Who wants a shaggy and untrimmed lawn these days? I don’t know about you, but that’s something I can never tolerate in my home. It does not only make my entire home appear unkempt and unruly from the outside but also makes me feel exasperated every time I see it. So that’s why I searched for the best gas powered weed eater in 2018.
For years I have been experimenting with different kinds of garden trimmers, and it took me a while to find the best commercial weed eater. A good string trimmer does not take too long to assemble, starts easily, has perfect balance, cuts through grass easily, fuel efficient and also greatly durable without costing too much for maintenance.
From keeping your lawn perfectly mowed to cutting down an entire meadow if needed, a string trimmer can be a very handy tool to keep in your home.
Table of Contents
- 1 Here Are Our Top 5 Contenders For The Best Gas Powered Weed Eater In 2018
- 2 Tanaka 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer/Brush Cutter, 21cc
- 3 Hitachi 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer
- 4 Husqvarna Straight Shaft 4-Stroke Gas String Trimmer
- 5 Poulan Pro 28cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Trimmer
- 6 Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Detachable String Trimmer, 28cc
- 7 Wrapping This All Up
Here Are Our Top 5 Contenders For The Best Gas Powered Weed Eater In 2018
If you already own a lawn mower, a gas string trimmer can help you cut down any unruly grass or weed that grow around fences or other obstacles and trim down any overgrown bushes that the mower cannot handle. Using a string trimmer adds that next level of neatness and perfection for your mowing job, helping you fully finish what you started!
In this article, I will be giving you a comprehensive list of 5 of the Best Gas Powered Weed Eater products that you can find online. I will mention all the product features that make them unique and different from each other, give you an overview of what exactly you can expect if you buy the product and some highlights from the verified user testimonials that these products have got. Following are the products that I have chosen to give a brief review in this article.
| Picture | Weed Eater Name | Engine Size | Our Rating | See More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Takana 2-Cycle | 21cc |  | See On Amazon |
 | Hitachi 2-Cycle | 22.5cc |  | See On Amazon |
 | Husqvarna 4-Stroke | 25cc |  | See On Amazon |
 | Poulan Pro 2-Cycle | 28cc | | See On Amazon |
 | Husqvarna 128LD | 28cc | | See On Amazon |
Tanaka 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer/Brush Cutter, 21cc
The Tanaka gas powered weed eater is very lightweight with a strong engine that can power through most any brush. It has an easy pull-start system that nearly anyone can start. And Tanaka has created a unique anti-vibration system to help you hold it better.
This Tanaka gas string trimmer is best for the at-home gardener as it’s overall power probably isn’t tough enough to handle the biggest jobs.
Technical Specs
- Manufacturer – Tanaka
- Engine – 21.1 cc pure fire two-stroke engine
- Length of the drive shaft – 60″
- Anti-vibration system
- S-Start recoil starting system
- 4-inch semi-automatic trimmer head
- Walbro carburetor with purge bulb
- Protective cover for the fuel tank
- Product Dimensions – 71 x 11 x 11 inches
- Item weight – 11 pounds
Detailed Overview
This product is very lightweight with a small yet efficient engine which does not add much extra weight or create issues with maintenance. The drive shaft that is 60 inches long is made of solid steel for durability and strength. It also helps you add more power to the gearhead. The starting style is the classic s-start which makes for a quick and reliable start every time you are using the product. This string trimmer also has an anti-vibration system that makes using it easier for your wrist and with less fatigue while using it. You can grip the drive shaft comfortably and use it without having to bend for better comfort.
One of the most unique features that Tanaka had introduced in this straight shaft string trimmer is that 4″ semi-automatic trimmer head. It provides you an extremely hassle-free operation and has the ability to hold up to 13 feet of copolymer cutting line. The Walbro carburetor and the purge bulb makes the start smooth and seamless. The balance that the product provides is steady, and the ability to easily maneuver the device is at high levels. The fuel tank has a tough plastic protective cover, which protects the tank from wear and tear that can lose the efficiency of fuel usage of the trimmer over time.
Looking at the consistent positive remarks of the varied previous users of the product, there are some qualities and features of this trimmer that surely makes it a good contender for the Best Gas-Powered Weed Eater price. The affordable price, light weight of the product and the dependability stand out from the rest as the best features. Even though the engine capacity seems to be lower, the fuel efficiency is greater so this trimmer lasts longer when compared to similar others in the market. The tune-ups are quick and easy, and the smoothness without vibrations and the comfort of holding make it a great commercial trimmer for those who work long hours trimming.
