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Best String Trimmer Overview
Once you’ve got completed mowing your lawn a string trimmer can make fast work of the challenging to reach areas, for example walkways, landscaping and trees.
Employing a string trimmer to finish the job gives your yard a uniform look and improves the overall look of the lawn.
There are lots of selections to select from when purchasing String Trimmers for example gas, electric or battery powered. You also have distinct strings sizes and configurations to select from.
If you are looking for a string trimmer for your yard, you’re in the right place. In this post we reviews top 5 best string trimmer on the market.
Top 3 Best String Trimmers on the market
Different Types of String Trimmers
Choosing the right string trimmer comes down to your personal preference and needs. They are available in three different types including:
These models are ideally suited for heavy-duty use such as cutting tough weeds and tall grass or for consumers with large lawns. They typically weigh 10-14 lbs., which is more than electric or cordless models, but they are also more powerful and convenient since the user is not restricted by cords or battery life.
These models are best suited for consumers with small yards who plan on doing only light trimming and edging. They typically weigh 4-6 lbs., which is much less than gas-powered models and still provide adequate power to cut through most grass and brush. The run time for an electric trimmer is unlimited, but the downside is that the user is restricted by cord length.
These models give consumers the best of both worlds thanks to a rechargeable battery, which provides an eco-friendly power source and unlimited portability. They are ideally suited to consumers than plan on trimming many different areas of their lawn and higher end models will handle even the toughest weeds and tallest grass. The run time for cordless models ranges from 15 minutes on up to an hour or more.
Top 5 Best String Trimmer Reviews
1. Tanaka TCG24EBSP 2-Cycle Gas String Commercial Grade Trimmer
The Tanaka TCG22EASSLP Two-Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer is a powerful device that offers a solid steel drive shaft, a semi automatic line dispenser as well as a lightweight design. You can use it to trim all kinds of terrain, including gardens, walkways and even your porches.
The trimmer’s special low emission engine also reduces fumes, while its special S Start system allows you to start the device without exerting a lot of effort. All in all, this Tanaka trimmer can certainly be considered as one of the most comfortable, if not the most versatile, trimmers currently in the market.
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
2. BLACK+DECKER LST220 Cordless GrassHog Trimmer/Edger
It’s impossible to keep your garden well-maintained unless you use a high-quality trimmer and edger. Most people prefer buying battery powered trimmer and edger, as it gives portability with low-noise levels while working. One reputed product in this category is Black & Decker LST220 Trimmer and Edger that runs on 20-volt Lithium-Ion batteries, this product has many benefits apart from the fact that it’s manufactured by a company, which has more than 100 years of experience in manufacturing these tools.
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Conclusion
Black & Decker LST220 Trimmer and Edger with 20-Volt Lithium-Ion, has many features that makes it the best string trimmer in its category. The legacy of Black & Decker is another factor that enhances the value of this product. What makes this product most attractive is its affordable price, which further enhances its value.
3. Black & Decker LST136 Cordless High Performance String Trimmer
The Black & Decker 13-inch LST136 is one of the most efficient trimmer and edger which delivers more energy from the motor to ensure that job is done easier. Black & Decker LST136 allows you to cut grass in areas that are difficult to access with an ordinary mower. This machine produces a neat edging even on hard surfaces. It draws the power from 36-volt high power lithium battery systems. Lithium batteries are more superior over ordinary batteries because it provides reliable power as well as excellent run time. In addition, this machine is easier to start as compared to gas trimmers. This makes it more user friendly thus can be used by any person. Furthermore, Black & Decker LTI136 has a three year full warranty.
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
4. GreenWorks 21142 10Amp 18-Inch Corded String Trimmer
Choosing the most appropriate grass trimmer for your needs is essential when you want to obtain good results and make your duty more pleasurable and simple. But instead of opting for gas trimmers, GreenWorks 21142 10 Amp Corded 18″ Top Mount Trimmer can offer you all the benefits you need in order to accomplish your duty correctly and easily and avoid any inconveniences during this operation.
