A string trimmer provides a great alternative to a lawnmower for maintaining the patch of green outside your house. This is especially true where the terrain is irregular and includes multiple obstacles.
As you can see from our table and reviews, the YARDMAX YL2250 is our favorite out of the 21 products we reviewed. A few of you may even consider it the best walk-behind string trimmer. The features listed may be the reason why it has such high standing. They include a powerful 159cc OHV engine, big wheels for easy maneuverability, and a two-year warranty, just to name a few. Also listed are nine other great options that should suffice should the RM1159 not strike your fancy.
If you were to start looking through the various vendor and manufacturer websites, you would probably need to set aside a lot of your time for the exercise. We know this since we’ve already been through similar motions. Nevertheless, now that we’ve done the relevant research, you will find that all you need to do is read the write up below. Some of the factors that we considered are the cutting swath, engine, and trimmer line diameter of the devices. These are the most important features when it comes to the performance of the devices. Other criteria include warranties, weight, and additional benefits. While these may not affect performance, they might be of interest to the user in different ways. You can thus see the fruits of our labor in the table below that ranks the best walk-behind string trimmers according to merit. You may also appreciate the additional information provided in the in-depth reviews section as well as the buying guide.
More features: 5 cutting heights: 1.5 in. to 3.5 in., onboard trimmer string storage, rugged 14 in. ball bearing wheels
Other features: big rear wheel, cast aluminum frame, dual force cutting
The Toro TimeMaster 21199 is a workhorse worth every penny on its hefty price tag. The mower is incredibly powerful and sturdily built. It packs a punch with plenty of features that distinguish it from most machines within its price range.
The Toro TimeMaster 21199 cuts grass 40% faster than most regular mowers thanks to its wide 30-inch mowing deck that allows you to cover more ground at once. Its dual-force cutting system also ensures you don’t have to go another round for a fine finish. Moreover, the dual-force cutting system and atomic blades slice the grass to a fine mulch. Best of all, using the mower is such a breeze. It is self-propelled and adjusts to your walking pace with the personal pace feature. In addition, the mower has a traction assist feature that keeps things level on tricky terrains.
Despite its hefty build, the Toro TimeMaster 21199 is pretty easy to control thanks to the two-position handlebars and the two-point height of cut feature that allows you to control your mowing height. Also, it was built with your safety in mind. The spin-stop blade stop feature will stop the blade without interfering with the engine whenever you need to step away for a moment.
Other features: 14-inch wheels, steel deck, heavy-duty nylon line
The EARTHQUAKE 37676 M605 is one of the most powerful push mowers on the market. it features a robust Briggs and Stratton engine that powers it to breeze through the most stubborn weeds and brush. Moreover, the mower’s large 14-inch wheels allow you to maneuver through grass, weeds and foliage of all kinds that would be too difficult for any push mower to overcome.
Further, the EARTHQUAKE 37676 M605 boasts an ultra-durable build. Its one-piece steel deck offers solid durability, robustness, and stability while minimizing vibration. Its heavy-duty nylon line is equally reliable, making the process of slicing through dense foliage and weeds quick and satisfying. It has a large cutting swathe measuring 22 inches, allowing you to get the entire area mowed with just a few passes. What’s more, the cutting swathe allows for delicate trimmings around landscape and buildings.
Besides being durable and highly efficient, the EARTHQUAKE 37676 M605’s design is super-convenient. It comes with adjustable handlebars that don’t require any tools to adjust. Adjusting the handlebars reduces the mower to a compact size for easy storage and transportation. In addition, its robust wheels are designed to never go flat, ensuring the machine is always ready to go when you are.
Moreover, the EARTHQUAKE 37676 M605 does not require any assembly. It comes virtually ready to use straight from the box. All you need to do is unfold and tighten the handlebar knobs. The mower offers a big bang for the buck as you get a starter string for the head and 4 cycle engine oil. You also get a generous 5-year warranty backing for the mower and 2-year warranty for the engine.
Other features: easy-glide wheels, 6 height positions, collapsible handle
This machine can be used as both a mower and a mulcher and is perfectly suited for smaller yards. It is completely battery operated, making it also a good choice for the environment. It has a cutting swath of 17 inches, making it highly maneuverable. This machine is also quite lightweight, which makes it very easy to transport and store, especially when you take the collapsible handle into account.
