Table of Contents
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Whenever we review any product, we try our best to get the product in our hand so that we can physically witness the machine. The weed whackers that are listed here were chosen on the basis of unbiased results through our tests. We also want to clarify that we make sure we are in no contact with the manufacturer to get you the true and unbiased reviews that you require. Nothing out of the blue is going to change the way you work. Any results of our reviews were never provided by the manufacturer of the products listed below.
Functionality and design are perhaps the two major factors that weed whackers depend on. The trimmer you use should be good enough to trim off the weed bushes in no time without any extra effort from your end. For our reviews, we tested each of the products in a controlled environment to make sure that the best, and unbiased results were put forward.
We know that you need a product that doesn’t cause any issues in your life, and that is why we made sure we measure the decibels of the sound produced by each weed whacker. This was tested to verify if you needed earplugs so that you don’t face any hearing issues. The weight and length of the shaft were measured along with the size of each trim. For making sure that the tests were the same for everyone, testers of different height, weight and body structures were selected. Exposure to such vibrations for a longer period can also cause a lot of health issues, which is one of the many reasons we tested that as well.
After several of such tests, we were finally able to realize what was best for tall people and what was best for short people, which product created a lot of noise, and which was perfect for people who had issues with vibrations. A series of tests finally led us to the results that were needed. Before you buy a weed whacker for yourself, you need to consider a few things, some of which we highlighted for you below.
String Trouble
Easy Ways to Replace a String and Its Lasting Period: To keep your lawn weed-free, your weed whacker uses a spool of string that is wound up somewhere inside the trimmer. The string wears out quickly and needs to be replaced after its life is over, which can sometimes happen even after one session. String reloads are usually very distinct. Semi-automatic models usually know what you need. The majority of the models have a bump feature, which basically means that you need to give them a little knock on the back so that the machine pushes through an additional amount of thread. Manual units are often different to use and difficult however, so you will have to stop trimming, turn it upside down and replace the thread yourself. When replacing the thread, you need to keep in mind that the string should be the exact amount that the string holder requires. This string is actually pretty expensive as well, so you need to make sure you are using it wisely. Ideally, shorter amounts of strings last the longest.
Manufacturer Warranty
What Kind of Warranty Does the Manufacturer Provide? Knowing that your weed whacker is supported by a manufacturer warranty is very important. However, keep in mind that the warranty is not all that you need for a device like this. Customer support is also vital so that you can discuss any problems that you may be facing with the device and can get them fixed from a nearby service center.
Weed Trimmer Maintenance
When talking about yard work, nothing is more important than the maintenance of your weed whacker. These things can get a bit annoying if you were looking forward to a relaxing Sunday after finishing off your chores. However, there are many upsides to maintenance as the better your trimmer is maintained, the better your results will be. If you have enough time in your schedule to maintain it daily, then go for it. We will be discussing some tips and tricks that will allow you to make the most out of your gas trimmer. There are two categories that we will be discussing, the first being preventative care and the other being repairs.
Preventative Care
If you think you can do proper maintenance without a manual, then let me be the first one to tell you that you are probably wrong. Most manuals contain a preventative care section that tells you the do’s and dont’s of the device. This will basically be a schedule telling you what to do and when to do it. This section usually shows you how to maintain the spark plugs, air and fuel filters, and performance of the device and will contain cleaning instructions as well. Sometimes there are many instructions that are specific to your device’s engine. Now let’s talk about the things that apply to all gas trimmers, not just specific ones.
Spark Plugs
A spark plug is perhaps one of the most important parts in a trimmer. A bad spark plug can even prevent your weed whacker from starting or working properly. When you’re not using the trimmer and the engine is cool, you can check and change the spark plug. Follow all instructions carefully as you place back the spark plugs.
Air & Fuel Filters
Dirty filters let dirt enter the machine and ultimately change the entire way it works. However, it is not very hard to clean. The air filters can be easily removed and cleaned. Some of these filters require a coat of oil when cleaning and that is something you need to keep in mind. Keep your eyes open for clogged fuel filters and replace them if necessary.
