Choosing the best string-line trimmer for your lawn care needs comes down to a few simple choices. There’s a wide range of trimmers available, but you can narrow the selection significantly by choosing how you want the trimmer powered, your preferred shaft style, how powerful the trimmer needs to be, and what kind of brand features you’re looking for.
Gas vs. Electric
Most trimmers recommended for larger properties and professional use are gasoline powered. Gas-powered trimmers deliver powerful cutting performance without the restrictions of an electric cord or the need to re-charge a battery. Modern trimmers on the market today offer reduced exhaust emissions and vibration dampening technology to make the trimmers easier on the environment and the operator.
Electric trimmers come in corded or battery-powered models. They have no emissions, are light-weight, have low maintenance needs, and are quieter than gas-powered models. The applications are more limited, though. Power cords limit your range and batteries limit how long you can cut. Battery-powered equipment is becoming more versatile, though. The homeowner FSA 65 Trimmer from Stihl’s KombiSystem line can run over an hour on a single charge when using the AR 180 battery. The more powerful professional trimmers can be powered for 150 to 200 minutes using AR 3000 backpack batteries.
Straight vs. Curved
Shaft style isn’t just cosmetic. The straight shafts have a longer reach, which gives them an advantage in reaching under and around shrubs and other obstacles in the yard. Straight shaft trimmers also work best for tall users and those maintaining large properties.
Trimmers with curved shafts are easier to handle, more maneuverable, and tend to be lighter weight. They’re best for light trimming jobs and for users under 6-feet tall. Echo recommends curved shaft trimmers for properties under half-an-acre in size.
Homeowner vs. Professional
The distinction between homeowner and professional trimmers typically has to do with how powerful the trimmer is and how much it costs. Homeowner trimmers are less expensive and offer less cutting power. Some also have fewer features, though homeowner trimmers from Stihl and Echo still include useful features such as easy-starting systems.
Professional trimmers are more powerful, with a correspondingly higher price-point. They’re often designed to be used for long periods of time and feature ergonomic design, anti-vibration systems, and larger fuel tanks. Some professional trimmers, such as the Stihl FS 90 R, can accommodate several different types of cutting heads, including brush blades, for increased versatility.
Brand vs. Brand
Richardson Saw & Lawnmower carries trimmers from Bear Cat, Echo, Honda, RedMax, Shindaiwa, and Stihl. Echo is widely considered the leading manufacturer for quality gas-powered trimmers. Their SRM-225i trimmer is currently recommended as the best string-line trimmer by Popular Mechanics. They also produce the Bear Cat line of walk-behind trimmers.
Stihl is another leading brand trusted to produce high-quality equipment, including trimmers. They’re priced competitively with Echo and the other brands. The other brands offer specific features that may be of interest, such as reliable Honda engines, solid-steel RedMax drive shafts, and 2/4 stroke technology with Shindaiwa. Come visit Richardson Saw in-person to compare different models and get any questions answered.
