Best Commercial Weed Eater Buyer’s Guide and Reviews (Top Pick for 2020)

What is the best commercial weed eater on the market? 

It is clear weeds are the nuisance of professional landscapers and a thorn in most gardens.

And while the best way to deal with weed is to uproot it with the roots, we always lack time to do that.

Luckily, the commercial weed eater makes it easier to cut the weeds.

This article looks at seven quality models that can trim that weed without a hassle.

But first….Let us look at a complete buying guide for commercial weed eaters.

Reviews of Top 5 Commercial Weed Eaters

Below is a review of the top commercial weed eaters on the market today:

1. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V Max String Trimmer/Edger

The trimmer/edger clears up to 13-inch at a go and comes from a reputable brand. 

That saves you time when trimming the weed, and it is quite powerful due to the Power Drive Transmission. 

You can bet on more power at the cutting string to prevent straining and ensure fast results. 

There is an auto Feed Spool that guarantees continuous running without bumping. 

Another plus of this tool is converting from an edger to a trimmer or vice versa. 

It is possible, thanks to the 52-inch shaft, that you can turn without any pressure or force. 

Note that the system requires a 40v Max lithium battery to operate, and you can opt for Max runtime or Max power.

2. Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18-Inch Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer 

Husqvarna 324L has a 25cc 4-cycle engine that provides enough power to drive the 18-inch cutting head. 

The power is enough to cut through weeds and allow you to trim your garden within minutes. 

One great feature is the use of unleaded gas – that eliminated the need to mix oil and fuel.

It is also easy to operate the system thanks to the tap ‘N Go feature that releases a line trimmer line while on the go. 

You should not fret about the fuel level due to the translucent fuel tank.

The machine hits a maximum speed of 7,000 rpm to cut through most weed and save power. 

3. Greenworks PRO GST80320 16-Inch 80V Cordless String Trimmer 

The machine offers value for money because of its durability and effective operation. 

With no fuel use, you can bet that the operation costs are reduced as you only need to recharge the 80v lion battery it needs to operate. 

One great thing is the ability to attach multiple professional tools to suit your trimming needs. 

There is also a brushless motor that provides enough power to match a 32cc gas engine.

The other notable feature is the powerhead shaft that accepts other gas attachments. 

Included in the package is a 14/16-inch string bump feed attachment to ensure that you do not visit the market anytime soon.

Its cordless nature makes it the perfect machine for trimming around areas without power sources. 

4. Echo GT-225 2 Cycle 21.2cc Curved Shaft Gas Trimmer 

Echo GT-225 is an aggressive cutting system that trims the weeds fast to save you time. 

The system easily allows for easy edging and leaves a clean garden without using much energy.  

One thing to note is the trimmer is made to cut tall grass with ease.

Another great thing is the balance and the responsiveness it provides when cutting walls, paths, and other areas. 

You can quickly start the engine, making it the perfect unit for beginners.

Its handle is also comfortable enough to allow you to use it for long hours.

The trimmer lasts for years to ensure that you use it without needing to replace the string.

5. Husqvarna 967175201 straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer

Husqvarna 967175201 is recommended for people who want a gas trimmer that can remove all the weed. 

The product has an air purge that helps to remove air from the fuel system and carburetor. 

It is an excellent feature that provides you with an easy time when starting the trimmer. 

Another feature is the X-Torq engine that ensures you use minimal fuel when clearing weed. 

That makes it an excellent trimmer for the money as you do not incur many operation costs. 

Besides, the reduced use of fuel means the product produces fewer fumes, making it friendly to the environment. 

The trimmer head is easy to refill and use – this is the perfect model for first-time users.

6. Greenworks ST80L210 16-Inch 80V String Trimmer

Greenworks is a flexible model that uses a 2.0Ah battery when trimming weeds and other materials.

Note that the battery can run for up to 45 minutes before needing a recharge that takes only 30 minutes.

The trimmer cuts a wide path of 16-inch to ensure that you take less time to clear these nuisances. 

Another notable feature is the brushless motor that provides more power to guarantee effective performance. 

It is also a durable model that comes with a split shaft design for compact storage. 

