Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Reviews 2023. Brush cutter attachment STIHL
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Reviews 2023
Even if you’re not quite ready to pull the trigger on an electric lawn mower, cordless string trimmers are a much easier jump for most homeowners to make. Even Pro lawn care crews have legitimate options to replace gas models. What’s the best battery-powered string trimmer for your needs? We got our team together to determine top picks for a range of priorities.
Want to see our top overall string trimmer picks, including gas models? Check out this article!
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Overall
EGO PowerLoad String Trimmer with Line IQ ST1623T
EGO started back in the day with surprisingly strong performance for a cordless string trimmer and eye-opening vibration control. Since then, it’s only gotten better as battery and motor technology have improved. Add to that, EGO’s PowerLoad feature makes line changes the easiest to load we’ve ever used—just thread your line to the middle and press a button.
As for the latest advancement, Line IQ automatic line feeding keeps a 16-inch cutting swath without having to bump the head. It sets the bar very high for any other brand hoping to compete for the title of the best battery-powered string trimmer.
Price: Price: 219.00 bare, 299.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Power
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer RY402110VNM
In case you haven’t noticed, Ryobi has been absolutely unleashed in the lawn care department. The 40V HP Brushless lineup has been impressive, taking the Home Depot-exclusive brand to a whole new level in OPE. For the latest flagship string trimmer, that means impressive cutting power.
The combination of advanced battery and brushless motor tech lets you use line up to 0.105-inch with a 17-inch cutting swath. It’s fantastic when you’re reclaiming overgrown areas or simply have a lot of lawn to maintain. It gets even better, though, because this model is also part of the Whisper Series, boasting 60% quieter operation than a comparable gas model thanks to specifically focusing on the pitch of the sound.
Price: 279.00 bare, 329.00 with 6.0Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Lightweight Battery-Powered String Trimmer
Husqvarna 520iLX Battery-Powered String Trimmer
When we’re talking about the best all-day, everyday professional string trimmer for crews who prefer light weight models, we love Husqvarna’s 520iLX. What helps it rise above others is its combination of lighter weight, extremely low vibration, and thoughtful feature set in conjunction with excellent performance—all with a sub-10-pound operating weight. Other professional brands hit several of the same elements, but none of them put them together as completely as Husqvarna.
Best Attachment-Capable Battery-Powered String Trimmer
STIHL Battery-Powered Kombi System KMA 135 R
When we tested cordless attachment systems, none of them had the overall performance that Sithl’s 36V KombiSystem did. It was the closest one to using a gas powerhead. Now the performance is even better with the KMA 135 R powerhead.
Even though STIHL doesn’t use a universal attachment mechanism, the brand’s list of available attachments is deeper than we’ve seen from any other. Plus, STIHL’s extensive dealer and service network is there to support you after the sale.
Best Cordless Handlebar String Trimmer
Greenworks Commercial 82V Bike Handle String Trimmer
Bike handle string trimmers are the way to go for trimming large areas or long fencelines. Their harnesses shift the weight off of your arms and lower back while offering a stable platform to maneuver.
Of the battery-powered options on the table, the Greenworks Commerical 82V bike handle string trimmer is our top choice. Boasting higher power levels than 36cc gas models, its 5700 RPM top speed and 18-inch cutting swath clear overgrowth in a hurry.
A 4.0Ah battery powers the brushless motor for up to 45 minutes and Greenworks’ Rapid charger gets it back in the game in just 30 minutes. With a pair of batteries at your disposal, you can charge one while using the other and only have to stop long enough to swap them.
Best Budget Battery-Powered String Trimmer
SKIL 40V PWRCore Brushless String Trimmer LT4818-10
If you’re on a budget, there are still quality string trimmers to choose from. There are plenty of good high-voltage ones under the 200 mark and several 18V/20V max models to choose from under 150. But what if you want the performance of a voltage boost but 200 is still too high?
That’s where the Skil PWRCore 40 Brushless String Trimmer steps in. This brushless battery-powered trimmer fills a need for a capable weed eater that doesn’t go overboard on weight or price. With more power than 18V/20V models, it’s a good fit for budget-minded individuals. It also carries a 5-year limited warranty.
Price: 159.00 with 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best Line for Battery-Powered String Trimmers
Echo Black Diamond 0.095-Inch Trimmer Line
Echo Black Diamond trimmer line is denser than others and has sharper cutting edges in its design. For battery-powered string trimmers, you can use Black Diamond 0.095-inch line that cuts like it’s thicker without killing your runtime. There’s some reduction because of the increase in mass, but not as much as when it combines with the increased air resistance of thicker lines. It’s the line we prefer on our gas trimmers and with cordless models being as capable as they are today, we’re able to on those as well.
