While the lightest weed eaters on the market don’t belong exclusively to a single power source, battery-powered units showcase this trait far more often than their counterparts.
Then again, being lightweight is but one factor that determines how easy to use a weed whacker is. Along with weight, you also have to factor in balance, power, and convenience to determine if a unit is, indeed, the “easiest” machine to use.
Today, we’ll look to answer what the best entry-level weed whacker is and other questions you might have about this popular lawn maintenance tool.
Getting to Know Weed Whackers
Before stepping into the world of string trimmers, there are several questions you might want to be answered. If you did some research, you might have found that these machines come in various power sources, handles, and shaft shapes.
You could have also discovered that power sources are what determine the category a particular weed whacker falls under.
We understand that some of you are starting completely from scratch where weed-eating is concerned. Well, we’re more than happy to cover the basics for you.
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How Do Weed Whackers Work?
A weed eater operates around the concept that a string spun rapidly via its CenterPoint stiffens. The faster the axis turns, the tauter the line becomes, giving it some cutting power. Using even standard round nylon on your string trimmer, you’d be able to shred grass and cut flimsier woody plants.
What Kind of Weed Whacker is Ideal for You?
A common misconception among beginners is thinking that the easiest weed whacker is the weed whacker for them. That’s not necessarily the case, as each type of trimmer has a specific purpose. These purposes are enumerated below:
Electric Trimmer
This category is where you’ll find the most versatile models. These easy-to-use, low-noise machines with relatively powerful engines can perform as well in your small yard as they can in a large lot. Yet, working on a vast property might be too impossible a task even for the most flexible of the bunch.
Gas Trimmer
Gas weed whackers are heavier and more robust than their counterparts on account of their large-scale purpose. They’re cordless, which allows them to score high portability-wise. They also pack immense power and, consequently, a lot of noise. Some of the newer models are designed to not be as loud as their predecessors.
You can find gas trimmers in almost every hardware store. So, if you have experience using the machine, you could be one happy buyer.
Battery-Powered Trimmers
Arguably the most convenient of all trimmer types, the battery-powered trimmer is both easy to use and carry. Most models can be used from 30 minutes to an hour before needing a recharge. Therefore, as long as you’re doing minor, small-yard work, this unit should suffice.
What Weed Eater is the Easiest to Use?
A lot of beginners who’ve read about the gas machine’s more complex use are probably asking this question. Gas-powered units are the most accessible of all trimmer types, after all, so we understand the concern.
Thankfully, gas trimmers aren’t your only choice for polishing lawns. Electric and battery-powered units are almost as readily available as their gas counterparts. You’ll find battery-powered trimmers to be the easiest to use and manage among the three.
Some cordless battery models can be as light as five pounds and be extremely easy to lift. However, while some may deliver decent enough power, they’re not overall designed for heavy, all-day trimming. You’d be much better off using a gas or heavy-duty electric weed whacker if that was the case.
Should You Invest in a Cordless Trimmer?
Today’s cordless weed eaters come with features that definitely make them worth the money. Some of the best models combine the standout qualities of each trimmer type to create an all-around device capable of countless trimming applications.
We’re talking about the gas machine’s superior power, the battery-powered unit’s lightness, and the electric option’s low-sound performance. It doesn’t even make sense how such a trimmer exists.
Is a Straight- or Curved-Shaft Trimmer Better?
A curved-shaft option should prove more useful if your focus is on trimming grass and weeds on a small- to average-sized lot. Alternatively, a straight-shaft unit is more practical for larger properties that require a more functional and durable machine.
Consider Your Needs Before Making Your Choice
It’s easy to be misled by pieces telling you which is the easiest and most convenient trimmer to use. While they may be speaking the truth, in general, that doesn’t mean they’re describing what’s most suited to your needs.
At the end of the day, the right weed eater for you should align with your budget, the ways you go about trimming, and the areas you’re looking to work on.
Also, consider its durability. Depending on the type and the brand, a string trimmer could give you somewhere between three to seven good years. Factor in proper usage and excellent care, and the machine should easily last another five years.