Performance & Cleaning
Make sure you adjust your idle speed, especially if your residence is at a higher altitude. The driveshaft is another thing that may require greasing from time to time. The process for this needs to be followed as per the instructions on the manual provided to you. Dish soap and a wet cloth are enough to clean most of the parts.
Engines, Oil & Fuel
There are a hundred different sorts of engines in a hundred different types of weed eaters. If you look at the specifications, you’ll find a proper oil-gasoline ratio that needs to be followed. We would advise you to strictly follow it. If your machine is a four-cycle engine, then you will have to change its oil every day. Just in case you are not going to use the weed eater for a long time, make sure you drain the old fuel to avoid engine problems.
Repairs
Even if you think there is a simple repair that you can make easily while your product is under warranty, please make sure you go to the repair center instead of doing something yourself. Sometimes certain parts need to be replaced and messing up with the engine is not the answer. Only when your warranty expires, can you start making your own repairs. When making repairs, make sure you actually know what you’re doing. Experimenting on something might not be the answer. Tools, efforts, and proper instructions are needed to get these tasks done and that is something you need to keep in mind. Many different manufacturers provide you with a parts list and many others don’t, so educating yourself on this topic is very important. For parts, I would advise you to trust official company outlets. Using original parts is very important and you need to understand that. If the company isn’t providing you with original spare parts, try and contact a dealer that may get you great custom parts. One thing that I would want to repeat is educating yourself on how to make repairs and changes. Figure out the tools that you’ll be needing. A screw driver, a wrench, the replacement part, and a bit of know-how is probably all you need to fix a weed trimmer.
1. Hitachi CG22EAP2SL Review
Hitachi’s two-cycle, straight shaft gas weed eater is perhaps one of the most diverse weed eaters that you’ll find on the market. It specializes skipping through bushes, fences and different obstacles with the help of its long driveshaft that is perfectly designed for this purpose. If you are taller than most people, this is the weed eater that you’re looking for. For people who are shorter, this is going to provide an amazing lightweight experience. It comes with an anti-vibration system that allows you to stay safe from harmful vibrations. The trimmer also chops down tough weed patches and bushes very easily.
Several factors need to be considered when picking yourself the best weed eater. Each of the 10 products that we have lined up was tested in size, weight, and many other aspects to get only the best ones. Hitachi easily passed all of them and made it to this list. With the second lowest level of vibration in the complete list, this device makes it to my personal favorites. This is an important point to focus on as higher vibrations can cause a lot of health problems. HAVS is perhaps one of the biggest examples of the affects vibration can have on your health and because it’s rare, it’s also very difficult to treat. With low vibration, you don’t even get too tired.
Hitachi’s gas string trimmer is probably one of the lightest machines that I’ve ever seen. The total weight of the machine is an astounding 11 pounds, which makes it easy to use and with an extended reach, it is the product that has it all. Weed whackers are sometimes unbalanced in terms of weight and after using these machines, they can make you a victim of fatigue. This is something that I liked in the Hitachi as I find it very balanced. If you’ve used a gas powered trimmer before, you probably have tons of earbuds lying around the house as they are bound to make some noise. This is something where the Hitachi does not improve on and ends up creating more sound as compared to its opponents. The 85-decibel mark is recommended for safety; anything over 85 decibels is harmful to your ears and this machine creates around 100 decibels of sound, which is very bad for you – be sure to incorporate some ear plugs into your lawn care routine and you should be fine.
The cutting path is also a downside as it provides a 15-inch trim, which is less than other machines on the list. A larger cutting path means less time in the yard. The shaft isn’t very long as well, so reaching tough areas can be difficult. What makes this a diverse tool is the fact that it works with four different attachments that come with it. Keep in mind that all attachments are sold separately but are of great use. Easy attach methods even help you get the best results that you require. The debris shield is a great addition to this machine as grass patches, rocks and many other things that may get in the weed whacker’s way can become a problem for you and the machine itself. This is where the shield comes in useful. In fact, it actually helps in the string release.
