Best Weed Eater
Top 10 Rated Weed Eaters 2013
Lawn trimmers are invaluable tools for keeping your yard looking tidy and professional. Trimmers can reach tight areas that lawn mowers can’t, such as beneath bushes and around trees. Many trimmers also function as edgers, allowing you to get a clean, straight line along sidewalk paths and garden beds. As we examined different lawn trimmer and lawn edger models, we kept the following qualities in mind:
1. Durability
2. If cordless, battery life
3. If gas-powered, gas efficiency
4. Ease of start-up
5. Weight and maneuverability
6. Power to cut through tough weeds
7. Guard for safety
8. Head width
9. Accessories
10. Price
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21.1cc engine |
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12-inch cutting width |
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Harness included |
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2-stroke engine |
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18-volt batteries (NiCad) |
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2-cycle gas engine |
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11 amp |
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3-position pivoting head |
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18-volt motor |
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1.8 amps |
Choosing a Lawn Trimmer
Gas vs. Electric Lawn Trimmers
As with many other tools, one of the major considerations you’ll face as you select a lawn trimmer is whether to go gas or electric. Each option has its pros and cons, so you’ll have to think about your personal needs and preferences.
Power
Gas lawn trimmers are typically more powerful than electric ones, so keep that in mind if you have a large yard or rough, thick terrain. On the other hand, electric weed eaters are usually quieter and more lightweight.
Cords and Batteries
Gas lawn trimmers are cordless, giving you a wide range of movement. Electric lawn trimmers come in corded or cordless varieties. If you choose corded, make sure you have easy access to an outdoor power outlet. If you choose cordless, research how long a battery charge will last you—you’ll want to be able to finish your yard without having to stop and recharge the lawn trimmer.
Maintenance
Generally, electric lawn trimmers are easier to maintain than gas lawn trimmers. Many gas weed eaters, particularly those with a 2-cycle engine, require you to mix gas and oil together for fuel. However, you can select a lawn trimmer with a 4-cycle engine, which doesn’t require that gas-oil mixture.
In short, if you have a smaller yard, or you trim less frequently, then an electric lawn trimmer may be the better, more economical choice. If you require a more powerful machine to cut through tough brush or heavy grass, you’ll likely prefer a gas lawn trimmer for its extra oomph.
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Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon |
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Filed Under: Lawn & Garden • Weed Eaters
