We spent hours searching for the best weed eaters available online. Here’s a quick overview of the ones we’ve found.
If you’d like a more detailed review, feel free to read through each individual product highlight. Check out our buying guide for weed eaters as well if you’re interested in how these tools work.
Enjoy!
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall Corded Weed Eater  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Overall Cordless Weed Eater  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Overall Gas Powered Weed Eater  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Overall Budget Weed Eater  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Introduction to Weed Eaters
Whether you maintain a garden as a homeowner or a landscaper, you’re probably going to have to deal with weeds. Weeds are plants that are unwanted because they kill other plants or ruin the look of a garden. There are many methods that are used nowadays to remove weeds from a garden whether it’s with weed killers, manually pulling them out, using garden shears or our topic for this article, using a weed eater.
Weed eaters, also called weed whackers, line trimmers and string trimmers, are high powered gardening tools that are used to rapidly cut grass and weeds. Weed eaters use a thin plastic line which is attached to a rotating spindle located at the bottom of a pole. When powered on, the spindle whorls the thin lines at incredibly fast speeds that slice through foliage. Weed eaters are one of the most commonly used powered gardening tools in landscaping next to lawn mowers and are great for medium to large sized lawns that have a lot of ground to cover.
Weed eaters have been around for a while and new developments are being made year after year. Companies have found ways to make weed eaters stronger, more efficient and even include features that would change the game entirely. If you’re new to weed eaters, we’ll be covering all of the basic features that you’ll likely run into and more down below. So, without further adieu, let’s get into our list of the best weed eaters available online.
Best Weed Eaters Reviewed
Best Overall Corded Weed Eater:
Greenworks 21142 Corded Weed Eater
Weed Eater Specs:
- Motor: 10 Amp
- Line Size: 0.08 inch Dual Line
- Cutting Path Size: 18 inches
- Overall Length: 60 inches
- Weight: 13 lbs
Weed Eater Features:
- Cord lock feature
- Quick start feature
- Attachment compatible
- Cushioned grip and auxiliary handle
- Quick connect coupler
- Eco-friendly
- 3 year warranty
Overview:
This corded weed eater from Greenworks offers users efficiency, versatility and reliability for general lawn maintenance tasks. The Greenworks 21142 weed eater is a great tool for those looking for a modular tool with endless run time and great power output.
The Greenworks 21142 corded weed eater features a powerful 10 Amp motor and a ultra wide 18 inch cutting path, making it more than capable of quickly cutting large swaths of overgrowth. The 21142 comes with a wide range
of features meant to make it user friendly such as a quick start feature, a cushioned grip and auxiliary handle for more control and comfort. The Greenworks 21142 is not just a reliable string trimmer, it also acts as a platform for other attachments that you can use for lawn maintenance tasks such as cultivating soil and trimming or pruning trees. Its quick-connect coupler lets users easily swap out the weed eater head for other attachments like a hedge trimmer, pole saw, leaf blower and cultivator even if it’s from other brands. This makes it a versatile tool for any household or professional landscaper.
Check out the Greenworks 21142 corded weed eater here.
Best Overall Cordless Weed Eater:
Makita XRU15PT1 Cordless Weed Eater
Weed Eater Specs:
- Battery Type: 18V LXT, 5.0 Ah battery
- Cutting Speed Range: 3,500 – 6,500 RPM
- Line Size: 0.08 inch Dual Line
- Cutting Path Size: 15 inches
- Overall Length: 72.8 inches
- Weight: 13 lbs
Weed Eater Features:
- Variable speed
- Brushless motor
- Reverse function
- Adjustable auxiliary handle
- Battery protection technology
- Includes four 18V LXT 5.0 Ah batteries &
one 2 bay fast charger - 3 year warranty
Overview:
This cordless weed eater set from Makita offers users powerful cutting action, more control and run time. This set is a great choice for landscapers and homeowners that need to cover a lot of area without interruptions.
The Makita XRU15PT1 cordless weed eater comes with a brushless, direct drive motor powered by one of Makita’s popular 18V LXT, 5.0 Ah batteries. This set comes with 4 batteries along with a 2 bay fast charger meaning you can spend more time finishing the job and less time charging.
These batteries are protected by Makitas advanced Star
Protection technology that prevents them from overheating, over-discharging and overloading. The weed eater itself comes with a variable speed feature that lets users choose between 3 speed options ranging from 3,500 RPM, 5,400 RPM and 6,500 RPM. It also has a protective seal that protects internal components from dirt and water that might be thrown around during lawn trimming sessions.
As far as battery powered weed eaters go, the Makita XRU15PT1 is at the top of the food chain because of Makita’s experience with making power tools. If you’re in the market for battery powered weed eaters, you can’t go wrong with this awesome choice.
Check out the Makita XRU15PT1 cordless weed eater here.
