Also known as string trimmers, “weed-whip“, “weed-whacker“, a “weed eater“, a “line trimmer” (in Australia and New Zealand), or a “strimmer” (in eastern Europe) weed whackers are gardening tools that give homeowners and gardeners the ability to maintain a fresh lawn.
One can perform a quick and seamless trimmer in the yard with weed whackers. With a weed wacker, one can easily take care of places a lawnmower cannot get to.
A weed eater is a very important tool for maintaining a perfect garden or lawn. That is why we thought to assemble the best weed wacker available in the market. As you can predict, quite a number of companies are in the weed eater manufacturing business. Hence, they all have various features that distinguish them. Weed eaters are also good because they make soil rich.
As a result, this weed wacker analysis will discuss the best string trimmers you can get and suggest brands that will give the best value for the money. To check the buying guide, scroll down.
10 Best Weed Wackers in 2022
Now we discuss the top weed eaters available in the market. This analysis will present the features of each weed eater and present the pros and cons of each
1. Black+Decker LST300
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Seeking an economical weed eater, the LST136 is your top choice. It runs on a 20 V system, and the maximum speed this machine can give is 6500 RPM. This weed whacker is recommended if your yard doesn’t have stubborn or hard grasses.
It is equipped with a 2 Ah battery, meaning you will cover a lot before draining the battery. It has the POWERDRIVE system just like the earlier model with an automatic feed system. It can also be set to work just like a trimmer for an edge.
One of the strong points of the Decker LST300 is the fair price. It comes at a relatively low price for the fantastic features it offers. Undoubtedly, it is one of the low-cost weed eaters available on the market.
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- It is very cheap; hence, pocket-friendly
- It can work as an edger or a trimmer
- It features an auto-feed system
- It lasts very long with the 2Ah battery
- It comes with 2 years full warranty
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- It does not have the fast charge feature
- It is only applicable to low-intensity yard work
- It takes a very long time to charge
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2. Tanaka TCG27EBSP Weed Wacker
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If you are seeking for weed whacker for a purely commercial purpose, the Tanaka TCG27EBSP is the best option. This is a heavy-duty trimmer with the capacity to handle anything thrown at it. It comes with a huge trimming force which is powered by a two-stroke engine of a 26.9 cc Commercial Grade PureFire.
Asides from its strong performance, the Tanaka TCG27EBSP is very durable and also economical with fuel. And also, it is quiet in operation as a result of the special copolymer which reduces the noise by 50%. The noise is reduced to as low as 111 decibels which makes it safe for the ears
It is equipped with a long shaft and padded handles. This is meant to dampen vibration and make usage of the Tanaka TCG27EBSP very comfortable for users. This is appreciated since it will be used for a long period of time.
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- It comes with 2 years warranty for users
- It features an S – start technology which makes switching on the machine an ease
- It is very economical with fuel consumption
- It has excellent features (long shaft and padded handles) to reduce stress with long hours of usage
- It is very durable
- It does not make much noise
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- It is way too heavy
- It is very costly
- Users might need to work with ear protection
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3. BLACK+DECKER LST136W
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If you have a large lawn that can be trimmed in a couple of hours, the Black + Decker LST136W is the best choice. Seeking a battery-powered weed whacker, the Black + Decker LST136W is one of the best available on the market. It runs on a battery making it light, less noisy, and very easy to use. Since it runs on battery, it features the advantages of a battery-powered weed eater.
It features a POWERDRIVE transmission that transmits the torque from the 40 V motor to the string. It also features a POWER COMMAND with which the user can set any desired speed for operation, usually between 6500 RPM and 8500 RPM. With this, the machine can work on low power for a long duration or high power for a short period of time
One of the things we liked about the Black + Decker LST136W is the fast charger as well s the 1.5 Ah battery. With the fast charger, you can get a full battery in less than 2 hours. It also has an automatic feed system hence; there is no need for bumping the trimmer to make an adjustment on the string’s length.
The Black + Decker LST136W also stands out for its dual operating system with which the machine’s head can be turned vertically to work as an edger.
