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What is the Best Weed Eater? Read Our Reviews
We’ve covered all you need to know about choosing a weed whacker for your lawn, from the price to the features you need to keep an eye out for, and more. Now, here are those five great options we mentioned. Let’s see how they compare.
Our Top Choice
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless String Trimmer and Leaf Blower Combo Pack - Includes 2.0Ah Battery and Charger
Features
Greenworks is a brand of battery-powered equipment under the more giant Globe Group, a manufacturer with its headquarters in Changzhou, China. In North America, the company has its offices in Mooresville, North Carolina. Among the best of its products are weed eaters, even though the company makes many other outdoor pieces of equipment.
If you are looking for a lightweight machine that is also easy to use, consider buying the Greenworks G-MAX. The machine has a 40 volt, 2.0Ah battery that can last for a maximum of 45 minutes when fully charged. Good enough, the machine comes with a charger so that you can keep it working. If you want to clear tough weeds in your yard, the axial fan will deliver speeds of 110mph. That is fast enough for you to do any work you want. The weed eater also delivers 390 CFM, which is better than the existing industry standard.
Here’s what you get with the G-MAX 40V String Trimmer:
- A fast and powerful axial fan that delivers 390 CFM and 110 mph
- Includes a 40 volt, 2.0Ah Lithium-ion battery
- Zero carbon emissions
- Ability to provide smooth operation with minimal noise
The Greenworks G-MAX 40V String Trimmer is a part of Greenworks’ line of string trimmers.
Best Value
The Black and Decker 3-in-1 Weed Eater comes with additional features, allowing you to mow your lawn, trim glass edges, and clear away weeds. Want a more affordable model that also serves as a trimmer and edger and comes with batteries? You'll love the
BLACk and DECKER LSTE525.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Lawn Mower, String Trimmer and Edger - Cordless Electric Weed Eater Combo
Features
The name BLACK+DECKER is a combination of the names of the founders of the company – Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker. In 1910, the two came together to start the company in Baltimore, Maryland. The first products of the company were power tools. From 1916 onwards, the company employed an aggressive strategy that saw the introduction of other types of products. Today, it is one of the largest manufacturers of lawnmowers, as well as weed trimmers.
Whether you want an edger, mower, or trimmer, the BLACK+DECKER 3-In-1 Lawn Mower can deliver all the three functions. All you have to do is to decide what you want to do. It works on power drive transmission, which means it doesn’t bog down while you are busy working. If you have a property with an area of up to 750 square feet, this weed eater is what you need. It has an AFS auto-feed system that keeps the machine working with minimal or no bumping. When you buy this machine, you will also get two batteries in the package.
Look at some of what it offers:
- AIt features three functions and could work as an edger, mower, or trimmer
- The power drive transmission prevents instances of bogging down
- The ability for you to adjust the height to what you want
- Includes a pivoting handle
- Features the AFS auto-feed system for continuous work free of bumping
You can also get this weed eater with a 2.0 Ah battery or 3.0 Ah battery at different prices depending on the amount of work that's ahead of you.
The Husqvarna 128CD is a great weed whacker with a 28cc engine and effortless start-up thanks to its air purge feature. This model has an ergonomic curved handle design with a 17" cutting path. But if you prefer a an electric weed eater, then the
Husqvarna Battery Straight Shaft String Trimmer is worth checking out.
Husqvarna 128CD 17" Cutting Path, Detachable Gas String Trimmer Weed Eater - Curved Shaft
Features
Husqvarna is the oldest brand on our list. Originally created as the Jonkoping Rifle Factory by the order of the King of Sweden in 1620, Husqvarna knows what it means to deliver quality befitting a king. Since its ownership was transferred form the Crown to a private owner, Husqvarna has grown and expanded while staying true to quality that has withstood the test of time.
Husqvarna only used to manufacture musket pipes. It now produces a wide range of tools and products. One such tool is the Husqvarna 128CD gas string trimmer. It is lightweight and multipurpose, thanks to its attachment capabilities.