The Hitachi CG22EAP2SL also features a semi-automatic string that adjusts on its own which many other weed eaters don’t feature. Where you need to bump the head of other weed eaters, this one intelligently detects when more string is needed and feeds it to the machine. This basically means that it is less of a hassle for you. Hard bumps often release more string, which can turn out to be a big loss because the string is pretty expensive. Hitachi knows how to keep it at an even length. 13 feet of string is what is needed by the Hitachi CG22EAP2SL, which is perhaps pretty average as compared to the other devices on the list. The ideal situation would be 25 feet, but it’s almost an inch thick so it can last you a lot of time before it needs to be replaced. All of the machines that we have featured provide dual string action, which is provided by this product as well. The string is rotated in two different cycles to get you an excellent result.
All in all, if you are looking for a gas trimmer that has low vibrations and gets the job done just right, this is the product you need. As compared to the others on the list, there is a lot that this baby can do. These are some of the many reasons we think this machine is the perfect choice for you.
2. Husqvarna 128DJx Review
Husqvarna 128DJx is usually considered as a heavy machine, even though it only weighs a staggering 10.8 lbs. which is lower than most of the machines that we’ve tested and worked on. A pendulum effect is what makes this machine a beast on the lawn. It is an easy-to-use monster that you need for your lawn. That’s definitely what you’re looking for. Why do I call this machine a ‘beast’? That’s because it is perhaps one of the most heavy-duty weed eaters that you will possibly get. You don’t even have to worry about the device’s function. The machine is pretty easy and straightforward to use, so anyone can understand how to use it. This machine has a smart start system that is unique and can really change the way you maintain your lawn.
For a machine like this, we expected an adequate amount of power. Well, this 28cc model will make sure that you are never disappointed. It might be a beast, but it is a well-tamed one that you can control easily. The Husqvarna 128DJx is capable enough to work all day long without a problem with the help of its 17-inch cutting path. It might make a little more noise than you expect, but the two-stroke engine is way better than you expect and more silent as well. In addition, it is also low on emissions, which is a great plus point.
The real challenge that you face while choosing the appropriate weed eater is that you need to select the one that has the specifications that will solve the issues you are facing. Do you really think a gas powered machine is a necessity when you have a small yard? On the other hand, you need to keep in mind that a cordless machine is what you’re looking for if you have several acres of land. The Husqvarna 128DJx is certainly one of the top machines that we would suggest you to go for if you have a big yard. The machine is excellent in every aspect. It can easily start and creates little or vibration. The most important part is that it gets the job done! It is a beast, but it is not a machine that you would not be able to handle. I am pretty confident that anyone who buys the amazing Husqvarna 128DJx would be more than just satisfied with its results.
3. Poulan Pro PP28LD Review
Poulan Pro’s weed whacker is on the list with a powerful dual cycle engine along with magnificent balance on the shaft. Owners of a huge yard need a machine that would get the job done without creating a health issue for you, which is exactly what this machine is capable of doing. As per the tests that we conducted, the Poulan Pro PP28LD was one of the top devices that provided amazing results. Thick weed and even small sprouting trees are no match for this beautiful machine. It joins the list as a diverse device that comes with many different attachable heads, allowing you to take care of your lawn the way you want.
The Poulan Pro PP28LD slices through the toughest of grass situations without stopping or stalling, making it perhaps one of the best machines in the business. As a matter of fact, it is one of the only weed trimmers among all others that provide extraordinary results, consistently. However, the strong motor leaves some downsides such as the noise. At 105 decibels, this device is extremely harmful to your ears and is one of the loudest machines that we have tested. I would urge all users to use ear protection whenever you use this device. I would also advise not to use this trimmer for long hours as permanent hearing damage is also a possibility.