If you are looking for a trimmer/mower that will work on a smaller scale without breaking the bank, then this is an excellent option. Not only is the upfront cost huge savings over its competitors, but it will also be much cheaper to run over the lifetime of the device as well. Since this mower is battery-operated, you won’t need to worry about oil changes or gas fill-ups, which only helps to add to the overall value of this model. It is also quite easy to use thanks to its adjustable height positions for the handle and easy-glide wheels. As long as your grass isn’t too terribly long, this mower will trim it down without any issue at all. It also comes equipped with a grass catcher too, which makes for much easier cleanup.
This machine barely needs any assembly once you have it at your home. In fact, all you will need to do is add the handle and tighten some bolts. From there, you can get it up and running very quickly as long as the battery is ready to go.
Other features: 14″ high rear wheels, three-position height adjustment
The Black and Decker 22 inch trimming mower is a high wheel model that can handle the toughest of yard challenges. The 140cc engine has the power to cut long grass and unruly landscaping down to size.
The unique shape of the trimmer makes it easy to trim around garden beds, fences and other landscaping obstructions without needing to stop and move things around.
Despite its compact size, the model offers a 22 inch cutting diameter, while the high rear wheels allow great maneuverability to tackle tough, tall weeds and create an intricately manicured garden. The Black and Decker trimmer uses standard 0.155 inch trimmer line, so it is easy to find replacement lines when you need to.
You can move this wheeled string trimmer mower into three positions using the single lever height adjustment, so you can enjoy more control over the finished look of your lawn. It is user friendly with an offset trimmer head that makes it easy to tackle hard to reach areas, while the 14 inch wheels can maintain command through rough terrain. The handle is comfortable to use and folds away for convenient and more compact storage.
Despite the reasonable price tag, Black and Decker support this product with a two year warranty. So, you can be assured of years of heavy duty use in your yard without worry. If you do encounter any problems, the Black and Decker support team are highly responsive and will help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Other features: 1.5” cutting height, recoil start, 5.75 ft./lbs torque, 12-inch wheels, folding anti-vibration foam grip handle, EPA and CARB certified
At close to $300, the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 machine is moderately priced. The OHV engine is another significant benefit of purchasing this machine.
You get 150cc displacement, and as such, you should be good to go on the power front. The trimming line diameter of 0.155” as well will be an advantage when you encounter thick brush.
Similar to the ARIENS COMPANY 946154, this machine comes with CARB certification. As such, you are assured that fumes will be nothing to worry about.
Additionally, the device comes with EPA certification as well.
Some users may be underwhelmed with the 12” wheel size. Nevertheless, finding terrain and grass that these wheels can’t handle is a difficult exercise.
As to the handle, a foam grip seems to be among the key components. This makes sure you are comfortable while handling the machine even for more extended periods.
The handle can also fold up, which might be necessary if you are trying to save up on storage space. Also, lifting the device and putting it onto your truck shouldn’t be all that difficult. After all, it only weighs 50 lbs.
Two years’ coverage is what you get with regards to warranty. Also, perhaps the most underwhelming aspect of the tool is the cutting height. You get precisely 1.5” with no possibility of adjustment. As such, this severely limits your trimming options.
Nevertheless, if you can get around this small limitation, you will find the tool ideal for your landscaping operations.
Other features: a 20° – 30° trimmer head swivel, onboard trimmer string storage, 12-inch ball bearing wheels, EPA and CARB Compliant
The image above portrays a gadget that is different from all others on the list concerning the design. This can both be a good and a bad thing.
For one, the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 has the advantage of weightlessness. At just 39 lbs, it weighs close to half of what other devices have to offer.
Also, you find the cutting swath at 17” to be the smallest one so far. These factors may turn off some people from buying the trimmer. Nevertheless, one shouldn’t make that decision lightly without considering some of the benefits.
One of the pros of the device is the 12” wheels. This should be workable even if you have the worst terrain in your backyard.
Controls to the device are quite close to the handle. Consequently, it should prove easy to tweak any parameters that the tool allows you to change. The device can even swivel the head up to 30° while you maintain the same push direction.