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmers: Recommendations From Brands We Trust
Best DeWALT Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 60V Max DCST972
DeWALT sports an impressive 17-inch cutting swath on its latest 60V Max brushless string trimmer. It’s a 2-speed attachment-capable trimmer using a universal connection system, opening up more options beyond DeWALT attachments. With 5800 RPM on the top end (4650 in low), there’s plenty of speed and you can swap out the 0.080-inch line that comes pre-spooled with 0.095-inch.
It’s a little beefier than some models with the 3.0Ah 60V battery pushing the total weight over 11 pounds. The trigger grip section is also a bit thicker than most, so you might not care for it if you have smaller hands. On the plus side, there are three points for the attachment detent to lock into, making it simple to convert the trimmer head into a string edger.
Price: 259.00 bare tool, 329.00 with 3.0Ah battery and charger
Best Echo Cordless String Trimmer: 56V eForce X Series 2600 Series
Our top choice for Echo is a bit different than other brands in that we’re recommending a series built on the same foundation. The DSRM-2600 has the top performance with three speeds and a brushless motor that tops out at 5700 RPM. Add in a 17-inch cutting swath and you get a cordless fast grass-clearing machine that has plenty of confidence.
This model comes in a few forms, starting with a standard string trimmer(DSRM-2600) and a bike handle version (DSRM-2600U). There’s also an attachment-capable model (DPAS-2600) if that’s the route you prefer.
Best Greenworks Battery-Powered String Trimmer: to 60V ST60L254
Greenworks’ Pro 60V line has a few options and we like the ST60L04 as the best overall balance of performance and price for trimming. It’s a smooth-operating trimmer with an easy-loading Load N’ Go head that uses 0.095-inch line and runs for more than half an hour on its 2.5Ah battery.
Price: 199.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best HART Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 40V HLST051VNM
HART stepped up big time and has a brushless 15-inch carbon fiber shaft model for its 40V Supercharge line. It’s another attachment-capable option using a universal connection and is capable of whipping 0.095-inch line with performance that tops what a 25cc gas model can do. Thanks to its carbon fiber shaft, the weight comes down a bit without sacrificing the strength you need for the job.
Price: 237.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Makita Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 40V max XGT GRU03
We realize not everyone is in a place to jump onto Makita’s ConnectX system. If you want high performance with wider OPE and power tool compatibility, give the 40V max XGT GRU03 a look. It has three speeds and tops out at a blistering 7000 RPM. Plus, the trimmer’s 30cc gas equivalent performance has a 17-inch cutting swath and is suitable for use with a brush cutter blade, making this the most capable string trimmer in the line.
Price: 299.00 bare, 399.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Milwaukee Battery-Powered String Trimmer: M18 Brushless 2828
Milwaukee’s M18 Brushless String Trimmer sites alongside the M18 Fuel Quik-Lok attachment system as your two choices from Team Red. Both are solid choices and it’s the dedicated brushless string trimmer that earns our top recommendation.
Though not part of the M18 Fuel system, it is brushless and compatible with all of Milwaukee’s M18 batteries. This 2-speed model features a 14 – 16-inch cutting swath that cut very confidently in our tests. What sends it over the top is the value proposition. It’s under 200 as a kit and it comes with a 6.0Ah High Output battery that retails for 179 if you bought it by itself. If you’re a fan of Milwaukee tools, this is a great entry into its OPE line.
Price: 179.00 bare, 199.00 with a 6.0Ah High Output battery and charger
Best Ridgid Cordless String Trimmer: 18V Brushless R1201
Ridgid fans don’t have to consider a separate battery system to join the cordless lawn care craze anymore. Fully compatible with Ridgid 18V power tool batteries, there’s a nice range to get started with.
The string trimmer is on the smaller side, featuring a 12 – 14-inch cutting swath but still capable of using 0.095-inch line. It’s also on the lighter side, weighing less than 10 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery.
Price: 189.00 bare, 249.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best STIHL Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 36V FSA 135 R
STIHL was already doing a great job in the professional battery-powered lawn care department, but the 135 line takes it a step further with even better performance and durability. Comparable to the power the FS 91 offers, it’s matching up with one of STIHL’s workhorse gas models. The trimmer works best with 0.095-inch line and has a 16.5-inch cutting swath. It also comes in both standard and bike handle models, giving you a great option for clearing large areas.
