Commercial weed eaters are not just for professional landscapers-- it can be used by anyone in maintaining and taking care of a large yard. The term, commercial, refers to a heavy duty weed trimmer that you can deliver maximum cutting power for hours.
The sad part is, this term is freely used by manufacturers today as their marketing ploy but not every weed eater you can find in the market is worthy enough to be referred to as commercial. However, entry-level weed eaters like the Cub Cadet 17-Inch 27cc Gas String Trimmer is powerful enough to trim grass perfectly. It provides flexibility and versatility as it can be easily converted into an edger, trimmer, blower, and chain saw trimmer.
What is the best commercial weed eater? I have written this review to provide you with the information you need to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, you can find a detailed buying guide along with an in-depth look at the popular weed eater brands in the market today.
5 Best Commercial Weed Eater Reviews of 2018
What is the best commercial weed eater in the market today? Check this comprehensive reviews to find out!
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 15:58 PST - Details
1. Black + Decker LST136W String Trimmer– Editor’s Pick
For me, the battery-powered weed trimmer is the best type of string trimmer as it does not pollute the environment the way the gas-powered ones do and at the same time, it does not have the cord restrictions of an electrical weed eater—it is like the best of both worlds! That is why my top pick is the Black + Decker LST136W Weed Trimmer.
If you are worried about its cutting power, don’t be! It is incorporated with a PowerDrive Transmission which provides the cutting string more power and can get the job done faster. In fact, its cutting width is around 1300 in, which is already at par with the cutting width of the gas-powered trimmers in the market.
With its 40V Max Lithium battery, you can use this trimmer for up to 40 minutes, and it can be recharged for less than an hour.
As I am eco-conscious, I appreciate the fact that this trimmer has a PowerCommand Dial which allows you to choose the power (in between 6500 and 8500 RPM) to use. Another feature that I like is the automatic feed spool that will enable me to continuously work on my grass without the need for bumping.
But its most notable feature is its shaft that can rotate up to 180 degrees, transforming the equipment from trimmer to edger!
We like
- Cordless, lightweight and Well-Balanced design
- Can also double as an edger
- Pre-wound spools are available online, so maintenance is easy
- Easy to start and operate
- Battery charges fast.
- Retractable shaft for easy storage
- Battery meter that indicates how much battery is left
We do not like
- The 40-minute runtime of the trimmer may not be enough for a large space. Having an extra battery can help solve this issue.
- Some users claim that the string jams when it comes to cutting thicker weeds.
2. Husqvarna 128LD Weed Trimmer– Runner-Up Pick
If you have a big yard and you have a higher budget for your weed trimmer, my runner-up pick is the best option for you—the Husqvarna 128LD Weed Trimmer. This is my favorite gas-powered trimmer in the market because of its compact design and lightweight.
As compared to most gas-powered trimmers in the market, this one is easy to start because of its Smart Start recoil system. It also has an auto return stop switch which resets the equipment to on position. With its Air Purge technology, the air from the fuel system and carburetor is automatically removed to prevent problems in the future.
And just like the Black + Decker trimmer, I find this product to be quite versatile as it is designed to be compatible with various attachments and accessories so it can carry out a wide range of tasks. Additionally, it has a versatile cutting attachment guard which can work with both a trimmer head and a grass blade.
We like
- The best power-to-weight ratio in the market
- Pull-start for easy operation
- Compatible with different types of attachments
- Works with grass blade or trimmer head
- Has the highest cutting width in this list
We do not like
- Not designed to cut tall grass
- A bit difficult to maneuver
3. Greenworks Corded String Trimmer – Budget Pick
This item is the most affordable trimmer in this list but don’t let its low price fool you. The features of this weed eater are quite basic, but it is more than enough to get the job done right and fast.
What caught my attention is its high cutting width—it can cup up to 1500 in which is already comparable to the cutting width of other expensive, gas-powered weed eaters in the market.
It also has a pivoting head that gives the product both its trimming and edging capabilities. It also has a telescoping shaft which is extendable to accommodate various user heights. Another selling point of this product is its lightweight and auto-feed line that allows you to work for hours without having to replace or re-feed the line.
We like
- Extendable shaft
- High cutting width
- Affordable price
- Rotating shaft for edging activities
We do not like
- The shaft is too short for people over 6 feet.
- It is quite difficult to replace the line.
4. Tanaka TCG27EBSP Commercial Grade Trimmer– Upgrade Pick
Considered to be one of the best commercial grade trimmers, it no longer comes as a surprise that I have chosen Tanaka TCG27EBSP Trimmer as my upgrade pick. It is the most expensive trimmer in this list and for a lot of good reasons.
Made from a line solid steel drive, the shaft is designed to reduce vibration to achieve maximum comfort. The front and rear handles are also padded to minimize fatigue during extended operations. It is also designed with an asymmetrical handle for easy swinging and to help the user maintain a stress-free feature while trimming.
The clutch housing is made of aluminum and is designed to prevent the clutch from overheating. On the other hand, the trimmer is compatible with different attachments. It has a built-in spindle lock that for easy changing of the attachment.
We like
Designed with the comfort of the user in mind
• Fuel efficient
• Well-balanced and lightweight
• Easy to start
• Easy switching of attachments with no tools needed
We do not like
- The user manual is poorly written
- The fuel lines degrade easily
5. Dewalt DCST920P1 Brushless String Trimmer– Best Brushless Commercial Weed Eater
The Dewalt DCST920P1 a breath of fresh air in the industry because of its revolutionary brushless motor. This patented gear drive design delivers more torque and promotes the best cutting speed in a trimmer.
