String Trimmers

If all you need to trim is the edge of a small grass lawn that's kept well mowed -- with little tall grass or tough weeds -- then reviews say a lightweight electric trimmer will get the job done. These are more pleasant to use than gas trimmers because they're quieter; they also start without problems, you don't have to fill them with gas and oil, and there are no fumes or fire hazards from gasoline. If you can finish your trimming in 20 to 45 minutes or so, a cordless trimmer can handle regular grass just fine. A corded electric trimmer has no runtime limit, but the entire trimming needs to be within 100 feet of an outlet. Of course, if you have just a tiny bit of edging to do around a patio, then hand grass shears can be the best solution. (See our Alternative Considerations section below for recommended shears.)

If, on the other hand, you need to trim a large area, tall grass, or tough weeds, then reviews say only the better gas trimmers have enough power; an electric trimmer or poorly rated gas trimmer will just be frustrating. Low-priced homeowner trimmers cost less, but the pro or near-pro trimmers vibrate less, important for both comfort and health, especially if you'll be using the trimmer for more than 20 minutes or so at a time. Durability is another major advantage to professional-level string trimmers. According to Tom Bernosky's article in Landscape and Irrigation magazine, homeowner trimmers are designed for a total life of only 40 hours of use, making more expensive trimmers, with an average lifetime of 2,000 hours, a better buy in the long run.

String trimmers come in two basic shaft designs: Straight and curved, with advantages for each. Many people find the balance on curved-shaft trimmers more comfortable, especially when holding them flat to mow an area of lawn at an even height. On the other hand, reviews and professional landscapers favor straight-shaft trimmers, which can reach more easily under shrubbery. The straight shaft is often, though not always, built with a more durable drive inside. Most professional or near-professional trimmers are the straight-shaft type.

Gas trimmers give you an additional choice to make, between two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Most trimmers still use two-stroke or two-cycle engines that require you to mix oil with the gasoline. Four-cycle engines cut emissions -- including the pollution of the air you breathe as you trim -- by about 75%. Most lawn mowers now use four-cycle engines in order to meet air emissions standards; these engines add the oil automatically, so all you need to pour in is the gasoline. Four-cycle trimmers are also quieter.

The only drawback is that four-stroke engines are heavier, so that even wearing a shoulder strap, using the trimmer may be more tiring. Another way to minimize toxic emissions is to buy a two-cycle string trimmer that meets California's higher standards; these are labeled as CARB-acceptable. They're available online to ship to any state, and local retailers can order CARB-ready string trimmers even if they don't keep them in stock.

Best 2-stroke gas trimmers

The most recent comparative reviews recommend the Echo GT-200R or GT-201R(*est. $180). Both use a 21cc engine, but the GT-201R emits less air pollution and is CARB-ready. The Popular Mechanics review says this curved-shaft Echo trimmer "cuts like a pro," giving it high marks for ease of handling. This is partly due to its 9.6-pound weight (including the cutting head), light for a professional-level gas trimmer. Tests there also show it starts easily. We found some rave reviews at Epinions.com and in the forum at Abbey's Guide, including users who'd used the Echo 200 trimmer for many years. We also found a few complaints from users at Epinions.com about quality control, and about the gas line being degraded by the fuel. Indeed, Echo and the Consumer Product Safety Commission did recall some GT-200R and GT-201R trimmers sold between Feb. 2003 and May 2004 so that the gas line could be repaired. (No injuries or property damage were reported.)

Not tested at either Popular Mechanics or Consumer Reports this year is the Echo 200i or Echo 201i (*est. $190), part of the same earlier Echo recall for gas line repairs. The Echo 201i is CARB-ready, emitting less air pollution than the Echo 200i. These trimmers weigh 3 ounces more than the Echo 200R and 201R trimmers, but the main difference is that the "i" in the model number means that these Echo gas trimmers use a special "i-start" system for easy starting. In 2004, Popular Mechanics called the i-start system one of the best innovations they found at that year's outdoor power equipment show. However, the 2006 Popular Mechanics review finds the slightly less expensive Echo 200R trimmer very easy to start.

