Makita String Trimmer

String trimmers are an important part of landscaping a yard. There are certain areas of your yard that mowers simply can’t get, making it necessary to bring in something to cut those tricky patches. But before you buy a string trimmer, there are some important things to consider.

The first decision to make is whether you want a gas, electric or battery-powered trimmer. A gas-powered trimmer is affordable, but you’ll have to deal with regular maintenance. “A 4-cycle gas engine can take straight gas, but a 2-cycle requires you to mix up a ratio of oil and gas,” says our home improvement expert Vicki Liston. Her award-winning show, “On The Fly…DIY” has tons of useful home tutorials. “You can purchase a premixed ratio, but you’ll pay a premium for the convenience.”

The alternatives to gas trimmers have their own drawbacks, though. An electric trimmer has an extension cord, which means you may be limited in your reach. You’ll also have to be careful not to cut through the cord while you’re trimming.

“Cordless battery-powered trimmers are lighter and quieter than gas versions,” says Liston. “No exhaust fumes, no mixing gas and oil. Simply push a button and whack away!” However, battery-powered trimmers are limited by their battery life. Typically you’ll find you can trim for 30 minutes to an hour, making it a better choice for smaller yards. “You can also buy a second battery-powered trimmer while that one is charging so you don’t have to stop and wait,” notes Liston.

Once you’ve narrowed down the power source for your string trimmer, you’ll need to find one that’s easy to use. Some string trimmers have a vibration that can make them difficult to hold and maneuver while you’re working. You’ll also find that some string trimmers are lighter than others, which could make it easier to maneuver and hold for long periods of time. If you have a smaller yard, this may not be as much of a consideration, though.

When it comes down to it, the most important thing is how well your string trimmer cuts. Gas-powered string trimmers are typically more powerful, but that shouldn’t be automatically assumed. In fact, you may find a battery-powered string trimmer with the cutting power of a gas-powered trimmer, helping you get the best of all worlds.

• When you think of string trimmers, you may automatically recall the gas-powered versions you’ve used over the years. The Remington RM25C Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer and Poulan Pro PR28SD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer are both powered by gas, but the battery-powered Ego Power+ 15″ Lithium Ion String Trimmer holds its own.
• Regardless of the string trimmer you choose, you’ll want to make sure it has the power to tackle all your jobs. Gas-powered trimmers, like the Poulan Pro PR28SD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer, have the ability to cut through pretty much anything. However, don’t rule out the Ego Power+ 15″ Lithium Ion String Trimmer, which can cut just as well as a gas-powered trimmer while still offering the convenience of battery power.
• One common complaint with string trimmers is their vibrations. Look for a trimmer that has a handle with cushioning to reduce vibrations and make gripping it for extended time periods more comfortable. Some models even have a built-in anti-vibration system
• Another decision you’ll need to make when choosing a string trimmer is split shaft versus straight shaft. A split shaft is built to be able to easily fit into a box for display and shipping. This means if you’re willing to disassemble it each time, you’ll have an easier time storing it. You’ll find plenty of trimmers available of the split shaft variety, but not quite as many straight shaft trimmers. The Ego Power+ 15″ Lithium Ion String Trimmer is available in both split shaft and straight shaft versions.
• When it comes to how your new string trimmer will impact your wallet, you’ll find it varies. The Remington RM25C Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer is by far the most affordable. However, the Poulan Pro PR28SD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer can be found in a reasonable range. The most expensive is the Ego Power+ 15” Lithium Ion String Trimmer.
• Any time you’re working with something that has a blade, safety is a concern. Look for a trimmer that has a clutch that keeps the blade still any time you’re idling.
• Noise level is also a consideration, especially if you have neighbors nearby. Gas string trimmers tend to be noisier than electric and battery-powered models.
• Whether you choose a gas, battery or electric-powered trimmer, you’ll have to change the string on it from time to time. The Ego Power+ 15” Lithium Ion String Trimmer uses a unique Powerload technology that makes reloading that string simple.
• If you’re buying a battery-powered trimmer, make sure the battery is included. The Ego Power+ 15″ Lithium Ion String Trimmer can be purchased without a battery or with a kit. You can choose from a 2.0Ah or a 2.5Ah battery. The 2.5Ah battery will provide longer runtime, so it might be worth paying the extra amount.
• As you’re trimming, it’s important to have a trimmer you can easily maneuver. The Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer is lightweight at only 6 pounds. At 10 pounds, the Ego Power+ 15” Lithium Ion String Trimmer is fairly lightweight as well. You may have more difficulty working with the Poulan Pro PR28SD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer over a long period of time since it’s a hefty 14 pounds.