What’s the point of having a big and healthy lawn? After all, it’s just an area with grass growing outside your home, right? Wrong! A lawn is so much more than that. It helps you turn your fitness goals into action, run a local environmental improvement program and it boosts your mental health.
That said, one essential tool that every homeowner needs to maintain a sizeable lawn is a gas-powered weed wacker. Since it’s a heavy duty machine, you’ll be able to cut more grass in a short amount of time. Plus, you can take gas trimmers as far away as you want without having to worry about the battery running out or short electric cords getting unplugged.
And the best part is that adding fuel only takes a few seconds. It’s not like using a rechargeable battery, where you’d have to have an extra battery or wait hours before the battery becomes fully charged. This article highlights some of the best gas weed eater on the market.
What are Weed Eaters?
If you’re unfamiliar with the term weed eater, it’s another word for a ‘trimmer’. Actually, it’s a brand name that got so familiar that people are now using it instead of the original name. It’s a gardening tool that trims the grass using a monofilament line instead of a blade.
Most models come with automatic feeding of a new string when the old string wears out. They operate using electric, gasoline or battery-powered engines.
Gas Weed Eater Buyer’s Guide
Opting for a gas string trimmer instead of the electric or the battery-powered one is just half the battle. There are tons of gas-powered weed eaters on the market and finding the perfect one can be quite a daunting task.
To narrow down your list of options, there are several features you need to check. In fact, it is these features that make some weed eaters better than their counterparts. These factors are highlighted below:
Engine
This is the most crucial component of every gas-powered machine. When it comes to string trimmers, the power of the engine determines just how efficient the device will be at cutting grass and bushes. When examining the engine, pay close attention to its capacity. While some weed eaters have very powerful engines others do not.
The least powerful is usually an engine of 15cc. With a lower engine displacement, both the speed and output of the machine will be compromised. Nonetheless, you should also keep in mind that a powerful engine is likely to increase the overall weight of the string trimmer.
Another key thing to inspect when assessing the engine is the number of cycles. Engines are classified as either two stroke (two cycle) or four stroke (four cycle) engines. The 2 stroke cylinder engines require a blend of gas and oil while the 4 stroke has a different compartments for the petrol and lubricant.
Cutting Width
Apart from the engine, you should also check the trimmer’s cutting width. A long cutting width is always preferred because it means that you’ll save on time cutting grass in one area.
The majority of gas weed eaters have a diameter of more than 15 inches and this gives you sufficient output. The last thing you want is to purchase a bulky gas string trimmer only to realize that its spool size is a total disappointment.
Whenever possible, go for weed wackers that support multiple attachments for the trimmer head. This way, you can adjust based on your preference or the workload you have.
Shaft Type
There are two types of shafts in a weed eater, curved or straight. They come in a variety of lengths, which is an important factor to consider depending on your own height.
If you’re tall, make sure you choose a shaft that’s long so you won’t have to bend over as you work, which will be extremely tedious if you have a large yard.
Curved shafts are best for trimming large areas, as well as get to the hard to reach areas without much effort since they’re easy to move around.
However, getting under a bush is a task for a straight-shaft trimmer, as the head is further away from the handle, meaning you’ll reach more places.
Weight
You probably don’t have all day to trim grass from your lawn. If you’re anything like me, then you’d rather be doing something else rather than taking care of your lawn all day. That said, most homeowners would prefer gas trimmers that work fast. But if you want to be done with the task at hand, then you’ll need to choose a weed eater that won’t tire you out, and this means choosing one that is lightweight.
By picking a lightweight gas weed eater, not only will you be able to cut grass without suffering from fatigue, you’ll also benefit from easier maneuverability. A lightweight gas weed eater is easy to turn or shift direction.
Reviews of the Best Gas Weed Eaters
Comparison Chart
Hitachi CG23ECPSL Gas Powered String Trimmer
If you’re looking for a gas weed eater that strikes a balance between weight and cutting ability, then look no further than the Hitachi CG23ECPSL. Weighing in at just 10.3 pounds, this weed whacker chops through thick grass, bushes and even small trees effectively.
Since it’s a 2-cycle, straight-shaft gas string trimmer, it also offers a great deal of versatility. It has a good long drive shaft, enabling you to maneuver around trees and other obstacles with ease.
