best affordable gas trimmers

Craftsman WS205 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer, 5. gas trimmer cutter grass husqvarna string And keep in mind that we performed our test in very difficult cutting conditions, with the tools cranked to their highest speeds. Yet as much as we value consistent battery compatibility, we think $100 for a cordless trimmer that hits all the right points is a solid value (even if it means owning an additional battery and charger). 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. If you have only minimal trimming needs, we like the Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger. Of our top picks, the Husqvarna 324L is by far the lightest at only 5.1 pounds. The ST1521S costs about the same as the ST1511T, so wed always opt for our main pick first. This trimmer from Craftsman is another option with a 4-cycle engine, but this one is even more powerful than the Husqvarna 324L.

Most users reported complete satisfaction with the 324L, but there are some minor complaints you should be aware of. Unlike the Egos, however, the Ryobi is also attachment-ready. So you can remove the trimmer head and replace it with any number of other yard tools, like a pole saw, a brush cutter, or a mini cultivator (each sold separately). I also have about a half-mile of electric fence that needs to be maintained with a string trimmer all summer (any blade of grass that grows to touch the fence reduces its effectiveness). A string trimmeralso known as a weed wacker, a strimmer, a weed whip, or a weed eateris the perfect complement to a lawn mower, adding a nice, crisp finish to your lawn. Weight: When youre using a string trimmer, you have to carry it. We liked that the Worx maintained its quiet operation through the start-up and into regular use. 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. 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. On thick Japanese knotweed, the Ego blazed right through 1-inch-thick stalks like they werent even there. Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. It was one of the smallest trimmers we tested, but it was the only one with a pivoting trimmer head. 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. Note: 2-stroke engines tend to produce more power than their 4-stroke counterparts. One of the greatest benefits of this trimmer is that its compatible with Ryobis line of Expand-It products. 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. This model isnt super light in weight but it isnt too heavy either, and the adjustable handle lets you find a working position thats comfortable and ergonomic for you. And we should note the Ryobi is louder and heavier than the Egos, plus a little harder to maneuver. Weve been covering outdoor power equipment since 2013, with guides to lawn mowers, snow blowers, and leaf blowers. The wheels are installed at the top of the trimmer head, and when its time to edge, you simply rotate the head until the trimming string is parallel to the shaft. So, what are the advantages of a gas string trimmer? Once you know what kind of string trimmer youre looking for, youll have to compare the many specific options on the market. Were here to help with this roundup of the best gas string trimmers for the money. 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). Thats easily enough to handle all but the most expansive lawns. While this can seem like an inconvenience, it also means that you wont have to perform regular oil changes. We think the vast majority of people will be able to get by with a cordless string trimmer. *At the time of publishing, the price was $90. The Worx is powered by a 20-volt battery and has no problem with grass, but it struggled with thicker, stalkier weeds. 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. But even with padded ears, its easy to pick up on the Ryobis whine. We independently review everything we recommend. Ryobi has two other attachment-capable 40-volt models, but neither matches the power of our runner-up pick. For this kind of work, we recommend the Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer. During testing, we paid attention to overall ease of use, balance, ergonomics, handling, and noise. The typical local practice in this situation: Scrape it bare with a string trimmer so theres nothing left to burn when fire season rolls around. We did not like the constant clicking noise of the string being trimmed. When it comes to gas engines for power tools, you have two basic options: 2-stroke (aka 2-cycle) or 4-stroke (aka 4-cycle). It was also the most capable cordless trimmer we found, with enough run time to cut a 1-foot-wide strip of grass almost two-thirds of a mile long on a single battery charge. A look at the cons and pros of a fake-turf installation at home. 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. We also used many of them to clear a Los Angeles hillside, which was covered with 3-foot-tall grasses, saplings, and nettlesome thistles.

A nearby child said, That thing sounds terrible. These adjustments make it easier to share the trimmer among members of a household. Because its entirely possible for the battery to empty out during use, we wanted a tool with the shortest possible charge time, minimizing downtime. The machines 25 cc, 2-cycle engine features a full crankshaft, which essentially means the engine will last longer. That includes tight spots and sensitive areas you dont want to damage, like the grass around your flower beds or hardscapes. So its nothing more than a whirrr followed by a quick little pop as the line is cut. While many users were satisfied with its performance and said it trimmed thick grass and weeds well, others reported that their trimmer malfunctioned to the point that they couldnt use it after only six months to a year. Electric motors also take a lot less maintenance than gas engines. LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. For small, well-kept yards, you might be better off with an electric model. On thick Japanese knotweed, the Ego blazed right through 1-inch-thick stalks like they werent even there. In our tests, we found that wider guards were better. In some extreme circumstances, only a gas tool will doand we have a gas-powered pick for those. You can expect about the same power, run time, and charge time, as with our main pick. Trimmers with curved shafts are usually shorter, lighter, and cheaper.

