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Better Homes & Gardens
There is nothing like spending countless hours ensure thatyour lawn is plush and manicured , only to have some robustious areas take away from the overall look . Fortunately , string trimming capacitor are a simple-minded yet effective tool that can aid keep your lawn in large soma .
Quinten O’Dea , the owner of Q&A Landscaping , explain that a train trimming capacitor , also commonly referred to as a locoweed whacker , work by using a opus of string attached to a go around head , which turn very fast to snip .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
A string trimmer “ typically does the detail areas around the border of the lawn as well as along grueling Earth’s surface that the lawn lawn mower can not get , ” O’Dea says .
To find the best string pruner on the market for a variety of different needs , we tested nine gas and electric selection on our lawn at home . We also verbalise with O’Dea on what to look for when shopping for a twine trimmer .
What We Tested
We evaluate nine twine trimmer on theirease of use , pattern , andperformance . For more information on how we tested string trimmers , train outour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Ego Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer
It has an leisurely - to - use automatic line payload feature film and crack fast tutelage time .
Shaft height adjustment necessitate unscrew the hold , which can be inconvenient if you have multiple users .
This Ego Power Plus was balanced and incredibly soft to use . During testing , this trimmer easily slice through everything in its path and performed well when doing more accurate employment around debate and edging the yard .
Credit: Amazon
It was cinch to set up out of the box , only ingest 10 second to put together . The reflex parentage encumbrance feature was our team ’s favorite part of this machine . When loading a new stock , you string the line through the center of the pruner heading and press a button to automatically wind the line — we loved not accept to replace spools of line . When the putz ’s in consumption , bump the bottom of the machine on the terra firma will feed more line out while you work .
The strong carbon fiber shaft and scurvy - vibration brushless motor mean this tool was stable and comfortable to employ . The varying speed command allow for you to increase power , though if you consistently use top speed your battery will likely drain more quick . However , during our testing , the barrage fire only took 20 minute to reach full charge , and well did 2 yard ’ worth of employment without lose power .
The only flaw we found with this tool was that the process to attach the grip at various positions on the shaft was a bit time - consuming . We needed to unscrew the grip to adjust , which is inconvenient if multiple people will frequently use the shaft .
The Ergo Power+ trimmer feels balanced during use, making it easy to do precise work.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Product detail : Power Source : Battery |Cutting Width:15 in . |Weight:7.28 lbs . |Shaft Length:71.7 in . |Feed System : Bump
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
Worx 20V Power Share GT Revolution 12-Inch String Trimmer
This string trimmer converts into a trimmer , edger , and mini lawn mower .
The instruction were confusing and it was difficult to discover between the power , safety , and automatic line feed release .
If you ’re expect for an affordable all - in - one motorcar , the Worx GT Revolution weed whacker is a great choice .
This adaptable tool can be converted from a string trimmer to an edging tool or amini lawn mower . While it ’s comfortable to move the head and steering wheel around to convert it , the tiny lifelike pedagogy on the manual of arms and the small symbol on the tool itself were puzzling . Thankfully , the Worx website has an instructional video that effectively shows how to convert the trimmer into an edger or mini mower . The overall pattern prioritizes adjustability ; it was very gentle to adjust the shaft length so users of different pinnacle could operate on it comfortably .
Using this tool as a string trimmer joist was soft , and it swiftly reduce through grass and weeds . When used as an edger , the political machine has a bike feature that supports the tool as you edge , keep it at the perfect stature as you walk along . The mower mode was perfect to use for random tufts of green goddess that were taller than everything else .
While the battery takes several hours to fully charge , it also has a long run clip ; we used it for several sessions of yard body of work , and it still has n’t give way . The battery can also be used with all other Worx products .
One design defect was that the induction , safety permutation , and feed line button are all colorise orange and are clustered together at the top of the tool . We wished the power switch were a different color to help distinguish it from the other push .
Despite the minor confusion , we did like get the feed push up by the ovolo to easily press it to spool out more origin while the shaft ran . It was also simple to switch out the spool : just crop up it on and off the business death of the trimmer joist . As a incentive , this tool comes with a spare bobbin of string and a handy spool holder that attaches to the prick .
Product Details : Power informant : Battery |Cutting Width:12 in . |Weight:5.5 lbs . |Shaft Length:45.1 in . |Feed arrangement : Automatic
Best Splurge
Makita Brushless String Trimmer Kit
This professional - class lightweight trimmer has adjustable speeds and an automatic torque driveway way ; the abject speed is really ready to hand for precision trim .
The shoulder joint strap is not farsighted enough for very tall user , and interchange the line take disassembly .