Best Toro Cordless String Trimmer: 60V Flex Force 51830
Toro’s 60V 51830 is the top performer for the Flex Force line. Its brushless motor offers an excellent 16-inch cutting swath and a well-balanced design. While it doesn’t have some of the cutting-edge features that some of the other models do, we don’t have any complaints. It’s an excellent all-around option that keeps its price reasonable.
Price: 149.99 bare, 219.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Buying Guide: What We Look For
Cutting Power
Three primary factors go into cutting power: line speed, line thickness/mass, and motor torque.
The faster the line whips around, the better the tips cut grass. Most battery-powered string trimmers are fine in this category. As long as you’re getting at least 5000 RPM, you should be in good shape. The top models are capable of hitting 6500 RPM and there is a significant difference in how fast you can complete your trimming duties at higher rotational speeds.
Shifting the FOCUS to the line thickness, the higher the line mass, the more force it’s able to cut through thicker grass with. It’s like the difference between getting hit by a 175-pound safety and a 225-pound linebacker at the same speed. mass equals more cutting power.
Most cordless string trimmers take 0.080-inch line at a minimum. We recommend 0.095-inch for the best all-around performance. If you have tougher grass or deal with overgrowth frequently, a string trimmer with 0.105-inch line lets you power through even better. Just keep in mind that line diameter has a direct effect on runtime—thicker line takes more power to run.
Finally, a motor with higher torque helps the trimmer resist slowing down as the going gets tougher. Even though trimming grass seems like a low-demand task, grass does push back against the line, causing it to bend back and eventually start to bog the motor. Higher torque holds keeps the head spinning better in tough cutting situations, even when its highest RPMs are lower than low-torque gearing.
Cutting Swath
Having a large cutting swath helps you clear large areas faster or gives you a more generous border for your mower. You need more power to run wider, though, and runtime is always a consideration. That said, in the past couple of years, we’ve seen the technology come together to give us solid options. Look for a 15-inch cutting diameter for most situations. Recent 16- and 17-inch models are a great choice when you have larger areas to cut.
Runtime
The average homeowner on a 1/4-acre lot only needs about 15 minutes of consistent trigger time to cover trimming. Most cordless string trimmers are able to hit that at high speed without too much trouble.
Professional lawn care crews need much more, though. So do homeowners with large properties and farm/ranch acreage.
If your runtime needs are greater, look for a string trimmer that balances the efficiency of a brushless motor, uses 0.095-inch line, and possibly comes with a higher-capacity battery. Of course, you can always carry multiple batteries.
Also, consider learning how to trim at low speed when the grass isn’t as thick. Even though you have to slow down a bit, you’ll cut a significantly larger area.
Vibration
We highly value low-vibration string trimmers. We already have enough work to do managing the weight of such a long tool without vibration adding additional fatigue. The harmonics in some of today’s models are so good that hardly any vibration makes it up the handle… and they are a joy to use!
Weight and Balance
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. Bare weight isn’t everything—the battery can add a lot. 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.
Balance 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. Many models also let you adjust the front handle to help dial in your fit.
If you’re after an attachment-capable model, you’re stuck with the motor in the back, and the balance shifts back. For those trimmers that are simply heavier by nature, consider adding a shoulder strap to help you out.
Sound Level
Low noise is one of the major benefits of moving away from gas power. Cordless string trimmers we’ve tested range from decibels in the low 80s to the upper 90s (measured at our operator’s ear). Even at the top end, it’s an improvement over the majority of gas trimmers.
Your line selection plays a bigger part than it does on gas trimmers. Sometimes, switching the line you use can reduce the overall noise level or change the tone to a less irritating pitch.
Line Changes
When you have to change the line, it can be an easy or frustrating process. Manual loading is largely a thing of the past, though some trimmers still have manual heads. To make the process easier, look for models that have some type of fast-loading system (SpeedFeed, Rapid Load, etc). With these, you thread the line through the head to the middle, turn the head to load it, and go get on with the work.
Regardless of what comes on the trimmer, you can upgrade most to a quick-load head.
The best on the market right now is EGO’s PowerLoad design. It takes the fast-load concept and adds automatic winding and gives us the easiest, quickest line changes we’ve ever had.
Attachment Capability
Pro lawn crews typically have dedicated machines for string trimming, edging, and hedge trimming, but homeowners can save a lot of money by using interchangeable heads and tools that cover everything from blowing to brush cutting.
