Weed eaters come with curved shafts or straight shafts. Try both types to see which feels more comfortable for you. Bicycle handles may be more comfortable for larger, longer, brush clearing jobs. Loop handles are most common on residential weed eaters. You can choose from two main types of handles: loop handles or bicycle (AKA “bullhorn”) handles.
Some trimmers come with the option to buy blades for tougher jobs. ( Trimmer line is the string that does all of the cutting.) Some battery-powered models accept slightly thinner line widths than gas models.
These heads are often ideal for heavy-duty trimmers that require thicker string.ĭifferent trimmers will accept different trimmer line widths. This system works with fixed-line heads to load a pre-cut length of line into the machine.
Fixed-line system: Buy pre-measured segments of line to load into the feed mechanism when your line runs low. This is similar to the bump feed because you can make your line as short or long as you wish. Command feed: When you run low on line, simply push a button or turn a dial, and the feed mechanism will release more line. This system is convenient but gives the operator less control over the length of the line. Auto-feed: The trimmer uses its own “brain” to release more line when the line is too short. This system is quick and easy and, if you’ve removed the guard, it gives you control over the length of your line. Bump feed: Tap the machine on the ground a few times while it’s running to get a longer string. The purpose of the feed system is to release more line when you’re running low. There are four types of feed systems: bump feed, auto-feed, command feed, and fixed-line feed. The higher rpm, the better the line will cut through thicker material. Some will have a variable speed option as well (3,500 rpm, 5,300 rpm, 6,500 rpm) to save battery power. If your lawn is over an acre, you may want to consider a gas-powered machine.Īlso, pay attention to rpm (revolutions per minute). Use a machine with 20-40 volts for up to ½ acre, or from 40-80 volts for up to an acre. The higher the number, the more power they offer.īattery-powered models work well on lawns up to an acre, depending on your level of power. When you look at these power sources, gas models will label motor power in cubic centimeters (cc) and battery models will label it in volts (24V). If you’re concerned about cost, though, know that the brushless motors are more expensive. Brushless motors are more efficient and less noisy than brushed motors. Both types offer brushless motors as well. Battery-powered models rely on batteries - usually a lithium-ion battery. Gas models rely on gas and oil to power the engine. If you’re a weed eater novice, here are a few terms and components to familiarize yourself with as you do your research: Power source 
Here are a few brands you’re probably familiar with:
They all mean the same thing and do the same job. Not only do weed eaters accomplish many lawn tasks, but they also have many names: While it’s good to know there are other options, we’ll focus on the more popular gas-powered and cordless models in this article. You’ll also see electric string trimmers (AKA corded models that require an extension cord) and even propane weed eaters.Įlectric models are popular in very small, “postage stamp” lawns, and propane models perform as well as gas. These machines also create that professional, finished look when you use them to create clean lines around the edge of your lawn and flower beds.īelieve it or not, battery- and gas-powered machines aren’t the only types of weed eaters on the market. If you have a drain ditch in your lawn or a steep slope, a weed eater will keep the grass looking nice and neat. These handy machines help homeowners and lawn pros cut down grass and weeds in areas that a lawn mower just won’t reach. Weed eaters are an indispensable power tool in the DIY lawn maintenance tool kit.
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