For handling tall grass and weeds, two reviews recommend the 28cc straight-shaft Husqvarna 125L (*est. $200) . At Popular Mechanics, tests of this trimmer find absolutely no "weed-winding" -- that annoying way tall grass and weeds can get tangled around the cutting head. The Husqvarna costs slightly more than the Echo trimmers above, and it doesn't get as high marks for overall handling and ease of use, but the Popular Mechanics review concludes that it's the easiest-starting of the twelve gas trimmers tested, which included a Stihl with its Easy2Start system. In fact, the Popular Mechanics testers were unable to find any drawbacks at all to the Husqvarna 125L trimmer, giving it top ranking among the pro models along with another "perfect" trimmer, the Shindaiwa T2510 (*est. $370) that costs nearly twice as much. (We discuss the Shindaiwa trimmer below.)

For quite a bit less money, the 32cc straight-shaft Craftsman 07179189000 (*est. $140) is also rated easy to start; the Popular Mechanics tests say the Sears "Incredi-Pull" starting mechanism definitely works. But it has some major drawbacks. Its aggressive power is great for tackling weeds, but testers say the debris shield doesn't match the level of power, so it's not as safe as most. Also, when run at low rpm, there's noticeable vibration. Popular Mechanics considers the Craftsman a "near-pro" trimmer, not as durable or comfortable for long sessions as the Echo and Husqvarna trimmers above. In this "near-pro" category there's a better buy -- the Weedeater Featherlite, discussed below.

Budget gas string trimmers

With as much power as the Craftsman gas trimmer above, but at nearly half the price, two recent comparative reviews recommend the 25cc straight-shaft Weedeater Featherlite SST25 (*est. $90) as a best buy. Ordinarily a string trimmer this inexpensive would be categorized as a homeowner model, but the Popular Mechanics review calls it "near-pro," praising its aggressive cutting action and the way the line head is easy to remove. One safety drawback is that to kill the engine, you have to hold down the stop switch. It weighs about ten pounds.

The 25cc curved-shaft Homelite Trimlite UT20004A (*est. $70) is a homeowner trimmer that also weighs only about ten pounds. One review says it handles tough weeds even better than the Weedeater Featherlite above. In the Popular Mechanics review, the Trimlite ranks lower; editors say it is prone to weed winding, which wasn't a problem with the Featherlite trimmer. This review also criticizes the short shaft on the Homelite trimmer, saying it puts the user too close to flying debris.

Popular Mechanics criticizes the 31cc, ten-pound, curved-shaft Bolens BL100 (*est. $75) for the same reason (short shaft), but the Bolens shows the least weed winding of the homeowner trimmers they tested, including a Toro, Craftsman, and Ryobi as well as the Homelite Trimlite above. Both the Bolens BL100 and the Homelite Trimlite UT20004A string trimmers are easy to start, but the Bolens has a bit more power.

Reviews recommend all three of these trimmers. Unless you prefer a curved-shaft trimmer, the Weedeater Featherlite SST25 offers almost professional durability and a safer long reach. If you prefer a curved-shaft trimmer, the Bolens BL100 avoids weed winding and weighs about the same.

Four-stroke engines produce the lowest emissions

String trimmers with four-stroke engines emit up to 75% less air pollution. Also, you don't have to mix the gasoline with oil. Four-stroke string trimmers are heavier, though, so reviews recommend using a shoulder strap with them. Honda has several four-cycle string trimmers, and the Popular Mechanics review praises the power of the 25cc Honda HHT255LTA (*est. $350), saying it offers "smooth, vibration-free performance at all rpm ranges." The main drawback, aside from the high cost, is that it weighs about 14 pounds. Popular Mechanics categorizes the Honda as a "near-pro" trimmer, in the same grouping as the Weedeater Featherlite (*est. $90) But the Honda costs more than any of the two-cycle trimmers Popular Mechanics tested.