The fact that the Poulan Pro PP28LD is well-balanced makes sure that it does not make you tired very quickly. The precise cut still comes with a price, and that’s the vibration that it creates. It is discomforting, but it is manageable if you really want a result of your own choice. The Poulan Pro PP28LD is yet another device that is clearly diverse in its field. It is easy to use and comes with different heads that can easily be assembled to get you the cuts you require. It takes care of your lawn in just the right manner if you can assemble it in the right manner. A dual line exit makes it a great device for people who love the string cuts from opposite directions, making it something that you would want. However, the device is not as smart as the Hitachi and comes with a bump feature that releases more string. If you have used a gas weed whacker before, you already know about this feature, but even if you are somewhat new to this feature, you will figure it out easily.
The capacity for the feeding string is one of the most amazing features that comes with the Poulan Pro PP28LD. A huge 25-feet long string works perfectly for days and does not need to be replaced that much. The Poulan Pro contains the longest string among all of the tested machines and wins in this aspect.
If you are looking for a two-cycle engine weed whacker with the power to get you the best results in your yard, the Poulan Pro PP28LD is the perfect choice for you. The diverse features of the device allow you to make sure that you have the ultimate tool you need. Even though it is louder than every other machine on the list, I consider it a great device on the basis of all its other aspects.
4. Black & Decker LST136W Review
With the brand quality that Black & Decker has been providing over the years, it is very difficult to doubt the result of any of the devices it produces. The Black & Decker LST136W feels very robust for a weed whacker powered by a battery, and it cuts brilliantly and is balanced well even with the battery attached. It is even easily controlled.
If you look at it properly, you will realize that the Black & Decker LST136W is a machine that is pretty well thought out. There are many options and features that allow it to run for a long time. The front cutting head can be utilized in many ways and is something that needs to be paid attention to. You won’t have to bump the back for the string to release as the Black & Decker LST136W comes with an auto release feature. Replacing the line is relatively easy. The 40-volt battery is chargeable and interchangeable as well. The battery life is not that good, but that is something that almost every cordless weed eater faces. It is pretty common and is not that big of a deal. If you use a small cutting diameter, the result you get will be somewhat better. The Black & Decker LST136W has put forward a newer approach with this feature and should be highly appreciated. A 13-inch sweep is way less than its competitors but does provide an extra boost to the battery like no other cordless machine can. This is one of the many reasons the Black & Decker LST136W is rated among the top 10 weed whackers around the world.
If you own a small yard or garden, this is an ideal device for you. I vote the Black & Decker LST136W as the best device for the average middle-class suburb as the device does what is required and is very economical as well. A huge machine is not something that everyone should get because sometimes smaller devices like the Black & Decker LST136W can do the trick.
5. Core CGT400 CGTSD Review
The Core CGT400 CGTSD is one device that surprised me the most. On one hand, the device features two handles for better control, while on the other, it features no harness at all! What I would call this device is a gas-less device rather than a cordless device due to the huge difference that it features. We will be talking about the technology used momentarily. First, let me talk about the weight which is pretty well balanced. The Core CGT400 is very different from all the other types of weed whackers that you may have seen and it is certainly a great addition to our list of devices. The battery engine that is cordless focuses on creating an eco-friendly effect. Similar to the Black and Decker device mentioned above, the modes that it features are very different and unique. The one thing that I really do find odd is that even after all of the technology used, there is a bump feeder on the device.
The Core CGT400 CGTSD goes shoulder to shoulder with all of the gas powered weed whackers featured in the reviews. What the manufacturers promise is a result that is unmatched by Hitachi and Husqvarna, which is perhaps a huge claim to make. For anyone to make this claim about the device, it is huge and needs to be backed up by concrete results. Our testers took it to their tests with the Core CGT400 CGTSD and the results they got were the ones that supported their theory. It doesn’t matter if you find it economical or eco-friendly; the fact of the matter is that the Core CGT400 CGTSD single-handedly beats Hitachi any day.
