Best Commercial Weed Eaters – Buyer’s Guide 2022

Weeds have long been a bane of residential owners and professional landscapers alike. While not an animal of sorts, a weed eater is a garden tool designed to gobble up weed and help in taming overgrowth, edging, etc. A weed eater, also known as a string trimmer, weed whacker, and strimmer, uses a flexible, monofilament line to cut back unwanted undergrowth in your garden or yard.

See also:

• Best riding lawn mowers for commercial use
• Best leaf blowers for commercial use
• Best pressure washers for commercial use

A weed eater is used for heavy-duty jobs, including clearing denser grass, very tough weeds, and even small trees and shrubs. It can help trim vegetation around obstacles, close to brick, concrete, or woodwork, or simply anywhere your lawnmower can’t reach.

Difference Between Commercial and Personal String Trimmer               

While weed eaters are available for homeowners to keep the garden in top shape, professional models are designed to withstand long hours of use and abuse than a homeowner model. Companies that make commercial line trimmers are launching four-stroke engines to comply with EPA requirements. This is advantageous for home users because four-stroke machines don’t require you to mix gas and oil. Commercial models are also quieter, and owning commercial-grade power equipment pays off overtime for durability, longevity, and ease of use.

Types of Weed Eaters

Commercial weed eaters generally use two types of power sources, gas-powered or cordless rechargeable. Corded battery-powered machines are mainly useful for smaller residential plots as they lack the firepower to cover a vast expanse of thick foliage.

A large battery, on the other hand, adds to the weight of the machine and this could bring about issues with portability. Battery-powered trimmers, therefore, fail to achieve the right balance between the power that they can generate and its weight, especially when it comes to clearing large fields, and this makes them our second pick for commercial weed trimmers just edging out electric trimmers by a few points.

Rechargeable trimmers are easy to start with no priming or cord pulling required. They do not generate any emissions, are super-quiet to operate, considerably lightweight than their gas counterparts, and are low on maintenance. However, rechargeable trimmers are not in the same league as gas-powered trimmers when it comes to range and runs time.

Gas-Powered Trimmers come in either a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. Two-stroke engines tend to be more powerful and are often the go-to choose for professional weed whackers (landscapers). However, gas trimmers need a measured oil and gas cocktail to run, can often be very difficult to start, and are considerably noisier than four-stroke engines. Four-stroke engines do not have the same energy as their two-stroke counterparts, but they are easier to start, only require gas to operate, and are low on emissions.

Gas-powered trimmers are the best that you can opt for if you have a large field to clear as they can generate all the power that you may need. They may be a little bit noisy and not that environmentally-friendly as some of them can get too smoky, but if you have tough and stubborn weeds to clear and you need the job done efficiently and in the shortest time possible, gas-powered trimmers are the way to go.

Things to Consider While Buying a Weed Eater

Weight and balance: While weed eater tend to appear as lightweight, lugging it around the yard for a few hours certainly make you feel the weight. Select a weed eater you’re comfortable with, and you can handle it throughout the length of the job. There are lightweight trimmers available, but if you’ve got a lot of ground to cover, you should consider investing in a good harness to shoulder some of the load.

Type of Shaft: Straight shaft is suitable if you trim underneath bushes or along fences.  They tend to be more durable than curved shafts and allow the user to access difficult areas and provide excellent reach and control. They’re more suitable for taller users and/or if you’re cutting weeds for extended periods.

Curved-Shaft Trimmers: These are generally more lightweight than straight shaft versions, and are easier to handle. They’re also a lot cheaper. However, if your job entails navigating a lot of structures like flowerbeds, a curved shaft would be better. 

Trimmer Vibration: Strong vibrations over time can damage the nerves in your hands and arm. Look for a model with low vibration and plenty of padding if your job entails frequent trimming.

Coverage Area: It is essential to select a weed eater according to the size of the job.  If you’ve got a tiny piece of land, picking up a commercial-class trimmer is going overboard. Likewise, if you are a professional landscaper or have a huge yard, a lightweight corded trimmer isn’t going to be up to the task.

Cutting Swath: With commercial-class weed eaters, the larger the head, the better it is. Look for a trimmer that has a cutting head of at least 17-inches if you’re undertaking a commercially sized job.

Type of Cutting Head:  There are three types of cutting heads available in the market:

 Fixed Head: This is the most common type of residential-class tool. You start by feeding the line into the spool and cut the grass until it’s worn away and needs to be replaced.

The Bump Head: In this cutting heat – you bump the head of the cutter on the ground to feed more cutting string through the spool. You replace the line only when it runs out, but it can get stuck and weld together if it’s not well designed and performing. It’s also known as a bump-n-go and can save a lot of time if used correctly. A bump-head offers you much more control and allows you to keep going by limiting the need to stop.