As we mentioned earlier, attachment systems require a top-mounted motor that affects the balance. It’s a trade-off you have to make for the convenience you gain.
One thing to keep an eye on is the attachment connection style. Models with a “universal” connection can use attachments from other brands, opening up far more choices. Recent multi-head systems including EGO, Milwaukee, and STIHL aren’t compatible with others, so you need to make sure they have everything you need before investing.
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Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Reviews 2023
Even if you’re not quite ready to pull the trigger on an electric lawn mower, cordless string trimmers are a much easier jump for most homeowners to make. Even Pro lawn care crews have legitimate options to replace gas models. What’s the best battery-powered string trimmer for your needs? We got our team together to determine top picks for a range of priorities.
Want to see our top overall string trimmer picks, including gas models? Check out this article!
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Overall
EGO PowerLoad String Trimmer with Line IQ ST1623T
EGO started back in the day with surprisingly strong performance for a cordless string trimmer and eye-opening vibration control. Since then, it’s only gotten better as battery and motor technology have improved. Add to that, EGO’s PowerLoad feature makes line changes the easiest to load we’ve ever used—just thread your line to the middle and press a button.
As for the latest advancement, Line IQ automatic line feeding keeps a 16-inch cutting swath without having to bump the head. It sets the bar very high for any other brand hoping to compete for the title of the best battery-powered string trimmer.
Price: Price: 219.00 bare, 299.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Power
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer RY402110VNM
In case you haven’t noticed, Ryobi has been absolutely unleashed in the lawn care department. The 40V HP Brushless lineup has been impressive, taking the Home Depot-exclusive brand to a whole new level in OPE. For the latest flagship string trimmer, that means impressive cutting power.
The combination of advanced battery and brushless motor tech lets you use line up to 0.105-inch with a 17-inch cutting swath. It’s fantastic when you’re reclaiming overgrown areas or simply have a lot of lawn to maintain. It gets even better, though, because this model is also part of the Whisper Series, boasting 60% quieter operation than a comparable gas model thanks to specifically focusing on the pitch of the sound.
Price: 279.00 bare, 329.00 with 6.0Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Lightweight Battery-Powered String Trimmer
Husqvarna 520iLX Battery-Powered String Trimmer
When we’re talking about the best all-day, everyday professional string trimmer for crews who prefer light weight models, we love Husqvarna’s 520iLX. What helps it rise above others is its combination of lighter weight, extremely low vibration, and thoughtful feature set in conjunction with excellent performance—all with a sub-10-pound operating weight. Other professional brands hit several of the same elements, but none of them put them together as completely as Husqvarna.
Best Attachment-Capable Battery-Powered String Trimmer
STIHL Battery-Powered Kombi System KMA 135 R
When we tested cordless attachment systems, none of them had the overall performance that Sithl’s 36V KombiSystem did. It was the closest one to using a gas powerhead. Now the performance is even better with the KMA 135 R powerhead.
Even though STIHL doesn’t use a universal attachment mechanism, the brand’s list of available attachments is deeper than we’ve seen from any other. Plus, STIHL’s extensive dealer and service network is there to support you after the sale.
Best Cordless Handlebar String Trimmer
Greenworks Commercial 82V Bike Handle String Trimmer
Bike handle string trimmers are the way to go for trimming large areas or long fencelines. Their harnesses shift the weight off of your arms and lower back while offering a stable platform to maneuver.
Of the battery-powered options on the table, the Greenworks Commerical 82V bike handle string trimmer is our top choice. Boasting higher power levels than 36cc gas models, its 5700 RPM top speed and 18-inch cutting swath clear overgrowth in a hurry.
A 4.0Ah battery powers the brushless motor for up to 45 minutes and Greenworks’ Rapid charger gets it back in the game in just 30 minutes. With a pair of batteries at your disposal, you can charge one while using the other and only have to stop long enough to swap them.
Best Budget Battery-Powered String Trimmer
SKIL 40V PWRCore Brushless String Trimmer LT4818-10
If you’re on a budget, there are still quality string trimmers to choose from. There are plenty of good high-voltage ones under the 200 mark and several 18V/20V max models to choose from under 150. But what if you want the performance of a voltage boost but 200 is still too high?
That’s where the Skil PWRCore 40 Brushless String Trimmer steps in. This brushless battery-powered trimmer fills a need for a capable weed eater that doesn’t go overboard on weight or price. With more power than 18V/20V models, it’s a good fit for budget-minded individuals. It also carries a 5-year limited warranty.