Best Overall Gas Powered Weed Eater:
Husqvarna 128LD Gas Powered Weed Eater
Weed Eater Specs:
- Engine Size: 1 HP, 28cc 2-cycle engine
- Cutting Speed: 7,200 RPM
- Line Size: 0.08 inch Dual Line
- Cutting Path Size: 17 inches
- Overall Length: 58 inches
- Weight: 12.7 lbs
Weed Eater Features:
- Smart Start recoil system
- Easy line replacement
- Attachment compatible
- Air purge function
- Detachable shaft
- Translucent gas tank
- 2 year warranty
Overview:
This gas weed eater from Husqvarna offers users superior cutting action and versatility in one tool. The Husqvarna 128LD is a great choice for landscapers or homeowners looking for a weed eater that powers through overgrowth while still being convenient enough for beginners to use.
The Husqvarna 128LD gas powered weed eater has a capable 1 HP, 28cc engine that gives it a blisteringly fast cutting speed of 7,200 RPM. The engine has some interesting features that make it easy to use. This includes the Smart Start recoil feature that helps the 128LD start up with little effort, a quick release trimmer line, a detachable pole for easy storage or transport and an air purge feature that removes
unwanted air in the carburetor.
The Husqvarna 128LD also allows users to easily swap out the line trimmer head for other attachments such as a cultivator, pole saw and edger. This makes this tool a versatile addition to any landscaper’s arsenal and also saves users the hassle of buying different tools.
Check out the latest price for the Husqvarna 128LD gas powered weed eater.
Best Overall Budget Weed Eater:
BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 Corded Weed Eater
Weed Eater Specs:
- Motor: 6.5 Amp
- Cutting Speed: 8,000 RPM
- Line Size: 0.065 inch Dual Line
- Cutting Path Size: 14 inches
- Overall Length: 37.6 inches
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
Weed Eater Features:
- 2 in 1 functionality
- Automatic line feed system
- Integrated wheeled edge guide
- Cord retention feature
- POWERDRIVE transmission
- Adjustable auxiliary handle
- Rotatable line trimmer head
Overview:
Black+Decker is a well known manufacturer of affordable and high quality power tools. This weed eater of theirs is no exception to that reputation. The BESTA510 delivers exceptional cutting power along with bonus features that make it a great pick for landscapers and homeowners on a budget.
The Black+Decker BESTA510 corded weed eater is powered by a 6.5 Amp motor that features Black+Decker’s very own POWERDRIVE transmission which helps it cut through thick overgrowth. This weed eater can quickly be turned into an edger with the help of its integrated guide wheel and by simply rotating the line trimmer head. It also features a unique automatic line
feeding spool that removes the hassle of having to replace the line every once in a while.
All these features along with a powerful motor and lightweight design make this weed eater a great choice that offers more bang for the buck.
Check out the latest price for Black+Decker BESTA510 corded weed eater.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a couple of weed eaters that didn’t quite make our list but we felt deserved a shout out.
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Buying Guide for Weed Eaters
Types of Weed Eater
Weed eaters come in different shapes, sizes and even have different power sources. In this segment, we’ll be explaining the most common types of weed eater you’re probably going to run into in your search for the best one.
Gas Powered
Similar to most medium sized machines used in gardening, the early weed eaters were originally gas powered. Having a gas engine has several pros and cons. Gas powered weed eaters are significantly more robust and powerful than their electric powered cousins. Gas powered weed eaters also tend to struggle less when cutting through thicker grass. Surprisingly, gas powered weed eaters are similar in weight to their electric counterparts despite the more durable construction. The cons of gas powered weed eaters are pretty clear. Being gas powered, these weed eaters are pretty loud. We’re talking about at least 100dB or as loud as a chainsaw. Gas powered weed eaters also emit dangerous fumes that could cause respiratory issues further down the line. Gas powered weed eaters also require more maintenance than electric alternatives.
Electric Powered
There are two main types of electric powered weed eaters in the form of corded and cordless models. Let’s see how the two compare.
Corded weed eaters have some advantages and disadvantages compared to both cordless and gas powered models. For one, corded weed eaters are much quieter than gas powered weed eaters and don’t emit any harmful gasses. Corded weed eaters are also maintenance free and have no need for fuel or oils. Corded weed eaters will typically have motors that are 5 Amps or higher. This is enough power to power through most tall grass and some manufacturers even refine these motors to increase torque. These refined motors can give some corded weed eaters a cutting speed rivaling those of gas powered weed eaters. Given that these are corded tools, users would need a nearby power outlet or to invest in an extension cord to cover more area. This is one glaring con and because of this, corded weed eaters are usually used by homeowners with smaller lawns.
Mobility is where cordless weed eaters shine. These use Lithium Ion batteries and have the advantage of being highly portable. You’d be somewhat correct in thinking that batteries don’t offer as much power as corded or gas powered weed eaters but with battery technology getting better every year, it’s only a matter of time. An obvious issue with battery powered weed eaters is that you’ll eventually need to recharge the battery, leading to more downtime. To solve this issue, some companies include two or more batteries so that you can just swap out batteries when one dies. This can be a con as well because the price of a good battery can be quite high.
Important Factors
Weed eaters can be complicated machines. They can have complex features and parts that help the user get the job done faster. Here are some important factors that you should consider before buying a weed eater.