Check out its features:
- Air purge removes air from the fuel system and carburetor for easy start-up
- Detachable shaft makes storage and transport easy
- Compatible with multiple attachments, making it a great multipurpose tool
- The stop switch returns to the ON position on its own, saving you the time and effort
- Powerful 28cc engine
The Husqvarna 128CD is part of a lineup of trimmers designed with landscapers to give your lawn that look of excellence.
The WORX PowerShare 12" Cordless Weed Eater is a great lawncare tool that convers from a string trimmer to a wheel edger seamlessly. WORX also offers a higer end model - the
WORX WG170 Mini Mower that comes with two 20V batteries.
WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Cordless String Trimmer & Edge - Available in Different packages
Features
WORX is a popular brand of lawn & garden equipment, as well as power tools. It is owned by Positec Tool Corporation, a major manufacturer of power tools. The company carries out its operations in North America from its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. WORX is popular because of its garden and lawn tools, including chainsaws, lawnmowers, and trimmers.
When it comes to keeping your lawn well-trimmed, the first step you should take is to acquire a useful tool. The WORX WG163 can help you to edge and trim on steeped terrain, thus getting rid of weeds in the hard-to-reach places. Did you know that the weed eater is cordless? It has a rechargeable, 20V Lithium-Ion battery, making it a portable garden tool. With this weed eater, you will get cleaner cuts and straighter lines, thanks to the rubberized wheels. You can adjust the trimmer to prevent possible damage to landscape features, lawn ornaments, and damage plants.
Look at what it’s got to offer:
- The head can tilt up to 90 degrees to enable you to trim sloped terrain.
- Rubberized wheels stabilize and ensure the cuts are cleaner and the lines straighter
- The spacer guard is adjustable to avoid damage to plants, lawn ornaments, and landscape features
- The two included batteries are usable in any other tool labeled WORX PowerShare
The WORX PowerShare 12" Cordless Weed Eater is available in different packages depending on what type of a battery you want the tool to come with.
The Craftsman 17-Inch Gas Powered String Trimmer is a terrific lawn care tool. It’s lightweight, easy to start up and can be converted to other lawn tools like lawn mower with the right attachements. Prefer an electric model instead? Don't worry! The
Craftsman V60 WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Edger uses a strong 2..5 Ah battery and 2 speed switch for that added power.
CRAFTSMAN WS205 25cc 2-Cycle 17-Inch Straight Shaft Gas Powered String Trimmer and Brushcutter
Features
Craftsman is a brand that was started by Sears in 1927 to produce tools, workwear, and lawn & garden equipment. For 90 years, Sears sold products under the Craftsman brand without manufacturing them directly. The company sold the brand to Stanley Black & Decker in 2017 while retaining a limited license for all Craftsman products. Under the trademark, Stanley Black & Decker continues to make and sell some of the best gas-powered trimmers on the market.
The Craftsman WS205 is an effective, efficient, comfortable trimmer that leaves you less fatigued. Using the multi-position handle, you can take more control of it and steer it all over your lawn. Using the three-step starting, you can easily pull the machine into action. The first pulling action primes, the second chokes, and the third start the engine. It comes with a 25cc, 2-cycle, sturdy, lightweight engine with a cutting width of up to 17 inches. With that, you will cut more grass in a larger area in minimal time. By attaching other accessories, you can convert the till into different types of lawn-care products.
Check out its features:
- It has three-step, easy starting.
- The 25cc, 2-cycle engine is lightweight and sturdy.
- The handle is adjustable to various positions to give you greater control while ensuring you are less tired.
- It is capable of accepting all kinds of attachments to convert it into different garden products.
- The straight shaft ensures comfortable cutting with a clear view of the ground you are trimming.
- The bump-fed line saves time when feeding the 0.95-inch braided line.