Price: 159.00 with 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best Line for Battery-Powered String Trimmers
Echo Black Diamond 0.095-Inch Trimmer Line
Echo Black Diamond trimmer line is denser than others and has sharper cutting edges in its design. For battery-powered string trimmers, you can use Black Diamond 0.095-inch line that cuts like it’s thicker without killing your runtime. There’s some reduction because of the increase in mass, but not as much as when it combines with the increased air resistance of thicker lines. It’s the line we prefer on our gas trimmers and with cordless models being as capable as they are today, we’re able to on those as well.
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmers: Recommendations From Brands We Trust
Best DeWALT Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 60V Max DCST972
DeWALT sports an impressive 17-inch cutting swath on its latest 60V Max brushless string trimmer. It’s a 2-speed attachment-capable trimmer using a universal connection system, opening up more options beyond DeWALT attachments. With 5800 RPM on the top end (4650 in low), there’s plenty of speed and you can swap out the 0.080-inch line that comes pre-spooled with 0.095-inch.
It’s a little beefier than some models with the 3.0Ah 60V battery pushing the total weight over 11 pounds. The trigger grip section is also a bit thicker than most, so you might not care for it if you have smaller hands. On the plus side, there are three points for the attachment detent to lock into, making it simple to convert the trimmer head into a string edger.
Price: 259.00 bare tool, 329.00 with 3.0Ah battery and charger
Best Echo Cordless String Trimmer: 56V eForce X Series 2600 Series
Our top choice for Echo is a bit different than other brands in that we’re recommending a series built on the same foundation. The DSRM-2600 has the top performance with three speeds and a brushless motor that tops out at 5700 RPM. Add in a 17-inch cutting swath and you get a cordless fast grass-clearing machine that has plenty of confidence.
This model comes in a few forms, starting with a standard string trimmer(DSRM-2600) and a bike handle version (DSRM-2600U). There’s also an attachment-capable model (DPAS-2600) if that’s the route you prefer.
Best Greenworks Battery-Powered String Trimmer: to 60V ST60L254
Greenworks’ Pro 60V line has a few options and we like the ST60L04 as the best overall balance of performance and price for trimming. It’s a smooth-operating trimmer with an easy-loading Load N’ Go head that uses 0.095-inch line and runs for more than half an hour on its 2.5Ah battery.
Price: 199.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best HART Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 40V HLST051VNM
HART stepped up big time and has a brushless 15-inch carbon fiber shaft model for its 40V Supercharge line. It’s another attachment-capable option using a universal connection and is capable of whipping 0.095-inch line with performance that tops what a 25cc gas model can do. Thanks to its carbon fiber shaft, the weight comes down a bit without sacrificing the strength you need for the job.
Price: 237.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Makita Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 40V max XGT GRU03
We realize not everyone is in a place to jump onto Makita’s ConnectX system. If you want high performance with wider OPE and power tool compatibility, give the 40V max XGT GRU03 a look. It has three speeds and tops out at a blistering 7000 RPM. Plus, the trimmer’s 30cc gas equivalent performance has a 17-inch cutting swath and is suitable for use with a brush cutter blade, making this the most capable string trimmer in the line.
Price: 299.00 bare, 399.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Milwaukee Battery-Powered String Trimmer: M18 Brushless 2828
Milwaukee’s M18 Brushless String Trimmer sites alongside the M18 Fuel Quik-Lok attachment system as your two choices from Team Red. Both are solid choices and it’s the dedicated brushless string trimmer that earns our top recommendation.
Though not part of the M18 Fuel system, it is brushless and compatible with all of Milwaukee’s M18 batteries. This 2-speed model features a 14 – 16-inch cutting swath that cut very confidently in our tests. What sends it over the top is the value proposition. It’s under 200 as a kit and it comes with a 6.0Ah High Output battery that retails for 179 if you bought it by itself. If you’re a fan of Milwaukee tools, this is a great entry into its OPE line.
Price: 179.00 bare, 199.00 with a 6.0Ah High Output battery and charger
Best Ridgid Cordless String Trimmer: 18V Brushless R1201
Ridgid fans don’t have to consider a separate battery system to join the cordless lawn care craze anymore. Fully compatible with Ridgid 18V power tool batteries, there’s a nice range to get started with.
The string trimmer is on the smaller side, featuring a 12 – 14-inch cutting swath but still capable of using 0.095-inch line. It’s also on the lighter side, weighing less than 10 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery.
