Weed whackers are some of the best tools to remove pesky weeds and grass around the edges of your lawn. They’ve become more popular in recent years since they can be used to shape shrubs and other plants. If you’re trying to get your hands on the best weed whackers on the market, then you’re in the right place.
The best weed whackers should be reliable, tough, and designed to slice through thick plant stems. Weeds are often dense near the bottom, so having a high-quality weed whacker will allow you to cut it back. Consistent removal of weeds with one of these tools will prevent them from ever coming back.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following details:
The six best weed whackers that money can buy
How you can increase the lifespan of your weed whacker
Choosing between a gas or battery-powered tool
Answers to the most common questions about weed whackers
Greenworks is well-known for its budget-friendly prices, but their 12-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer is one of the best in any price range. You can purchase this weed whacker in 2AH, 3AH, and 4AH variants. As the battery size gets larger, you can expect more power and a long time between recharges.
The handle on this trimmer is ergonomic, providing top-notch control and comfort. It also includes a variable trigger to decide exactly how much power is used. The strings at the end of the trimmer have a metal guard to protect your legs and nearby structure from getting cut. All in all, it’s a top-tier product at a low price.
Pros
Comes in three different battery size options
Includes a built-in metal guard to prevent accidents
Heavy-duty string to shred through thick, dense weeds
Dewalt is another top brand that you can find on the shelves of most hardware stores. The Dewalt String Trimmer is an excellent example of craftsmanship and durability that’s rarely found in power tools these days. It uses a 13” guard to prevent projectiles from moving around without limiting the range of motion of your weed whacker.
If you’re tired of lugging around heavy trimmers, then you’ll love the lightweight feeling of this one. Sitting just under 12 pounds, it’s almost half of the weight of most other heavy-duty weed whackers. Perhaps the most underappreciated benefit of owning this tool is that the pole is a bit longer in order to maintain a safe distance from the user and the strings.
Pros
Comes with a large protective guard and elongated pole
Husqvarna is known for its next-level tools that can rip right through the toughest weeds. The Husqvarna 17-Inch Detachable Gas String Trimmer is an example of true power created by the brand. It’s also a step above the Dewalt trimmer in the sense that it uses a 17-inch blade rather than the traditional 9 to 13 inches.
Another area of improvement for this Husqvarna weed whacker is the fact that it’s gas-powered. Many of the trimmers on the market these days use batteries to operate. While batteries are undeniably useful, gas often results in more power. You’ll have to deal with a bit more noise, but the trade-off is often in your favor.
Pros
Comes with a massive 17-inch trimming area
Uses gas and oil for more power
Heavy-duty trimming power to push through tough weeds
The PROYAMA 2-Cycle Gas Trimmer is one of the most efficient, eco-friendly trimmers on the list. It doesn’t use too much gasoline at all, so you’ll save money while protecting the environment at the same time. It uses a powerful two-horsepower 42.7cc engine that slices through weeds, grass, and more.
In addition to the trimmer, you’ll also get all of the safety gear that you need. Goggles, gloves, extra cutting string, a gas tank, and many other pieces are included. The uniquely wide handlebars on this trimmer make it easier to control, which is a huge benefit considering the massive amount of power that it puts out.
Pros
Eco-friendly gasoline solution that cuts back on the fuel used
A heavy-duty, powerful engine that lasts for hours of use
Includes all of the safety gear that you need to start working
Uses wide handlebars for optimal control and handling
If you liked the original Greenworks Trimmer from the top of the list, then this combo kit will be most or all of what you need for the yard. As long as you have a lawnmower, this setup will be the perfect finishing kit. It comes with the Greenworks G-Max Trimmer, a leaf blower, a battery charger, and a battery that’s compatible with numerous Greenworks tools.
If you choose to get a 4AH battery, you can get up to 120 minutes of usage per charge. On the other hand, the 2AH battery lasts up to 60 minutes. You’ll be able to purchase the tools by themselves, as a kit with batteries, or just the batteries. It’s the ultimate customizable battery-operated trimmer kit for weed whacking and clearing.