Cutting Path
The cutting path of a weed eater refers to how wide of a path the lines can cut. The width of the cutting path is limited by the protective shield that surrounds half of the cutting diameter and prevents debris from flying at the user. Most weed eaters will have cutting paths anywhere from 10 to 20 inches wide.
Motor, Battery & Engine Size
The motor and engine size are two measurements used to determine how powerful a weed eater is, specifically corded and gas powered models. On corded models, the motor size is often translated into amperes or Amps for short, with most corded weed eaters having motors ranging in size from 5 to 10 Amps. For gas powered weed eaters, the size of the engine is determined by its displacement and is measured in liters and cubic centimeters or CC for short. Most gas powered weed eaters have engine sizes ranging from 28cc to 50cc. Cordless weed eaters use batteries as a power source and thus, are measured in voltage and amp hour or V and Ah for short. Most cordless weed eaters use batteries that are at least 20V and have amp hours of 2.0 Ah or more.
Feed & Line Type
The feed and line type of weed eaters refers to how the line is installed onto the trimmer head. There are two main types of feed types in the form of bump fed and string fed systems.
A bump feed line system has a spool of line that can be manually adjusted by the user. When the existing length breaks or is worn out, the user simply has to take out or open the reel and extend the line to the desired length. Newer models have automatic feeding systems that use small motors inside the trimmer head to keep the length of line consistent.
A string fed system on the other hand, uses pre-cut lengths of line that are individually inserted into the trimmer head. String fed weed eaters are relatively easy to maintain when the line breaks but relies on the user to have some spare lines nearby. String fed weed eaters also require users to be more careful with how long of a line they insert as having a line that is too long can damage the protective shielding.
Weight & Ergonomics
The weight and ergonomics of a weed eater are important factors to consider because it will determine how comfortable and controllable the weed eater would be. Weed eaters are typically 30 inches long, or more, and weigh below 20 lbs. This may seem pretty manageable but also consider that these are powerful tools that have a cutting head that spins at thousands of rotations per minute. Not to mention, you’ll also have to consider how long it’ll take for you to trim the whole area. A couple of pounds may not seem like much but even a 10 pound weed eater can be tiring to use after 20 minutes of lawn trimming under the sun.
Manufacturers take these into account and include features that make their weed eaters easy to use. This includes an auxiliary handle that you can use to have more control over the weed eater, ergonomic grips that make it easier to hold the weed eater for long sessions, adjustable trimmer heads that let you angle the weed eater and even telescopic shafts that lets you adjust the length of the pole.
Parts of a Weed Eater
Trimmer Head
The trimmer head of a weed eater is where the line will be housed. Trimmer heads can be bump fed or string fed. A bump feed trimmer head will have a housing specifically for the spool while a string fed trimmer head will have locking inserts for the line. Trimmer heads are built to be the sturdiest part of the weed eater because of the material they are meant to cut along with the flying debris that’ll be caught in the whorling of the lines as it passes over them. Learn how to replace trimmer line here.
Shield
The shield of a weed eater ensures that the user is protected from any flying debris that might be thrown around by the trimmer head. These are designed to be sturdy yet lightweight enough to not impede on the mobility of the weed eater. The shield is usually a half circle that covers half of the cutting path but some manufacturers make these shields smaller.
Auxiliary Handle
This part of the weed eater helps the user have more control over the weed eater. Auxiliary handles are wider than the shaft and grip so that users can hold them in whatever position they find the safest or most comfortable.These are typically covered in a rubber overmold that also helps make it more comfortable to carry.
Grip
This part of a weed eater holds the essential controls such as the power switch, variable speed controls and the trigger. Depending on the model, the motor or engine can be located below or behind the grip. Cordless models mostly have the battery insert located by the grip as well.
FAQs
Q: Would a lawn mower be better than a weed eater?
A: Both a lawn mower and weed eater fulfill similar roles and have their pros and cons. A lawn mower is better at making even cuts on a lawn than a weed eater but using a weed eater gives you more control over how deep you want to cut. A lawn mower can cover more ground faster than a weed eater but a weed eater is better at cutting on an inclined surface. In general, both of these tools are good at what they do and whether one is better than the other depends on factors such as location, how much ground you have to cover and budget.
Q: Are weed eaters safe?
A: As we mentioned, weed eaters are powerful tools that can be capable of causing harm if not used properly. Weed eaters should be used responsibly and not in areas with people nearby that can be hit by debris. It’s also best to use weed eaters with gloves and safety glasses for your own protection. If you follow basic safety etiquette, weed eaters should be safe to use for any adult.
If you’d prefer a hand tool, grass shears can work too, but are tedious to use and keep sharp.
Q: Are weed eaters expensive?
A: This depends on the brand, engine or motor size, material that the weed eater is made of and features that the manufacturer includes. On average, weed eaters can cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
Conclusion
Weed eaters can be a great addition to your gardening tool kit. We hope that this article taught you a thing or two about weed eaters and that you leave here with a better understanding on which one you think is best for you. Thank you dear reader and happy gardening!
