These loading methods let you feed line straight through the head and either turn the head to load it, or activate a power loader to pull in the string. We do, however, look for models with a fast-loading system (SpeedFeed, Rapid Load, etc). When changing line, we don’t mind manual loading. Sometimes, switching the line you use can reduce the overall noise level or change the tone to a less irritating pitch. Your line selection plays a bigger part than it does on gas trimmers. Even at the top end, it’s an improvement over the majority of gas trimmers. Cordless string trimmers we’ve tested range from decibels in the low 80s to the upper 90s (measured at our operator’s ear). Low noise is one of the major benefits of moving away from gas power. For those and trimmers that are simply heavier by nature, consider adding a shoulder strap to help you out. If you’re after an attachment-capable model, you’re stuck with the motor in the back, and the balance shifts back. Many models also let you adjust the front handle to help dial in your fit. If you can get a fully-loaded battery-powered string trimmer that meets your performance needs and comes in under 10 pounds, that’s a big win.īalance is a consideration and the trimmers that have the best typically mount the motor on the trimmer head to counter the battery weight on the back. Bare weight isn’t everything-the battery can add a lot. If you’re working all day on a lawn crew or even just putting the finishing touches on your own lawn, you want the lightest weight you can get without sacrificing the power you need. Some of the latest models let almost no vibration up the handle to the user. We already have enough work to do managing the weight of such a long tool without vibration adding additional fatigue. We highly value low-vibration string trimmers. Learning how to trim at low speed for dry grasses gives you a lot more runtime that if you run the battery-powered weed eater at full-throttle the whole time. You may also want to maximize dual-speed models for their best effect. Professional lawn care crews and homeowners with larger properties or acreage need much more. Most cordless string trimmers are able to hit that at high speed without too much trouble. The average homeowner on a 1/4-acre lot only needs about 15 minutes of consistent trigger time to cover trimming. If you end up with a 16- or 17-inch model, be sure you have the torque and battery size to handle those larger sizes. Look for at least 15-inches of cutting diameter. It takes more battery power to run these wider cutting paths or swaths, however. Cutting WidthĪ wider cutting path means you get more work done in the same amount of time. Models with brushless motors and higher torque keep the head spinning when it runs into those tough cutting situations. Run a weed eater in wet grass and you can quickly hear the speed drop on lesser models. We also look for a motor that can maintain speed under load. Remember that thicker line or string means less runtime-all things being the same. A battery-powered weed eater that supports 0.105-inch tells you two things: 1) it has lots of power, and 2) you have a pro model in your hands. That works fine for dry grass, but tougher loads and coming into contact with cement boundaries and fencing can quickly run through line. Most battery-powered weed eaters we recommend handle 0.095-inch line. Thicker trimming line also helps cut tougher grasses. This really impacts cutting wet grass and thicker weeds. The top models on our list might spin at upwards of 6500 RPM. You want at least 5000 RPM to ensure your line spins quickly enough to slice through thicker grasses. Most battery-powered string trimmers do well-at least in dry grass. We consider 3 key metrics that contribute to cutting power in weed eaters: line speed, line thickness/mass, and the torque of the motor.Ī faster line speed yields better and cleaner grass cutting. Buy at Acme Tools What We Look for in the Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater – A Buying Guide Cutting Power
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