Next to a lawnmower, a good weed-eater is the most essential of yard management tools. Electric models might offer a little more convenience, but there is no substitute for the power and freedom of a gas-powered trimmer.
If you don’t know your stuff, it can be tough to tell a good product from a bad one. For today, our goal will be to change this fact and give you a little more information. With this, we hope you can choose the best 4-stroke weed eater for you. These five products should provide some great examples for reference.
Best 4 Cycle Trimmer Reviews
Best Overall
Key Features
Like most Husqvarna products, this one is meant for high reliability. It has an air-purging primer bulb that helps to keep the lines clear. In many cases, false starts are the result of air bubbles trapped in the line. It also has a switch that always returns to the “on” position when the machine stops. The warranty is also a nice touch.
Straight-shaft weed eaters like this one do a better job of reaching under and around obstacles, and they are also easier to start when sitting on the ground. We were concerned about the single-string trimmer head, but it seems to be more than enough. This one might be a little expensive, but it’s built to last.
Premium Pick
Key Features
Our Honda is one of the best models you can get. It has a powerful 25cc engine, which is pretty powerful for a machine of this size. At the same time, this engine is very smooth-running and quiet. It doesn’t give a lot of noise or vibration, which is very nice. You might describe this one as dynamite in a small package because it’s one of the lightest models on our list.
In many ways, the engine is the star of this product. Not only do we like the way it runs, but we also like the fact that it can run for hours without overheating. It’s much easier to get a large section done when you don’t have to stop every 30 minutes.
Honda small engines are known as some of the best, and it’s never too hard to find a qualified technician. If you’re looking for a high-end weed-eater that gives you all the power you need in a compact and easy-to-handle package, then this might be the one for you.
Budget Pick
Key Features
This is another straight-shaft model, and it’s one of the best bargains you could want. At a reasonable price, this one offers a very high level of power and no real disadvantages. Its 29cc engine has a little more punch than most others, and you can really tell the difference when you fire it up.
This is another lightweight model that won’t break your back, and it can be adjusted at multiple points for further comfort. We also like the fact that the lines and hoses are protected with thick plastic sheathe. These are some of the most common breakpoints on a weed-eater, so it’s good to see that they are well-guarded.
Craftsman tools are known for the generous warranty that covers them, and this is no exception. In the event of a manufacturer defect, you shouldn’t have much trouble. Speaking of which, the carburetor on this thing is extremely easy to adjust if you should find it necessary to do so.
Key Features
Ryobi tools are known for their extreme versatility, and this is largely because of all the attachments that they offer. Without spending a whole lot more, you can turn this string trimmer into a multi-tool that can replace several other tools.
This one has a slightly longer reach than most others, and its engine looks to be a little bit smaller. However, it still seems powerful enough for any normal job. The longer shaft and lighter engine produce a well-balanced tool that feels far lighter than its listed weight of 14 pounds.
This one also has an 18-inch cutting swath, which is a full inch larger than most others on our list. Although this means it will use a little more string (the difference is negligible), it also means that you can get your yard done more quickly. That means less time and fuel that you have to expend.
We also like the steel bump-button on the bottom of the trimmer head. While most models offer a plastic button, this one looks tough enough to last a while. You won’t have to worry so much when bumping this one against hard surfaces, which is a very nice little perk.
Key Features
This machine offers a lot of versatility at a relatively low price, meaning that it can do a lot of different jobs. Like most weed eaters, it also makes a good edger, but it gets a lot better than that.
This one can be used with ten different attachments, and can even be used with trimmer attachments made by other companies. The spring-assisted start also makes a noticeable difference. When you yank the starter cord, you will have to be careful at first, because it doesn’t take as much force as you might expect.
Like the Craftsman, this one has an extra-powerful 29cc engine. You might be surprised to see how much difference that extra 9cc can make, and this model has a compact and powerful head to match. It makes use of its extra muscle with a dual-line attack that chops weeds into confetti. This model might be a little heavier, but it offers a mix of reliability, versatility, and raw power that is hard to beat.
Conclusion
In the end, all of these string trimmers are superior products. Any of them would be likely to give you good results, but we think the best of the lot is the Husqvarna. While it may not stand out in every area, it seems to be the most reliable machine on our list. When you consider the cost of a good weed-eater, this factor is very crucial, indeed.
While we could have judged this contest based on power, cutting swath, cost, or any number of other criteria, we find reliability to be the most important one. Everyone likes those extra perks, but the most important thing is to have a trimmer that will work consistently for many years to come. If you agree, you might want to do a little more research (and maybe contact your local dealer) to find out more.