Automatic Head: This head features a spinning motor that keeps the cutting string consistently during the job. Excellent in theory, but it does come with its own limitations and can malfunction.

List of The Best Commercial Weed Eaters

1. Makita XRU09PT1 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Kit with 4 Batteries

The Makita XRU09PT1 is powered by dual fast-charging 18V LXT batteries for maximum power and run time. The string trimmer is equipped with a bump and feed trimmer head loaded with 0. 080″ twisted quiet Line. Line advancement is easy and reliable, and the tool is easy to hold for prolonged periods.

Featuring the efficient Makita outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system, the XRU09PT1r delivers longer run time, more power, and speed. The brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy to provide up to 50% longer run time per charge than comparable non-brushless tools. With no carbon brushes, the Makita BL Brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life. 

The Makita XRU09PT1 rotates in the same counter-clockwise direction as professional-grade trimmers and uses industry-standard spindles for added convenience. Its reverse rotation function allows the operator to quickly clear trimmer heads of entangled grass and weeds. The Model XRU09PT1 kit includes a bump and feed trimmer head, two fast-charging 18V LXT 5. 0Ah batteries, and an efficient 18V dual port rapid optimum charger.

The Makita XRU09PT1 comes with a variable speed trigger for power control. Its 2-speed options (low: 5, 000 RPM, high: 6, 500 RPM) allow the operator to match the application’s speed for run-time management.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle 
• Reverse Rotations
• Zero Emissions

Cons

• The stock bump head is awkward to load

Why Buy: The Makita XRU09PT1   comes with excellent build quality, it is lightweight, powerful, well balanced, and easy to handle, making the long hours a breeze. With zero emissions, lower noise, and less maintenance, the string trimmer is worth consideration for professional use or large yards/

2. EGO Power+ STX3800 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Commercial Series String Trimmer with Carbon Fiber Shaft

The perfectly balanced EGO POWER+ STX3800 makes short work of even the roughest ground. Powered by the rear-mounted 2kW brushless motor, the commercial string trimmer can be paired with EGO POWER’s commercial backpack battery BAX1500 that delivers 28amp-hours of 56V run-time for an all-day-long operation and comfort.

The EGO Power+ STX3800 features a manual wind bump feed head fitted with a dual-feed spiral twist nylon line that gives a 38cm cutting width. The commercial string trimmer also includes a 30cm three-tooth brush cutter blade. The string trimmer features a light, yet strong carbon fiber shaft, that unlike alloy shafts, won’t bend and lose its shape with long term use.

The EGO Power+ STX3800 is fitted with a quickly adjustable loop handle and provides a 15-inch cutting swath. The commercial string trimmer uses a motor housing and the trigger that adds durability and also has a variable speed operation, that comes handy when you don’t want to use the full force. The STX 3800 carbon fiber shaft comes with a lifetime warranty, while the machine has a 2 -year commercial warranty.

Pros

• Carbon fiber shaft
• Metal motor housing and trigger
• Quick handle adjustments
• Self-Feeding/Loading

Cons

• Lack of reverse direction
• Slightly Pricier

Why Buy: The EGO Power+ STX3800 is an excellent all-day solution for anyone working in places with zero emissions or low-noise rules. The backpack provides abundant power and relatively fast charging.

3. Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18″ Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer

The Husqvarna 324L is powered by a 25cc 4-stroke Honda engine that generates 0.9 hp and max out at 7000 rpm. The semi-pro string trimmer comes with an 18-inch (cutting width) trimmer head that can easily handle grass & weeds in your backyard. Since the trimmer engine runs on unleaded gas, it requires no mixing of fuel and oil.

The Husqvarna 324 L features a new trimmer line that works by tapping the trimmer head against the grass to activate the tap ‘N Go line release feature. The company’s smart start trimmer technology reduces starter cord resistance by 40% to allow for an easy engine start. Furthermore, the T25 trimmer head is designed for simple and easy line reloading, while the titanium line cuts a lot better than nylon.

The Husqvarna 324 L is equipped with a high visibility cutting shield that helps protect from flying rocks & debris while giving better visibility of the cutting area. The straight shaft design provides greater reach underneath bushes & those hard to reach spots. The string trimmer comes with a translucent fuel tank that allows you to visually monitor your fuel level while working. It also includes an air purge primer bulb that can conveniently remove unwanted air from the carburetor and fuel system. The string trimmer is backed by a 2-year limited for residential use.

Pros  

• Heavy Duty
• Titanium Line
• Cutting Shield
• Easy to assemble
• Easy to change string line

Cons

• Slightly Expensive

Why Buy:  The powerful Husqvarna 324L is an ideal choice if you want professional-grade power in an easy to use tool.