The motor comes in various running speeds and can be controlled by the user using the variable trigger feature of the product. The auxiliary handle is well-balanced and reduces the stress that the hands of the user will receive.
As a battery-operated string trimmer, this equipment is easy to start and operate. Little maintenance is also needed as it does not require the use of gas or oil. But my most favorite feature of all is its pro-style guard that gives the user good visibility as well as better cut access.
We like
Brushless motor for efficiency and durability
• Variable trigger with speed controls
• Lightweight
• Long lasting battery
• Fast charging time
We do not like
The handle is quite small
• A bit noisy to use
Different Types of Weed Trimmer
There are three types of weed eater based on its energy source—plug-in, gas-powered, and battery-powered.
• Gas-powered Weed Eaters
These are considered to be the most powerful of all. As compared to its counterparts, this type of weed eaters can cut and hold more strings. Since these do not have cords, you can easily reach far places without having to worry about the limitation of the cables.
However, this uses a mixture of gas and oil and is considered to be not environmental-friendly. In addition to that, these are a lot heavier and noisier.
Recommended For:
This type of trimmer is best used when working on a large yard.
• Electric/ Plug-in Weed Eaters
This type does not use gas or oil. Instead, it relies on electricity to work. As compared to gas-powered weed trimmers, this has much less power, and you will be restricted to the length of the cord.
Because it has a cord, you may also experience a bit of difficulty when maneuvering this trimmer. However, this is a lot more eco-friendly. They are also lighter and a lot quieter. Moreover, They are easy to start as you can turn it on with just a single press of a button.
Recommended For:
Because of its cord restrictions, this is best used for smaller yards.
• Battery-powered Weed Eaters
Among the three, this type of weed trimmer is the least powerful, but it is also the most portable, lightest and quietest.
Recommended For:
Since this does not come without any cord restrictions, you can use it in trimming a medium-sized yard.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Commercial Weed Eater
Not all weed eaters are created equal. It is a must that you learn how to determine which commercial eater suits your needs the best. Aside from the type of weed trimmer, you should also consider the following factors:
Shaft
When it comes to shaft shape, you have to options—curved and straight.
When working in a bigger yard, it is recommended that you go for the curved shaft option as it is much lighter and is a lot flexible to use. On the other hand, a straight shaft is easier to maneuver, a lot more flexible and can deliver a precise cut.
Weight
Please keep in mind that you will be carrying this equipment around your backyard for a prolonged period. If you want your weed trimming activity to be as convenient and comfortable as possible, choose a lighter weed trimmer.
Head
Under this factor, you also have two choices—fixed-line and bump-feed.
A bump-feed trimmer is recommended for residential use as you just need to bump the head of the trimmer off the ground to feed more line, giving you more control over it.
On the other hand, the fixed-line system is typical with commercial weed eaters because it uses a more durable and thicker type of string as compared to bump-feed lines.
Engine Size
Just like with lawn mowers, weed trimmers also come in two engine sizes—2-cycle and 4-cycle. But please keep in mind that this is applicable only to gas-powered trimmers.
The 2-cycle trimmer delivers twice the cutting power as its counterpart and uses a mixture of gas and oil. If you wish to skip the hassle of mixing these substances, you can opt for a 2-cycle premixed product, but it will be more expensive. Another notable benefit of this option is its portability.
One downside of this type of trimmer is that it has higher emissions and tend to pollute the environment more. Additionally, they are noisier and a lot more challenging to operate.
On the other hand, 4-cycle trimmers are known for their fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. These also use pure gas, so you don’t have to bother yourself with the mess of mixing gas and oil. It is also a lot quieter to use and is easy to start.
However, this type of trimmer is also a lot heavier and more expensive.
Features
Lastly, you may want to consider the trimmer’s features. These are as follows:
If there are lots of decors, furniture or gear in your yard, consider buying a weed trimmer with a cordless feature, so you do not have to worry about the cord getting tangled up while you are trimming your grass.
For ease and convenience of use, look for shoulder straps (to help you bear the weight of the trimmer), transparent fuel tank (to help you check the amount of gas left in the tank), ergonomic handles (for better grip), anti-vibration handle (to reduce fatigue on your hands), and a smart start feature (to help you jumpstart the equipment with just a few clicks). You should also look for trimmers that have detachable parts for easy storage.
For efficiency, you may want to check out double blades (to get the job done faster), speed controls, auto feed spool (to save time), and swivel head (to achieve a nice and clean cut).
When it comes to safety, you may want to look for the following features: trigger lock (to prevent the accidental turning on of the machine) and safety guards (to prevent you from flying debris).
To know how you can maximize a weed eater, watch this video:
Conclusion
There is no denying it—finding the best commercial weed eater is not as easy as it seems. With all the styles, types, and brands, it can get a bit overwhelming. But if you wish to find the best commercial weed eater for your needs, you need to do your research.
Among all the items in this list, I have found the Black + Decker LST136W String Trimmer to be the best of all. Since it is battery operated, you do not have to deal with fumes and cords. In addition to that, it can double as an edger, thanks to its rotating head. I also appreciate the fact that despite its light weight, it still delivers an impressive cutting path.
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