String Trimmers

String trimmers   are handy yard and garden tools that are used in conjunction with your lawn mowers   and other power and gardening equipment. Since lawn mowers   are not precise tools, you can use a string trimmer to clean up around the edges of walls, trees, flower beds, walkways, and driveways. String trimmers are best if your grass is not too thick or unruly and you don't require an ultra-meticulous lawn manicure. For thick grass and perfectly trimmed edges, you may want to think about getting a walk-behind string trimmer   or even an edger .  They cost a bit more and resemble miniature lawn mowers, but they will offer a more professional-looking cut and are preferred for commercial or residential properties that have spacious lawns to maintain.

While you're improving your lawn's appearance, don't forget to look into lawn fertilizers ,  extra grass seeds ,  and a good sprinkler system .  The right lawn products can keep your lawn looking great with just a little regular care.

All recommendations in this article are from ConsumerSearch.com . Check out their page for more detailed information about each model.

String Trimmer Types

Gas Powered Trimmers

Gas powered trimmers   are the most powerful and the most expensive of all trimmers. Can handle tall grass, brush, and thick weeds. Heavier than electric models, but not that hard to use. Noisy and, since they run on gasoline, they produce exhaust. Make sure you wear hearing protection   while using a gas trimmer. Fueling and regular maintenance required; storage in your house is not recommended. Some allow for replacement heads that use blades, which are less likely to break than strings. Recommended Models Craftsman 79197   -- heavy but heavy-duty; many attachments increase versatility. Echo SRM-210   -- lightweight but no attachments.

Electric Corded Trimmers

Electric corded trimmers   are lightweight, quiet, and easy to use (no maintenance or fueling required). Can only handle light trimming jobs. Not as powerful, but less expensive. More environmentally friendly; no nasty fumes. Cost of consumables is higher: the strings and spools need more frequent replacement. Recommended Model Stihl FSE60

Electric Cordless Trimmers

Electric cordless string trimmers   are much more mobile than their corded cousins. Lightweight, quiet, and easy to maneuver. Adequate for light trimming only; running on a battery just doesn't provide the same "oomph" as a gas powered motor or electrical cable. Environmentally friendly. Run time on a rechargeable battery is limited, so it is only capable of touch ups that take 30 minutes or less. Batteries can take up to 24 hours to recharge. Recommended Model Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018   (pictured)

Choosing Your Trimmer

Trimmer Cutting Widths

• Electric Models :
• Best for small jobs: 7"-8" . 
• Good for light use: 11"-12" . 
• Gas Models :
• Good for moderate use: 14"-15" . 
• Best for heavy-duty/professional use: 17" + . 

Curved vs. Straight Shaft

• Straight-shaft   trimmers are used by professional landscapers for heavy-duty jobs such as clearing brush. They usually have a solid-steel shaft and anti-vibration bushings.
• Less vibration, which cuts down on fatigue. Also tends to have better balance and reach than curved-shaft trimmers.
• Optional attachments for edging, gardening and hedge trimming.
• Curved-shaft   trimmers are more common for household models.
• Somewhat easier for non-professional landscapers to handle and keep level.
• Lighter and less powerful than straight-shaft models, but can handle most home lawn duties.

Other Features

Before you find the right string trimmer for you, consider these options and whether they are important to you. Some of them are important safety features, while others are just "nice to have."

• Easy Start : A three-step mechanism makes for fool-proof startups every time without breaking a sweat.

• Dual-Line Head : It cuts quicker than a single-line head and it's more powerful for cutting thick grass.

• Fixed-Line Head : Echo   and Craftsman   are two manufacturers that make models with this special feature meant to eliminate string tangling.

• Stop Switch : A kill switch is a safety feature that should be easy to reach.

• Motor Placement : Good balance is important, especially if you don't have very strong arms, because it will help reduce fatigue. Top-mounted motors are usually come on gas-powered trimmers, but electric ones have them on the cutting head. Top-mounted motors tend to balance the trimmer out better because it centers the majority of the weight in your hands instead of at a distance.

Major Manufacturers

• Weed Eater  
• Toro  
• Craftsman (Sears)  
• Ryobi  
• Homelite  
• Cub Cadet  
• Echo  
• Husqvarna  
• John Deere  
• Stihl  

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