You might also find the front mount design more ergonomically, and it guarantees better balance.

The product can serve a person who needs to trim a small hedge or place.

7. BLACK+DECKER LST300 Weed Whacker 

BLACK+DECKER LST300 comes with a 20-volt lithium-ion battery that provides 33% more operation time. 

The model has a power drive transmission that provides effective power transfer from the motor to the trimming string. 

You can bet the system gets the work done fast compared to most weed trimmers on the market today.

Another great feature is the auto-feed spool that guarantees continuous operation without bumping.

The product cuts a wide path of 12-inch at once, meaning that you use less time when you maintain your garden.

Besides, the product is lightweight enough to allow you to use it for hours without getting tired. 

The handle is also adjustable to ensure that you set it to meet your needs.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Commercial Weed Eater

1. Types of Weed Eater/Trimmers

There are different types of weed trimmers. There are battery-powered weed trimmers, gas-powered weed eaters, and electric weed trimmers. They all do the same job of trimming your lawn but they differ in many areas.

Plug-In Weed Eaters

Plug-in weed trimmers or electric weed trimmers do not require gas or a battery to operate. These types of trimmers are easy to use since they only require a socket to power the engine.

However, their use is limited to certain places; areas with electric source and up to the point where their cords reach. They are ideal for small lawn and yards because of the above shortcoming.

They are also smaller when you compare them to other types of trimmers. They also produce less power than the gas-powered models.

Battery-Powered Weed Eaters

Battery-powered trimmers are noiseless and light. They are effective in clearing weeds in large gardens since they are extremely portable. They are also perfect during the time of power shortage or outage.

However, you need to have an extra battery just in case the battery gets drained.

Gas-Powered Weed Eaters

These types of weed trimmers are more powerful than the other two types. There are some models of gas-powered weed trimmers that require pure oil to work while others require oil and gas. They are perfect for areas that are far from home since they don’t require a cord to operate.

But although you can carry them around, their main con is that they are a bit heavier than the other 2 types.

The other major classification of weed eaters is using the following three criteria:

Handheld weed eater

These are the most common weed trimmers used by professionals to do the commercial trimming. They basically feature cutting heads that are installed on long shafts and are driven by electric or gas engines.

Backpack weed eater

They are designed specifically for the commercial purpose and their engines are mounted on a backpack-like pocket. Their heads are installed on long shafts that are quite similar to the shafts of ordinary weed eaters. Their major benefit is that they don’t make you tired since you transport the main part of the trimmer on your shoulders.

Walk-behind wheeled weed eater

These are the most powerful trimmers out there. They are similar to the push mowers and come with wheels. They cut pretty effectively and are stable on most terrains but are hard and heavy to transport.

2. Power

After making the decision on the type of weed eater you want, the next thing is to determine the power. Generally, you should go for a model with a high engine cc of at least 30cc. However, there are areas where a 25cc model will work just fine; it will depend on the characteristics of weeds and the grass in your area

3. Shaft Design

Weed eaters usually come in two forms of shafts. Some come with a curved shaft while other comes with a straight one. They all serve the purpose of effectively cutting down tall grasses and weeds, but they differ in their level of comfort when it comes to handling them.

Straight Shaft

These models usually boast of firm steel handles. When compared to curved models, these models are a bit heavier but they are recommended for users with back pain because they are longer. This will allow you to avoid extreme bending while using your trimmer.

Furthermore, these models are perfect for reaching sides and edges of your lawn and garden dues to their length. The straight shaft also last-longer than the curved models.

Curved Shaft

Curved shaft models of weed trimmers also provide a comfortable fit to most users. They are lighter than the straight models but a bit shorter. This makes them the best for maneuvering in tight corners and other areas.

However, they are not perfect for users with back pain because they will need to bend to use the trimmer. They also don’t last long as they aren’t flexible, which often lead to breakage.

4. Comfort

The ease of use and comfort should have a similar important as that of the type of weed eater and the engine when you are buying a commercial weed trimmer. Remember that you will use your weed eater for an extended period of time, to ensure that you get a product that is easy to maneuver and comfortable to carry.