6. Toro Gas Trimmer 51978 Review
As compared to its competitors, the Toro 51978 is a device that easily wins the race. It is one of those devices that accept universal parts. This is a huge plus for everyone as you will never have problems in finding parts for it. When it comes to results, the Toro 51978 is a powerful weed whacker which provides effective results. The cutting radius is a staggering 18-inch, which is great if you ask me. Not bad at all for a machine that is going head to head with machines that have 13-inch cutting paths.
The cutting path is the largest of all of the devices that we tested. What this means is a better and faster experience for you when you make your lawn weed free with the Toro 51978. The Toro 51978 is an easy-to-use machine that does not lack in power at all. It is one of those machines that does not stop in tough situations and gets you results even in the most difficult of circumstances. If you are tall, you are in luck as the Toro 51978 comes with a long shaft that makes sure you reach the places you want to reach without having to bend in an uncomfortable posture.
One of the best things that I loved about the Toro 51978 is that it is quiet. We have many weed whackers on this list that are perhaps some of the best options on the market, but produce a lot of sound that is very harmful to the ears – the Toro 51978 does not, which is a huge upside. However, it is still important to use earplugs as a precaution. The Toro 51978 was made with an extraordinary design that gets you superb handling in any situation and helps you get better results time after time. No problems with stalling or stopping were experienced, as the powerful engine of the Toro 51978 is quite amazing. Now, let’s talk about the downsides of the Toro 51978. At 12.5 lbs, the Toro 51978 is the heaviest machine that was tested. For most people, this weight is not that much, but there are still a lot of people who may have a problem with this.
A two-cycle engine is what the Toro 51978 provides, which means you need a gas and oil mixture as fuel for this machine. The spring start technology is what makes the Toro 51978 amazing. Even if you do not use the Toro 51978 for ages, one push of the string will put it into action. If you want to make this a tool that will help you with pretty much everything you do in the yard, you can buy universal attachments. Although this product does not have attachments of its own, the best part about it is that it can use attachments from almost all brands. This gives you a diverse range of attachments that you need to be focusing on. The best part is that even after the use of third-party products, your warranty is not void. Thus, you can keep changing the head of the device to get different uses out of it. The harness or the power sweeper is another great feature that comes with the Toro 51978.
Currently in the lineup, this product easily sits at the very top. It is also ranked highly on the list for creating almost no vibration. After all of its pros and cons, I consider this device as an asset for the homeowner. All the popular features that you may expect from a weed whacker are included in the Toro 51978. With a bump feature, the device sits a little back in technology. The Toro 51978 also comes with a debris filter so that you don’t get hit by leaves or stones while you use the device. The string capacity is a standard 25 feet, which is really great. The longer the string, the better for you as it will require changing after a long time. The cutting ability of the Toro 51978 is exquisite due to its 1-inch thread.
The Toro 51978 gas trimmer is something even your child can assemble. It is a versatile machine that you need to get your hands on as soon as possible to effortlessly change the shape of your lawn.
7. GreenWorks 21142 Review
The GreenWorks 21142 is another personal favorite of mine as it is the lightest one on the list, weighing only 9.5 lbs. It may seem like just a pound less from all the others, but this boosts the trimmer to a whole new level. Plugging it in is somewhat of a pain for many, but it is slightly less of a pain than recharging or refueling the machine.
The GreenWorks 21142 is low in price, which might lead you to think badly of it. However, the machine is a perfectly adequate model that you can use to make a great lawn. The spool is based on the bump system, which you’re pretty familiar with by now. Some complaints have been acknowledged regarding the spool, but according to the manufacturer, they can be fixed easily. Pre-wound spools for this device are currently not available on the market, which is a problem for many. This means that you will have to wind it again manually. However, you need to realize that the GreenWorks 21142 can attach with many universal heads, which is a huge upside for the owner. It can transform into the perfect tool for your lawn that you can use on a daily basis.
The corded machine that is light in weight can never compete with other machines on the market. The 18-inch cut path is very impressive, but you can get the same with many other devices that are more powerful. It is not very weak, but it is not too powerful either. If you are going to use it in a small garden, this is just the thing you need. However, in the case of a bigger yard, consider any other machine from the list.