Buying guide for gas weed eaters
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String trimmers, also known as weed eaters, are one of the most familiar property maintenance tools this side of the lawn mower. Able to delicately cut grass along the edges of structures and trees and to powerfully chop through tough brush, this is a tool that can make your to-do list easier and give you the upper hand against the specter of an unkempt lawn.
While simple in design and operation, not all weed eaters are created equal. To get the most from your trimmer, you need to consider what kind of work you’re going to be up against and keep in mind factors such as engine size, cutting diameter, shaft type and more.
Whether you’re a professional landscaper looking to replace a weed eater that has reached the end of its life or a property owner just hoping to save money this summer by taking care of your own lawn, this buying guide will help you decide which tool you should be hanging in your shed and which options should be left on the store shelf.
Our top pick is the Husqvarna 130L Gas String Trimmer. Weighing less than 13 pounds despite its powerful 28-cubic-centimeter engine, this weed eater is an excellent all-around choice for anyone who wants to complete their outdoor work quickly and comfortably.
Editors' Picks
Weight: 12.2 Ib | Cut Width: 18" | Item Dimensions: 70" L x 9.5" W | Power Source: Gas-powered | Size: 130L 18" Shaft
The Husqvarna 130L is a solid gas string trimmer for homeowners who want more reach and cutting power than a basic electric model can usually offer. Its 28cc 2-cycle engine, 18-inch cutting width and straight shaft make it a good fit for fence lines, overgrown edges, bushes and larger patches of grass where a smaller trimmer can feel slow.
Features like the Rapid Replace Trimmer Head, Air Purge, digital ignition, and LowVib handle also help with the usual pain points of gas tools: starting, reloading line and handling vibration during longer jobs. The tradeoff is that this is still a gas trimmer, so you’ll have to deal with fuel mixing, noise, maintenance and a little extra weight.
At 12.2 pounds, it isn’t the lightest choice for quick touch-ups or smaller yards, and some homeowners may be happier with a battery model if convenience matters most. But for larger suburban yards or tougher trimming work, the 130L looks like a practical, no-nonsense pick with enough power to justify the upkeep.
Weight: 6.86 lb | Cut Width: 17" | Item Dimensions: 62.5" L x 10.3" W | Power Source: Gas-powered | Size: 122C-New
The Husqvarna 122C is a good fit for homeowners who want a manageable gas trimmer for regular yard cleanup rather than heavy brush clearing. Its curved shaft and 6.86-pound weight make it easier to maneuver around flower beds, fences and tight corners, while the 17-inch cutting width helps cover more ground than many lighter-duty trimmers.
Smart Start, Air Purge and the Tap N’ Go head are practical touches too, especially if you want gas runtime without spending half the job fighting the starter or stopping to feed more line.
The tradeoff is that it still comes with the usual gas-tool baggage: fuel mixing, maintenance, noise and more mess than a battery model. The curved shaft may also be less comfortable for taller users or longer edging sessions, and the lack of an included strap is a small downside for a tool built around comfort. But for routine suburban trimming, the 122C strikes a nice balance of power, reach and easy handling.
Weight: 10.6 lb | Cut Width: 17" | Item Dimensions: 70.1" L x 9.5" W | Size: 122LK-Old | Power Source: Gas-powered
The Husqvarna 122LK is a practical gas string trimmer for homeowners who want more reach and staying power than a small cordless model usually provides. Its 22cc 2-cycle engine, 17-inch cutting width and straight shaft make it useful for fence lines, shrubs, thicker weeds and awkward edges that slow down basic trimmers.
The Smart Start system, Tap n Go/T25 head, and detachable shaft add to the appeal, especially if you want something that feels more flexible than a single-purpose yard tool. The tradeoff is that it still asks you to deal with fuel mixing, noise, maintenance and the extra weight that comes with gas equipment.
At 10.6 pounds, it’s manageable for routine yard work, but it isn’t the lightest option for quick touch-ups or occasional trimming. For medium-sized yards or homeowners who already prefer gas tools, the 122LK is a sensible, versatile pick. If you mainly want something quiet, simple and low-maintenance, a battery model will probably be easier to live with.
Weight: 12.85 lb | Cut Width: 20" | Item Dimensions: 72" L x 9.5" W | Size: 20" | Power Source: Gas-powered
The Husqvarna 330LK is a strong gas string trimmer for homeowners or part-time pros who need more cutting power than a typical cordless model can offer. Its straight shaft, 20-inch cutting path and option to reduce the swath to 18 inches make it useful for fence lines, ditch edges, thick grass and larger properties where a lighter trimmer can feel underpowered.