Some of the negative experiences when using the product includes trimmer head of the product only holding about 15″ of the line, which is vastly different from what the specs said. This could be a one-time defect or a major flaw in design. The on/off switches tend to stop working if you have been rough with them over time, so be cautious. It might not be the most powerful string trimmer out there, but it will surely get your work done. When you purchase the product, the company covers you with a 7-year consumer use warranty, 2-year commercial use warranty, and 1-year rental use warranty.
You can see the Tanaka Gas Weed Eater here on Amazon.
Hitachi 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer
A lightweight and easy to use gas string trimmer for home owners. Nothing too fancy on this trimmer except the anti-vibration system. It’s meant for home use and not for heavy duty commercial trimming. Overall, a solid choice.
Technical Specs
- Manufacturer – Hitachi
- Engine – 22.5cc pure fire two-stroke engine
- Length of the drive shaft – 69.6″
- Anti-vibration system
- S-Start recoil starting system
- Product Dimensions – 70 x 8 x 8 inches
- Item weight – 10.3 pounds
Detailed Overview
One of my favorite aspects of this String Trimmer is its 22.5 cc engine. The two-stroke engine manages to meet some incredibly low emissions levels without sacrificing the power, adding any extra weight, or making any major maintenance needs. The length of the shaft is comfortable for the average height user. Due to the 69.6″ shaft, you don’t have to bend when using and add an extra effort which is going to tire yourself when you are trimming for a long time.
It has an s-start pull recoil starting system that reduces the force which is needed to initially start the engine, giving you a quick and easy start. The anti-vibration system also reduces giving your physical strain when using, and the product is quite lightweight as well. These are really important since mowing and trimming a lawn can be very time-consuming work and you have to hold the device and use it for extended periods repeatedly.
Speaking of few of the positive points that previous users of the product have experience; the spool of the device is a lot easier to wind than its competitors. It splits into two channels and you can easily thread those loose ends without the entire thing becoming unraveled. And for those who’ve ever threaded a spool, you know this pain. This surely makes the product one of the easiest contenders for the best gas weed eater for the money.
One of the negative factors that some users have experienced in using this trimmer is the thin plastic parts which have been used to make the product. Although they contribute to the device being lightweight, it requires some careful use or the parts may easily get damaged or break. The difficulty to get spare parts for the devices is another negative factor since few places carry spare parts for this trimmer.
The company provides you with a two-year commercial use warranty, seven-year consumer use warranty, and one-year rental use warranty. A useful tip for you when using this product, especially if you are a first timer, is NEVER to use ethanol gas in 2-cycle engine products such as this one. It is better used with the 50:1 engineered fuel-oil mixture.
The lightweight, ease of use, quick assembly and the design that is comfortable to use for long times makes this a really good choice for the first time who wants to try their hands-on trimming and mowing their lawns.
You can see the Hitachi Gas Weed Eater here on Amazon.
Husqvarna Straight Shaft 4-Stroke Gas String Trimmer
This Husqvarna would definitely be a choice for a good commercial string trimmer. It even comes as the Amazon Top Choice for gas trimmers as of 6/7/2018. It has the power to handle extremely tough jobs, but it comes with heavier weight. So be aware that it can tackle nearly anything, but it’ll take a lot to hold it. It’s definitely got more power than any corded string trimmer we reviewed.
Technical Specs
- Manufacturer – Husqvarna
- Engine – 25cc four-stroke engine
- Flex drive straight shaft
- Bevel gear and loop handle
- Product Dimensions – 70 x 9 x 9 inches
- Item weight – 17 pounds
Detailed Overview
This is a more of a heavy-duty string trimmer targeting power users and professionals / semi-professionals. The high capacity 4 stroke engine (Honda GX25) runs on pure gas, so you do not need to mix oil and fuel to get the best efficiency out of the product. The engine also has a Smart Start process that is designed to give you a quick start with the minimal effort. The special Air-purge system in this string trimmer removes air from the carburetor and the fuel system also meant for easy starting.
With the 4-stroke engine, this string trimmer is relatively heavier than other string trimmers out there meant for regular backyard use, making it difficult to carry and use for long periods at a time. It is relatively quieter than a 2-stroke engine. Due to the higher capacity of the engine, the fuel you will last longer than a regular 2-stroke engine as well. The drive shaft can be rotated 180 degrees to the right or left. It conveniently works with any size of the string in the market and is ideal to use for edging lawns.
The trimmer is particularly good for cutting tall grass and bushes and cuts through them very easily without having to put any manual effort to the device at all. The product also comes with a bottle of engine oil which is already threaded with a line feed, making your work even easier especially for the first timers (it is better if you have previous experience with other string trimmers in order to use this device). Another positive aspect of the product is that it needs very little maintenance and the durability of the product is high due to the quality material used.