This 30° angle will allow you to cut the brush along the wall with relative ease. There are even adjustments that will let you control how the edge of your lawn ends up looking.
The EPA and CARB certification help propel the status of the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 even further. As to the trimmer line diameter, you have your pick of two options. These are the 0.95” and the 0.105” diameter strings that are as well easy to find.
One of the components that you don’t find in a lot of the competitors is the onboard string storage compartment. Consequently, they are within reach and easily accessible whenever you need them. As well there is a trimmer guide provided to ensure you cut your trimmer lines to the perfect size.
Other features: 14-inch wheels, one-piece steel deck, tough nylon line
The Earthquake 40314 Edger, equipped with a powerful 79cc Viper Engine, delivers high-performance edging for lawns, sidewalks, and driveways, and is versatile enough for minor trenching tasks. This tool simplifies landscaping with its ability to adjust the cutting angle between 70 and 110 degrees, accommodating different types of grass and providing precise, professional edges.
Adding to its convenience, the Earthquake 40314 offers simple depth control. Users can easily adjust the cutting depth from 0.5 to 3.5 inches using a straightforward lever, making it adaptable to various landscaping needs. Safety and utility are enhanced with a debris guard that protects against flying debris and a built-in tool holder that keeps essential tools within reach for quick detailing.
Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, the Earthquake 40314 ensures reliability and long-term support. This edger is a practical and efficient choice for anyone looking to maintain crisp, clean edges around their property, blending power and convenience in a robust package.
Other features: swing-away handle, 14-inch wheels, steel construction, recoil start, 0.15”-3.0” cutting height
Here we have another impressive recoil start device. The 150cc engine is, of course, one of the first few things you could write home about. This should provide you with enough power for the trimming projects on your lawn.
Another highlight of the tool is the one-piece deck that sits below the engine. It helps protect the engine, all the while reducing the vibration of the machine. The fact that this component is purely made of steel may also add to the tool’s durability.
You can also not fail to mention the wheels since they are top-notch. They are quite robust, and their 14” diameter is as well quite impressive.
For the user, the size of the wheels combined with the engine will mean a more relaxed time for you as you are doing your lawn maintenance. Also, with the trimmer line being 0.155,” it will be hard to find a patch of grass or brush that you cannot easily cut through.
You can as well not do a review of EARTHQUAKE M205 and fail to mention the handlebar. Included in its design are adjustment knobs that should help reduce the size of the device for more comfortable transport and storage.
Transport may also be made easier by the weight of the device. At about 64 lbs, it is one of the lighter machines that we feature.
Cutting height for the machine is as well adjustable. As such, your lowest cutting height is 0.15,” while the highest comes in at 3.0”. There also have to be a few other height options in-between.
The last impressive component of the purchase is the warranty. At five years coverage, it would be hard to find a better deal warranty-wise.
Other features: 4-cycle gas engine, an offset head, folding handle, 14-inch ball-bearing wheels
A string trimmer is a great addition to your yard maintenance tools, allowing you to easily tackle grass growing on even ground that a conventional mower may struggle to reach. However, for many people, using a conventional string trimmer can be tricky. Regardless of the handle style and whether it has a shoulder strap, you will need to support the weight of the trimmer as you move it around your yard. This is where a walk behind string trimmer can help.
The Craftsman 25A may carry a premium price tag, but it is well worth it. The 159 cc gas engine is a powerful four cycle unit that can help you to tackle the toughest weeds and grass, even if it has been allowed to get a little out of control and tall.
However, the unique shape makes trimming around garden beds, fencing and other landscaping obstructions easier, so you can tackle those bigger jobs with ease using the 22 inch cutting swath.
Despite this impressive performance, the 25A is remarkably friendly to use. The off set trimmer head helps to reach those difficult areas while the 14 inch wheels can help you navigate rough terrain. There is even a comfort folding handle, so you can move it around with ease, yet fold it for convenient transportation and storage.
Other features: folding handle, offset deck, solid 14″ rear wheels
Cub Cadet has also been an authority in the making of utility vehicles, lawnmowers as well as a lot of other power equipment. As such, it is no surprise that one of their devices features on our list.