The detachable shaft and attachment-ready design are also a big part of the appeal, since one powerhead can handle more than just trimming if you plan to build out the system. The tradeoff is that this is still a fairly serious gas tool, so fuel mixing, maintenance, noise and weight all come with the package.
At 12.85 pounds, it may feel like a lot for quick touch-ups, and the attachment compatibility only adds value if you’ll actually use those extras. But if you want a capable straight-shaft trimmer with easier-start features, LowVib comfort and a Rapid Replace head, the 330LK is a practical pick for tougher yard work.
Weight: 13 lb | Cut Width: 16" | Item Dimensions: 36" L x 11.63" W | Size: TB25SB | Power Source: Gas-powered
The Troy-Bilt TB25SB is a solid gas string trimmer for anyone who wants more cutting power than a basic battery model without jumping into pro-level pricing. Its 25cc 2-cycle engine, 16-inch cutting swath, straight shaft and dual-line bump head make it a good fit for fence lines, taller grass and harder-to-reach spots around shrubs or landscaping.
The SpringAssist start and adjustable handle help make it a little less tiring to use, and the straight shaft gives it better reach than a curved-shaft trimmer. The tradeoff is that this is still a 2-cycle gas tool, so you’ll need to deal with fuel mixing, noise, fumes and more maintenance than a cordless trimmer.
It’s best for homeowners who have a medium-sized yard or thicker weeds to manage and don’t mind the upkeep that comes with gas equipment. If you want something quiet and low-maintenance, a battery trimmer is easier. But if power and runtime matter more, the TB25SB is a practical, affordable pick.
What to look for when buying a gas weed eater
Gas weed eaters aren’t just one of the most versatile outdoor power tools; they’re also one of the easiest to use. However, there are some important features to look for when shopping for one.
Shaft type
The most noticeable difference between various gas weed eaters is the shape of the shaft: Some are long and straight while others are curved. Here are the pros and cons of each.
Curved-shaft gas weed eater
Pros
Curved shafts, such as the one found on the Lawnmaster No-Pull Gas String Trimmer, are shorter, lighter and easier for operators with less experience to use. A curved shaft makes trimming in tight or awkward spaces easier, so this configuration may appeal to you if you have a small yard or need to trim around obstacles or landscaping features.
Cons
A curved shaft can be uncomfortable for a very tall person to use. Line trimmers with curved shafts are also less durable, as their shape results in more wear and tear on the cable that drives the trimmer head. Because of this, weed eaters with curved shafts are best for light tasks as opposed to commercial work.
Straight-shaft gas weed eater
Pros
Straight shafts are more common, meaning you have a larger selection of weed eaters to choose from. Because they’re longer, straight shafts give you the ability to cover more area with each sweep of the trimmer and therefore cut down on work time. They’re also more durable and can be used for both professional and consumer jobs.
Cons
Straight-shaft line trimmers are heavier and more difficult to maneuver around obstacles than those with curved shafts, which may put the user at a greater risk of injury or of accidentally damaging property.
Engine
The engine on a gas weed eater is located at the top of the shaft. When you pull the starter rope, it sets the piston in motion. Engines are divided into two categories based on how they function. In a two-stroke or two-cycle engine, the piston fires (produces power) every time it completes a revolution. A four-stroke or four-cycle engine takes two revolutions to make the piston fire. This means a four-stroke engine has the potential to produce twice as much power as a four-stroke engine, but there are some pros and cons to understand before you decide which type to shop for.
Two-stroke engine
Most gas-powered weed eaters employ a two-stroke engine. In a two-stroke engine, the oil and fuel are mixed in the fuel tank. Some of the fuel mixture is expelled before use, and since the piston fires twice as often, the gas burns up much faster in this type of engine.
Pros
- No valves
- Lighter
- Costs less
- More powerful
Cons
- Wears out faster (more revolutions per minute)
- No oil reserve dedicated to lubricating parts
- Less environmentally friendly
- Costs more for oil
- Less fuel-efficient
- You need to carefully mix your gas and oil in the proper ratio to prevent engine malfunction
Four-stroke engine
In a four-stroke engine such as the one built into the Powersmart String Trimmer and Brush Cutter, the oil and fuel are in separate reserves, so there is no oil burning. These engines only fire with every other rotation.
