Best Gas String Trimmers [ 2022 Reviews & Guide ]

1. Ryobi RY253SS 25 cc 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer

The Ryobi RY253SS straight shaft model, our top option, is reasonably priced, adaptable, simple to operate for a gas weed eater, and powerful enough for almost any home yard task.

The 25 cc, 2-cycle engine of the machine has a complete crankshaft, which effectively increases engine longevity. Several consumers said the engine starts up smoothly and consistently (though starting any gas engine can be difficult sometimes).

The fact that this trimmer is compatible with Ryobi's "Expand-It" range of devices is one of its main advantages. You can quickly transform this one tool into numerous others, such as an edger, blower, and tiller, by purchasing additional attachments. With this Ryobi gadget, you can clean up your lawn with more than just a string trimmer while also saving money and storage space.

The amount you spend for the RY253SS is justified even if you only use it to cut weeds. The long straight shaft makes it easier to reach around obstructions, the wide 18-inch cutting swath speeds up trimming, and the reel-easy string head makes it simple for the operator to thread a new line.

Pros:

Large cutting swath; Cheap; Ryobi accessories (available separately) allow for conversion to other power tools;

Cons:

Some users had to replace the carburetor after a brief amount of usage due to the cutting head coming dislodged, according to some reviews.

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2. Husqvarna 128LD 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer

Power and practicality are combined in the Husqvarna 128LD trimmer. The 28 cc, 2-cycle engine of this weed eater is one of the most powerful on this list, making it ideal for challenging yards with thick grass and a lot of weeds.

Comparatively to many of our other options, the 128LD is also lightweight, making it easy to carry for a longer period of time.

Along with its robust engine and endorsement from Husqvarna, one of the most reputable companies in power tools, the 128LD also boasts a number of small specific features that make it simpler to use.

The "Tap 'N Go" line release, for example, enables you to release the trimmer line by merely touching the cutting head against the grass. Considering that the head has auto-feed, loading a new line is also simple.

Husqvarna's SmartStart technology lowers resistance on the cable to make starts simpler if you're anxious about starting a gas engine.

Husqvarna, like Ryobi, offers a selection of extra attachments that can transform this trimmer into other power tools, such as an edger, tiller, and pole saw.

The 128LD is a little short for a straight shaft trimmer, according to some reviews, even though the majority said the machine works fantastically. Some customers, who are about 6 feet tall, complained that they had to stoop over to operate the device.

Pros:

Strong engine Simple starter Lightweight Husqvarna accessories allow for conversion to other power tools (sold separately)

Cons:

It is expensive and difficult to use if you are tall because to the short shaft. After a year or less of use, some reviews claimed that the engine will only work in brief spurts.

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3. Poulan Pro PR28SD 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer

Many of the features of the Husqvarna 128LD trimmer are also included in the Poulan Pro PR28SD trimmer, however this model is substantially less expensive. Similar to our Husqvarna selection, this Poulan offers a potent 28 cc, 2-stroke engine and practical features like "Tap 'N Go" line release and simple spring-assisted starting.

The PR28SD may be converted into an edger, cultivator, brush cutter, and other power tools with additional attachments, just like our other top picks.

The weight of the Poulan Pro model is one of its main differences. It's a bit heavier at 14 pounds and can be challenging for some homeowners to handle for an extended period of time.

This might not be the greatest choice for someone who is not familiar with gas engines because some users also mentioned that starting the trimmer can be challenging at times.

Despite these drawbacks, the PR28SD offers excellent value for the money. While the Husqvarna 128LD is more dependable and user-friendly, the Poulan Pro model offers a similar gas string trimmer while costing less.

Pros:

Powerful engine; affordable
Uses Poulan Pro accessories to convert to other power tools (sold separately)

Cons:

On the heavier side, it's sometimes difficult to get started.

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4. Craftsman WS205 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer

You may spend less money while still getting a high-quality weed eater with the Craftsman WS205.

Although the 25 cc, 2-cycle engine of this Craftsman isn't the most powerful, it should be enough for home use. This model's weight isn't particularly light, but it's also not particularly heavy, and the adjustable handle enables you find an ergonomically correct working posture for you.

The Craftsman WS205's key selling point is its low price. Although it doesn't have as many features as some of our other top picks, it is compatible with TrimmerPlus brand attachments, which can turn your trimmer into more lawn care equipment.

Unfortunately, acquiring this model carries some level of risk. While many customers were pleased with its performance and commented on how well it handled thick grass and weeds, others claimed that their trimmer broke down to the point where they were unable to use it after only six to twelve months.

The brand's customer support was difficult to contact for those who had problems. Consequently, the WS205 will enable you to save money, but you run the risk of joining the minority of customers who get a subpar product.

Pros:

Cost-effective and adaptable with TrimmerPlus attachments to various power tools (sold separately)

Cons:

✗ Some customers claimed the product only lasted a short time.

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5. Remington RM25S 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer

The Remington RM25S is a great option on a tight budget. Given that it weighs more than 15 pounds, has the smallest cutting width of any trimmer on this list, and only has a 25 cc, 2-cycle engine, it seems to contradict itself somewhat. But for the price, it's a good home weed eater and brush cutter.

The Remington QuickStart technology and the bump head, which releases string when pressed against a hard surface, are two useful features that make this model, despite its weight, easy to use. Both users who are left- and right-handed can adjust the ergonomic handle.

The RM25S is worth the money, according to users, and starts up easily. However, restringing it can be challenging, and it might not function as effectively as before.

Pros:

Cheap and, for the most part, simple to use

Cons:

Heavy, has a narrow cutting swath, and challenging to restring

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Price: Gas string trimmers range in price from around $200 to over $400, so decide on a budget before you start looking to limit your options. For stuff like stronger engines, wider cutting swaths, and extra features, you'll often pay more.

In order to show you the models that will provide you with the best value for your money, we made pricing the primary ranking element for our top recommendations.

In essence, you use a string trimmer to get rid of weeds and grass where a lawn mower can't. Included in this are confined spaces and delicate regions you don't want to trample on, such the grass surrounding your flower beds or hardscapes.

String trimmers use a string (or "line") to cut through vegetation rather than a blade. String trimmers have a cutting head, often referred to as a trimmer head, on one end of a long shaft. The component of the tool where you load the string and cut the string is called the cutting head (thus the name).

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A lawnmower isn't sufficient to maintain a well-kept yard; you also need a string trimmer (aka weed wacker, grass trimmer, weed trimmer, weed eater, etc). A gas weed eater is for you if you want a trimmer with strong power that can move easily around your yard and run for however long you need it to.

These top picks are your greatest options on the market right now when taking into account price, power, size, and weight.

The greatest gas string trimmer for the money is the Ryobi RY253SS. Find out why by reading our review up top.

The Husqvarna 324L is by far the lightest of our top recommendations, weighing only 5.1 pounds. Even for an electric string trimmer, that is lightweight.

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