The 14” wheels are already one of the more noteworthy components of the machine. They are, of course, complemented by an offset deck. The benefit of this design is that you will be able to reach a lot of corners and work around many obstacles.
As well, the engine is a 159cc with auto choke, which is impressive. Also, the trimmer line diameter is a crucial area that a lot of users will look into. The device provides for a 0.155” line.
For storage, the folding handle might come in handy. A three-year limited residential warranty may also prove to be enough incentive for a few people to consider the purchase.
Most individuals don’t just wake up one morning and decide to get a string trimmer. They often need to determine whether the tool is worth getting or not. Of course, the decision to make the purchase is followed by research on budget requirements as well as which models provide the best value. If you did this independently, it would take up a lot of your time and resources. However, since our team has already done this, we wish to save you the hassle. This is why we have provided the purchase options above as well as their benefits. Also, the process of deciding which of the devices to pick from the list above will be easier if you read the buying guide below.
A walk behind string trimmer is a gardening tool that works more or less like a lawnmower. It is able to cut through shrubs and brush easily. One significant difference between the two gadgets is the cutting elements. While the lawnmower uses a blade, the string trimmer uses a string of a particular diameter to cut through grass and small plants.
Most of these devices are not self-propelling; hence they need you to walk behind and push them forward.
If you decide to pick these tools over regular lawn mowers, then you will likely know about the benefits. For one, these gadgets are safer than their counterparts.
Lawnmowers use blades to cut grass, which are just as capable of cutting through skin and bones as well. Should an accident happen, the lawnmower will definitely cause more damage to your body. You needn’t worry about that with a string trimmer.
Replacing the strings should also be easier than replacing blades. Additionally, it should be cheaper. This is because strings are as well easily accessible from various vendors.
Walk-behind string trimmers also often have offset decks. This makes it easier to reach some tight spaces. As well they are able to cut close to various buildings as well as around obstacles.
In addition to the benefits of each model, there are a couple of things you need to consider before making your selection and consequent purchase. This is because different models will be suited to different users. Of course, given that we are trying to make your work easier most of the things you need to consider are listed below.
You don’t often find string trimmer machines designed with a specific lawn size in mind. Nevertheless, if you are going to use it on a relatively large area, you will want a more powerful engine. This is because it can get the job done much faster and easier.
On the other hand, it’s not the best financial decision to buy top of the line products for a small piece of lawn. A device that costs half as much will still get the job done.
There are walk behind string trimmer machines that are suited to open grounds. Others are more suited to working around barriers such as trees, statues, ponds, and fences. One example of such is the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 due to its head swivel.
As such, you would do well to study the area you are going to work in and select the appropriate equipment for it.
The person to do the trimming should also be a key focus area concerning the purchase. This is often in regards to the controls of the device. As such, controls that are closer to the engine should be no problem for a young, healthy person. They can bend over and adjust them accordingly.
On the other hand, if the user is older, bending may present a problem. As such, it would be a better decision to spend the extra money and get a tool with controls closer to the top.
Of course, the device is not going to spend all of its time in your backyard. It will need a shelter away from the elements while it is not in use. This may be in your shed or even garage.
More significant devices will take up more space. The handle may exacerbate this problem as well if it doesn’t fold down.
If you want to purchase any piece of equipment, you need to set aside some money. How much you set aside is dependent on your income as well as recurrent expenditure and constitutes your budget.
Of course, some of the devices you encounter will fit within your budget while some won’t. If you find that the machine you want costs much more than you have, you can change it up for a lower-end model. Alternatively, you can save up more money for the purchase.
The features that make up each device will constitute its overall value. They are also likely to influence how well the tool performs when you put it on your grass. Since features are also part of the decision, we have provided in-depth information on them below.
Of course, the engine is one of the more essential aspects of the device. Just by looking at the specs, you can tell if it is powerful enough for the job at hand.
Of course, some of the engines in the market will provide more torque. Others have the advantage of using up less fuel. Also, it is not surprising to find that different types of engines use different types of fuel.
Two of the more common types of engines you find on walk behind string trimmers are the 2-stroke and 4-stroke options.
The 2-stroke engine generally tends to be lighter since it has fewer components. It is also seemingly more efficient in its energy production process.
