Say Goodbye to Pesky Weeds with the Best String Trimmer

A lawn can be part of a person’s first impression of your house. Because it is outside of the house, and visible to the whole world, putting in the effort and time you need to accomplish this is important. You may have heard it said that a person can be judged by the way his lawn looks. Of course, we could say “Who cares what other people think?” and go ahead to leave our lawns overgrown and unkempt. But why do that when you can have a beautiful lawn, front steps, fence, and flower beds simply by investing in the right string trimmer?

String trimmers are a form of outdoor power equipment designed to cut grass and small weeds using strings rotated at high speed. They are propelled by either gasoline or an electric motor. They are typically more efficient than lawn mowers because they cut through tall grasses that would most likely choke a mower. They can work at every angle and are pretty easy to use. All you have to do is turn the machine on and touch the rapidly speeding strings to the lawn. 

But before you pick up a string trimmer, you first have to ask and answer some basic questions, such as the type of shaft you want and the type of powering you want your trimmer to have. Read on to find out more. 

Types of String Trimmers

Curved shaft

These string trimmers have a bent shaft in the middle, right between the handle and the spinning head. This type of trimmer is easy to maneuver and designed to make cutting more convenient. It is generally best for shorter users.

Straight shaft

String trimmers with a straight shaft are usually longer than curved ones and are best for taller users as they prevent you from having to bend to get the trimmer head down to cut grass effectively. 

Gasoline-powered string trimmer

These are the most common type of string trimmers. They are perfect for large properties and can work for an extended period of time. They make use of a gas-powered motor and can typically deliver high power-to-weight ratios.

Corded-electric string trimmer

Corded-electric string trimmers are the cheapest and convenient because you don’t have to worry about filling them with gas or charging a battery. They come with a small cord that you attach to your main supply. They’re perfect if you have a small lawn or space to cut. 

Battery-powered string trimmer

These string trimmers are great because they are easy to start, do not release fumes, and are relatively quiet. They work using lithium-ion batteries that you charge and then use. You can utilize their batteries in other battery-powered equipment, especially if they are from the same brand. 

What To Look Out for When Shopping for a String Trimmer

Adjustable handle

String trimmers with adjustable handles afford you the ability to pick a more comfortable length that suits your height. This is more important when more than one person is handling the trimmer; it also helps to prevent backaches and promotes good balance.

Weight

Be sure that the string trimmer you are going for is lightweight enough to hold for extended periods. 

Noise

Generally, string trimmers make a lot of noise, some much less than others. On the noise scale, using electric string trimmers requires ear protection.

Easy feeding/loading of strings

You might want to go for a trimmer that comes with an automatic string feeding function when the current ones run out, or you could get a unit that requires them to be fed manually. The latter gives you the chance to determine the kind (strength, thickness, and durability) of string you want to be installed. 

Gapping

When purchasing a string trimmer, make sure to take note of the distance between the cutting head and the shaft. A large distance means that grass can get stuck and choke the trimmer – the smaller the gap, the less likely it is that this will happen.

Safety

Because of the high speed at which they operate, string trimmers can get very dangerous, hitting and throwing out shards of glass, stones, and grass. Make sure that you shop for a trimmer that comes with protective gear or, at the very least, shop for gear while purchasing the trimmer. 

Translucent gas tank

You can often find this feature on gas-powered string trimmers. It helps you to know when your gas tank is almost empty and needs a refill. That way, you know to prepare ahead rather than get cut off in the middle of your cutting.

Price Ranges for String Trimmers

Least expensive

$50-150. At this price range, you can purchase a corded trimmer, which is usually the cheapest type. They are effective and can get the job done.

Average cost

$150-300. If you want a string trimmer that combines ease, strength, and longevity, get one within this price range. Most in this category are battery-powered, much more dependable than the cheaper ones, and more mobile over a much larger space than corded trimmers.

Most expensive

$300-500. The most expensive string trimmers should not be outside of this price range. The most expensive is the gas-powered trimmer and it works most effectively and the longest. If you have a large area to cut and need to work faster and better, you should get one within this price range.

Utilizing a string trimmer correctly will help you make your outdoor spaces the best they can be. Take a look at the top 5 string trimmer skills in this video from Lawn Care Life: