If you want straight edges around your yard, then you will need a weed eater as a trimming tool. Cordless weed whacker technologies will continue to develop better, more environmentally friendly batteries, to save you the trouble of dealing with a gas or extension wire. The best battery-powered weed eater allows you to bring your lustrous, lush lawn to life with much more convenience and efficiency.
Here's our roundup of the 5 best battery-powered string trimmers that can make slicing your grass objectively easier and as effortless as possible.
1. SUNCHERS 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer
- [Trimmer and Edger] SUNCHERS 2 in 1 Cordless String Trimmer...
- [Powerful Battery Life] SUNCHERS string trimmer comes with two...
- [Multiple Adjustment Design] SUNCHERS uses a more ergonomic...
- [Automatic Line Feed and Cut] Our grass trimmer have the...
- [Portable Installation & Effective] It only requires simple...
Overall the experience of using SUNCHERS cordless trimmer was quite a comfortable one. The assembly was clear and quite easy as there was clear instructions given. When we had it ready, we admired the folding mechanism that enabled us to make it manoeuvrable in our garden. This tool was nice in addressing our usual grass trimming and edging tasks.
One of the features that stood out was having two batteries. In our tests it gave us over 30 minutes of runtime, which we found to be ample for the trimming chores that we had in mind, free of stoppages. An additional battery also proved to be useful; it also means that at least one battery is always charged while we are working in the yard.
It was very effective in controlling general grass and edging and for cutting low growing weeds, but it was not as effective handling thick weeds or small shrubs. In conclusion, it works pretty well and helps in maintaining yards without compelling us to spend a fortune.
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2. Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer + Leaf Blower Combo Kit
- 40V COMBO KIT: This string trimmer + blower combo kit allows you...
- 12” STRING TRIMMER: Powers through the toughest grass and...
- LEAF BLOWER: Provides powerful clearing performance featuring 390...
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Ultra lightweight design, along with superior...
- EASY TO USE: Push button start. Included 2.0Ah battery
The Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer + Leaf Blower Combo Kit is something special for anyone with a small to medium sized yard to tackle without much of a headache. Intended for homeowners who seek environmentally friendly models, this kit’s advantages are its cordless functionality, combined with efficiency.
One of the best combo kits available is this 12-inch string trimmer and an air powered leaf blower. The string trimmer has an easily adjustable head in order to move from trimming to edging without a hitch. The particularity of the present process is that you do not have to intervene in said automatic line feed, which avoids unwanted interruption. The air speed it offers is as high as 110 MPH and the air volume of 390 CFM makes it easy to blow off the patios, driveways and lawns free from debris. The integrated 40V 2.0Ah battery operates on both equipment and self-charges within approximately 60 minutes.
When in use, the trimmer is extremely compact and easy to direct, perfect for cramped and confined areas. It mows straight and cuts grass properly besides providing an excellent finish to our yard. The blower serves alongside the trimmer in that it handles leaves and debris appropriately. The battery is good enough for most small yard activities and even though the working time is quite adequate, an additional battery would help boost the working time.
On the whole therefore, the Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer + Leaf Blower Combo Kit can be widely recognized as a practical, inexpensive and environmental product. It can be said that it is an ideal tool for any house owner looking for a battery powered appliance.
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3. WORX WG184
- [2x20V=40V] Powered by two 20V MaxLithium PowerShare batteries...
- [2-IN-1] Easily converts from a trimmer into an in-line wheeled...
- [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] Worx Power Share is compatible...
- [COMMAND FEED] Innovative Command Feed spool system offers...
- [VARIABLE SPEED THROTTLE] Increase the speed when you run into...
If you're looking for a versatile tool, it's difficult not to consider the WORX WG184 in the battery-powered models. It converts with ease to a wheeled edger, plus it has a variable speed trigger to regulate the RPM depending on the type of grass you're cutting. Moreover, it features an adjustable handle so that you can find your most comfortable working position and a pivoting head that's ideal for slopes and uneven terrain.
Not only is the WG184 versatile, but also convenient. It has a Command Feed automatic spooling system, allowing you to load a new line at the press of a button. Although it weighs 8.6lbs, it's still light enough to carry around for a reasonable period of time. Besides, a 13-inch cutting swath means you get more work done in less time.
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4. EGO Power+ ST1511T String Trimmer
- POWERLOAD technology; load your line, push a button and go
- Get up to 45 minutes of run time on a single charge with the...
- Telescopic Aluminum Shaft quickly fits your height for ultimate...
- High-Efficiency Brushless Motor
- 15 in. Cutting Swath
The EGO Power+ ST1511T has singlehandedly changed how we approach yard maintenance all together. The POWERLOAD technology means that line replacement is a smooth affair; all you need to do is to fit the right line and press a button. This feature really helps us as it takes large chunks of time we would otherwise spend attempting to tweak the string.
The adjustable telescopic aluminum shaft is very useful, providing for variable height and comfort when getting into position for use. We were able to adapt it quickly, taking pressure off our backs as we began working on different things around the yard.
This trimmer features a powerful brushless motor, that gives the trimmer a consistent cutting force throughout its operation. This makes it possible for us to be dual powered, where we use one pace for thin or tall growing plants depending on what is needed. The other advantage is quick charging time, we were up and running in no time after draining the battery.
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5. JAGROM 12-inch Cordless Trimmer
- [Trimmer and Edger] JAGROM 2 in 1 Cordless String Trimmer...
- [60Mins Powerful Battery Life] JAGROM string trimmer comes with...
- [Multiple Adjustment for Use] JAGROM uses a more ergonomic...
- [Automatic Line Feed and Cut] Our grass trimmer have the...
- [Portable Installation & Effective] It only requires simple...
This cordless trimmer from JAGROM has made it easy for us to maintain our lawn as we had wished. This one is relatively easy to carry because of its compact and lightweight nature. There is much joy in a streamlined set up; from unpacking it to the first trimming session.
The blade can be rotated at various angles according to the position of its handle, and it can swivel so getting into corners of the garden is never a problem. It is convenient that there are two batteries supplied, so we will not run out of power to perform our work. Some of the key benefits we established included how the auto-feed feature ensured that the line remained at optimal length during usage.
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What to Consider in the Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater
What is a Weed Eater?
A weed eater or weed whacker or a string trimmer is, in essence, a sophisticated version of a lawn mower; this equipment is used to cut the grass or weeds. However, a weed eater enables one to get to regions perhaps not reachable by a lawnmower or regions where you do not wish to take the lawnmower, such as a landscaping bed. Generally they are products with a long handle on one end that has a cutting edge or blade. The trimmer head rotates a single or dual nylon string which is the ‘blade’ that cuts the grass and the weeds.
Why Battery-Powered?
Battery power is becoming vastly popular in power tools, especially because batteries present an eco-friendly alternative to gas. Battery-powered weed eaters are also better for your health since they run quieter with less vibration. These cordless electric string trimmers also tend to be lighter, hence easier to maneuver than corded ones which need to stay plugged into a power source. To cap it off, battery power also means less maintenance, mainly because you don't have to store or mix fuel for them.
Most battery-powered weed trimmers run on lithium-ion (Li-on) batteries, although a few also run on nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries. Li-ion batteries are more powerful, smaller and hold charge longer, but they are also less expensive. NiCad batteries are less powerful, larger and suffer from "memory effect"; if the battery is used before full charge-or charged before the battery drains completely-it "remembers" the charge levels and never holds a longer charge moving forward.
Nevertheless, there are a few noteworthy drawbacks to a battery-powered string trimmer. For starters, it can only run as long as the battery, which is typically up to an hour on the higher end. This means they're not ideal for tasks that would take a long time. Having to stop and recharge the battery midway -which can take a lot of time- can be extremely inconvenient.
That highlighted, these are the factors you need to keep in mind when you're looking for the right battery-powered weed eater for your needs:
1. Voltage
Voltage determines how much operating power you'll get from a battery. The heavier the task, the more powerful the weed eater needs to be. Therefore, for heavy-duty jobs, such as cutting thick overgrown grass or weeds, you'll want a battery with higher voltage.
The current string trimmer industry provides rechargeable batteries averaging from 18V-60V. Keep in mind that you normally have to dig a little deeper into your wallet for more power. It's, therefore, all about finding the right balance between your budget and having a powerful string trimmer for heavy-duty tasks.