Guide to Choosing the Best Weed Trimmer
A gorgeous lawn requires time, care, and effort. It doesn’t come about by magic, unfortunately. It needs the right fertilizer to nourish and protect it. As it grows, you tend to it with the right edger and cut it with either a weed eater or lawn mower.
Lawn care is comparable to hair care. When you’re cutting the lawn, you don’t just cut the grass and leave it be. You shape up the bushes and make sure that everything is in tip-top shape. Similar to how you get a haircut, you cut your hair as well as trim your beard and the like.
Everything comes together for a clean and polished look that everyone can appreciate. If this is your first time shopping for a weed eater, then no worries. We’ve put together a great buying guide to help you choose the right model for your lawn and budget.
By the way, in case you were wondering. Weed eaters, weed trimmers, weed wackers (or whackers) are
all names for the same thing. The term "weed eater" actually came about because that was the name of the very first brand. But over time, it began to be used interchangeably for different types of powered yard maintenance tools for trimming weeds. Kind of like how we call all bandages, band-aids!
Where the difference lies is between string trimmers and blade edgers, with the former being the focus of this article. Lawn edgers, also called stick edgers, have a more specific use — for making clean lines in your lawn. Trimmers, on the other hand can be used for both edging, as well as getting rid of weeds or cutting grass in the areas where your mower can't reach. If you are
looking specifically for an edger, we have a separate review for those.
Honorable Mentions
When it comes to lawn and garden equipment, there are a wide range of reputable brands. And weed eaters and trimmers are no exception. While we had to narrow the field down to five brands for our product reviews, we have to admit it was not an easy decision.
As a result, we wanted to give you a list of other quality weed trimmers that deserve to be mentioned.
How to Use a Weed Eater — Plus Comparison of Different Types of String Trimmers
Landscape contractor Roger Cook provides tips for safe, effective string trimming. | Courtesy of This Old House
Price
Weed eaters are available in different sizes and designs, all of which affect their overall price. There are four types of weed eaters, which are gas, propane, electric, and battery-powered. The most expensive of the four is the gas-powered models which offer more power than all the other models.
Besides the type of weed eater, other features which affect the weed whacker’s price are: the trimmer’s cutting width, the type of battery it uses if it’s a battery-operated model, and the materials used to create the weed eater, along with its design. A good weed eater starts at around $75 and can run you up to, say, $300.
That said, do your best to avoid purchasing cheap weed eaters. Their low price tag, while tempting, is an indicator of lower quality and a money-pit waiting to happen. Spend a little bit more and get something of better quality—you won’t regret it!
Features
Product features are what make a huge difference in how weed eaters operate and what they have to offer. While there are a few weed eaters with unique features, many of the great ones share some basic features, plus their own unique features which set them apart.
Here’s what to look out for when choosing a great weed trimmer:
- Weight - You’ll be carrying your weed eater around as you trim your lawn, so the weight is an important feature to consider.
- Power Source - We mentioned before that there are four types of weed eaters and they are determined by their power source. Choose the type that works best for your lawn care needs and budget.
- Shaft - There are weed eaters with curved shafts and those with straight shafts. Curved models are good for trimming tight areas, while straight ones can reach under different obstacles. Some shafts are even adjustable, while others are fixed.
- Cutting Swath - This refers to the trimmer’s cutting area.
- Engine - The engine’s power is an important factor, along with noise production.
- Simple Feed and Reload - Whether it’s a bump-feed or automatic-feed system, it’s important to choose one that’s easy to load and operate smoothly. However, if you do have a preference, then that works just as well.
- Safety Guard - This is a shield at the end of the string trimmer which will protect you from flying debris while you’re trimming your lawn.
- Warranty - Manufacturers typically offer great coverage with weed eaters and it’s always nice to know your investment is protected.
Construction and Design
Two factors you’ll likely want to consider when checking out various weed eaters are its build, and its balance and shaft. Let’s take a closer look at these features below.
