String trimmers need to be powerful and versatile enough
to handle a variety of tasks around your lawn and garden.
That's why Consumer Reports tests them
for edging and trimming around walkways,
and how well they whack through tall grasses and weeds.
Testers even make sure they're easy to use
and comfortable to hold.
This guide will walk you through the three
types of trimmers, gasoline, corded electric, and battery
powered.
So you can pick a trimmer that best suits the work that
needs attention in your yard.
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specific brand recommendations and exclusive product ratings.
This video is interactive, so click any chapter
to skip around.
Gasoline trimmers are a popular choice
when it comes to power and mobility, and for good reason.
In our tests, we look for how quickly and neatly models
edge and trim, and how powerful they are when it comes
to tall grasses and weeds.
Our recommended gasoline trimmers
consistently earned top scores in those areas.
They also work well if you need to take down hardier plants.
With proper maintenance, a gasoline engine
lasts about 10 years.
The gasoline engines can be very loud,
and they produce emissions.
String trimmers come with either two- or four-cycle engines.
Two-cycle engines perform better in our tests,
but four-cycle engines start easier and pollute less.
We'll talk more about gasoline engines in the maintenance
chapter.
Corded electrics can be a good inexpensive option
for some homeowners.
Consumer Reports tests have found
the best ones can handle tall weeds and grasses just
as well as some recommended gasoline models.
But like any electric power tool,
the cord limits how far you can go,
and an extension cord can be cumbersome
when it comes to maneuvering through your yard and garden.
Battery-powered trimmers offer free range with no emissions.
Consumer Reports latest tests show
many of the newest recommended battery powered
trimmers performed just as well as gasoline trimmers,
but you'll pay a premium.
The best models cost twice as much
as the best corded electric trimmers.
And most batteries only run about 15 to 30 minutes
before they need a recharge.
That should work for smaller jobs,
but most take at least an hour to recharge.
Not ideal if you've got a lot of trimming.
Another factor to consider is that batteries only
last half as long as a gasoline engine,
typically three to five years.
And buying a new battery can cost almost as much
as buying a new string trimmer, about $100 to $150.
After you've decided on what type of trimmer you need,
it's a good idea to go to the store and check it out.
Adjust it.
Hold it in the cutting position, and make
sure the weight is evenly distributed.
Also make sure the controls are easy to reach and operate,
especially the stop switch.
Trimmers come with either a straight or curved shaft.
We note this in our ratings.
Straight jack models are typically more expensive
and have a longer reach.
These tend to be better suited for taller people.
Another option is a curved shaft.
These are typically lighter, easier to handle,
and ideal for smaller jobs.
Avoid models with a gap between the cutting head
and the gearbox, like this.
Tall grass can wind up around the unit.
And if there's enough of it, the machine can stall.
Models with a very small gap or protective sleeve
avoided that issue in our tests.
For gasoline models, look for helpful
features to make starting the machine easier,
like spring-assisted starting.
Exhaust deflectors that aim gases toward the back,
and not to the side, are the way to go.
Trimmers with a centrifugal clutch design
that lets the trimmer idle without spinning the line
keeps it safe and easier to start.
And a translucent tank lets you see when the gas is low.
For electric models, look for a motor
toward the top of the head.
These offer better balance and handling.
Some string trimmers offer a rotating head
that swivels to a vertical position for easier edging.
When it comes to the actual string of the trimmer,
there are some options to consider.
First, cheaper strings can melt together.
Buy the best quality you can afford.
Check your owner's manual to see which
string size fits your trimmer.
A line that's too thin for your specific trimmer
will reduce cutting power.
Too thick, and you may slow down the engine or motor.
Trimmers with two lines can handle heavier growth and more
grass than single line models.
A bump feed line advance conveniently releases the line
from the spool when you bump the trimmer head on the ground.
There are also fixed line heads on some string trimmers.
Or you can buy these aftermarket.
Instead of spool, you insert short lengths of line.
You'll need to thread in new line more often,
but this feature reduces the jams that
can happen when loading spool.
With any type of string trimmer, be
sure to change the cutting string
at the start of the season.
Old string can become brittle and break easy.
For gasoline engines, you'll need to do a little more.
Make sure to remove the fuel and run the tank
dry at the end of the season.
Change the spark plug every two to three years, too.
For two-cycle engines, check the owner's manual
for the appropriate gas and oil mix needed
for your trimmer's engine.
It's usually a 40:1 or 50:1 gasoline to oil ratio.
Or you can buy pre-mixed gas and oil and just pour it in.
String trimmers can kick up a lot of debris
and they're noisy.
So always wear eye and hearing protection.
Check out the rest of our lawn and garden tips
as well as specific string trimmer recommendations
based on our in-depth expert testing at ConsumerReports.org.
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