Our Rating: (3.7 / 5)
5. Hitachi CG22EASSLP 21.1cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer
Grass trimmers can make all the difference in keeping a well-kept lawn, or one that’s just ok. However, many of the grass trimmers out there are unreliable, don’t have enough power, or simply don’t work well enough to be practical for everyday use. The gas-powered Hitachi CG22EASSLP is one of the options available that appeals to consumers. These are some of the important features of the product.
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
Best String Trimmer Buying Guide
When buying the string trimmer you will have to make some selections. Creating the right choice know will make certain that you have the best tool for the job and that you simply can simply and comfortably use the trimmer.
The most crucial aspects are the size of your lawn, individual preferences and also the main use of the trimmer. Getting all these points correct will help you stay comfortable and secure when using your trimmer.
You’ll obtain two distinct shank, or shaft, designs. Units with straight shanks have a tendency to provide far greater weight balance and longer drive shaft life. Their longer shafts make them best for trimming underneath fences, hedges and bushes.
Trimmers with curved shanks use a flexible-cable drive shaft to give power for the head and commonly call for a lower investment upfront. They may well be fantastic for trimming around flower beds and also other squared-off locations.
Employing the correct sort of trimmer line will go a extended way toward ensuring efficiency and dependability. Standard-grade line is most powerful for low-intensity trimming in smaller yards. It gives great efficiency on light grass and is an economical alternative.
Commercial-grade trimmer line is perfect for use in bigger yards where you could locate additional likely to be heavier patches of grass and troublesome weeds. Whichever sort most suits your yard, be particular you’ve a spare spool on hand as a replacement so you do not get stuck within the middle of a job.
You will discover fairly some points you could do to make certain proper and efficient use of your trimmer. Typically use the advised line size, since employing a heavier line will put additional anxiety on the motor.
Models with tap lines function a button on the bottom of the head that lets out added line if you tap it on the ground. Additional advanced trimmers could possibly have automatic line-advance systems that sense when the line is worn and automatically release extra.
Be extra careful when trimming around the base of trees, as flying bark is typically unsafe and trimmers can severely harm young saplings. Wear shoes or boots to shield your feet and, if the vibration bothers your hands or gives you blisters, uncover a superb pair of perform gloves.
One from the greatest choices you might be going to must make when purchasing a trimmer is regardless of whether or not you would like a gas or electrical model.
Gas trimmers are cordless, tend to be extra effective and demand a 2-cycle mix of gas and oil to operate, while some models characteristic a 4-cycle engine that runs much much more smoothly, begins up much less tough and does not need the gas/oil mixture.
Electric units is usually either corded or cordless and are perfect for smaller yards. Which kind you pick out depends in massive element on how enormous your lawn is, where your energy outlets are and how generally you trim.
Additional Features to Consider
- Spring-assisted advanced starting system – Makes starting a gas-powered string trimmer much easier by reducing how hard the operator must pull on the cord.
- Four-Stroke Engine – Cleaner, quieter and more powerful than gas-powered trimmers using a two-stroke engines.
- Curved or Straight Shaft – Straight shafts are typically longer and better suited for taller operators and for reaching under decks or beneath shrubs. Curved shafts are more lightweight and comfortable to use.
- Cutting Width – Heavy duty users should consider a trimmer with a cutting width of 15-18 inches, while less frequent users or those working in smaller areas can opt for trimmers with an 8-12 inch or 14-15 inch cutting width.
- Semi-Automatic, Automatic Or Fixed-Line Heads – Semi-automatic heads, otherwise called “tap-and-go” heads require the operator to tap the cutting head on a solid, flat surface like a sidewalk to dispense more string. Automatic heads disperse more string as needed without any action by the operator. Fixed-line heads require the operator to manually replace the string as needed, however some models feature removable line cartridges, which makes the process quick and easy.
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Your String Trimmer
Just when the weather gets warm enough and you are finally ready to tackle those aggressive weeds, you find that winter stored string trimmer refuses to start up. Here are some troubleshooting tips to get you trimming again.
- Check the fuel Check the fuel supply in the tank. Trimmers should not be stored with fuel in the tank but if it was and no stabilizers were added, it may have lost its potency. If it does not smell like fresh fuel or in any way sour, you need to empty the tank and replace the fuel. Check the manual to make sure you are adding the right mixture.