A small edge on the underside of the debris shield then cuts the end of the string to the proper length. Heres the appeal of a gas engine: With an ample supply of fuel and trimming line, youve got limitless run time for an all-day job, which is the reliable, durable Echos primary duty. While trimming in the field or on the Los Angeles hillside, we never had to stop, hesitate, or even slow down when using the Ego. We were able to cut down a number of branches and small trees that had fallen over a brook and we couldnt reach with a traditional chainsaw. This is how you determine the area of grass you can trim at once. This model, the latest in a long line of successful Ego trimmers, distinguishes itself with an easily adjustable telescoping shaft and a quick adjustment for the secondary handle. 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. For this guide, we focused on rechargeable cordless trimmers with enough power to cut everything from simple lawn grass to thick overgrown weeds. The best-performing trimmers cut approximately 3,400 square feet, which translates into trimming the same 1-foot swath around the perimeter of more than three and a quarter football fields. 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. 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. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. By purchasing extra attachments, you can easily convert this one tool into many others, including an edger, blower, and tiller. The biggest one is power. Youll notice all of our top picks have straight shafts. 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. Some come with clips for shoulder straps, which is a nice touch. The main appeal of the Craftsman WS205 is that its affordable. Run time and charge time: Cordless trimmers typically come with a single battery, so its crucial that they have a decent run time. The weaker trimmers strained their way through tougher conditions, either getting bound up in the grass or pushing it over instead of cutting it. The front handles durability is one drawback. 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. Users reported that the RM25S starts smoothly, works well, and is worth the money. Its normally priced comparably to the Ego ST1521S, so its on the low side for a high-quality gas trimmer. If neither Ego model is available, we also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer. The ergonomic handle is adjustable for right-handed and left-handed users. 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.

Thicker string is usually more durable and can cut through thicker grass. What impressed us the most about the Worx: its ergonomics.

All of our top picks hold a 0.095-inch string, which is recommended for professional use and should be more than enough to meet your needs around the house. At 11 pounds, its about a pound and a half more than our pick, a weight that takes its toll after a while. 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. Only by the whirling grace of a string trimmerslicing down the tall grass around the mailbox, front steps, fences, and flower bedsdoes a property look truly polished. Debris guard: Down at the trimmer head, there is a shield to protect the feet and lower legs from flying debris. This Poulan has a powerful 28 cc, 2-stroke engine like our Husqvarna pick, along with convenient perks like Tap N Go line release and easy spring-assisted starting. And it has provided us with a deep knowledge of the various manufacturers and their reputations for quality, availability, and customer service. In spring 2016, he purchased the SRM-225 for the job, after trying (and returning) Echos lighter-duty curved-shaft model. Egos system is a much-needed improvement in this area. For comparative run time and power, we hauled many of the trimmers out to an overgrown field and drained their batteries by clearing giant swaths of thick grass and dense weeds, and then calculating the total square footage each tool was able to handle. 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.

The measurement is technically not related to power itself but engine size. It also has only two speeds and no true variable-speed trigger. The Ryobi typically sells for about the same as the Ego ST1511T. Dont worry too much about which name to use theyre all the same thing. Ryobi RY253SS 25 cc 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer, 2. The premix saves an additional trip to a gas station, and the can is stabilized and able to be stored at home for years. Since youll usually pay more for a more powerful engine, you have to decide if your lawn needs the extra power enough to justify paying for it. Over years, our testing has proved that the best cordless tools have the run time and cutting ability for everything but the most extreme clearing jobs. 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. The brush cutter worked as advertised too. When all of the string is used up, just load about 16 feet of line through the trimmer head so that there are 8 feet sticking out of each side, and then pop its cover on. If you need more than just a string trimmer to tidy up your lawn, youll save money and storage space with this Ryobi tool.

But it was still very easy to manage due to its nice balance and the addition of a telescoping shaft and a quick adjustment on the handle (on previous Ego models, the handle can be moved only by loosening a series of screws). 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). The Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload is the best of these tools (which are also known as weed wackers or weed eaters1). Considering all that power, youd expect this trimmer to be noisy. 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. Unlike the picks weve listed so far, the Husqvarna 324L has a 4-cycle engine, which means it runs on straight gasoline and doesnt require mixing fuel. The trimmer has two speeds and a variable-speed trigger. For extra tough grass and commercial-grade jobs, the Craftsman CMXGTAMD30SA might be the best choice. In 2021, we tested two other smaller trimmers alongside the Worx, both typically priced under $125. On the Worx, this process is barely noticeable. 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. 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. 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. After new tests, the Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload is our pick. 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. What is it? Once the motor is at full speed and the line is cut, its still loud. The other trimmers we looked at all had slower motors, which resulted in a loud smacking noise as the string slapped against the cutter, until it reached cutting speed.

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best affordable gas trimmers

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