4. PROYAMA 42.7cc 2 in 1 Extreme Duty 2-Cycle Gas Dual Line Trimmer and Brush Cutter

The PROYAMA CG430 2 in 1 brush cutter and strimmer is designed for professional, and home use and is ideal for garden strimming, heavy work on brambles, cutting thick brush, trimming grass and weeds around trees. The powerful 2 HP 2-cycle 42.7cc engine comes with an easy starter and can trim bigger branches efficiently. Furthermore, the engine is EPA certified, which means it discharges less fuel gas in use and won’t cause pollution.

The PROYAMA CG430 features a handlebar design, making it easy to handle, while a quick-release split shaft ensures easy transportation and storage. The machine comes with a vibration reduction shoulder harness that distributes weight evenly and allows you to cut longer without getting tired. The package includes multiple protective gear accessories such as ear defenders, gloves, and face shields to protect and help you when working. The string trimmer comes with a one-year warranty.  The oil mix bottle is simple to use and uses a 40 to 1 ratio.

Pros

• Powerful gas engine
• Unique bike handle design
• Included protective gears
• Interchangeable cutting heads

Cons

• Heavy
• Bit noisy

Why Buy: The brute PROYAMA CG430 starts right up and cuts through heavy brush and grass seamlessly.

5. Greenworks ST80L210 16-Inch 80V String Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery & Charger Included

The Greenworks ST80L210 16-inch cordless string trimmer features a front mount motor for superior balance and ergonomics. Designed for durability and heavy-duty jobs, the string trimmer features a brushless motor that delivers a 32cc gas engine’s power and performance.

The Greenworks ST80L210 includes an 80V 2Ah Lithium-Ion Battery that provides 45 minutes of run time on a full charge. With an extra battery, you can now rip through weeds in the neighborhood without the hassle of gas. The string trimmer is compatible with Greenworks’ 2ah (model GBA80200) and 4ah (model GBA80400) battery and rapid charger (model GCH8040). The 2ah battery charges within 30 minutes, while the 4ah battery gets ready within an hour.

The Greenworks ST80L210 delivers a 14/16-inch cut path and includes a .080-line diameter bump feed and die-cast gearbox for durability. Lightweight and more comfortable to use, the string trimmer has a variable speed trigger for power on demand. Its split shaft design ensures compact storage. Greenworks warranties this product for four years against defects in materials, parts, or workmanship.

Pros

• Very powerful, and the battery charges fully in less than 30 minutes
• Long warranty

Cons

•  No reverse function
• Guard shield is small.

Why Buy: The Greenworks ST80L210 provides professional performance efficiently.  It provides smooth operation with little noise and needs no pulling of cords.

How to Clean and Maintain Weed Eaters

Weed eaters, particularly gas-powered models, need regular maintenance to ensure they’re performing at maximum capacity and last as long as possible.

Ensure to clean the machine immediately after using it to cut grass or weeds, as the leftover debris is hard to remove once dried. Use a stiff brush to clean anything off that shouldn’t be there.

Regularly check and replace fuel and air filters if you’re using a gas-powered machine. Air filters should be washed in detergent and hot water after every 10 hours of use. Rinse well and let it dry. Lightly soak with clean motor oil to prevent anything from getting sucked into the engine.

Replace the spark plug roughly every 25-30 hours of use. If it shows signs of damage, erosion, or carbon build-up – replace it immediately. The throttle cable should be in good working order, with nothing impeding its operation. Tighten the handle and guard to ensure continued safe and comfortable use.

Watch out for people, pets, and especially children who may be playing in the vicinity of the machine.

Remember to switch the machine entirely off, empty the gas tank and remove the spark plug (if present) before attempting any maintenance on your weed eater.

Safety Equipment to Use with a Weed Eater

A string trimmer is a dangerous lawn care equipment due to their high-speed turning head and nylon string and flinging dust, grass, stones, and other objects at high speed that can injure the user bystanders. As per a study conducted by the Center for Injury Sciences, an estimated 81,907 injuries involving a weed eater occurred from 2000-2009 in the U.S, and these are just the reported ones.  Hence extreme care must be taken while operating the machine to ensure personal and others’ safety.

Weed eaters tend to be noisy. Even if you can stand the noise for a while, it may cause lasting damage to your hearing when using these machines for longer hours. Hence it is essential to wear ear protecting muffler.

Gloves: As well as being more comfortable when operating machinery and protecting your hands against any flying objects, gloves also protect against problems caused by vibration.

Eye Protectors: Even with a cutting guard, these machines’ very nature deem that debris will be flying everywhere. Sharp objects, stones, glass, and even grass clippings can cause severe damage when launched at high speed.

Harness: A harness is highly recommended for long periods of operation. When using a heavy machine or tackling a large job, the harness will ensure that the weed eater is not bulky and uncomfortable to use.

Like any mechanical equipment, simple precautions, common sense, and remaining vigilant can considerably minimize any injury chances.

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