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- It features the POWER COMMAND and the POWERDRIVE command
- It is light in weight
- It has the fast charge feature
- It comes with a full 3-year warranty
- It makes less noise
- It can work in two different mode – trimmer and edger
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- It is not recommended for extended time use
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4. Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer
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Seeking an exceptional gas-powered weed whacker, the Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer is the best choice. It is a very powerful weed whacker, weighing 12 pounds and featuring a 21.2cc two-stroke engine. It stands out in that it can handle grass and weed of any length
The Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer is comfortable to use, well built, and very, very easy to work with. It has a dial string and a 59-inch shaft. It has a bump feed system that makes it work just perfect.
It is a shaft and gas-powered engine with a 14.9 ounces fuel capacity. It is so powerful that while working, it can throw debris around. This happens despite the deflector shield installed. Hence, you might want to be with a safety goggle while using this beast.
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- It comes with a full 5 years warranty – this is pretty long!
- It is durable
- It has features to lessen the transmission of vibration to the user
- Starting the machine is pretty easy.
- It can work for long hours with ease
- It is very durable
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- It is quite expensive
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5. Toro 51978 String Trimmer
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Seeking for weed whackers with fairly reasonable levels of vibration, the TORO 51978 is the best choice. It has state-of-the-art features that enable it to work without transferring much vibration to the user. The TORO 51978 was built with comfort and ease in mind hence, is one of the top weed eaters in the market.
Powerful in operation, the TORO 51978 can eat its way through any strong vegetation while maintaining its rigidity and balance. It has the ability to eat its way through a 44-inch shaft and a whopping 18-inch path. With this, the user can easily reach behind posts, trees, bushes, and restrictive areas.
One of the strong points of the TORO 51978 is the ability to use accessories of other weed whackers. This is possible without voiding the warranty. This is a very great advantage if you already own accessories and desire to attach them with the strong weed whacker.
We, however, do not like that the TORO 51978 is quite heavy. Weighing 12.5 pounds, it can cause fatigue for extended use. If you would like to use the TORO 51978 for a large yard, we recommend getting a neck strap to cushion off the weight
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- It is very strong in operation
- Noise is very minimal
- Ability to use accessories from other weed eater brands
- Low level of vibrations
- It is powerful enough for an 18-inch cutting path
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- Shaft length can stress tall people out
- It is just too heavy.
- It can trigger fatigue.
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6. Black + DECKER LSTE525
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This versatile string trimmer is one of the top-rated weed eater available in the market. This brand is one of the POWER COMMAND lines with impressive features and performance to keep your lawn well-tailored. It is one of the series of battery-powered weed wacker and uses a 20 Volts MAX lithium-ion battery. It is a cordless trimmer that works with numerous outdoor tools.
This grass eater is easily operated and poses no stress at all as it comes with an EASY FEED feature with which the user can feed the cutting line with just a press of the button. It has a 12-inch cutting swath that can maneuver whatever vegetation or terrain you have. It has dual-mode functionality which makes work as a trimmer and a wheeled edger in minutes.
The Black + DECKER LSTE525 has a micro-texture soft grip and an adjustable height to fit people of various heights.
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- It comes with a 2 in 1 mode function – a wheeled edger and a weed eater
- The height can be adjusted for people of different heights
- The ergonomic design makes the usage very comfortable
- It is light in weight
- It has a 2-speed control which helps increase the battery life
- It can handle any lawn and whatever type of grass you have
- It is cheap, less than a hundred dollars
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- It requires frequent charging
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7. Husqvarna 967055801 Strimmer
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Husqvarna is one of the household names when it comes to power tools for household and yard upkeep. Husqvarna 967055801 is one of the best weed eaters available in the market. Powered by gas, it offers a commercial-grade performance capable of handling lawns of various sizes, terrain, and orientation.
The Husqvarna 967055801 is powered by a 4-stroke engine, removing the need for a gas and oil mixture.
Oh, we love the effortless start, powered by the Smart Start engine and starter system. There is an air purge system that cleans out the carburetor making Husqvarna 967055801 very efficient in fuel management.
The Husqvarna 967055801 was designed with bevel gear, a flex drive system, and a loop handle which ensures satisfactory performance and seamless operation. Just like most of our top pick, it can perform trimming and edging successfully.
