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Even a well-mowed property can look sloppy without the occasional follow-up with a string trimmer to clear away weeds and other tall growth around obstacles and along the lawn's perimeter. Here are a few top picks from Consumer Reports' latest string trimmer Ratings that cost $150 or less.
This curved-shaft, gas-powered Poulan Pro is among the lowest-priced models we tested, yet it had top trimming and tall-grass performance. The 12.5-pound unit also has a fixed-line head that rotates for easier edging or detaches to let you add other attachments, such as a hedge trimmer. And like most trimmers, this one has two trimming lines. Edging, while impressive, is a notch below the best. But at this price, that's hardly a sacrifice.
This curved-shaft, gas-powered Craftman, $150, was top-notch at regular and tall-grass trimming, with impressive edging as well, thanks to its dual heavy-duty .110-inch lines. It has a clutch, which stops the cutting head from spinning while the engine is idling. There's also a head that rotates for easier edging. At 11.7 pounds, it isn't exactly light. Still, it remains a good, moderately priced pick overall.
This straight-shaft, gas-powered trimmer weighs just 10.3 pounds. Still, this model is no lightweight when it comes to performance. Trimming and edging were impressive, and tall-grass performance was superb. Starting is straightforward, with no choke to worry about. You can add short lengths of line without having to load and unload a spool. And like most trimmers, this one has two lines for faster, more aggressive cuts.
Choose this curved-shaft, corded-electric Stihl trimmer if you want the easy start and low maintenance of an electric and do all your trimming within the 100-foot limit of a power cord. Pluses include trimming, edging, and tall-grass performance on a par with some lighter-duty gas trimmers, along with the two lines you'll find on most trimmers. Like other corded electric trimmers, this one is also relatively light at 8.7 pounds, though you'll find even lighter models in this category.
This battery-powered trimmer from Worx, $150, is suitable only for general trimming, with only infrequent edging or tall-grass chores. The 32-volt, straight-shaft model was lightweight at roughly 6 pounds, and we found it especially easy to use through such features as a cutting head that swivels for edging. Its modest performance is at least partially due to the single .065-inch cutting line. And you'll have to do your trimming within this model's roughly 34-minute run time; recharging the lithium-ion battery takes about three hours.
If you opt for a gas-powered model, be sure to use only gasoline to which you've added fuel stabilizer, along with the proper amount of 2-cycle oil. These small engines are especially prone to fuel-related problems. Start it at least every couple of weeks if you're leaving fuel in the tank, and run it dry at the end of the season. We recommend pre-mixed, ethanol-free fuel, available for $6 to $8 a quart at your local home center. Besides eliminating most starting problems, it saves you the hassle of mixing gas and oil.
More choices. Our string-trimmer Ratings include 90 gas and corded- or cordless-electric models sold through home centers, Sears, dealerships, and elsewhere. Be sure to see our buying guide if you're unsure of which type of trimmer or helpful features, are best for you.
—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)
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