Sometimes it can be overwhelming for a person looking for a string trimmer to do their yard work. That’s because there are dozens of different models and features to choose from. Do you want an electric one or a gas one? A corded one or a battery-powered one? It can be difficult to not only decide what type is needed but if that type is the best string trimmer available.
Fortunately, I’m here to give you a hand. I’ve gathered together ten models which I feel are the best string trimmer models currently available. These are models which are a good blend of features, are durable and can be bought for a reasonable price. Hopefully, this list will serve anyone looking for a good tool to get their yard work finished.
10. Black & Decker LST140C 40V Max Lithium Trimmer
This trimmer is designed for individuals who want the power of a gas or an electric model but wants the convenience of a cordless one. Although it is battery operated, it has a high-torque transmission that gives the user enough power for fast and clean cuts. It features an automatic feed spool which automatically feeds the line without having to bump it or stopping to manually advance it. Another key feature of this unit is that it can quickly be converted from a trimmer to an edger, which makes it a useful tool for any homeowner or lawn care specialist.
9. Hitachi CG22EAP2SL 21.1cc 2-Cycle Gas-Powered Trimmer & Brush Cutter
This Hitachi Trimmer has a number of features which make it useful for professional landscapers and homeowners alike. This model features a 21.1cc two-stroke engine that meets most emission standards without a reduction in power or the addition of extra weight. It also features a 60-inch drive shaft that’s designed for durability and also has an anti-vibration system that makes it more comfortable for the user. Other features found on this trimmer include a Walbro carburetor with a purge bulb, a reliable starting system that makes it easier to start and a 4-inch trimmer head which offers trouble-free operation.
8. Dewalt DCST970X1 Flexvolt 60V Cordless Trimmer
Manufactured with a lightweight design that is easier to use than conventional trimmers, this model is designed to be ergonomic. It’s also designed to have a host of features which include a 15-inch cutting swath using either .080-inch or .095-inch line, a high-quality and efficient brushless motor and a variable speed control trigger that allows the user to choose between a “high” or a “low” setting. And since it uses 60-volt Flexvolt batteries, it can perform a lot of yard work before it needs to be recharged. This makes this an ideal yard tool for professionals and amateurs alike.
7. Greenworks 14-Inch 40-Volt Cordless Trimmer
This tool is a viable solution for anyone looking to take control of their yard. It uses a brushless motor that is not only quiet to use but also delivers power and a higher battery efficiency. This trimmers 40-volt battery can be charged in under 2-hours, yet still deliver over 50-minutes of run-time. That’s more than enough time for most people to complete their trimming needs. This unit’s battery can also be used in other pieces of yard equipment that uses the same system, so batteries can be exchanged between pieces of equipment without having to charge a different battery for each tool.
6. Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless Trimmer
This grass trimmer not only has a number of features which make it useful for getting yard work done but also comes with a charger and two batteries so a user can charge one battery while they are using another. This trimmer also converts easily from a trimmer to an edger and does so in only a few moments and without tools. This model features a 12-inch cutting diameter and has a spool system that provides instant line feeding. Another key feature is that this unit weighs under 6-pounds, so it’s easy to use for yard work and can even be used on a day-to-day basis without it being tedious to use.
5. Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch 28cc Trimmer
Equipped with many of the features that are wanted in a trimmer, this particular model has been designed from the ground up to be powerful and easy-to-use. It features a 28cc engine that provides more than enough torque to power through most jobs and has a 17-inch cutting width. It is also designed to be compatible with a number of different accessories, so this unit can be used all year round. Other features which can be found on this trimmer include the ability to use .095-inch trimmer line, an automatic return stop switch and a smart recoil system.
4. Black & Decker LSTE523 Max Lithium Trimmer/Edger
With the ability to quickly change from a trimmer to a wheeled edger, this tool is as versatile as it is powerful. It has a 2-speed control and a 20-volt battery that gives the user the ability to decide if they need maximum power for shorter periods of time or less power for longer periods of time. This trimmer also has a power drive transmission that delivers torque and has an adjustable handle so the user can choose the most comfortable way to use this device. Other features which can be found in this model include a 12-inch cut width, the ability of its batteries to be used with other compatible tools and an easy-feed line advance.
3. Makita XRU02Z 18-Volt LXT Cordless Trimmer
Although this weed trimmer doesn’t come with either a battery or a charge, both of which have to be purchased separately, it does come with other features which account for it being one of the better trimmers on the market. It has a 7,800 RPM motor that provides the head with performance and cutting speed, and yet still manages to keep to a compact size. This model also features a telescoping shaft that can be adjusted from the 48.5-inch to 56.5-inch positions and a 5-position pivoting head that allows the tool to get into tight spaces. And since the whole unit weighs under 7-pounds, it’s also lightweight enough to be used just about anywhere.