Pros
Includes everything you need to remove weeds and clean the area
Choose from multiple battery sizes
Energy-efficient batteries that last up to 120 minutes per charge
High-powered fan that reduces noise and cools down your tools
Honda is one of the best companies to rely on for energy-efficiency and high-performance value. The Honda VersAttach System Trimmer is lightweight, coming in at a low 13.2 pounds. It’s much more compact than other trimmers on the list, which is ideal if you’re trying to navigate through narrow pathways.
The high-power gasoline engine of this weed whacker has reduced sound output for long-term projects—no need to wear earmuffs to protect your hearing anymore. You’ll also have the benefit of being able to store it wherever you want. The motor can rotate in all directions for convenient storage in sheds, garages, or wherever else you’d prefer.
Pros
Made by a leading company in the industry (and many others)
High-end performance without producing too much noise
Rotating motor for easy storage wherever you want to put it
Low noise output to protect your ears from the motor sounds
What to Look For
Buying a needed weed trimmer can be a big deal. After all, you’re investing your hard-earned money into something that’s supposed to last between 3 to 10 years.
There are dozens of different weed whackers on the market, all of which have a few benefits; But that’s not what we’re after.
You shouldn’t settle for a mid-tier tool, so let’s review everything that you should look for when buying a new one.
Here are five features to review:
Consider the various differences between gas-powered and battery operated trimmers. We’ll dive more into the pros and cons in a couple of sections, so get ready to jot some notes down. In short, gas produces more power than battery-operated weed whackers, but they’re typically louder and rely on an external fuel source.
Choose either metal blades or strings to cut the weeds. Both options are great, but it’s important to know that metal blades are often considered to be too much for most weeds. Strings are cheaper and more effective if you’re just trying to shape-up the yard, but you won’t be able to slice through 2-inch thick weed stems too quickly.
How big of a cutting radius do you need? Some of them are 17 inches, while many of them are under 13 inches. The bigger the size, the more you can cut. However, the drawback of large trimmers is that they’re harder to turn corners and handle properly. Make sure you get the correct size for your yard.
How loud or quiet can you handle? As you’ve hopefully read in the list above, a couple of the companies mastered the art of reducing motor noises. For example, the gas-powered Honda trimmer at the bottom of the list has a coated engine that reduces the sound produced by it.
You might want to think about the brands. If you’re someone who trusts well-known companies, then you’ll probably lean toward Dewalt, Honda, and Husqvarna. That’s not to say that the other brands aren’t worth it, because they definitely are. However, peace of mind comes in the form of brand names for some buyers.
How to Maintain a Weed Whacker
Maintaining and cleaning a weed whacker is one of the easiest parts of owning your outdoor equipment. It’s simple as can be, but refusal to do it can shave several years off of your weed eater.
Fortunately, you can follow the step-by-step guide below to maintain your weed whacker:
Use dish soap and an abrasive scrubber to remove the dirt and grime from your trimmer. Try the Amazer Scrub Brush. It comes in a two-pack, and it uses a comfortable handle to help you clean your tools with ease. Mix a few drops of soap and warm water, dip the brush, and scrub away. Make sure that you spray off the tool to remove moisture, then dry it.
Once you’ve cleaned it thoroughly, replace the string or blade, depending on which kind of tool you’re using. You need to do so in order to prevent them from rusting, weakening, or breaking. Otherwise, you’ll end up snapping the string in the middle of a job, which can cause harm.
Change the oil. Unfortunately, it’s hard to pinpoint the frequency of oil changes for trimmers since every company has different requirements. As Home Depot suggests, check it every few months to look at the color. The oil shouldn’t be dark brown or black, so if it is, you know it’s time to replace it.
If you’re using a gas-powered weed whacker, remove the gasoline when it’s wintertime. You’ll probably use it a whole lot less during winter, so there’s no point in leaving it there. The liquid can freeze or coagulate, causing clumps and irreversible damage to the machine.