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- It is pretty light hence, easy to use
- It can work with a string of varying thickness
- The Husqvarna 967055801 can perform trimming and edging effectively
- It is powered by a 4 – stroke engine which gives an impressive performance
- No need for a fuel-oil mixture
- The Husqvarna 967055801 is pretty durable enough to withstand heavy use
- The smart start feature allows for ease of usage
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- It is quite expensive
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8. Dewalt DCST920P1 String Trimmer
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Over the years, Dewalt has established itself as a trusted brand and a household name for folks seeking trusted household power tools. Everything about the Dewalt DCST90P1 speaks durability and efficiency thus; this beast can work even on the toughest grass, irrespective of the terrain.
The Dewalt DCST920P1 is an electric weed wacker that is powered by a 20 Volts, 5 Ah battery. This gives it a good power with the ability to work for a long. The Dewalt DCST920P1 is a trusted brand that requires little or no maintenance.
There is a variable speed control trigger with which the user can cut at specific power as well as a dual 0.080-inch line bump feed which gives a whole 13-inch cutting swath. The user can also choose a high or low cutting speed which determines the machine’s run time.
With the Dewalt DCST90P1, your lawn maintenance has never been easier as the gear system gives an extra torque system with optimal cutting speed.
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- It is light in weight
- Powered with a 20 Volt MAX, 5.0 Ah lithium-ion battery, it can be used for longer hours
- Ergonomically designed to make using less strenuous
- Faster performance via the 13-inch swatch system
- Low or high switch operating system for power or longer time of usage
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- Charging takes quite a while
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9. Worx WG163 GT Cordless String Trimmer
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Worx is one of the best and most well-respected manufacturers of household gardening equipment. It was made for fast, easy, and convenient use which offers efficient performance. It is capable of a long hour of operation due to the impressive battery system – the WORX 20 V MAX Lithium-ion battery.
It is strong, powerful, and rugged enough to tackle any grass on any terrain.
It delivers a 12-inch cutting diameter which gives a wide cutting path for effective performance. There is an innovative command feed that gives an immediate line feeding without bumping. With the telescope shaft, a user can easily adjust the height to suit various users. It can also work as an edger and a trimmer, all with the turn of ahead.
There is a dual-function space guard that acts as an edge guide, keeping your flowers and plants in place while cutting
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- It is one of the easiest models to operate
- It is very light in weight
- Height adjustment feature allows people of various height to use it effectively
- Can perform both edging and trimming function
- Long hours of operation, thanks to the 2 heavy-duty 20V MAX Lithium-ion batteries
- A 12 inch wide cutting path
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- Users might need to work with ear protection
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10. GreenWorks 21212 4amp String Trimmer
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Seeking for a weed wacker, light in weight and pretty affordable for your small yard, the GreenWorks 21212 4 – Amp String Trimmer is the best choice. It is a battery-powered weed wacker that produces intense force to handle any level of grass with ease.
With the 13-inch cutting diameter, you get to cover a large area effectively. The dual-line auto-feed ensures you do not bump your equipment to the feed line while working.
The electric start system makes powering on this baby easy – through the touch of a button. The user can adjust the height via the adjustable telescope with an easy cord–lock system. The whole unit is just 5.2 pounds, hence, very light and easy to use
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- Long hours of operation due to the 4 Amp electric motor.
- Adjustable height for optimal cutting performance
- The electric start system reduces the stress of pulling a chord
- Very light in weight – just 5.2 pounds
- Very efficient cutting with a 13-inch cutting diameter
- One of the cheapest weed whackers in the market today
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- It is not recommended for large yards
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Choosing the Best Weed Whacker
Gas Powered Weed Whackers
If you own a large property, a gas-powered weed eater is the best choice. It can run without limit and can be operated anywhere. Asides, from all the weed eaters, gas-powered are the most common type.
Thus, you will have lots of options to choose from. We recommend going for models with an adjustable handle. A translucent fuel tank will also come in handy to know when the fuel tank is low.
The gas-powered weed eater can either be a four or a two-cycle engine. The two-cycle engine is pretty common, affordable, and uses an oil and gasoline mixture. Most, if not all gas-powered weed eaters operate loudly hence, might need extra ear protection for optimal operation
Corded – Electric String Trimmer
A corded weed eater might be the best option for some homeowners. People with very small yards who do not have to trim more than 100 feet are ideal. They come with a short cord and require a very long extension cord.