The Makita was a pleasance to apply , easy channelise around trees , fencing material , and landscaping and quietly blaze a trail through flora . This car has three manual speeds to choose from to help you cut through bigger growth or fine - melodic line your trimming around landscaping . There ’s also an ADT ( machinelike torsion drive ) setting that lets the pruner adjust the f number itself based on the heaviness of the textile it is cut through . There ’s even a reverse push button that can be used to clear debris that ’s become tangled in the trimmer .
To load a Modern line , you reduce 9 feet of nylon corduroy , take the head aside , turn up the cord in one-half and fertilise it into the line spool , and then weave it manually . This method for line replacement is standard in many weed whacker , but at the price point , an machinelike line - load system would have been skillful .
However , this peter does have an easy - to - utilisation gibbousness feed ; softly tap the bottom on the ground when in use and it will feed more string .
The living handgrip can be adjust up and down depending on the height of the user and there ’s a berm shoulder strap for add stability . One tester , who was 6 - foot-5 , was ineffective to use the shoulder joint strap because he was too magniloquent , but this will in all probability not be a concern for most .
Product Details : Power generator : Battery |Cutting Width:15 in . |Weight:10.4 lbs . |Shaft Length:50 in . |Feed System : excrescence
Best for Edging
Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer
This auto pairs ease of use with a long - lasting battery .
Users are ineffectual to adapt the speed , and the single - pedigree system may clamber with duncical botany .
set up the Greenworks 40V was leisurely and we liked that it came preloaded with line of reasoning . The peter was adjustable and easy to change : release a clinch , slide the pecker to the desire duration , and reapply the clinch .
The machinelike feed organisation was another feature film that made this machine easy to utilise . The auto line confluent worked well for us , and the instructions state that if the line gets short , to stop the unit , then take again at full great power and the cable will automatically advance .
The Greenworks only has one lineage that stretch forth out of the unit , in demarcation to most other models , which have a double line . While this tool did execute well when testing , we wondered if it might have difficulty with thicker vegetation due to the unmarried line of products .
The battery takes about 1.5 hr to charge , and lasts 45 to 60 minutes , plenty of time for most grounds . This peter is the lightest on our list at only 5 pound , and therefore was not difficult to hold for an protracted period . It was prosperous to hold sideways to use as a lawn edger and did a great job at this task .
Though this pruner is incredibly lightweight and easy to use , remember to care for all machines with deference . “ To utilize a pruner safely , ” says Pogue , “ always follow canonic guard and wield it with care . apply the line sizing recommend for your trimmer so you do n’t get into out the motor . Users should outwear oculus auspices , discover protection , and gloves . wear thin sturdy skid to protect your groundwork , and if your hands get sore or bleb easy , break stocky gloves for comfort . ”
Product Details : Power Source : Battery |Cutting Width:13 in . |Weight:5 lbs . ( without battery ) |Shaft Length:52.68 in . |Feed System : Automatic
The Bottom Line
TheEgo Power Plus ST1521S String Trimmerwas our best-loved for the average householder , as it ’s a comfortable - to - use , lightweight machine that had a bang-up line auto - load feature . For those who want a more gravid - duty tool , we recommend theMakita XRU15PT 36V 18V X2 LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit , as the variable speed and power made train trimming into our favorite yard chore .
Our Testing Process
We first evaluate how promiscuous it was to read the instruction and assemble the machine . Then , we used the chain trimmer several times , make certain to test its power to be used as an edger as well . We tested theweed whackersin dissimilar sphere , such as around tree diagram and fence , to see the academic degree of precision they declare oneself .
During examination , we noted how easy the political machine was to operate and whether it was comfortable to carry . We memorialise the line consignment process and how well the line - provender system worked . We also stag the functionality of the weed whopper and its performance . For battery - manoeuvre machines , we put down the charge time and go prison term . After use , we compared the price of the model to how well it performed to decide if it was a good value .
What to Know About String Trimmers Before Shopping
Power Source
Like most outside ability tools , string trimmers are available in gas , battery , and cord models .
Typically , gas - powered tool let you the ability to work for longer , and to work on in areas without light access to electrical energy to reload . However , gas machines are heavier and produce more stochasticity and fumes .
However , “ cordless product now fork up gasolene - like performance or good , and the run - time of the batteries is develop to control they last long enough to do the caper for the average customer . ” In general , this will be around an time of day of uninterrupted use . Electric weed whackers are also much quieter during operation .
Credit: Amazon
Cutting Width and Shaft Length
A string trimmer joist ’s cut width bring up to the width the peter can cut in one pass . A full cutting breadth allows you to work more quick with fewer passes . However , a smaller cutting width is helpful if you have a lot of tight expanse or precision study that postulate to be done .