Build
The overall build of a weed eater is crucial to its performance. When you’re shopping for a new one, you’ve got to take into account the size of your yard, the thickness of your grass, and stuff in your yard before you make your purchase.
If it’s the case that you need a powerful weed eater to cover a large area of land, then a gas-powered model would be the one for you. On the other hand, if you have a small yard with little grass, then a battery-powered or electric model would suit you just fine.
Balance and Shaft
Not only is weight a key feature to consider when choosing a weed eater, but so is its balance. You want a model that will perform smoothly without a fight. The type of shaft that you’ll choose, again depends upon your yard and what’s in it. Another important thing to remember when considering
which shaft to choose is that curved shafts are typically better-suited for light trimming, while straight shafts are better for heavy-duty jobs.
Performance and Ease of Use
When it comes to maintenance and care, gas trimmers require the most while electric and battery-powered models require the least. You could say that gas weed eaters’ need for more upkeep is what ensures their power and is the tradeoff for improved power and longer runtime. These are best suited for larger properties.
Electric weed whackers, on the other hand, are great for averagely-sized residences. They do not require as much upkeep as their gas-powered counterparts. However, they do not run as long and lack the power to take on the level of work that gas-powered models can. Battery-operated models offer more freedom, and with advancements in lithium-ion batteries, they have improved run times. Direct-powered models are more restricted due to their power cords, but won’t run out of power while in use.
If you opt for a gas-powered model, look for those with anti-vibration technology. This reduces the vibration produced by the engine, which can tire out your hands. When it comes to noise level, gas-powered models are also significantly louder than electric models, so it’s recommended you wear ear protection when using them and protective eyewear no matter which model you’re using.
How to Use a String Trimmer - 10 Skills to Master
Lawn care professional Jason Creel demonstrates how to use a weed eater. | Courtesy of Lawn Care Life
DISCLAIMER: Unless you are a professional, it's safer to keep the guard on your weed eater!
Get the Best Weed Eater of 2020!
Thanks for reading our weed eater review. We made sure to review different types of weed eaters so you can see your choices. If you didn’t think any of the ones reviewed were for you, then don’t hesitate to see what else these great brands have to offer. We made sure that they all had a wide range of great products for you to choose from.
Our Top Choice
Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless String Trimmer and Leaf Blower
Best Value
BLACK and DECKER 3-in-1 Lawn Mower, String Trimmer and Edger
Husqvarna 128CD 17" Curved Shaft Weed Eater
WORX PowerShare 12" Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
Craftsman 17-Inch Gas Powered String Trimmer and Brushcutter
Weed Eater FAQs
How Do You Start A Weed Eater?
The way you start a weed eater depends on the type you have. It could be gas-powered or cordless. If a gas-powered heater, you have to check that the tank has gas. Turn on the switch, followed by the choke. While pressing the purge valve, pull the cord. That sequence of actions will get the engine running. Starting an electric weed eater, whether corded or cordless, is a little bit different. If corded, you have to plug it into an outlet. A cordless one will have a rechargeable battery. Once it is plugged in or you are sure the battery is charged, simply pull the trigger to start the machine.
How Do You Replace Weed Eater String?
You need to go through the entire process of removing the old string from the spool. Push the new line into the central hole in the spindle for up to ½ inches. Weed eaters that use two lines will have two of these holes. Start to wind the string in the direction indicated on the spool. Keep going until you are ready to turn a fresh layer. If the spindle requires two lines, repeat with the second one. When you are through, clip the strings in the notch on the spool. Slot the spool in trimmer head and screw or snap the retaining cover into place.
How Do You Remove a Weed Eater Head?
Pick a flat surface and lay the weed eater on its side, ensuring the air filter cover is facing upwards. Use an adjustable wrench to hold in place the dust cup. This will prevent unnecessary movement in the shaft. Use one hand to move the trimmer head anticlockwise. Make sure the other hand is firmly holding the wrench. With that, you should have the trimmer head come loose.