Here are few tips to help you get a comfortable weed eater:

• Weight – choose a lightweight trimmer that has sufficient power and the right engine.
• Adjustable shaft – an adjustable shaft will enable you to manipulate the length of your trimmer to fit your need and also reach the most hard-to-reach areas with ease.
• Balance – a well-balanced weed-trimmer is easier to use regardless of the area you are using it in or the type of weeds or grass you are cutting.
• Anti-vibration systems – minimal vibrations will minimize fatigues, hence, this is a must-have feature in weed trimmers.
• Noise level – you will be using your trimmer for many hours, even a whole day, therefore, go for a model that produces the least noise.

5. Durability

When selecting the best commercial weed trimmer for your needs, ensure that you choose a product that was made for heavy-duty use. The majority of manufacturers specify this in their tools; some don’t.

6. Versatility

A weed trimmer that can easily change into other yard care tools might be more valuable to buy and comfortable to use. Although most of the commercial eaters are made for trimming purposes, some models accept additional attachments.

Tips for Using Your Weed Eater Properly and Safely

Wear Protective Gears

Always ensure that you put on a long trouser when running your weed eater to avoid getting injured from the weeds being thrown up as you work. We would also recommend you to wear ears and eyes protection. Remember that gas engines are quite loud and wearing ears protection will make your job to be more comfortable and even protect your ears.

Install New String Properly

After you install a new string, hold your weed trimmer in the air before you engage the throttle. Ensure that you aren’t near the cutting head. The reason for this is to avoid being hit by the excess string that will be cut by the blade inside the guard. The string flies off at an extremely high speed.

Cut the Right Way

If you are trimming long weeds or grass, begin at the top. You shouldn’t cut more than 5 inches at a go. If you begin at the base where the weeds or grass is over 5 inches tall, you will place a lot of strain on the gearbox and engine. This might end up breaking your tool. Long weeds and grass might also wrap around the shaft as it moves, this might harm your weed trimmer.

Work your way toward the ground until the bottom of your weed trimmer is just above the surface. You shouldn’t press the bottom of your machine to the surface. The only time you should do this is when releasing more string from the head.

However, you need to remember that even during this time you only need to tap against the surface quickly. Also, remember not to do this regularly because you will end up wasting the string by releasing more than required.

We would recommend you to lift the head up regularly to find out how much string is remaining and bump against the surface once and then check another time. You will have an idea of how much string you are wearing through. The string will wear out faster when cutting through weeds or grass with hard thick stems than when cutting regular grass.

In addition, if the string hit fences, walls, and other surfaces, it might wear out faster and might even break. Therefore, ensure that you use a blade guard to avoid this from happening. Run your weed trimmer along the wall or fence with blade guard pressing against it (or any other object). This will prevent the string from coming into contact with thee surfaces.

Routine Maintenance

Just like all other products, you need to conduct a regular maintenance of your weed eater. You will find maintenance instructions on your user manual, although there are some things that you can do to make your trimmer last longer. For example, you should always remove the air filter and clean them before you begin the engine. You should also check the oil level and top it if need be, depending on the trimmer you have. It is very critical to do this.

Other Cares

• While you are working, regularly check that the shaft is clear. Sometimes there might be string, wire, or rope wounded around and this can impair your unit’s performance. This might also damage your weed eater in the long-run.
• Clean up all the buildup of weeds and grass cutting from your weed eater regularly. You should do this every time you complete a project, more regularly is better.

FAQs About Commercial Weed Eaters

Q: Why does my commercial weed eater trimmer string break?

A: These strings often break down to crowing. This happens when the head is held near hard objects that might break the string such as rocks, fence, cement, and brick. Keep the string fully extended, and don’t overcrowd it to reduce breakage.

Q: What is the recommended Fuel-Oil mix ratio?

The Fuel-Oil mix ratio for most weed eaters is set at 40:1. You can easily get this ratio when you mix 3.2 oz. of 2 cycle air engine oil with 1 gallon of gas. Over time, this oil will separate from the gas. Ensure that you shake the mixture thoroughly.

Final Words 

You can find a quality trimmer whether you are looking for the best commercial gas weed eater or battery-powered model. 

These products cost different and offer unique features to meet every user’s needs.