Of the three categories of weed whackers, the corded electric string trimmer is the cheapest. The advantage is pretty obvious – it can be used for a very, very long time without worrying about gas or the stress of charging!
Battery Powered String trimmer
While the cost of a battery-powered string weed eater is slightly higher than the gas-powered type, it is worth it. For homeowners with pretty large properties, this is a worthy investment. The advantages of a battery-powered string trimmer are obvious.
It works efficiently just like gas without producing emissions since it is not powered by fossil fuel.
One of the strong points of the battery-powered string weed whacker is that they are low in operation, and starting the engine is not as stressful as there is no need to yank a chord. Asides, maintenance is low and a battery can easily be gotten from similar brands.
On a full charge, a typical battery-powered string trimmer can cut for about 30 minutes while charging takes an hour!
First Time Guide to Using a String trimmer
Not Everyone might have used a string weed eater before. If you are in this category, we offer some easy steps that can hope you get a grasp of it.
We have compiled professional tips with which you can get the best out of your weed wacker. Asides from learning to mow your lawn professionally, you will also get to reduce the risk of damaging flowers accidentally.
The size of your trimmer and type of Shaft
In using a string trimmer, the size is very important. Since the market of weed wacker is huge, there are many manufacturers hence they come in various designs. Some come in a straight shaft while others are curved.
With a straight shaft, you will be able to control the weed eater easily and asides, you will be able to cut tight spaces, bushes, and under tress very well.
Spin Direction of the trimmer.
It is recommended to also be aware of the spin direction of the trimmer. If the weed wacker is used the wrong way, it will decrease the overall efficiency. Ideally, the cutting line of the trimmer should rotate in a circular direction on the horizontal axis. This makes the weed eater spin debris off its path as it cuts.
With the above, a weed eater spinning in the clockwise direction will release debris from the right side of the machine. This means that the best cut of the trimmer will happen on the left side. With these, it is recommended that the handler keeps to the left side of his body while the trimmer spins in a clockwise direction.
Failure to follow this principle will make debris pile up along the path you are working on. This will decrease your efficiency as you will not have a thorough cut and might even jam your tool.
Understand the Cutting techniques
After having the basic knowledge of using the string trimmer, we urge you to also note the precision and power of the tool resides at the end of the string. For a clean and even result, you should use the edge of the weed eater for the trimming.
With a weed eater, you can perform several wonders to transform your lawn into something remarkable and awesome; it all depends on your skill.
There is the ‘edging’ technique which is done to give an even line of the parallel surface in the yard. There are models that come with simple features with which you can adjust the machine to be able to edge.
All you have got to do is to take the horizontal spinning head of the trimmer to a vertical movement. We discussed a couple of these models in our best string trimmer analysis with which you can edge seamlessly!
However, if your model doesn’t have this feature, we have you covered. All you have to do is adjust your machine to place the string in the vertical position. In this position, all you have to do is handle the tool and cut, ejecting materials as you go.
This method will get rid of all forms of debris like clippings, dirt, and rock giving you a very clean and smooth edge along your pathway or driveway!
Learn the tapering technique
You should also endeavor to understand the tapering technique. This method is used for trimming tight places that the normal lawn mower will not get to. Rather than working with the entire diameter of the tool, you get a cleaner and more effective cut by working with the mowing height of your lawn.
For the tapering technique, all you have got to do is be the tool that makes the string tilt in order to go around the obstacles you are trimming around. With this, you get a tight lawn that blends with your entire yard!
How Does a Weed Wacker Work?
As discussed above, a weed wacker is powered either by electricity, fossil fuel or a battery. They are usually very light in weight and use a string made of a flexible filament that spins. During a high-velocity rotation of the spring, it becomes so stiff that it is able to cut through grass or weed.
There are basic models available on the market that requires bumping the underside of the tool to feed new strings as the present one gets depreciated.
Also, there are models that have a quick feed system in which strings becomes available with the touch of a button. Hence, the string trimmer stands out due to its consistent ability to replace old or worn-out spring.