Price: 189.00 bare, 249.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best STIHL Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 36V FSA 135 R
STIHL was already doing a great job in the professional battery-powered lawn care department, but the 135 line takes it a step further with even better performance and durability. Comparable to the power the FS 91 offers, it’s matching up with one of STIHL’s workhorse gas models. The trimmer works best with 0.095-inch line and has a 16.5-inch cutting swath. It also comes in both standard and bike handle models, giving you a great option for clearing large areas.
Best Toro Cordless String Trimmer: 60V Flex Force 51830
Toro’s 60V 51830 is the top performer for the Flex Force line. Its brushless motor offers an excellent 16-inch cutting swath and a well-balanced design. While it doesn’t have some of the cutting-edge features that some of the other models do, we don’t have any complaints. It’s an excellent all-around option that keeps its price reasonable.
Price: 149.99 bare, 219.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Buying Guide: What We Look For
Cutting Power
Three primary factors go into cutting power: line speed, line thickness/mass, and motor torque.
The faster the line whips around, the better the tips cut grass. Most battery-powered string trimmers are fine in this category. As long as you’re getting at least 5000 RPM, you should be in good shape. The top models are capable of hitting 6500 RPM and there is a significant difference in how fast you can complete your trimming duties at higher rotational speeds.
Shifting the FOCUS to the line thickness, the higher the line mass, the more force it’s able to cut through thicker grass with. It’s like the difference between getting hit by a 175-pound safety and a 225-pound linebacker at the same speed. mass equals more cutting power.
Most cordless string trimmers take 0.080-inch line at a minimum. We recommend 0.095-inch for the best all-around performance. If you have tougher grass or deal with overgrowth frequently, a string trimmer with 0.105-inch line lets you power through even better. Just keep in mind that line diameter has a direct effect on runtime—thicker line takes more power to run.
Finally, a motor with higher torque helps the trimmer resist slowing down as the going gets tougher. Even though trimming grass seems like a low-demand task, grass does push back against the line, causing it to bend back and eventually start to bog the motor. Higher torque holds keeps the head spinning better in tough cutting situations, even when its highest RPMs are lower than low-torque gearing.
Cutting Swath
Having a large cutting swath helps you clear large areas faster or gives you a more generous border for your mower. You need more power to run wider, though, and runtime is always a consideration. That said, in the past couple of years, we’ve seen the technology come together to give us solid options. Look for a 15-inch cutting diameter for most situations. Recent 16- and 17-inch models are a great choice when you have larger areas to cut.
Runtime
The average homeowner on a 1/4-acre lot only needs about 15 minutes of consistent trigger time to cover trimming. Most cordless string trimmers are able to hit that at high speed without too much trouble.
Professional lawn care crews need much more, though. So do homeowners with large properties and farm/ranch acreage.
If your runtime needs are greater, look for a string trimmer that balances the efficiency of a brushless motor, uses 0.095-inch line, and possibly comes with a higher-capacity battery. Of course, you can always carry multiple batteries.
Also, consider learning how to trim at low speed when the grass isn’t as thick. Even though you have to slow down a bit, you’ll cut a significantly larger area.
Vibration
We highly value low-vibration string trimmers. We already have enough work to do managing the weight of such a long tool without vibration adding additional fatigue. The harmonics in some of today’s models are so good that hardly any vibration makes it up the handle… and they are a joy to use!
Petrol vs Battery Strimmer. Running Cost Comparison?
Weight and Balance
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. Bare weight isn’t everything—the battery can add a lot. 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.
Balance 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. Many models also let you adjust the front handle to help dial in your fit.
If you’re after an attachment-capable model, you’re stuck with the motor in the back, and the balance shifts back. For those trimmers that are simply heavier by nature, consider adding a shoulder strap to help you out.
Sound Level
Low noise is one of the major benefits of moving away from gas power. Cordless string trimmers we’ve tested range from decibels in the low 80s to the upper 90s (measured at our operator’s ear). Even at the top end, it’s an improvement over the majority of gas trimmers.
Your line selection plays a bigger part than it does on gas trimmers. Sometimes, switching the line you use can reduce the overall noise level or change the tone to a less irritating pitch.
Line Changes
When you have to change the line, it can be an easy or frustrating process. Manual loading is largely a thing of the past, though some trimmers still have manual heads. To make the process easier, look for models that have some type of fast-loading system (SpeedFeed, Rapid Load, etc). With these, you thread the line through the head to the middle, turn the head to load it, and go get on with the work.
Regardless of what comes on the trimmer, you can upgrade most to a quick-load head.