- Once the issue of fuel has been addressed, check the spark plug. If it isn’t brown but corroded and black, it should probably be replaced. If the color doesn’t convince you, connect it to the plug wire and rest it against the trimmer cylinder allowing the plug bottom to contact the metal. If you have a kill switch, make sure it is on. Pull the start rope very gently. If a spark appears between the ground rod and the electrode, put the plug back into place and try starting the trimmer again.
- If the trimmer starts but won’t rev, the problem may be the muffler. Unburned oil usually occurs with the two-cycle type engine and can carbonize on the muffler screen. Check a cool muffler to verify the screen can be removed. This capability can vary between trimmer models. If it can be removed, clean with a wire brush or hold it with pliers and carefully torch off the accumulated carbon. Once clean, reinstall and attempt to start the trimmer.
If these steps don’t get your trimmer going, you may require the services of a mechanic to perform an adjustment to the carburetor or to rebuild it. It should not be very expensive but make sure it is performed by a mechanic with experience.
Tips on Replacing Your String Trimmer Bump Feed Head
The string trimmer’s bump knob releases 1 inch of trim line from a spool whenever the head of the trimmer is bumped against a hard surface or the ground. A gas trimmer has a bolt at the bottom portion of its bump feed which activates the spring. A damaged bump head or worn bolt requires the entire bump head to be replaced. The bump plate on electric trimmers may require replacement after some time. It is probably best to take your bump head to a store that sells home improvement supplies to obtain the replacement. The replacement is not a difficult process as long as you get the right part.
Lay trimmer on the side and on a surface that is flat. The wire for the spark plug should be disconnected from the plug on a gas powered trimmer by removing its wire boot by hand.
Grip the head of the trimmer with one of your hands while twisting bump head in thecounter-clockwise direction with the other hand on gas powered trimmers. Channel lock type pliers can be used to loosen bump head if necessary.
On electric trimmers, remove the cover of the bump head by the tabs on the side which can be found within the outer head covering. Depress tabs and pull up cover to remove. This bump mechanism is a molded part of the cutting line spool. As long as this spool is intact, you need only replace the spring which is between the outer and inner spools. The damaged spring can be lifted from the innermost spool.
For either type of trimmer, take bump knobs to a hardware or home and garden supply store to purchase the replacement. On an electric trimmer, put the larger end of the spring inside the outermost spool. Replace the trimmer line spool into the outermost spool and put the cover back over the trimmer line spool.
Press the cover down until the tabs lock within the spool. The replacement bump knob needs to be threaded into the head of the gas powered trimmer. It only needs to be hand-tight. Then reconnect the wire to your spark plug.
How to Replace the Line on Your String Trimmer
The cutting string on the string trimmer winds around a kind of spool contained by the trimmer’s head. Inside that head there is usually a knob and string mechanism which releases a new string length when the head is tapped upon the ground. When the string encounters hard surfaces such as fences, trees, concrete or structures, it breaks off from the reel.
This occurs continuously throughout the trimmer operation resulting in the need of fresh string to be wound around the spool. The necessary replacement string is available at garden supply stores and should be of equal or lesser diameter.
- The engine should be off and cooled before attempting string replacement. Tip engine toward the ground lifting the head. The shaft can be held by the arm for bracing.
- The outer head rim needs to be held to prevent spinning. Depress the knob in the center and twist according to the arrow. If the model has 2 tabs on the rim, depress them to remove cover.
- Clean the cover with a rag. Remove the spool from the post in the center. Use scissors to remove any string that is left. Wipe spool with rag. Examine the clean spool and the cover for damage and replace parts that are cracked or broken.
- Consult the owner’s manual for the correct length of replacement string to cut for your specific model. Most models made for home use require between 12 and 30 feet of string. Your manual should state whether it is recommended to bend or cut string with scissors.
- If the spool has a notch, bend string and hook it into it. If the spool is equipped with eyelets, thread approximately 1 inch into each eyelet.
- Follow the arrow embossed on your spool to tightly wind the string around it. Be sure to wind evenly and smoothly. Keep 6 inches unwound at the end.
- The two loose ends should be threaded through the eyelets situated on the head rim. Push the spool and spring back to original position inside the head. Lock cover back over the threaded spool.
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