Say Goodbye to Pesky Weeds with the Best String Trimmer

A lawn can be your house’s first impression and because it is outside of the house, and visible to the whole world, it is very important that you put in the time and effort needed to make it look good. It is often said, and quite true 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 keep a beautiful lawn, front steps, fence, flower bed without having to break a bank, or sweat in the process by simply getting the right string trimmer.

A string trimmer is a machine designed to cut down grasses and small weeds using strings rotated at high speed by either a gasoline or electric motor. They are typically more efficient than lawn mowers because they cut through tall grasses that would most likely choke a mower and can work at every angle. It is pretty easy to use also. All you have to do is turn it on and touch the rapidly speeding strings attached to it, 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

This is a trimmer with 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 short users.

Straight Shaft

A trimmer with a straight shaft is usually longer than the curved one and is best for tall users as it prevents you from having to bend to get the trimmer head to the grass. 

Gasoline-powered string trimmer

This is the most common type of string trimmer as it is perfect for large properties and can work for an extended period of time. It makes 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 good 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 mains supply, and are perfect if you have a small lawn/space to cut. 

Battery-powered string trimmer

These 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 then use. The good thing about them is that their batteries can be used in other battery-powered equipment, especially 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 would be handling the trimmer, and it helps to prevent aches around the back 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, but some much less than others. On the noise scale, electric string trimmers perform the best and are the quietest. Despite all of these, it is still advisable to use ear protective gear when using a string trimmer.

Easy Feeding/Loading of Strings

Depending on your choice, you could go for a trimmer that comes with an automatic feeding function of strings when the current ones run out, or you could get a unit that requires them fed manually. The latter gives you the chance to determine the kind (strength, thickness, 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 would most likely get stuck in there and choke the trimmer - the smaller the gap, the less likely 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 alongside. 

Translucent Gas Tank

This feature is for the gas-powered string trimmer. 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 get the work done to a large extent. 

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, which are much more dependable than the cheaper ones, and mobile over a much larger space than the corded trimmers can go.

Most Expensive

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