Like most people, you don’t want to spend your free time doing yard work. But if you have a yard, some maintenance will inevitably be required. Luckily, there’s an easy way to ensure your lawn looks its best: string trimmers. String trimmers are great for cutting grass and weeds and can even help you keep your hedges looking trim.
However, how can you determine which one is best for you? That’s where we come in! We’ve researched and compared all the top-rated string trimmers to determine which ones are worth buying. We’ve also broken down each one by price range so that no matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find something that works for you. If you’re ready to start trimming, read on!
What is a string trimmer?
A string trimmer is a garden tool that uses a rotating spool of nylon line to cut grass, weeds, and other plants along your property. This can be used for everything from cutting the edges of your lawn to clearing large areas of weeds and tall grasses.
Why use a string trimmer?
The main benefit of using a string trimmer is that it’s fast. It requires no power source like gasoline or electricity. All you need to do is some muscle to pull the cord (or press the button) to start trimming away! You can also use multiple attachments on your trimmer—like edgers and weed whackers—to get more specific with what you want to cut off your property.
Things to Consider When Choosing String Trimmers
If you’re in the market for a new string trimmer, there are a few things that you should consider before making your purchase. Here are some tips to help you find the right one for your needs.
Consider Your Budget
The price range for string trimmers is pretty big—you can find models that cost as little as $100 and those that cost upwards of $750! Make sure you have a budget before shopping to decide which features are most important for your needs (and don’t forget about accessories!).
Cutting Width
The cutting width of your string trimmer is important because it affects how wide of an area it can cover at once. The wider the cutting width, the faster it will take to trim your lawn or garden area. Also, narrower cutting widths will allow you to give more detailed work, like edging along sidewalks.
Weight
Check the weight of your new string trimmer before purchasing! The heavier your string trimmer is, the more difficult it will be to use over long periods. The more likely you will get tired faster than with lighter models. Some people prefer heavier string trimmers. They feel they have better control and cut more effectively when using them for long periods without getting tired as easily as lighter models might cause.
Noise Output
The more powerful engines make more noise than lower-powered models. If you live near neighbors or other people who would be disturbed by loud equipment, look for an alternative model with less horsepower than the one advertised on the box.
Low Vibration
The machine’s engine will vibrate when it is in use. You want a machine with minimal vibration so it will not wear down your wrist or hand after prolonged usage. If you have sensitive hands or wrists, look for a model with cushioning grip or handle to help reduce this sensation while operating the trimmer.
Safety Features
It’s also important to consider safety features such as a shield or guard around the blade. This will prevent injury if you accidentally cut something too close or bump into something with your machine. It would be best if you are looking for a good balance between power and weight so that it’s easy for you to maneuver around your yard without getting tired.
There are also two main things that matter: safety guards and handles. Safety guards help keep debris from flying up into your face while cutting grass, which is important to consider when picking a string trimmer. The handle should also be comfortable in your hand, so it doesn’t give out on your mid-job!
Feeding and Loading
The feeding and loading system is the last thing to consider when choosing a string trimmer. There are two types of string trimmers, bump feed and automatic feed. The bump feed trimmer needs you to push down on a lever before each cut, making it easier to control how many lines you use. Automatic feed systems are more efficient, but pushing down on that lever can be hard to get the machine going. Bump feed may be a better option if you have arthritis or another condition that hinders your ability to use your hands properly. If not, then automatic is probably better for you.
Types of String Trimmers
Numerous string trimmers are available on the market. Still, each has a different set of features, making it difficult to choose one that is right for you. Here are the different types of string trimmers:
Electric String Trimmers
These string trimmers are perfect for homeowners who want something easy to use and don’t have a lot of extra space. Electric string trimmers can be plugged into an outlet or run off a battery, which makes them ideal for people who don’t have a lot of extra space outside their house. They’re lightweight and easy to use but not very powerful. They’re best for light trimming and edging around a yard.
There are two main types of electric string trimmers:
Corded Electric String Trimmers
Corded electric string trimmers have a power cord that must be plugged in during use. They generally come with shorter cords than cordless models, but this is not always true. Corded string trimmers are often cheaper than their cordless counterparts, but they require you to be near an outlet.
Cordless Electric String Trimmers
Cordless electric string trimmers don’t require a power cord, which makes them ideal for those who want to work without the restrictions of being near an outlet or extension cord. Some models have batteries that last up to 40 minutes per charge; others offer only 20 minutes per charge before recharging.
Gas-powered String Trimmers
These are powered by gas or diesel engines, so they’re much more powerful than electric string trimmers. They also tend to be much heavier than electric ones, so they’re not great for people who want something lightweight and easy to handle, like an electric trimmer. They’re excellent for heavy-duty jobs like clearing brush from large land areas or removing weeds from your garden bed.
Gas string trimmers come in two varieties:
4-cycle Gas String Trimmers
4-cycle gas string trimmers are more expensive than 2-cycle models, but they use less fuel and produce less noise than their 2-cycle counterparts. They also tend to be more powerful. However, they also require a little more maintenance since they have separate engines and carburetors.
2-cycle Gas String Trimmers
2-cycle gas string trimmers are much cheaper than 4-cycle models, but they also use more fuel and produce more noise. They do not require as much maintenance because everything is housed in one unit rather than split into two parts (like 4-cycle models).
Battery String Trimmers
Battery-powered string trimmers are convenient for several reasons. They don’t need any power source outside of charging batteries, so you can use them anywhere there’s an outlet or solar panels! They’re also good if you don’t want to deal with fuel or oil to keep your tool running smoothly. However, they are less powerful than gas or electric models because they’re lighter and don’t have as much force when cutting through vegetation overgrowth on your property.
Final Words
String trimmers are a great way to trim the edges of your lawn, but if you’re new to them, it can be difficult to know which trimmer is best for you and what features are important. We hope this article has educated you about the various available types and given you some direction on selecting the best one for your requirements!