Gas vs Battery vs Electric Weed Wacker

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Trimming the weeds, grass, and growth around your property can be an arduous task unless you have the right tool for the job. A weed wacker does the trick, and there are three types from which to choose. This article provides a complete guide on how to choose the right trimmer for your lawn needs: gas vs. battery vs. electric weed wacker.

A well-trimmed lawn exudes a calming atmosphere to passersby. What’s more, it welcomes you home to an orderly, attractive place of peace. Unless, of course, all you can think of is the epic battle with your weed wacker that preceded it.

Maybe your weed wacker or grass trimmer has a hard time starting up. Maybe it is as old as the hills and weighs more than you do. Or, maybe your trimmer lacks sufficient power to handle the job at hand. Trimmers come in different shapes, sizes, and prices, depending on the features that are important to you.

Key Features of Weed Wackers: Factors of Differentiation

The weed wacker, also known as the weed eater, string trimmer, weed trimmer, and line trimmer, serves to cut down overgrowth. A power supply, whether gas, battery, or corded electric, powers a rotating head. From the head, two thin plastic lines are whipped around at great force, which serves as the weed wacker “blade.”

Electric weed wackers, the lithium-ion battery powered cordless weed wackers, and the latest gas string trimmers will all trim grass and weeds in a similar way, but what differentiates them is as follows:

Size & Weight

If you have one of the older, large, heavy string trimmers, it is likely gas powered. Older models are commonly powered by gas and are typically made from heavier metal than that of the newer models. Battery-powered weed wackers are lightweight enough to hold in one hand and are smaller in size than gas trimmers. Electric corded trimmers are in-between. They are as large as gas powered weed wackers and a little bit heavier than battery-powered models.

Motor & Run-time

The quality and power output of the motor largely affects the price of weed wackers. The more powerful the motor, the easier it will cut through the thick overgrowth. Good battery-powered weed wackers are designed with brushless motors to increase the torque and decrease resistance on the motor. However, the battery eventually runs out.

Gas powered weed wackers provide the most torque and power. They have a long run-time, but it is not everlasting. When the gas is gone, the trimming is done. Corded electric trimmers offer a powerful motor and unlimited run-time.

Power Supply

Consider the accessibility to electricity at your disposal. If you run out of battery power at the furthest corner of your lot, is a charging station within convenient reach for your corded trimmer? Would a corded trimmer be able to reach all the way to the edges of your property? Would gas exhaust and fumes be detrimental to any of the wildlife around your property? These are all things to consider when choosing a weed wacker.

Trimming Capabilities

If you are faced with tall grass and stubborn weeds, you want a trimmer that is equipped with dual nylon lines. These lines are typically .08 inches thick or even thicker and can get through even the toughest and thickest vegetation in your yard.

Finishing and Edging

Some models have a swivel head that rotates so you can achieve the best edging position. Some other models do not have this rotating feature, which means to achieve the same thing; you have to turn the entire trimmer. No matter what, a good balance needs to be maintained as well as good visibility so you can have a good edging and a clean finish.

Feed and Reload Features

There are bump feed and automatic feed spool systems for trimmers. Some of the best string trimmers have a spool that is easy to load with a new line. When you have a bump feed trimmer, you press the head of the trimmer against a flat surface. Doing so squeezes a spring contained in the head, and this releases the spool. With an automatic feed spool feature, the line will release when it begins running short. When this happens, there is less likelihood of damaging the trimmer.

High-Quality Construction

No matter what, the best trimmers will have high-quality construction and be made from durable materials. They will also feature things like pull cords and switches and engines that can also stand to last. Even some of the models with plastic components, when well-maintained, can last for several years. So, even if your model comes with longer warranty service, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best trimmer. Some report problems when having to go through the warranty service for some of the top brands.

Gas vs. Battery vs. Electric Weed Wacker: Complete Overview

The first step to choosing the best tool for the job is to consider the level of power needed and the needs of the one performing it. Now that you are thinking of your individual grounds and requirements for a trimmer, take a look at the details of a gas vs. battery. vs. electric weed wacker.

Gas Powered – High-Powered | Heavy Weight | Moderate Run-time

If you need a weed wacker that can cut through thick, heavy-duty overgrowth, a gas-powered model is the way to go. Gas weed wackers offer the most output of power. They are high-power, but also high-maintenance.

