String trimmers are one of the most versatile tools you can have for maintaining your yard. They’re perfect for cutting grass and weeds you can’t reach with a lawnmower, such as areas around trees, rocks, and sidewalks. They are also useful for maintaining a hillside that is too steep or rocky to mow.
When it comes to choosing a string line trimmer, you’ve got a lot of options. There are entry-level and professional trimmers, gas and electric models, and a host of different features available. And not only are there different types of trimmers, but there’s also a large number of brands to pick from. While some of these brands aren’t a great choice, there are still many which produce quality trimmers that will be a good fit for homeowner or professional use.
Given the number of quality brands on the market, choosing which trimmer to purchase for your home or to use in professional lawn work can be a daunting task. You could research each brand, read online reviews, or turn to consumer reports for guidance. Or you could cut down on some of that time spent researching and go to the pros for advice.
A Professional Viewpoint
If you’re wondering which brands are best for a string-line trimmer, what better place to turn than to the professionals who use these trimmers on a daily basis? According to feedback from readers of Green Industry PRO Magazine, there are a few brands that professional contractors favor for their lawn work.
When asked to rate trimmer brands favorably or unfavorably, contractors put STIHL on top. In regard to STIHL string trimmers, 82% of contractors answered, “they are the best” or that I “like them.” This put STIHL far above competing brands in terms of how many landscape professionals liked this brand of string-line trimmer.
The next highest ratings were for Echo (61% favorable), Shindaiwa (48% favorable), and RedMax (42% favorable). After that, favorable ratings drop down to only 25% or lower. The other brands included in this particular survey, from highest to lowest rating, were Husqvarna, Kawasaki, Honda, Tanaka, Maruyama, and Dolmar.
This survey also asked contractors which brand was absolutely the best. The results were similar. STIHL again led, but this time it got only 42% of the votes. RedMax was ranked second with 19%, and Echo third with 18%. This significant shift shows that not all contractors are loyal to a given brand. As brands develop new models and offer special pricing, many contractors are open to trying different brands. The brand they rely on most may also vary from season to season.
About the Top Brands
STIHL’s quality power equipment earns them a consistently high ranking from homeowners and professionals alike. And they’re constantly updating to provide even better performance. Recently, STIHL representative Marv Mathwig told Green Industry PRO that they’re updating string trimmers to have a larger fuel tank, a semi-automatic choke lever, and easy-to-access spark plugs and valves that speed up service.
In that same interview, Christian Johnsson, Product Manager for RedMax, noted that they’re also updating their trimmers. New RedMax models are quieter and have lower vibration than before. And these trimmers also continue to have the durability and engine power RedMax has long been known for.
Echo is widely considered one of the most reliable lawn-equipment brands on the market. Their trimmers are lightweight with ergonomic controls so they’re easy to use. Plus, they’re powerful, with professional-grade 2-stroke engines that offer reliable performance along with improved productivity.
Trimmers from Shindaiwa offer light-weight entry-level and professional models that deliver high-power performance. Like the other brands, Shindaiwa offers different trimmer sizes and styles, as well as some trimmers with the option to switch between using a string-line or a cutting blade.
Shopping Tips
In choosing which trimmer to purchase, the favorability rankings reported by Green Industry PRO can provide you with a great starting place. However, reviews like this shouldn’t be the only thing you think about when picking out a new trimmer.
When choosing a new a string line trimmer, try to shop in person (if possible) so you can handle it in the store. That’s the best way to make sure that the equipment weight is evenly distributed, the handles will adjust to your preferred reach, and the controls are easy for you to access.
Another thing to consider is whether the trimmer is gas or electric powered. A gas-powered trimmer can typically handle taller grass and weeds, but they are heavier and louder. Electric trimmers are lighter weight and more portable, but most do not have as much cutting power as a gas trimmer. For electric trimmers, models are available with cords or battery powered. The model you choose will depend on the size of your yard and the type of trimming you plan to do.
Whichever of these top brands and models of trimmer you choose, you can rest assured that they are trusted by lawn industry professionals. With so many models and features to choose from, you are sure to find a quality trimmer that fits your lawn care needs. And if you want a little more advice about which trimmer might work best for you, we’ll be happy to help. Just send us an email, give us a call, or stop by at our location in Richardson, TX.