2. Line Speed
Line speed, measured in RPM (rotations per minute), refers to how fast the string spins. Just like with voltage, the tougher the task, the more line speed you'll need to handle the job.
3. Cutting Width
Also known as cutting swath, determines how wide a path the weed eater will cut through grass or weed in a single pass. Consequently, this also determines how long it takes to trim a particular area.
Most weed eaters on the market today have 10 to 18-inch swath widths. The wider the cutting width, the more power the string trimmer needs. However, if you anticipate cutting grass and weed in tight spots, it might be more practical to use a smaller cutting swath.
4. Line Diameter
This is the thickness (or diameter) of a string that a trimmer can hold. The thicker the "blade", the thicker the grass it can slice through. All the trimmers featured on this list can hold anywhere between 0.0065 to 0.08-inch strings, which is generally the recommended diameter for residential use. If you're looking at commercial-grade weed eaters for more intensive tasks, you'll certainly need thicker strings, and these will also cost more money.
5. Weight
You'll be carrying your weed eater around your yard, which makes weight a critical consideration. If you go for an option that's too bulky for you, you'll end up wearing yourself out quicker, meaning you can't use the weed eater for an extended period at a time.
Therefore, it's important to know the limits of your upper body strength so that you can buy the appropriate weed eater. Fortunately, most modern cordless string trimmers come with shoulder strap attachments to make them easier to carry.
6. Vibration & Noise
Previously, vibrations were an immense concern when buying a cordless electric string trimmer. Recent models have come a long way with vibration control. The weed eaters featured on this list all come with acceptable levels, ensuring that you have a breeze trimming your yard.
The same goes for noise levels. Battery-powered trimmers have a massive noise pollution advantage over gas-powered string trimmers. For context, gas trimmers emit around 90dB, equivalent to a motorbike passing 25 feet away. In comparison, a cordless string trimmer produces around 77dB, about the same loudness as living room music.
7. Runtime
Generally, residential lawns require only about 15 to 30 minutes for a nice, clean trim. Most battery-powered string trimmers can deliver this comfortably, although some lower voltage models might fall slightly short of the mark. That being said, if you're getting a for a larger lawn or commercial use, you'll need higher capacity batteries or get an additional backpack battery to use on the move.
While you're looking at this, you can consider going for a brushless motor string trimmer. It gives you more run time, longer life and takes less maintenance than brushed motors. That being said, a brushed model is equally okay if you're only looking at a small yard. But if you really want a complete gas replacement, a brushless motor string trimmer is the way to go.
8. Price
Like any other purchase, you'll also want to look at how much you can and are willing to spend on a string trimmer. String trimmers normally range from under $100 to about $500. You should be looking to spend more if you're going for a high-voltage, premium or commercial-grade model. When it comes to a battery-powered string trimmer, it's all about finding the right balance between functionality for your yard and affordability.
Tips for Buying a Cordless String Trimmer
1. Prioritize power. Nickel-cadmium batteries require more charging, have lesser usable time and worse, they degrade in performance as the battery gets drained. On the other hand lithium-ion batteries need to be charged less frequently provide better battery life duration per charge and also do not deteriorate rapidly during a discharge cycle.
2. A lightweight cordless trimmer is easier to use. Ideally, you’d want something that is portable, so you can use it while walking around; it must also be durable enough to pull out weeds and other stubborn plants. Weight mainly relates to the battery type, to be more precise, lithium-ion battery is lighter than nickel cadmium battery.
3. Keep an eye out for innovative designs.
Curved shaft trimmers are more suitable for use in the larger areas because they are more comfortable to hold and use. On the other hand, straight shaft trimmers are ideal for small areas especially where there are many turns in the lawn. However if one is in a dilemma between the two, there exist those with dual variations that can offer both orientations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Battery-Powered Weed Eaters
1. Can you use battery-powered string trimmers on wet grass?
Yes. This is not advised though, especially due to the fact that wet grass is harder to snip, an activity which shortens the battery lifespan. On the same note, you are likely to get a shoddy trim than you would when the grass is dry.
2. Are battery-powered weed eaters any better than their gas counterparts?
As far as residential use goes, yes. Some might even argue they're better overall than corded electric string trimmers and gas string trimmers.