2. Worx WG154 Trimmer/Edger
Able to be used as both a trimmer and an edger, the Worx WG154 is a yard tool which will make itself useful in anyone’s tool shed in no time flat. It has an adjustable cutting width which can be adjusted from 10-inches to 12-inches and also comes with a folding spacer that helps to protect ornamental landscaping. Other features which can be found in this yard tool include an automatic single line feed system, a fixed front handle that’s ergonomically designed and easy-to-use and a battery-life of about a half-an-hour. This unit comes with a battery and a charger.
1. EGO Power+ ST1500 56-Volt Cordless Trimmer
While the charger and battery for this particular model have to be purchased separately, this unit still has some of the best features of any trimmer currently available. It uses a high-efficiency brushless motor with variable speed that gives the user more than enough power when they need it and the ability to use less power to save battery life as well. This unit is designed to be weather-resistant and it uses batteries that are designed to be compatible with a wide range of EGO Power products. All of this makes this unit ideal for anyone who wants a powerful tool for trimming up their lawn.
String Trimmer Buying Guide
For a lot of people, buying a string trimmer can seem needlessly complicated. Just browsing the tool section of any website or hardware store can cause the consumer to ask a whole lot of questions. Should I buy a gas or electric trimmer, and should I buy a curved or straight shaft? If I buy an electric model, should I buy a corded or cordless model? How much power do I need? All of these are questions that any number of different consumers are asking themselves as they search for the best string trimmer available.
However, as complicated as it may seem, we’re here to tell you that it need not be that difficult. All the consumer has to do is think about a few key metrics and then buy the string trimmer that matches them the best. To help our readers discern what’s important and what isn’t so important when shopping for a new trimmer, we’ve decided to list some of the features a person should keep in mind while they’re shopping.
Curved Or Straight-Shaft Trimmers
The very first thing the consumer should consider is whether they need a curved or straight handle. And there’s a couple of ways a person can determine what’s correct for them. They can search the Internet and look at complicated tables that compare arm length and upper body strength as it applies to the shape of the trimmer’s handle. Or they can simply take stock of their height and strength. If they’re 6-feet or taller and can pick up a trimmer that’s 11+ pounds, then they should probably purchase a straight-shaft model.
On the other hand, if they’re a little bit shorter they can choose a curved handled trimmer. They should also choose a curved shaft if they need added maneuverability going around trees, fences, and flowers. If they don’t need that maneuverability, then they can go with a straight-handle model. It’s as simple as that.
Consider The Size Of The Yard
For consumers to decide whether or not they need a cordless, corded, or gas-powered model, they first have to determine the size of their yard. If they have a small urban yard, then going with a cordless or corded electric string trimmer is probably the best option. If the yard is a little bit bigger, or there isn’t an electric outlet close by, however, then a cordless model is probably the best option—particularly in areas where the neighbors are close by and might be disturbed by a gas-powered model.
On the other hand, if the property is large, then a gas-powered option is always the best bet. That’s because the average lifespan of most trimmer batteries is about 20-30 minutes. Having to carry a bunch of batteries or return to the house for more batteries can be a pain when trimming large properties. In those instances, do yourself a favor and get a gas-powered model.
For extremely large yards, an option that the homeowner can always choose is the walk-behind string trimmer. Walk-behind string trimmers look like little lawnmowers and they’re significantly more expensive than regular trimmers. However, they do a good job at tackling large sections of yard and are pretty easy to use and maintain. They’re something a person may want to keep in mind if they have large swaths of land to trim or need a tool that’s capable of dealing with brush-filled areas.
2-Cycle Or 4-Cycle Gas Models?
If a person decides that a gas-powered trimmer is right for them, the next question they need to answer is whether they need a 2-cycle or 4-cycle trimmer. Although most string trimmer buying guides make this decision sound like it’s extremely complicated, the truth of the matter is that it isn’t. 4-cycle trimmers are more powerful, don’t require gasoline and oil to be mixed, and don’t emit as many pollutants as 2-cycle models. However, 2-cycle models are cheaper, so that’s always worth factoring into the decision. If a person does decide to go with a 2-cycle gas trimmer, then they should keep in mind that there have to mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40:1 each time they use the trimmer. Or if they’re not comfortable mixing their gas and oil, they can always opt to buy one of the premixed fuel/oil formulas available at the big box stores.
Now, Let’s Choose The Best One
Once all of the above factors have been taken into consideration, the consumer should have no problem deciding which model is the best for them and the yard they have to trim. As we promised, it’s not that difficult to compare the features of these tools and end up choosing the best string trimmer available. And when we say best, we mean it’s the best one for the person using it.