Hence, they stand out from a lawnmower that requires a metal blade that must be sharpened often to work effectively.
Tips to Consider When Buying a Weed Eater
There are places that a lawnmower might not reach while mowing the lawn. This explains why there are some weeds or grass left around flowerbeds, walkways or fences. This is where a weed wacker comes in.
With a string trimmer, you get to finish what your lawnmower started and even do a better job. You can get a perfectly manicured lawn with a weed eater; it all depends on how well you know how to use it!
With several makes of string trimmer available in the market, it could be pretty difficult to choose the best one to fit your needs. As a result, I will discuss some key features that must be present in a good weed eater to make it fit for use!
Power Source
In the market today, weed eater comes in various types – the gas-powered weed eater, the battery-powered weed eater, and the electric weed eater. Without a doubt, they all have their respective pros and cons as I discussed in some sections above.
Gas-powered weed whackers are the best for professional landscapers and people with extensive properties. The disadvantages are obvious – it is very heavy. This makes it unsuitable for folks seeking a lightweight gas weed eater.
Asides, it is also the most expensive, taking them out of the option for anyone who needs something affordable! Also, a gas-powered string trimmer is loud and requires more maintenance.
These are factors one needs to consider before choosing a gas-powered weed eater.
There are also electric weed whackers that can either be corded or cordless. Cordless models are powered by rechargeable batteries which you can use without connecting to a power source.
A cordless trimmer is not as powerful as a gas weed eater and not suitable for large-scale operation due to the battery limitation. Asides, they are pretty affordable and light in weight. One way to make it suitable for large-scale operation is by having a spare rechargeable battery handy. It is between a hundred and 200 dollars1
The corded trimmers, on the other hand, are the cheapest and lightest in the market. They, however, have to be connected to a power source. They are ideal for small properties due to the limitation of the plug wires. The price ranges from 30 to a hundred dollars.
Cutting Width
Asides from the power source of the weed eater, the cutting weed the trimmer provides is also very important. The cutting width, also known as the size of the cutting diameter, is interpreted to how wide the cutting swath is produced by the trimmer.
With the numerous models available in the market, cutting width ranges from 10 inches to 18 inches.
I recommend a compact width for small and tight yard space. For a large yard, however, a cutting with of over 16 inches is ideal!
Shaft Style
There are various shaft options that the string trimmer comes in – the adjustable trimmer, the straight trimmer, and the curved trimmer. As expected, the trimmer discussed here all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Due to the inline design of the straight trimmer, it is ideal for handling tight spaces. It is able to reach obstacles and maneuver tight spaces to give an even cut. The con, however, is that the straight shaft is quite unwieldy to control
A curved shaft, on the other hand, offers better control due to the curve. As a result, you can get to the tightest spot without difficulty. It is however not suited for tight spaces like under bushes, trees, and co.
Both the straight and the curved shaft come with an adjustable shaft feature with which you can adjust the working height of the tool. This is very important as it can allow you to reach spaces you ideally will not be able to reach.
It is also important as it allows people of different heights to be able to use the weed wacker efficiently as they get to select the working height that is comfortable for them!
Weight
One of the most important factors that one needs to consider in selecting the most appropriate weed eater is weight. Since you will be carrying out during the entire cutting process, you need something that will not cause unnecessary fatigue.
Ideally, the weight of most weed wackers ranges from 5 pounds to 20 pounds. As discussed above, the gas-powered weed eater is the heavies, and the most powerful.
Corded weed eater, on the other hand, is very light, often the highest but with the disadvantage of a limited workspace! If you do not have a big yard, go for a cordless trimmer
Clear Fuel tank
It is recommended that one get a weed eater with a transparent fuel tank if going for the type that runs on gas. The reason is obvious – it enables you to monitor the fuel level with ease thus, you know when to refill.
Trigger-Lock
How absurd it is for your weed trimmer to start and run off on its own without using it! Thus, it is recommended that one go for a weed trimmer that has a lock on the trigger. With this, one can turn the machine on or off easily and quickly without running the trim head on accidentally!