The four-cycle pro trimmer Shindaiwa T2510 (*est. $370) is rated as perfect -- just no faults at all -- by Popular Mechanics. The straight-shaft Shindaiwa trimmer has a 25cc four-cycle / two-stroke hybrid engine. This hybrid engine, developed in anticipation of EPA and CARB limitations on outdoor power-tool emissions, combines the low emissions and noise of a four-cycle engine with the lighter weight and sure lubrication of a two-cycle engine. You do have to mix oil with the gas, but this is the only drawback. Popular Mechanics testers especially like the way the line head operates. The Shindaiwa trimmer carries a two-year warranty, with a lifetime warranty on the solid steel driveshaft.

Corded electric trimmers

Corded electric trimmers are the least expensive string trimmers, usually lightweight and easy to handle. They're also quieter and far less polluting than gas-powered models, and they start with the push of a switch. As noted earlier, the best electric trimmers perform about on par with low-end gas trimmers, but they can't compete with the best gas trimmers when it comes to dealing with tall grass and weeds. When it comes to electric trimmers, higher amperage usually means better performance. The other main drawback is that you have to stay within 100 feet of an outlet.

Black & Decker is well known for its outdoor power tools, but two other brands, Troy-Bilt (made by MTD) and Ryobi rank higher in recent reviews. The 4.7-amp Troy-Bilt TB50 (*est. $60) electric string trimmer weighs only eight pounds, less than even the lightest gas trimmers. Reviews say it edges and trims well -- as long as you don't have to deal with tall grass or weeds -- and it gets especially high marks for edging. The Troy-Bilt is a curved-shaft trimmer, and reviews say it's quite comfortable to use. Troy-Bilt tells us that this trimmer is only available directly from the company, but a similar 4.5-amp trimmer, the Troy-Bilt TB45E (*est. $40) is easier to find in retail stores.

The 6-amp Ryobi EL15 RY41002 (*est. $60) performs and handles just as well as the Troy-Bilt TB50 string trimmer, but it weighs a pound more. However, the Ryobi trimmer mounts the motor at the top of the handle, so there's less weight at the far end. This motor placement gives the Ryobi another advantage; the cutting head rotates to make it faster to adapt for vertical edging. Both of these electric trimmers use dual-line cutting heads that feed line out whenever you pump the cutting head on the ground.

The 4.8-amp Black & Decker Grass Hog GH600 (*est. $50) is far lighter at 5.4 pounds. It gets the best marks among electric string trimmers for ease of use, but doesn't perform as well as the Troy-Bilt and Ryobi trimmers (though it edges about as well as the Ryobi). Its main advantage is that instead of a bump-feed mechanism, the string feeds out automatically. However, the automatic feed gets mixed reviews from users at Amazon.com; some love it, while others complain that it works erratically or wastes string. Users reviewing the Grass Hog GH600 string trimmer at Epinions.com also complain that it uses too much line.

Black & Decker also makes the more powerful 7.2-amp Grass Hog GH1000 (*est. $70) , but it weighs nine pounds, and we found only one review of it, in which a user posting at Amazon.com complains that the hub keeps flying off. Both Black & Decker trimmers, like the Ryobi, make it easy to rotate the head for ease of edging.

All these electric trimmers carry two-year warranties, and reviews say that any would be a reasonable choice as long as you're trimming a well-kept lawn, but not tall grass or weeds. If you have to go back and forth a lot between edging and other trimming, the Ryobi or Black & Decker trimmers offer the most convenience. If lightweight makes a big difference to you, the 5.4-pound Black & Decker GH600 certainly ranks at the top. Otherwise, reviews say the less expensive eight-pound Troy-Bilt TV45E gives the best performance at the lowest price, and we've included it in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers.