The best on the market right now is EGO’s PowerLoad design. It takes the fast-load concept and adds automatic winding and gives us the easiest, quickest line changes we’ve ever had.
Attachment Capability
Pro lawn crews typically have dedicated machines for string trimming, edging, and hedge trimming, but homeowners can save a lot of money by using interchangeable heads and tools that cover everything from blowing to brush cutting.
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As we mentioned earlier, attachment systems require a top-mounted motor that affects the balance. It’s a trade-off you have to make for the convenience you gain.
One thing to keep an eye on is the attachment connection style. Models with a “universal” connection can use attachments from other brands, opening up far more choices. Recent multi-head systems including EGO, Milwaukee, and STIHL aren’t compatible with others, so you need to make sure they have everything you need before investing.
Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested anything or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves, and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.
We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.
Each year, we bring in and review more than 350 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.
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The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.
How to Put a Blade on a STIHL Trimmer
STIHL trimmers have interchangeable cutter heads that allow you to switch back and forth from stringed cutters to blade cutters. Grass and weeds yield easily to string, but thick brush calls for a blade. STIHL trimmers are designed to convert easily to blade cutters for heavier, string-breaking trim jobs.
The process of switching from string to blade cutting is relatively straightforward.
Warning
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp blades while changing your trimmer head.
Never operate your trimmer without the protective cover or blade shroud on the staff.
Wear gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing and protective boots when using your trimmer. This protects against injury should something fly back toward you. Always keep your work area cleared of children and pets.
- Pull the cap off the spark plug to keep the trimmer from accidentally starting. Place the STIHL trimmer upside down so you can easily access the black cutter head assembly.
- Push the locking pin into the side of the cutter shaft, and rotate the cutter head until the locking pin locks in place.
Is The STIHL KombiSystem Any Good? Real Longtime User Review
Are you are turned off by the idea of having a garage full of gas-powered yard tools that all require maintenance? Not quite ready to make the move to electric tools just yet? If so, then you may be eying STIHL’s multi-functional KombiSystem.
The idea of having the lawn tool equivalent of Transformers is enticing! It can be changed on the fly from being a trimmer to a tiller to a limb saw, to, well, many other tools. That’s a concept that will make a lawncare fanatic drool.
Is the STIHL KombiSystem any good? As a multi-use yard tool, the STIHL KombiSystem is the most versatile lawn care tool on the market. The system has attachments available for trimming, sawing, tilling, and much more and is backed with the reputation and reliability of STIHL.
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But hold on a second before you grab your wallet and speed to the nearest STIHL dealer. I’ve been using this yard tool for years and have had the time to really get to know what there is to love and to loathe.
Let’s have an objective look at the features, capabilities, benefits, and shortcomings of this multi-tool on steroids.
Note: This article deals primarily with the gas-powered system. There is also a battery-powered Kombisystem offered by STIHL. While most of the general advantages and disadvantages apply to both, certain aspects mentioned are specific to the gas version.
What Is The STIHL KombiSystem?
The STIHL KombiSystem is a powered yard tool consisting of a motorhead with interchangeable attachments. The motorhead looks like the end of a trimmer. The shaft, however, separates to allow different attachments to be connected.
So, you get the benefit of multiple yard tools with only one motorhead to maintain.
The shaft of the attachments insert into the motorhead’s shaft and lock in place, allowing for a reliable and secure connection. A hand-tightening knob allows for additional security of the connection.
Arrows line up to reassure the user that the attachment is inserted correctly, however, I find no way to the system to allow an incorrect alignment. If nothing else, these arrows help the user guide the attachment into place.
Advantages Of The STIHL KombiSystem
There are four primary advantages to the STIHL KombiSystem over owning separate powered yard tools. These advantages are:
- Can Be Expanded To Grow With Your Needs
- Only one motor to maintain
- Potential to save space compared to multiple tools
- The reliability of the STIHL brand
Let’s quickly go over each of these benefits and then we’ll give due attention to some of the inherent challenges that this system poses.
The STIHL KombiSystem Can Grow With Your Needs
The tools that you need today may not be sufficient for the yard work you need to do tomorrow. The STIHL KombiSystem has a unique advantage of being able to expand in its capabilities based on the needs of the user.
Suddenly find yourself needing to trim low hanging limbs? Add a limb trimmer attachment. Have some heavy brush that is too thick for a traditional trimmer? The metal blade of the brush cutting attachment will solve that problem.
This is the single greatest appeal and a valid reason to consider the KombiSystem. It can grow with your lawn care needs as you embark on larger projects.
