Best Gas String Trimmer Reviews 2018
A gas string trimmer is what you need if you have a larger yard or if you have heavier duty weeds. A gas string trimmer eliminates the need for an electrical plug so you are free to go anywhere to trim your weeds.
Most gas trimmers crank with a pull cord. Something to think about -if you have any physical challenges it may be difficult to start a gas string trimmer.
Today’s gas powered weed trimmers have far less exhaust emissions than in the past and they now run much cleaner.
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✅ Things to look for when buying a gas string trimmer:
- One thing to look for is a deflector. Most gas string trimmers will need one in order to aim the exhaust backwards. If you happen to be left-handed, this is an absolute necessity. Without it would mean that the exhaust is going to come right at you.
- Another thing to look for is a translucent fuel tank. This will allow you to see how much fuel you have left so you don’t get way out in the back of your yard and run out of gas.
- Electric gas string trimmers have a switch which makes the line turn. However, a gas string trimmers line will always turn unless you have a centrifugal clutch. This type of clutch will allow a gas trimmer to idle without spinning the line. It is much safer and more convenient than when the line keeps turning.
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✅ 2 Cycle Trimmer vs 4 Cycle Weed Trimmer
There are two types of gas string trimmers – two cycle trimmers and four cycle trimmers. However, which one is best? Actually, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Two Cycle Gas Trimmers
One advantage of a 2 cycle trimmer is it is lighter in weight than a 4 cycle while still producing great results. Two cycle engines result in more power in a smaller engine. They are capable of producing more horsepower at higher RPMs than a four cycle engine of a comparable size. The greater power-to-weight ratio means it can cut thorough dense growth without any significant decrease in the engine power.
The biggest disadvantage of a 2 cycle gas powered weed wacker is that you need to mix the gas and oil. The ratio is normally either 50-to1 or 40-to-1. This needs to be precise so be sure to check your owner’s manual to see what the ratio is supposed to be and mix it correctly. Forgetting this could result in substantial damage to your trimmer.
How does a 2 cycle trimmer work?
Two cycle trimmers (also known as two stroke) do not have valves or a specified lubrication system and are very simple. They complete their combustion cycle in just two up and down movements to complete a power cycle.
The power is created when the intake air is compressed and combusted into exhaust. A 2 cycle engine works with the end of the combustion stroke and the beginning of the compression stroke happening at the same time. Thus, this is how they get their name. They have few working parts and therefore require very little maintenance.
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Hitachi CG23ECPSL Gas String Trimmer
Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer
The Hitachi CG23ECPSL String Trimmer meets emissions levels without sacrificing power, adding weight or creating maintenance headaches. It is 69.6″ in length which will lessen fatigue because you won’t have to bend over. The anti-vibration system will also help to reduce fatigue.
It is covered by a two year commercial use warranty, seven year consumer use warranty.
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Four Cycle Gas Trimmers
The 4-cycle engine has two more steps than a 2 cycle. The process in a 4-cycle engine is 1) intake 2) compression 3) power 4) exhaust. Each step is more concentrated. Four cycle engines normally produce less exhaust and they are quieter.
A 4-cycle engine is more powerful than a 2 cycle. However, this does result in a larger engine in terms of size and weight. A 4 cycle gas-powered string trimmer is much heavier and not everyone is able to sustain that kind of weight for long periods of time.
4 cycle handheld string trimmer engines are designed more like an engine on a car. The gas does not have to be mixed. The oil goes into the crankcase and the gas goes into the fuel tank.
Four cycle engines have a lot more moving parts. They have a crankshaft, connecting rod, valves, lifters and a piston. Consequently, more moving parts means more chance of things breaking.
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Benefits of a 4 Cycle String Trimmer
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- Quieter – a four cycle trimmer is much quieter than a two cycle
- Convenient – four cycle trimmers run on standard gasoline and the gas does not need to be mixed. Four cycle trimmers also have been known to start easier and often will start right up on the first pull
- Lower Emissions – with a four cycle trimmer your clothes won’t smell like gas and they will lower the carbon footprint on the environment
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Husqvarna 324L Gas String Trimmer
Click Here for a detailed review of the Husqvarna 324L gas string trimmer
Husqvarna 967055801 Straight Shaft 4-Stroke Gas String Trimmer, 25cc/324 L
The Husqvarna 324L gas string trimmer is a powerful trimmer with a four stroke engine. It has a flex drive straight shaft, bevel gear and loop handle. Perfect for power users or semi-professionals looking for commercial power and performance.
