. The Egos power is as impressive as its run time, and none of the other trimmers we tested could match its sheer cutting strength. Also like our other top picks, the PR28SD can convert to an edger, cultivator, brush cutter, and other power tools with extra attachments. Its easy to see how much of a charge is left in the Ryobi. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Would you wear yourself out carrying more than 10 pounds for an extended period of time? Its a bit of a contradiction, since its heavy (more than 15 pounds), it has the smallest cutting width of all the trimmers on this list, and it has only a 25 cc, 2-cycle engine. Husqvarna 128LD 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer, 3. Ryobi has two other attachment-capable 40-volt models, but neither matches the power of our runner-up pick. All three Ryobis are priced similarly, so we prefer the one with the larger battery and more-efficient motor, especially since it might be powering some of the more-draining attachments, like the cultivator. If youre looking for a trimmer that can double as an all-purpose lawn tool, we also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer. Its telescoping shaft and handle are easy to adjust and make the tool very comfortable to use, even for extended trimming sessions. This Ego has the easiest line-load system weve ever used, a process described in detail in the Ego ST1510T manual (PDF). Its roughly the same price as the Ego ST1511S. Knowing this, its no surprise that on a single charge, the Ego ST1511T handled the trimming needs of a large New Hampshire property (which requires nearly 900 linear feet of trimming and an additional 556 square feet of mowing, in flat areas a mower cant get to). The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer is a nice model, but its also expensive. 1. For the price, though, its a solid weed eater and brush cutter for residential use. If the string breaks while youre trimming, the Ego has an easy bump-feed line advance. Some come with clips for shoulder straps, which is a nice touch. Weight: When youre using a string trimmer, you have to carry it. Despite all the benefits of a cordless model, in some rare situations a gas model will be the best optionnamely for clearing large amounts of grass, either on a steep hillside or on a massive property that lacks a convenient place to recharge.
This Ego can accept smaller lines, which, as a company rep told us, will actually increase the run time, but it will go through more lines, because the thinner the line, the more breakage. All of the more-powerful units we tested were dual-line cutters, and the majority of them took 0.095 string. It wasnt the lightest trimmer we tried, but its excellent balance and handle adjustments made it one of the simplest to swing around and maneuver in tight spots. A small edge on the underside of the debris shield then cuts the end of the string to the proper length. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article. Like Ryobi, Husqvarna has a line of additional attachments available that can turn this trimmer into other power tools, including an edger, tiller, and pole saw. We thought the DeWalt DCST920P1 20V Max String Trimmer was light, agile, and very comfortable to use, despite not having the run time of the others or enough power to handle some of the more rigid shrubs and weeds. On thick Japanese knotweed, the Ego blazed right through 1-inch-thick stalks like they werent even there. String trimmers consist of a long shaft with a cutting head, also known as a trimmer head, on one end. We independently review everything we recommend. Follow this blog to stay tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round.
When we tested the mower function, we found it easy to roll the trimmer back and forth but harder to keep it parallel to the ground for a truly consistent cut. The spool can hold about 16 feet of string, so youll have a constant supply, which is essential for longer or more aggressive trimming sessions. Engine power: For the engines used in gas string trimmers, we measure power in cc (cubic centimeters). Our top pick, the RY253SS straight shaft model from Ryobi, is affordable, versatile, easy to use for a gas weed eater, and powerful enough for just about any residential yard work. Along with the big selling points (namely the strong engine and seal of approval from Husqvarna, one of the most trusted names in power tools), the 128LD has lots of little special features that make it easier to use. The ST1521S costs about the same as the ST1511T, so wed always opt for our main pick first. The P2030 is very inexpensive, but we think the Worx is worth the extra investment. Now you have a string trimmer on wheels, so its a little easier to maintain a consistent height above ground level. This is a solid trimmer, and it has a nice feel to it. The height of the cut cannot be changed. So, what are the advantages of a gas string trimmer? But the motor is slow to get to full speed, resulting in an extremely loud slapping sound as the auto-feed line hits against the cutter. It impressed us with its fantastic ergonomic adjustments, quick speed, quiet operation, light weight, and the wheeled edging capabilities. The other potential negative is that the Worx 20-volt battery system isnt as widely available as some others, most notably Ryobi. The Husqvarna 128LD trimmer combines power and convenience. However, it can be difficult to restring and may not work as well after you restring it. Pros: Converts to other power tools with Ryobi attachments (sold separately) Large cutting swath Cheap, Cons: Some reviewers reported the cutting head coming unattached while in use Some users had to replace the carburetor after a short period of time. The PR28SD trimmer from Poulan Pro has many of the same features as the Husqvarna 128LD, but this model is significantly less expensive. As you may have noticed from our top picks, 2-stroke trimmers are usually less expensive than 4-stroke weed eaters. While most reviewers reported the machine working great, some noted that the 128LD is a little short for a straight shaft trimmer. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). This trimmer is usually a little less expensive than the others, but not enough to make it a more appealing option. Aside from gas string trimmers (like the ones on this list), there are also many high-quality corded electric and cordless battery-powered string trimmers on the market. Ryobis straight-up 40-volt string trimmer, the RY40240, comes with a smaller, 1.5 Ah battery, and it has an auto line-advance system, which extends a quarter-inch of line each time the trigger is released.