How to Buy the Best String Trimmer at the Best Price

String trimmers are wonderful for cutting those hard-to-get-at edges of lawns, around trees and structures and for brush removal. Some are light-weight for occasional use, and some are made for the big, heavy jobs. Here are some of the best string trimmers you can buy for the best prices according to the professional reviews and customer ratings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Cordless trimmers offer freedom from gas, easy starts, freedom to move where you want, but less cutting power and a limited battery pack charge.
   
   Pricing in at about $100, the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 got good reviews for being Energy Star rated and quiet, though it has a short life to the battery pack. The National Gardening Club rated the Worx WG150 high for its ergonomic design. It is about the same price as the Black & Decker.

2. Corded trimmers also offer less noise, easy starts, freedom from tune-ups and quieter operation like the cordless. The cord can limit how far you can go from an electrical outlet and can be a problem keeping it out of the way.
   
   The 7.4-pound Black & Decker GH1000 is considered a top rated corded string trimmer by the ABC/Consumer Reports review. It costs an estimated $70. The Black & Decker has powerful 7.2-amp motor,with a rotating head that can be used as an edger. But Consumer Search preferred the 5.5-amp Stihl FSE60 which sells for around $110. Its ratings were much higher with users at Amazon.com and it is made better structurally.

3. Gas string trimmers are the workhorses of these tools. Heavier and awkward with pull starts, they also need regular tune-ups and require you wear hearing protection. They are, however, the best for distance cutting and handling rougher and tougher growth.
   
   Gas string trimmers are more expensive, but sturdier machines. Popular Mechanics was most impressed with the 4-stroke 25cc Honda HHT25SLTAT. They considered it close to being professional in quality and performance. This gas trimmer costs around $350. Less expensive at an estimated $200, the Sears 29cc Craftsman 79197 came in tops at both Consumer Guide and Sears for a more economical model.

4. These are just some of the reviewed string trimmers that were rated well for the best value at their price. For more details about how to buy the best string trimmer for the best price, please check the links in the Additional Resources listed below.

Resources

• Consumer Guide
• ABC/Consumer Reports
• Consumer Search
• General landscape information and ideas

[boatst]

on 1/17/2009 Thanks for info. I like the small with electric cord. I can handle it easier. thanks