Features
- Has a 22.5 cc two-stroke engine
- Total length of 69.6”
- Equipped with an anti-vibration system
- Comes with an S-Start recoil starting system
Pros
- The shaft is long enough to access the hard-to-reach areas
- Lightweight and balanced; hence easy to navigate
- The anti-vibration system is easy on your hands and arms
Cons
- Since the shaft is quite long, this can be problematic for short people
- Lacks a shoulder strap
Ryobi RY253SSGas Power String Trimmer
For homeowners interested in gas weed eaters that support multiple attachments, the Ryobi RY253SSis a strong contender. This weed eater features an exceptional expand-it attachment system. Essentially, you can convert it to an edger, blower, pruner,and tiller.
Another key highlight of this weed wacker is its wide cutting path, which enables it to cover a lot of ground with just a few passes. Ryobi RY253SSis a two-cycle weed eater that comes with an adjustable handle to make it more comfortable to use.
Features
- Weighs 12.2 lbs.
- Has an engine size of 25cc
- Has a unique expand-it attachment system
- Equipped with a Zip Start carburetor for easier starting
Pros
- A good cutting length of 18 inches
- Works well with multiple attachments
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- A bit bulky and thus difficult to maneuver
- Does not have an anti-vibration system
Toro 51978 Straight Shaft Gas Trimmer
Toro 51978 has the power of a commercial grade weed eater. It uses an engine with a capacity of 25.4 cc, making it one of the most powerful. This means that it can chop weed and stubborn grass very fast.
The design of this gas trimmer lends itself to handling tough jobs. And it’s equipped with components that combat engine vibration. The only drawback is that it weighs more making it heavier than most gas string trimmers. This means that it’s not a good fit for some individuals because it might be too heavy to use for any lenght of time.
Features
- Uses a commercial grade full crank 25.4cc engine
- Works well with Expand-it attachments like the trimmer head
- Extended shaft
- Weighs 12.5 pounds
Pros
- Compatible with attachments from other brands
- 18-inch cutting path
- The spool is capable of holding 25 feet of string
Cons
- Has a heavy engine
- The shaft length does not work well for taller users
Husqvarna 128LD String Trimmer
Equipped with a 28cc, two-stroke engine, this is a gas weed eater that is optimized for performance. Similar to most gas-powered string trimmers, the Husqvarna 128LD uses gasoline, which has to be mixed with oil before use.
This trimmer has a long shaft, which prevents too much bending. Also, it has an adjustable handle, allowing you to make adjustments to suit your height. The handle also comes with a soft grip, making it comfortable to hold for long jobs.
Features
- Has an engine size of 28cc
- 17-inch cutting width
- Compatible with attachments
- Has a straight shaft and transmission gear ratio of 1.4
- Weighs 10.8 lbs.
Pros
- It’s lightweight
- Has a wide cutting path
- The shaft is detachable to save on storage space
Cons
- The 2-stroke engine is not as powerful as the 4-stroke engine in other models
- The Smart Starter feature is unreliable
Remington RM2510 Rustler 25cc Gas String Trimmer
If you prefer a curved shaft weed wacker, then the Remington RM2510 Rustler will serve you well. This is a 25cc 2-cycle gas weed eater with a curved shaft, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver making trimming your lawn more comfortable. It has a Tap ‘N’ Go cutting head, which feeds the line automatically once the head is tapped into the ground avoiding work interruption.
The shaft is of medium length, making it ideal for use by both short and tall people. We also like that the engine does not generate too much noise or release excessive fumes. And with it’s 16 inch cutting swath you can trim more areas of tall grass in less time.
Features
- Fitted with Tap ‘N’ Go cutting head
- QuickStart technology
- Has a curved shaft
- Uses 2-stroke 25cc engine
Pros
- Has a lightweight design
- Easy to assemble
- The Tap ‘N’ Go cutting head makes for excellent trimming
Cons
- Lacks anti-vibration technology
The Bottom Line
A well-maintained lawn is the joy of every homeowner. No piece of garden equipment can help you maintain your lawn better than a gas-powered weed eater.
These weed wackers chop through thick and stubborn grass in a matter of minutes. Plus, they help you save on time because they don’t need any recharging as do battery powered weed eaters.