Top Gas Powered Weed Wackers

Comparison Chart

316eFtsyg7L. SL500
Husqvarna 128LD 17″ Cutting Path Detachable Gas String Trimmer
31fzoSTHBzL. SL160
Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

Gas trimmers experience more mechanical issues than electric powered trimmers. Some require a mixture of gasoline and motor oil, either mixed by proportion into the same tank, or separate tanks. The process of internal combustion is more complex than the transfer of electricity so gas trimmers have more that can malfunction.

On the other hand, gas-powered trimmers provide the highest amount of torque to the motor of any trimmer model. They produce a lot of smoke, noise, and pollution, but they sure do get the job done easily.

If you are in search of a weed wacker that will be put to the highest test of power, gas trimmers are the best choice. They are powerful tools if you are committed to keeping the motor in optimal condition.

Gas trimmers are the heaviest and most difficult type of trimmer to use. They weigh from 20 to 40 pounds when filled up with fuel. They include a shoulder strap, which takes the full weight of the unit off of your arms. If you experience back pain or have trouble holding weight on your shoulder for extended durations, it is best to go with a lighter, corded or cordless electric unit because of the more ergonomic design.

Battery (Cordless) – Moderate Power | Lightweight | Short Run-time

Cordless battery-operated trimmers are the newest addition to the weed wacker family. They operate under the same principle as other cordless power tools and even use the same power supply. Thus, the 18-volt batteries are rechargeable, so you can, theoretically, always have a fresh battery on deck for when your current battery goes dry.

Top Battery Cordless Powered Weed Wackers

Comparison Chart

41vYsASOrPL. SL500
Greenworks 40V 12 in. Front Mount String Trimmer with 2Ah Battery and Charger, 2101602
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Lawn Mower, String Trimmer and Edger, 12-Inch, Cordless (MTC220)
31t8dK0Tc6L. SL500
WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12″ Cordless String Trimmer & Edger

The benefits of cordless string weed wackers are they are on the opposite size and weight spectrum as that of gas trimmers. Cordless trimmers are very light, usually between 4 to 7 pounds. Unlike gas trimmers, cordless battery trimmers are extremely well balanced and can be easily used with one hand.

Like all cordless power tools, the battery on your cordless trimmer drains faster when increased pressure is exerted on the tool’s motor. If it has to cut through thick overgrowth, you will need several charged batteries on deck. Under average resistance, the battery lasts between 30 minutes to 45 minutes. If you only have one rechargeable battery, from empty, it takes around three hours to a full charge.

Electric (Corded) – High-Powered | Moderate Weight | Unlimited Run-time

electric weed wacker

A corded string trimmer is the perfect middle ground if you want power and convenience. Unless you lack convenient access to electricity. As you would expect, if you don’t have access to a plug, you can’t run your trimmer. If you do, however, corded trimmers offer plenty of power — much more than you need. Even then, the electric power is cheaper to run your trimmer on than gasoline.

Top Electric Corded Powered Weed Wackers

Comparison Chart

31ZtR3rYE8L. SL500
BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM Electric Lawn Mower, Orange
31PH0gYC3ZL. SL500
Greenworks 24V 12-Inch String Trimmer / Edger, 2Ah Battery and Charger Included 21342
316Tw1mYpzL. SL500
WORX WG154 20V PowerShare 10″ – 12″ Cordless String Trimmer & Edger

Electric trimmers are less expensive than gas trimmers, less noisy, and don’t require any cranking or pulling of a cord to get them started. An electric gas trimmer has a simple “on” switch. However, it also has a limited radius.

If you have a large property to weed wack, you better have a very long extension cord. The length of your cord is the determining factor in how far from your power source you can travel. But, if range is not an issue, an electric weed wacker is a great option. Just, be careful not to cut the power cord by accident.

Final Thoughts

Make your lawn trimming job easier by using a tool that is well suited for the job and the one doing it. Electricity is an awesome force, but sometimes you need that extra torque that only fossil fuels can produce. Whatever the needs of your project, don’t be a hero — work smart, not hard. Weed wacking grass and weeds can be fun and relaxing if you choose the right one.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the differences between a gas powered vs. battery and charger vs. electric grass trimmer. If you find this article helpful, share it with your friends and family on the social media channel of your choice.

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