Only One Motor To Maintain
A garage full of gas-powered yard equipment means multiple opportunities for breakdowns. It’s also more gas to buy.
The STIHL KombiSystem compartmentalizes engine maintenance with a single motorhead. Keep that one engine running smoothly and all of your yard tools are ready for a weekend of work.
Space-Saving Design Compared To Multiple Tools
Since the attachments are smaller than individual powered yard tools, you have the potential to save space in your garage when it comes to storing everything. I say “potential” because the attachments aren’t exactly small.
Each one will require some space but compared to storing individual tools there are a lot of opportunities. Especially if you come up with some creative storage solutions.
Reliability And Service Of A STIHL Tool
If there’s one thing that STIHL is known for, it’s reliability. Having a single tool that you know is going to start and will provide you with the capability to tackle almost any yard project that you take on (with the right attachment) is probably the greatest allure of this system.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve come to take for granted that when I pull out my STIHL KombiSystem, it will start. I never worry about having issues with it and I have two acres that I really put it through the paces through time and again.
Without fail, it starts and keeps going. And that, in the end, is what makes the STIHL brand worth the money for many professionals and homeowners.
For a better understanding of the trust that STIHL has gained with both consumer and professional markets, read Are STIHL Trimmers Worth The Money? Cost Vs. Benefit Review.
Disadvantages Of The STIHL KombiSystem
No system is perfect. After two years of living with the STIHL KombiSystem, I’ve come to realize that there are at least two critical disadvantages of this system.
One Engine Problem Stops Your Entire Yard Project
It hasn’t happened to me yet but I realize that on any given Saturday morning, my entire weekend yard work plans could be curtailed. Depending on a single motor to power all of your yard tools puts you in a position of vulnerability.
You are entirely dependant on that motor starting. If something goes wrong, any yard improvement plans that were dependant on one of the attachments is delayed. One engine failure could ruin your entire weekend.
PS – There are some real advantages to battery-powered yard tools if you don’t want to deal with small engines at all.
Can Be Expensive Compared To Purchasing Tools Separately
If you are thinking that the STIHL KombiSystem will save you money compared to purchasing separate powered yard tools, you may be disappointed. The attachments aren’t cheap. They are built to last and quality comes at a price.
This doesn’t mean that the system isn’t worth the money, it just means that choosing the KombiSystem should not be based strictly on budget.
Cost Breakdown Of The STIHL KombiSystem Compared To Buying Individual Tools
To give you an idea of the cost of this system compared to individual tools, here’s a sample of costs from Northern Tool, an authorized STIHL dealer.
Here’s how it broke down when looking to purchase the motorhead and four attachments.
| Motorhead | KM 56 RC-E | 199.99 |
| Line Head Trimmer Attachment | FS KM | 99.99 |
| Cultivator (tiller) Attachment | BF KM | 199.99 |
| Brush Cutter Attachment | KM GSB | 99.99 |
| Blower Attachment | BG KM | 142.95 |
| Total Cost of System | 742.91 |
As you can see, the cost of entry for this system is high with the motorhead section costing around 200 and that’s before buying any attachments so that you can use it!
In addition, comparable powered yard tools can be bought at competitive pricing for many of these attachments. For example, you can purchase a Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower on Amazon for significantly less than the cost of the blower attachment.
And as for yard trimmers, there are a ton of options out there. Granted, they may not offer the same level of quality and durability that STIHL offers but if the price is a primary factor for you, there are a lot of alternatives.
The point is this: The STIHL KombiSystem should not be chosen as a budget-solution to yard care. It should be chosen because it makes sense for your situation given the advantages and known shortcomings when compared to individual tools.
Conclusion
I’ve never had any regrets investing in the STIHL KombiSystem. It meets my needs and provides me with the performance and reliability that I expect from a premium product. I abhor engine maintenance so having one motor for all of my yard tools is perfect for my situation.
But this system is not for everyone. I recommend you stop by your local STIHL dealer and put your hands on the motorhead with a couple of the attachments connected. Get a feel for the weight of it and do the math to determine if it’s the right solution for your needs.
If you are wanting a multi-attachment system but aren’t sure that STIHL is the brand you want to go with, read my comprehensive review of the Best Multi-Attachment Yard Tools Kombisystem Alternatives.
Paul has a two-acre yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas. He knows exactly what the challenges are to nurturing a thriving yard in difficult soil.Paul takes a practical approach to yard improvement and enjoys putting best practices and “golden rules of lawn care” to the test.