If you’re using a battery-powered weed whacker, remove the battery during the winter as well. The batteries can freeze or crack, causing you to have to buy a new one when you’re ready to use it again. Whichever style you’re using, make sure they stay in a room temperature, covered area.
As you can see, maintaining a weed whacker doesn’t involve too many steps. It’s quite easy, but you shouldn’t avoid these important suggestions. After all, they could be the difference between buying a weed whacker every two years and buying one every ten years.
Electric vs. Gas Weed Whackers
Gas and electric weed whackers are the two choices you have. If you’re still on the fence about picking the right one for your yard, then you’ll be glad to view the pros and cons of each. Once you find everything you need to know from this section, you’ll be well-equipped to get one of the best weed whackers from the list above.
Pros of Electric Weed Whackers
Electric weed whackers don’t need a recurring source of fuel. All you have to do is charge up the battery and place it back onto the tool when it’s ready to go. Furthermore, you can buy multiple batteries so you’ll never have any downtime between jobs. Some of the batteries are compatible with other tools as well.
They’re also much quieter than most other lawn care tools. Since there’s no gas combustion, you only have to deal with the light hum of the battery and the sound of the blade or string as it cuts through the weeds. There’s nothing on a battery-powered trimmer that can make it as loud as a gas-powered weed whacker.
In most cases, electric weed trimmers cost much less than the alternative. If you’re looking to save money or you have a set budget, then you’ll definitely want to try out an electric trimmer. Thanks to modern improvements, they’re becoming more powerful throughout recent years.
Cons of Electric Weed Whackers
Electric weed whackers are bound by batteries. While having multiple replacements can make things easier, only having one can be an issue. If you have a big yard or you don’t charge it as often as you should, you’ll have to take hour-long breaks throughout the day for recharging sessions.
They’re not quite as powerful as gas-powered motors. Despite the aforementioned improvements, there’s no way that a high-end electric trimmer can compare with the output of a high-end gas trimmer. You’ll still get enough power to get the job done efficiently, but they simply don’t compare.
Pros of Gas-Powered Weed Whackers
As you’ve read throughout this article, gas provides more power than batteries. If you need to chop through dense weeds, then gas is the way to go. You can make it even more powerful by adding metal blades, but high-quality strings will do the trick just as well, in most cases.
Well-maintained gas trimmers can last longer than battery-powered trimmers. Batteries lose their life over the course of a few years, trickling down the total charge percentage. In simple terms, the battery can only charge to about 80% of its potential after a while, while gas trimmers never experience such an issue.
They have a better resale value. If you intend to get rid of it in a couple of years in favor of a new one, you’ll definitely get more money for selling a gas trimmer than you would for a battery-powered weed whacker. They’re both good to use and sell, but gas has a higher overall value.
Cons of Gas-Powered Weed Whackers
Gas trimmers cost more money upfront. If you’re trying to save money, then you might be let down by the prices. Nonetheless, there are plenty of budget-friendly weed whackers on the market. Some examples can be found in the list above.
They’re significantly louder than electric trimmers. The noise produced from a gas-powered weed whacker is similar to that of a loud lawnmower. There’s not much you can do to reduce the noise. However, Honda has a semi-quiet motor that’s worth looking into.
Conclusion
Weed whackers are essential for yard maintenance, but you don’t have to break the bank to get a good one. In fact, some of the best weed whackers around can be found for under $200. Once you’ve decided between gas and electric as well as bladed or string trimmers, you’ll be ready to make your selection.
Here’s a quick recap of the article:
Honda, Husqvarna, and Dewalt are some of the top brands to choose from.
Gas trimmers are louder than electric, but they provide more power.
Maintain, clean, and empty your weed whacker regularly to add several years to its lifespan.
What you should know about crash-proof retirement?
1. It is a means to protect your retirement fund from market crashes.
2. An exclusive Crash Proof Retirement® System provides you an option...
Your retirement is fast approaching, and you’re ready to make a move.
Where do you intend to settle? How do you want to live during your retirement years? How much savings do you...