The negative aspects of the product include struggling to idle at times and using it at the full throttle speed may sometimes cause the product to unexpectedly shut down as well. You get a 1-year warranty on the product.
You can see the Husqvarna Commercial Gas Weed Eater here on Amazon.
Poulan Pro 28cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Trimmer
The Poulan Pro is a solid choice for wee eaters. It’s definitely meant for home use and not commercial. It has a nice auto-on switch which can help when working complicated yards. But the slightly heavier weight makes it less ideal for home owners with large yards.
Technical Specs
- Manufacturer – Poulan Pro
- Engine – 28cc – two-stroke
- SureFire fuel delivery system
- Pull starting
- Auto return stop switch
- Dual like feed Tap ‘N Go head
- 17″ cut path
- Attachment capable trimmers
- Air Purge
- Product dimensions – 39.8 x 10.2 x 10 inches
- Item weight – 14 pounds
Detailed Overview
Poulan Pro is another easy to start gas powered cordless string trimmer with a straight shaft which came to the market recently and go popular due to the quality of its performance. It has a spring assisted start system that allows you to have an effortless pull string start.
Another handy feature that the product has is the auto rerun stop switch which has the ability to automatically reset to the “on” position, so you can start again without having to reset. Reloading the trimmer spool of the product is also quick and easy, with an Air Purge option to remove any air from the carburetor and the fuel systems for the efficiency in starting.
The trimmers of the device are capable of a variety of attachments. They are designed to accept mainly 6 options attachments from the standard trimming attachment to blowing, tilling, edging, hedge trimming, cutting brushes and even pruning trees. The general positive aspects of the product include it being an easy to start trimmer with a great cutting power, a good length of the drive shaft so the tall users do not have to bend down, the affordable price, lightweight design for extended use with the good torque that the 28cc engine puts out. All these make up
This is, however, not a heavy-duty trimmer meant for rough commercial use. Some users have had problems with the rope not winding back in after pulling out the starter rope (which happens due to damages to the pulley which can happen during shipping and can be easily fixed).
The motor idle also has had mixed reviews with for some the product working perfectly and for others, it being difficult to get right. You need to be meticulous with the gas formula to get the device working perfectly. You get a 30-day return policy with the product
You can see the Poulan Pro Weed Trimmer here on Amazon.
Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Detachable String Trimmer, 28cc
The smaller version of the earlier Husqvarna we talked about. This 128LD version is much more suitable for regular home owners. It’s extremely lightweight for a gas weed eater and has a solid enough engine to handle most yards.
Technical Specs
- Manufacturer – Husqvarna
- Engine – 28cc
- 17-inch cutting width
- 0.095 diameter trimming line
- 2 cycle unit
- Attachment capable
- Transmission gear ration – 1.4
- Product Dimensions – 12.2 x 10.2 x 40 inches
- Item Weight – 10.8 pounds
Detailed Overview
A quick and good start always makes a great first impression for a string trimmer, and this Husqvarna product also has their special Smart Start function to ensure you of just that. The auto return stop switch of the product will keep your trimmer ready to start whenever you feel the need to weed out your garden or the lawn.
The model operates with 2 strings and comes with the brand’s T25 Professional Tap Advance trimmer head. The easy to reload pool comes off with the cap so you do not need to turn the trimmer upside down while you are working to reload the line. The spool of the product is especially unique with its split design which reduces any tangling and line welding which is common in string trimmers.
You can see arrows in the spool which show you the correct directional winding of the lines, which is a handy feature, especially for the first-time users eliminating any guesswork. You can lock the trimmer line in the spool with the two key slots, so it would not unravel while you put the cap back on the trimmer head. The designers have put great attention to detail when creating this product, making it a very strong contender for the Best gas weed eater for the money.
One of the week points of the product, though, is that you have it always let it cool off to use it again. With just 10.8 pounds in weight, it is very lightweight and designed for extended work with comfort. The detachable shaft makes for easy storage and transport. This device is specially designed for moderate outdoor work – ideal for homeowners. The combi-trimmers that come in a range allows you to use it for a variety of different projects from a simple trim of the lawn to pruning the unruly branches of a tree.
You can see the Husqvarna here on Amazon.
Wrapping This All Up
With more and more people embracing gardening and landscaping these days, the market for the gas string trimmers is getting better every day. The products mentioned above are some of the best sellers online, and deserving so. A good and lightweight gas string trimmer with a quick and easy start, good fuel efficiency, straight staff with a comfortable length to hold and with versatile functions gets my vote any day!
If you have any questions or comments, you can post below in the comment section, or email them to me directly on the contact page.
Happy trimming!