Our top picks have cut widths straddle between 12 and 17 inches .
The length of the shaft is an important ingredient for user , as it affects how comfortable it is to operate the machine . If the shaft is too long or too short , it will be uncomfortable to use . Many train trimmer have adjustable height shaft , which is a great selection to see the fit is perfect and you do n’t strain your back , weapon system , or shoulders while operating the twine trimmer .
The Worx Power Share trimmer can convert from a trimmer to a weed whacker.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Weight
The string trimmer on our list weigh between 5 and 11 Irish pound . Most of the heavier manikin amount with shoulder strap to help equilibrize the weight and assure unspoilt control of the machine . The light model on our listing is theGreenworks 13 - column inch String Trimmer , which weighs just 5 pounds without the battery .
Feed System (Bump or Automatic)
As you ’re operate the string pruner , the pipeline by nature shortens as it encounters debris . The provender system allows you to fertilise more line while the machine is in use so you’re able to keep working without interruption . An automatic system simply requires you to press a button on the handle to keep feeding . A bump organisation requires you to bump the bottom of the weed whopper on the soil to feed the railway line .
Each system has different benefit . Pogue “ Automatic feed systems streamline trimmer joist line of merchandise replacement for continuous operation , reducing downtime and frustration during maintenance , and ensures effective , continuous cutting . ” Pogue says . “ A gibbousness - provender organisation offer full ascendancy over ancestry length , crop well for longer session by let go of line only when take , and is typically more affordable than automatic organisation . ”
Other String Trimmers We Tested
Ryobi 40V 15 in. Expand-It Cordless Battery Attachment Capable String Trimmer
We liked that thisRyobi 40V machinecould be used with various attachments , such as a chain saw , and that it had a long - last battery . However , the large battery caused this Ryobi strand pruner to be a bit top heavy . The weed whacker ’s mad weight resulted in spotty trimming due to want of restraint .
Ryobi One Plus 18V 10 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer
While the smallerRyobi 18Vwas easy to handle , even for short exploiter , that did n’t make up for the crushed character phone line . During use , we had to reset the conducting wire spool and replace the string every few hour in order for it to trim back effectively . While we liked the machine overall , the transmission line quality need to be improved .
Stihl FS 91 R 16.5 in. Gas String Trimmer
This powerfulStihl strand trimmersliced through dense flora and twigs with ease . This tool is on the heavier side , though an included shoulder joint strap gain it much easier to carry and control . We follow the instructional folder , which notes that this pruner needs to be fueled with an oil and gas mix . you’re able to grease one’s palms pre - mixed fuel or make your own . Having to purchase a peculiar fuel mixture may be a barrier for some user .
Your Questions, Answered
How much can you expect to spend on a string trimmer?
Pogue order , “ The cost of a string trimmer depend on its type , feature article and brand . Prices can range from as low as $ 39 for entrance - level model to $ 500 or more for high - end model with advanced features . ”
Our favourite for the fair homeowner range in monetary value from around $ 100 to $ 300 . This mid - range price will typically provide features like reflexive line loading and strong enough power foreveryday landscape gardening tasks .
What is the difference between a lawn edger and a string trimmer?
While you’re able to use a string trimming capacitor asan edgerby turning it on its side , a lawn edger is technically a different tool . “ A lawn edger creates sharp border with a fixed vane , while a string trimming capacitor veer Gunter Wilhelm Grass and locoweed in hard - to - reach spots with a flexible line , ” Pogue says . “ Edgers define boundary , while trimmers manage world-wide maintenance , though some trimmers also have butt characteristic . ”
Trimmers with edging feature generally have an attachable wheel to help users keep a logical peak and distance while edging their lawn .
Who We Are
This article was publish byBetter Homes & GardenscontributorRachel Ahrnsen . She is a Master Gardener who spend hours explore the honest bowed stringed instrument trimmer joist and referencing the BHG testers ’ insights . She also consultedKim Pogue , senior merchant of handheld outdoor ability at The Home Depot .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make certain they ’re deserving a spot in your base . We buy most of the product we test ourselves , but occasionally we are leave samples by fellowship if buying is n’t an option . In these guinea pig , we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products .
Credit: Amazon
The Makita trimmer is easy to maneuver around fencing and landscaping.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Greenworks trimmer is comfortable to hold sideways to use as an edger.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We tested the trimmer on its side to determine if it’s efficient for edging landscaping.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We used the trimmer against tough landscaping stones to evaluate its performance.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The Stihl trimmer is heavy, but it was effective on both regular and dense vegetation.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
