String-line trimmers, also known as weed eaters or weed wackers, are the perfect tool for trimming areas your mower can’t reach. Slopes, rocky and weedy areas, and the edges of flowerbeds and walkways are hard or impossible to maintain with a lawn mower, and this is where having a string-line trimmer comes in handy.
Basic Maintenance
Taking care of your string line trimmer involves a few easy maintenance tasks. If you ever have trouble starting your trimmer, the first thing to check is fuel. After about 30 days, fuel left sitting in the trimmer can go bad and should be drained and replaced. Make sure to refill with the proper fuel/oil mixture, and if there is a chance the trimmer will be sitting idle again you can add a fuel stabilizer to prevent this problem in the future.
Spark plugs should be checked every 25 hours of use for damage or corrosion. If the plug is in good shape, it can be cleaned with a wire brush. If it is damaged, they are inexpensive and easy to replace once your check with a service department to make sure you’re getting the right type of spark plug for your trimmer.
The air filter is located on top the engine’s carburetor. These filters should also be checked on a regular basis, and cleaned or replaced. Foam filters can be washed in detergent and water, then rinsed to clean. Oil-bath filters only require that additional oil be added. Paper filters will typically need to be replaced.
Types of Trimmers
There are three main types of string trimmers, and they are powered by gas, battery, or electricity. The gas powered trimmers are more powerful than other types, and can cut tall grass or weeds with tough, thick stalks. Battery powered trimmers work well for small yards, though they are not designed for heavy-duty cutting. Like battery-power models, electric trimmers are lightweight and work for small yards, but the cord can get in the way and limit your reach.
String trimmers are available with straight or curved shafts. Trimmers with curved shafts are lighter weigh and can be less expensive. Straight shaft models have a longer reach, but weigh more. Some trimmer models are available with customizable features, so you can convert to a blade for cutting tough weeds and brush. Others can be used as an edger by changing the cutting head.
Best Brands
A poll reported in September 2012 by Green Industry PRO Magazine asked professional contractors which brands of string-line trimmers they favored for yard work. When asked to rate brands “favorably” or “unfavorably,” the top-rated brand was Stihl. The next highest ratings were for Echo, Shindaiwa, RedMax, and Husqvarna. When rating brands on which one was the absolute best, Stihl led again, followed by RedMax and Echo.
String trimmers are versatile lawn equipment that, along with lawn mowers, will help keep your yard neatly maintained. With several quality brands to choose from and many different models available, you are sure to find a trimmer that meets your needs.
