Propane Trimmers

As powerful as gas trimmers, but heavier than electric trimmers

Experts say propane pollutes much less than gasoline does, and propane trimmers don't emit exhaust fumes the way gas-powered trimmers do. Lehr Eco Trimmers are reported to be as powerful as good gas string trimmers, and can handle tougher assignments like tall grass and weeds. They require no priming and have no choke, so startup is easy, too. However, while you won't have to buy and store gasoline, you will have to buy 16.4-ounce propane canisters ($2 to $5 each), which can't be refilled. Lehr says you'll get about two hours of run time from each canister. The steel canisters can be recycled when empty.

Lehr introduced its Eco Trimmer line of propane-powered string trimmers in early 2009, all of which use the same four-stroke engine (Lehr also makes Craftsman-branded propane trimmers). The Eco Trimmers have come down in price, making them more attractive buys. Eco Trimmer models ST025DC (*Est. $140) and ST025DS (*Est. $225) have a detachable curved and a detachable straight shaft, respectively, so that the engine can be used to power other tools (like an edger). According to Lehr's website, these propane trimmers accept any standard brand attachments. Both are fueled by a single 16.4-ounce propane canister (like the ones used for portable outdoor grills) that provides about two hours of trimming time.

The Lehr Eco Trimmers use bump-feed line advancement, weigh between 13 and 15 pounds without the propane attached, and come with a two-year warranty (three years on the carburetor). They use a 25 cc engine and have a 17-inch cutting width. Lehr won a 2009 Clean Air Excellence Award from the EPA for its propane-powered lawn-care equipment, including the Eco Trimmer.

At Amazon.com, which sells the detachable-shaft models, almost 40 people rate the Eco Trimmer ST025DC, giving it an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The straight-shaft model, the ST025DS, also gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from 24 people. Professional reviewers give the Lehr Eco Trimmer high ratings; they like the power and efficiency delivered by this eco-friendly, alternative-fuel string trimmer. Professional landscaper Allyn Paul lauds the Eco Trimmer green technology.

In a comparative review of the Eco Trimmer and the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018, About.com's landscaping guide David Beaulieu recommends the Black & Decker for homeowners with light to average trimming needs and the heavier Eco Trimmer for professionals and homeowners routinely faced with tall grass and stubborn weeds.