Smart Start System
It can be really challenging to stat gas trimmers, especially for ladies and seniors. This is one of the disadvantages of gas trimmers. In this regard, we recommend that you consider models that have a smart start system. This will not stress you out when you are about to use the trimmer!
How To Properly Maintain Your Weed Eater
In order to properly maintain your weed eater, the best place to start is the user manual. Quite a lot of people do not bother to check the user manual just after opening the box.
The user manual does not only direct you on how to set up the equipment but how to properly clean and maintain the weed wacker. General preventive and corrective maintenance is essential to ensure the durability of the string trimmer.
As a result of this, we advise that you take the time to get accustomed to what is expected of you from the user manual before getting rid of the user manual.
Aside from the operating manual, there are other tips with which you can get to maintain a weed eater.
Always Inspect the Weed Eater before Using
Just as it is not advisable that you hop in your car early in the morning and zoom off, we do not recommend you just pick up the weed eater and start cutting. The ideal practice is to check and do a general inspection of the weed eater before cutting. Depending on the type of weed eater you have there are some critical parts that one should check.
- As a result of constant vibrations, we recommend checking the screw to guard against any that might be loosed.
- The deflector should be checked as well to make sure it not broken
- Also, it is important to check the head of the trimmer. This is important to make sure that the shaft has no leftover debris from the last cutting trip
- Also, check for gas leakage if you are using a gas-powered weed wacker, refill the tank if need be. Besides, if you have an empty tank while you are pretty sure you didn’t leave an empty tank on your last use, you definitely have a leaking tank!
- For corded week wacker, check that the chord is in a good condition
- Inspect the battery of a battery-powered weed eater. Asides, we recommend you only use the unit with the battery on a full charge before you start working
Make a Habit of Warming the Engine
Before heading out to the field, hold on for a couple of minutes to allow the machine to warm up before using it. Asides ensure that the operating temperature is normal before using and make sure you release the accelerator trigger to prevent the line from rotating while you warm the engine. This, without a doubt, applies only to a gas-powered weed eater.
Asides from warming the engine, always clean the carburetor and adjust the settings. We suggest you check and replace faulty air filters if need be!
Also, ensure you have a weed eater with a normal vibration. You can detect this by operating the unit at a normal speed. The grips and other control should also be checked to make sure all essential parts are in good condition.
Asides check if the metal springs or vibration damper bushings are intact, missing or broken. This is very important because excessive vibration is bad for the operator
Clean the machine after use
Also, it is very important you make a habit of cleaning the unit and getting rid of debris from the trimmer after use. This should be done before storing the unit aside, we also recommend that you do another inspection.
We recommend that you check the spark arrestor screen if your weed eater has the catalytic converter exhaust screen feature. You need to make sure this hasn’t been clogged by debris. Replace the muffler screen if the exhaust has been blocked.
The spark plug of a gas-powered weed eater should be changed after every 100 hours of use. Asides, the user manual does come with the right gap setting which is checked to make sure you are doing the right thing!
Check the Gear Box for Lubricant
Also, it is important that the gearbox never run out of lubricant. In this regard, it is important to check the gearbox every week to ensure the lubricating oil is very intact. You can remove the gearbox cap to check for grease and you should refill should the grease level below. It is, however not advisable for one to fill the gearbox to the brim.
De – Carbonize Your 2 Stroke Engine
After every 150 hours of using a 2-stroke gas-powered weed wacker, you should decarbonize the engine with the recommended fuel addictive. This is needed to get rid of the buildup of carbon in the combustion chambers. You can do this by cleaning the combustion chamber with the right engine addictive. This will clean the engine and the rings.
Conclusion
We have taken our time to discuss the best weed wacker available in the market. We have listed the pros and cons as well as the features of the many string trimmers you can find on Amazon. We hope our best weed wacker analysis will help you in making an informed decision in getting the most suitable weed eater for your yard!
Bear in mind that there are many factors that affect the choice of the best and most appropriate weed wacker for you. The size of your yard, the cutting frequency and of course, the price are factors that will guide your choice of the most appropriate string trimmer for you.
Bear in mind however that if you have a small yard, an electric weed wacker or a battery-powered weed wacker is the best choice for you. A gas-powered weed wacker is however recommended if you have a large yard that might require frequent cut!
