There is an overwhelming variety of these helpful yard and garden tools. Learn what the different kinds of weed eaters are and how to choose the right weed eater for your needs.
Weed eaters, weed whackers, and string trimmers are all common names for these very useful garden tools. They can be used to trim long grass that escapes lawnmowers along the edges of walkways and fences and many types can also trim hedges. Weed eaters work by quickly rotating a plastic string or line fast enough to cut down weeds and other unwanted plant growth.
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3 Types of Weed Eaters
Although there are many options to choose from the main categories are gas, electric and cordless.
1. Gas Weed Eaters
Gas weed eaters typically have more power than electric versions and usually hold more lines. These trimmers are great for heavier usage such as small willows and other tough vegetation. Gas trimmers can prove very convenient as there is no need to haul extension cords across the yard as you work. The downside to gas weed eaters is that they are typically heavier than electric and of course, they require gas which sometimes must be mixed with oil prior to use.
2. Electric Weed Eaters
Electric weed eaters do not have the brute strength of their gas counterparts but are often well sized to smaller yards. The main disadvantage of electric trimmers is that an extension cord must be plugged in and dragged around as you perform your yard work. Electric varieties are quite suitable for areas that mainly need to control grass and other fairly thin plants.
3. Cordless Weed Eaters
Cordless versions usually do not have as much power as the other types but are even more convenient for light jobs and small areas. The downsides of cordless varieties are that battery charges do not last very long and they can also be heavier than electric models because of the weight of the battery.
Price Range of Weed Eaters
The cost range can swing from $30 to $250 depending on the size and type you choose. Gas versions usually have a starting price of around $70 while electric and cordless types can start as low as $30.
Choose The Best Weed Eater
Before rushing out and buying a weed eater, take the time to evaluate the reasons for purchasing one in the first place. Every yard has individual needs and requirements and so does every operator of string trimmers.
Take a look at what types of weeds and vegetation need to be eliminated. Some plants are much stronger and harder to cut than others so this factor could play a large part in the decision.
Physical comfort should be another big player in your choice. If dealing with back pain or problems look at choosing the lightest version with the least amount of vibration that is still capable of tackling the trimming needs.
Also, be sure to hold the trimmer for a bit before purchasing to ensure that the handle is comfortable and can be adjusted to your body size so it can be as ergonomic as possible.
String trimmers can provide a very useful function in the yard and can put the finishing touches on landscaping. Research the purchase to ensure that the weed eater is the best fit in make and model to the needs of the yard and operator.
So, what are the best weed eaters to buy?
Since we aren’t full-fledge weed eater experts, we took to the interwebs to find authorities that reviewed weed eaters to find the best weed eater for your hard-earned money.
- The Spruce claims the best overall weed eater is the Ryobi Electric Cordless String Trimmer.
- Wild River Country says the Makita Brushless String Trimmer is their #1 pick.
- House Grail lists the Black+Decker 2in1 Cordless String Trimmer/Edger as the best overall weed eater.
