EmailBest Reviewed
String Trimmers
- Cordless grass trimmer Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 *Est. $100
- Corded electric trimmer; better for weeds Stihl FSE60 *Est. $130
- Gas trimmer: most power, but heavy Craftsman 79197 *Est. $200
- Eco-friendly propane trimmer Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC *Est. $210
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Eco-friendly propane trimmer
- Eco-friendly
- Accepts accessories
- Powerful
- Easy to start
- Relatively heavy
- Unproven brand
- Ongoing cost of propane canisters
Propane string trimmers are new to the market. This Lehr trimmer was introduced in spring 2009, so the brand and the trimmer itself are relatively unproven. However, so far reviewers are fans of the Lehr Eco Trimmer. It's as powerful as a gas trimmer yet you don't have to buy and store gasoline, and propane is less polluting. However, you do have the ongoing cost of one-pound propane canisters (*Est. $3 to $5 each), which can't be refilled and only give you two hours of runtime each. The ST025DC has a detachable curved shaft and weighs 15 pounds with the propane canister. All Eco Trimmer models are fairly heavy. Those who want power but less weight may want to consider the corded electric Stihl FSE60, another eco-friendly choice.
We found the best reviews of the Eco Trimmer at About.com, which features both a single-product review and one that compares the Lehr trimmer to a Black & Decker Grass Hog.
Professional landscaper Allyn Paul provides a video review on his website, LifeAndLawns.com. GearPatrol.com contributing editor Dusty Overby reviews the Eco Trimmer as well. Since the Eco Trimmer is new to the market, we were unable to find many owner reviews, but there are a few at Amazon.com, which sells the detachable-shaft models.
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Our Sources
1. About.com
David Beaulieu, About.com's guide to landscaping, cites several advantages the Eco Trimmer has. It won a 2009 Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Excellence Award; propane doesn't gum up the carburetor, so owners will have fewer engine problems; and it does not give up "power and price in the name of being 'eco-friendly'." He recommends it for professionals, and for homeowners "with challenging trimming requirements" -- either a large area to trim, or one with tough brush and weeds. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Lehr Eco-Friendly Weedeater, David Beaulieu
2. About.com
Beaulieu compares two eco-friendly string trimmers: the new Lehr propane-powered Eco Trimmer models and Black & Decker's cordless NST2018. He recommends Lehr's Eco Trimmer for professionals and for homeowners who need a powerful string trimmer that can handle tall grass and weeds. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Eco-Friendly Weedeater Comparison: Lehr vs. Grass Hog, David Beaulieu, June 2, 2009
This video review evaluates the straight-shaft Lehr Eco Trimmer on the author's own lawn. Allyn Paul finds that the Eco Trimmer doesn't cost more than models with the same power that are more polluting, and its quality is just as high.
Review: Lehr Eco Trimmer Review, Allyn Paul, May 21, 2009
Dusty Overby doesn't specify which Eco Trimmer model he's reviewing, but since all four use the same engine, the review still has value. Overby says the Eco Trimmer is just as powerful as his gas trimmer.
Review: Lehr Eco Trimmer, Dusty Overby, April 22, 2009
5. Amazon.com
Amazon.com sells the two detachable-shaft models of the Eco Trimmer, one with a curved and one with a straight shaft. Fewer than 10 owner reviews appear here as yet, but so far they're positive.
Review: Lehr ST025DC, Contributors to Amazon.com
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