How to choose a weed eater?

Weed eaters (also called string trimmers or weed wackers) are helpful tools for your garden — ideal for spots that are too tight for a lawn mower, for example around trees, shrubs or rocks or along fences and walls.

Generally speaking, weed whackers are used for two main tasks:

• Cleanup after mowing — around paths, fence lines or in tight spots where the lawn mower isn’t practical. Most of the time you don’t need much power for these jobs, but mobility and ease of use is the key — that’s why cordless or electric grass trimmers are the best choice. Furthermore, they are often equipped with an edger adjustment.
• Cutting grass in rough areas — where the mower cannot be used at all (steep slopes, rugged terrain or high overgrown grass for example). Getting enough power is much more important here, so we are talking mainly about gas powered machines and sometimes even brush cutters (where the string is replaced by metal blade).

So we advise you to start this way — think about the most common tasks you plan using your cutter on and decide which type will the best option for you.

Electric, Corded Weed Eaters

Pros:

• Cheap
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Limited by cord
• Less powerful

Cordless Weed Wackers

Pros:

• Free movement
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Limited by battery
• Less powerful

Gas Powered Weed Wackers

Pros:

• Powerful
• Free movement

Cons:

• Heavier, vibrations
• More expensive

Some more things to consider:

Size of your property and obstacles on the way

• On a smaller garden, you can get by with a cheaper electric tool, but as the size of your lawn (and distance to power outlet) increases, you would appreciate the mobility of battery or gas trimmers.
• Also, a cordless one would be better than electric if there are many obstacles on your garden (trees, poles, furniture etc.) — you don’t want to deal with a tangled cord every few minutes
• Think about how much time would the landscaping take — cordless weed wackers are limited by the battery work time (usually 20–40 minutes) and spare batteries are fairly expensive. So for a large yard, a gas machine is ideal.

Prefer a certain brand?

If you already own some products of a particular manufacturer’s cordless lineup or just have a favorite brand, we have specific sections for you.

If you have to do your own lawncare, you know the importance of a quality weed trimmer. Without a weed trimmer, bits of grass remain along the fence lines after mowing. Weeds sprout alongside sidewalks or cobblestone. Trees remain encircled with a thin ring of weeds. Without a weed trimmer, your lawn looks like it just received a poor haircut with dull scissors. Weed trimmers, however, help you groom your lawn and give it a manicured look. Trees, fences and pathways look neat and trimmed because if you have a weed trimmer, you can reach weeds no matter where they grow.

• Select the right power source. Weed trimmers come in three power styles: cordless, electric and gasoline. Cordless trimmers provide the least power. They operate off a battery that provides 20 minutes to 1 hour of trimming. When you finish, you must plug in the trimmer’s battery charger and re-charge the battery. Corded electric trimmers offer intermediate power. They plug into a standard 110-volt socket. They offer cord lengths of 25 feet to 50 feet, and they can handle thick weeds. Gasoline-powered units provide enough power to trim weeds or brush. They create more noise than corded trimmers and they create exhaust.
• Compare electrical power or motor sizes. A standardized rating for weed trimmers does not exist. Manufacturers rate electric trimmers according to amperage (amp) or volts (v). Amperage or volts indicates the electrical power the trimmer produces. Trimmers with higher amperage or volts trim faster. Corded and cordless electric trimmers have 3 to 4.4 amps or 12 volts to 18 volts Manufacturers rate weed gas-powered trimmer engines according to how many cubic centimeters (cc) of air they can displace. Small 15-cc to 25-cc engines provide basic trimming power. They might include cordless trimmers. They don’t work against thick weeds or brush. Most gas-powered trimmers come in 20-cc to 31-cc engines that provide the maximum amount of weed trimming power. They can handle the thickest weeds. They can power a trimming blade to cut through thick brush.
• Compare batteries or gas tanks. Electric trimmers trim for 20 minutes to 60 minutes. Gas-powered trimmers hold 1/4 gallon to 1/3 gallon and trim for 30 minutes to 90 minutes.
• Test the automatic cord extender. Automatic cord extenders allow you to trim uninterrupted. When the cord shortens, you can tap a button, and the trimming cord lengthens. Some weed trimmers have automatic cord extenders on the handle. Others have a button beneath the trimming cord that you tap. Look for one that works reliably and that you can work easily.
• Compare features. Features like auto-shut off release triggers, extended safety guard around the trimming cord, sure-grip handles, push-button starting and deep cord basins that can store lots of trimming cord make your weed trimmer safer and more versatile. Purchase a trimmer that offers the most features.
• Compare prices. Cordless weed trimmers cost between $39 and $69. Corded weed trimmers cost $50 to $100. Gas-powered weed trimmers cost $100 to $240. You must also consider that string for all types of weed trimmers costs $6 to $15. Finally, for gas-powered trimmers, you must also purchase gasoline and motor oil. Try not to sacrifice safety features to save a few bucks.
• Review the warranties. Read weed eater reviews before purchasing. Many retailers offer a 90-day warranty on weed trimmers. Some manufacturers, however, offer a 1-year parts warranty.