Pros
- More fuel-efficient
- Runs steadier
- More durable
- More environmentally friendly
Cons
- More parts
- Heavier
- Costs more
- Less powerful
Feed head
Because trimmer line wears out rather quickly and breaking is normal (and necessary when you accidentally clip something unyielding), you need to choose the way the line feeds out.
- Automatic-feed head: The trimmer line is automatically advanced as needed by centrifugal force. The downside to this system is that you have little control over how much line is fed out, and you could go through the line more quickly than desired.
- Bump-feed head: You simply tap or "bump" the gas weed eater on the ground to release more line. It takes practice to learn to bump with the right amount of force and not damage the weed eater.
- Fixed-line head: This type of head uses a precut line. When you need more line, you replace it with another precut piece.
Attachments
Many weed eaters allow you to swap the line trimmer head for another attachment, such as a saw, edger, hedge trimmer and even a blower. Taking advantage of this feature could allow you to consolidate several landscaping tools into one, making your weed eater your primary piece of lawn-care equipment.
Some weed eaters, including the Sunseeker Weed Whacker, come with these optional attachments while others do not; you must buy them separately. If you intend to only use your trimmer to keep weeds and brush at bay, it's unlikely that you would need to invest in accessories.
How to make your brand-new weed eater last
Weed eaters have a reputation for becoming hard to start over time, and it’s not uncommon to see a frustrated neighbor pulling an ignition cord multiple times before the engine finally turns over.
This is because most owners aren’t commercial contractors and, as a result, tend not to maintain their tools to the degree that professionals do.
To keep your weed eater working properly, adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, keeping the following best practices in mind.
Keep it clean
After every use, remove clippings, splatter, excess oil and any spilled fuel from the exterior of your weed eater.
A clogged air filter keeps your engine from getting the air it needs to run properly. This can result in it not starting, so you’ll want to keep all vents free of leaves and debris. If your weed eater has a foam air filter, clean it with a mild detergent and water at least a couple of times per season.
Don’t let fuel sit in the tank for too long
Leaving gasoline in your weed eater’s fuel tank during the off-season can cause the fuel to break down. Broken-down gasoline allows impurities to gum up the fuel passages in your machine, resulting in poor performance and hard starts.
If you intend to leave your weed eater tank full over the winter or during a long period without use, be sure to add a fuel stabilizer to your gas to prevent it from deteriorating.
Store it safely
Store your weed eater in a dry area where it won’t be exposed to moisture that may result in corrosion. Most users hang their weed eaters to keep them elevated above water that may pool on their shed or garage floor. Hanging your weed eater also prevents it from posing a tripping hazard while not in use.
Gas weed eater prices
Gas weed eaters range in price from $120 to more than $500. With such a wide variety of options and features available on these machines, you must carefully consider what you’re willing to spend versus what bells and whistles you want.
$120 to $300
Most gas-powered line trimmers fall in this price range. Many punch above their weight, including features and durable construction that make them an excellent value. For the average user, a weed eater within this range will likely satisfy their needs and perform as needed for years to come.
$300 to $500
Buyers looking for professional-grade tools will find trimmers capable of commercial work in this range. Weed eaters from well-known manufacturers such as Husqvarna and Echo cost more, but they are far less likely to fail, are generally constructed out of more durable materials and have the advantage of being backed up by companies that are proud of their reputation for quality, should you experience a defect.
Tips
- Never start or use a gasoline-powered weed eater in an enclosed space.
- For the best cut, keep the trimmer head level and parallel to the ground.
- When trimming, hold the head at a slight angle — it’s the end of the trimmer line that does the cutting — and proceed slowly. Let the trimmer do the work.
- Trim to the same level as the cut lawn so there's no distinction in height.
- For tall grass or weeds, cut in several passes, starting at the top.
- Since most gas weed eaters spin counterclockwise, it’s most efficient to work from right to left.
Our expertise
Using a combination of in-house testing, trusted consumer feedback and a shared thrill of seeking out the absolute best products, devices and tools, BestReviews is your number-one resource when it comes to reviews you can count on. Our staff brings you real advice from people who share your passions and seek to make every day a little easier, a little better and a lot more fun.
Derek Walborn is one of BestReviews’ trusted lawn, garden and DIY experts. Providing insight since 2021, Derek has written extensively on topics that range from home security systems and propane grills to the latest power tools and home improvement gadgets.