The air purge feature removes air from the carburetor and fuel system to make starting easier. The engine and starter have been designed with Smart Start® so that the trimmer starts quickly and with minimum effort.
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✅ Entry Level Gas String Trimmers
“Entry level” gas string trimmers are designed for the homeowner who has a minimal amount of trimming to do but needs the flexibility of a trimmer that can go anywhere. They are very effective to use around flower beds that do not have a border and along small walkways. However, they are not ideal for edging or getting into small and tight spaces.
These models are more affordable and have a simpler design. “Entry level” trimmers will fall in the price range of $124 – $150 and less.
They do not offer the features that a mid-level or commercial grade trimmer does. They are built to be used about two hours a week and for light jobs. I had an employee at a local home improvement store tell me that an entry level gas string trimmer is designed to last about 50 hours.
Poulan Pro 967105301 25cc 2 Stroke Straight Shaft TrimmerWeed Eater W25SBK 25cc Straight Shaft String Trimmer, 16Remington RM2510 25cc 2-Cycle Curved Shaft Gas Trimmer
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✅ Mid Grade Gas String Trimmers
“Mid grade” gas string trimmers offer more features and are more comfortable to use. These are for homeowners who have more trimming to do and are for heavier duty use.
They are similar to a commercial grade string trimmer but without the commercial price tag. “Mid-grade” trimmers will fall in the price range of $125 – $150 and up.
Mid grade trimmers are designed to be used around five to ten hours per week. They have more power than an entry level model, but less power than a commercial grade.
Husqvarna 128LD 17″ Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer, 28ccPoulan Pro 967185701 PP25SFA Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer, 25ccTanaka TCG22EAP2SLB 2-Cycle Gas Powered String Trimmer, 21cc
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✅ Commercial Grade Gas String Trimmers
Commercial grade gas string trimmers are built to last. Normally used by professional landscapers. They are durable, serviceable, can get into tight spaces and are made from high quality components. They are designed to be used all day every day. The perfect choice if you have tons of trimming to do and want a unit that will last a long time.
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Tanaka String Trimmers
Tanaka TCG27EBSP 2-Cycle Gas String Commercial Grade Trimmer, 26.9cc
Tanaka is one of the brands within the Hitachi Power Tools Group. This particular commercial grade Tanaka string trimmer comes in three different sizes.
Tanaka TCG23ECPSL 22.5 cc
The 22.5 cc engine is a new model of the Tanaka TCG22EASSLP 21.1cc model. There aren’t many reviews yet on the new Tanaka TCG23ECPSL due to it’s recent release, but the older model got very good reviews.
It’s 69.5 inch overall length of this Tanaka string trimmer along with it’s anti-vibration system will lessen fatigue because you won’t have to bend over as much. The S-Start recoil starting system reduces the force needed to start the engine. Covered by a 2 year warranty, 7 year consumer use warranty and a 1 year rental use warranty.
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Tanaka TCG24EBSP 23.9cc
The commercial grade of this 2 cycle engine will reward you with maximum reliability and durability. The aluminum clutch housing prevents the clutch from overheating.
It’s lined solid steel drive shaft will drastically reduce vibration. That along with the padded front and rear handles reduces fatigue makes the operation of this model much more comfortable.
There are also attachments available and the built in spindle lock eliminates the need for tools when changing the cutting attachment.
Tanaka TCG27EBSP
The Tanaka TCG27EBSP is the perfect trimmer for a professional landscaper or the guy who has a ton of trimming to do. If you are looking for a fast throttle response, powerful performance and durability, this may be the model for you.
It has all the features of the TCG24EBSP 23.9cc model.
- aluminum clutch prevents the clutch from overheating
- lined solid steel drive shaft drastically reduces vibration
- padded front and rear handles provide longer operation with less fatigue
- built in spindle lock eliminated the need for tools when changing the cutting attachment.
Tanaka TCG23ECPSL 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer, Commercial Grade, 22.5ccTanaka TCG24EBSP 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer, Commercial Grade, 23.9ccTanaka TCG27EBSP 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer, Commercial Grade, 26.9cc