Cordless trimmers

In an unusual consensus of reviews, the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 (*est. $100) gets more recommendations than any other cordless trimmer. Reviews praise it for ease of use, but only for trimming small, well-kept lawns -- not tall grass, weeds, or large areas. It uses the same 18-volt NiCad batteries as other 18-volt Black & Decker tools, so you can keep extra batteries charged. (It comes with a pair.) This can extend the run time, which otherwise is only 20 or 30 minutes per charge. Reviews say it's definitely worth the extra $10 over the 12-volt Black & Decker CST2000 (*est. $90) because it edges better, though oddly enough, the 12-volt trimmer gets higher marks for cutting tall grass and weeds. Users at Amazon.com give the18-volt Black & Decker NST2018 an average rating of four (out of a possible five), saying it's fine for grass only.

For half the price, the 12-volt Toro 51464 (*est. $50) straight-shaft trimmer doesn't edge as well as the Black & Decker above. However, reviews say it trims about as well (on short grass, not tall grass or weeds). It can run about 45 minutes per charge, which is twice the runtime as the Black & Decker trimmer, but it manages this by using a lead-acid battery that brings the total trimmer weight to ten pounds. Its straight shaft provides extended reach, but the cutting swath is only eight inches, so you have to get closer to the work than usual (most trimmers have a 12 to15-inch cutting path). Users reviewing the Toro cordless trimmer say that once you get used to this, the trimmer works well; they give it a near-perfect average rating of 4.5 out of a possible five.

Important Features: String trimmers

The following is what the experts say about buying a string trimmer:

• Straight-shaft trimmers have longer reach and are better for trimming beneath shrubs. Curved-shaft trimmers are easier to maneuver, especially for shorter people, and they also make it easier to trim evenly.

• Choose between gas and electric according to what you need to trim. If you're trimming the edges of a well-kept lawn with fine grass, a lighter-weight, less polluting electric trimmer can do the job, but for tall grass or weeds, a gas mower will perform much better.

• Good balance is just as important as weight. Make sure weight is evenly distributed. Trimmers with an electric motor at the bottom of the shaft are less well balanced than those with a motor at the top.

• A string-advance system, which feeds out new string, is a must. Automatic string feeds are more convenient when they work well; "bump-feed" systems, where you tap the trimmer's head to feed out new line, are the next best choice. Eventually you'll need to replace the spool, so look for a trimmer that has an easy-to-replace system instead of one that requires hand winding and disassembly.

• Trimmers that have a gap between the spool and the end of the shaft are more prone to weed winding, which can slow or stall the engine.

• Experts say gas trimmers should have a clutch, which disengages the cutting head when the engine idles. Without a clutch, you have to turn the machine off to stop the string from spinning while moving between spots.

• Although there's little correlation between engine size and performance, reviewers say large engine size can affect a gas trimmer's weight and ease of use. With electric machines, however, higher amperage means a better cut.

• If a gas trimmer has a translucent fuel tank, it's easy to know when it needs refueling.

• A shoulder strap makes for comfort and back safety. This is especially applicable for heavy gas trimmers.

While you're using any kind of string trimmer, experts say to remember that they can throw rocks and other objects with tremendous force, in almost any direction. Eye protection is a must, face and ear protection are recommended, and gloves, long sleeves and long pants, and closed-toe shoes are smart. Tall boots are the safest footwear. We have links to articles on trimmer safety in the Best Research section below.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Black & Decker NST2018 Grass Hog (cordless) (*est. $100)	details
2	Echo GT-200R or Echo GT-201R (*est. $180)	-
2	Homelite TrimLite UT20004A (*est. $70)	-
2	Echo 200i or Echo 201i (*est. $180)	-
2	Weedeater Featherlite SST25 (*est. $90)	details
1 each	American Gardener VS18 Yardstick Lightline, Black & Decker CST2000 (cordless) , Bolens BL100, Craftsman 358796121, Echo SRM210 , Echo SRM260, Honda HHT255LTA, Honda HHT25S, Husqvarna 125L, Husqvarna 325RX, Ryobi EL15 RY41002, Shindaiwa T2510, Stihl FS45, Toro 51353, Troy-Bilt TB50

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