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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Corded electric trimmer; better for weeds
- Powerful enough for most weeds and tall grass
- Easy line reloads
- Lighter than a gas trimmer
- Quiet
- Heavier than other electric trimmers
- Length of extension cord limits its range
Comparison tests show that the Stihl FSE60 is one of the few electric string trimmers that perform as well as gas trimmers in its price range, even for handling tall grass and weeds. Yet it's not only far quieter and better for the environment, but also costs less to maintain and operate. The downside is that the user's range is limited to the length of an extension cord -- with this trimmer, that's up to 200 feet. If you need power but want more mobility, a gas trimmer is the way to go. The Craftsman 79197 (*Est. $200) is highly rated, though it weighs 20 pounds.
We found the best review of the Stihl FSE60 string trimmer at ConsumerReports.org, where editors rate and rank it in comparison with 43 other string trimmers of all types, based on tests done in the fall of 2007. A single-product review at ConsumerGuide.com provides more detail, and owners reviewing Stihl electric trimmers at Epinions.com give a view into long-term performance.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
This review compares the Stihl FSE60 string trimmer with nine other corded electric models in addition to three cordless trimmers and 31 gas models. All the string trimmers are ranked based on performance tests for trimming, edging and handling tall grass and weeds, plus ratings for ease of use.
Review: String Trimmers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, April 2008
This detailed single-product review rates the Stihl FSE60 electric string trimmer as good to excellent for every factor except value. Although some testing is referenced, editors don't clearly spell out their evaluation methodology. (Note: Although CosumerGuide.com editors say at the beginning of this review that the Stihl FSE60 has been discontinued, we were unable to confirm that. It is still available, and listed on the Stihl website as one of their products.)
Review: Expert Review: Stihl FSE60 Electric String Trimmer, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, July 21, 2008
3. Epinions.com
It's not clear whether or not some of the older owner-written reviews here refer to the Stihl FSE60 model, but the handful of owners who review "Stihl electric trimmers" here are very satisfied. Fewer than 10 specifically review the FSE60, but they give it four out of five stars, with the latest one posted in May 2009.
Review: Stihl Electric Trimmer, Contributors to Epinions.com
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