With regards to the stroke, it can be defined as movement from the top dead center of the cylinder to the bottom dead center. It could also be the movement from the bottom dead center back to the top dead center. As such movement up and down should be considered as two strokes.
In a two-stroke engine, that is enough to complete the power production cycle. If you know the cycle, then you know the steps involved. They include intake where fuel and air come into the cylinder. The next step is the compression of the gases and fuel, which is then followed by combustion.
A spark plug is necessary for the combustion process to start; hence is included in the cylinder. Lastly, you get the exhaust stage where the smoke from the combusted fuel and gas is let out of the cylinder.
As mentioned before, a 2-stroke engine can pull off all these steps in a single up and down motion hence the name. On the other hand, the 4-stroke engine needs two cycles of the same to pull off the same power production cycle. You will have to pick out one of these two based on the power they produce as well as how they affect the design of the machine.
Another thing that matters is the type of fuel that the device uses. Oil and gas are the two main options to pick from. Of course, each option has advantages of its own, and it may come down to personal preferences.
What we advise is that you go for the gas option if it is available. It constitutes cleaner energy production without giving up much power.
Most of these trimmer devices come with a manual start mechanism or, as it is more aptly named the recoil start. They are inexpensive but will require you expend some of your energy to start the machine. They are also more reliable.
As shown in the list above, the most common cutting width is 22”. Nevertheless, there are exceptions such as the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 with a 17” cutting swath.
Also, most devices come with a variable cutting height. You can thus move the trimmer up or down depending on your cutting needs at the time. A prime example of this is the EARTHQUAKE M205 that can cut from 0.15” up to 3.0”.
However, there are exceptions in this scenario, as well. An example is the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022.
The thicker the line, the more durable it is. As such thick lines can handle dense and thick plants with relative ease. They will also take longer to wear out. Nevertheless, most of these walk behind string trimmers will dictate the diameter of the string you can use.
If you check on the list provided, you will see that almost all the devices mentioned will allow for a 0.155” line diameter. The Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 stands out since it provides for two string diameters, which are the 0.95” and the 0.105” options.
Bigger is not always better, but in the case of walk-behind string trimmers, go for the machine with the most prominent wheels you can get. 12” is the baseline as it will still allow you to glide over different terrain with relative ease.
Not many people consider the handlebars of these devices as deal breakers in whether they buy the devices or not. Nevertheless, some of them provide extra benefits and are easier to work with.
An example of such is in whether the handlebar has any foam or comfort material. If it is included, it will be more comfortable to hold and use the machine for extended periods. Conversely, you can purchase a pair of comfortable gloves if it doesn’t.
Also, how close are the controls to the handlebar? This will tell you how easy it is to change the torque without letting go of the bar.
Lightweight devices are more comfortable to lift and carry around if you ever need to transport them to a different location. Also, they tend to be smaller in stature.
You may also appreciate the fact that they take up less storage space. However, this may not be ideal as the small size may eat into the functionality of the invention. You can see this in how the small stature of the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 eats into the cutting area.
If you are looking to own one of these tools for the long term, an extended warranty is probably a good idea. The five-year warranty provided by the EARTHQUAKE M205, for instance, is ideal. However, you should know most manufacturers will offer less than that.
You may still be left with more than one item in your shortlist after considering all the features above. You can break the tie by bringing in any extra features that the devices may have. Examples of such include the CARB certification provided for Outhland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 model.
The first is making sure the device is turned off. After that, you need to prepare the line. Always make sure the length, as well as the width of the line, coincide with the device in question.
With a single-line trimmer, you then need to remove the retaining cap. This component is usually found on the trimmer head.
Next, look for a starter hole on the spool. Once found, insert the line and start to wind the spool. During this process, follow the direction of the arrows. As well make sure that you maintain straight rows for the line as you wind it up.
This will prevent the machine from jamming up in the future. You then line up part of the line with the slot that leads outside the trimmer head. This is followed by replacing the spool and the cap.
You can test out the line by tugging at it. By doing this, you ensure that it feeds smoothly. The same process can be repeated for a double line trimmer.
Speed-feed trimmers are the easiest to restring. Put the string through one of the two eyelets provided on the trimmer head. If you push it in far enough, it should come out of the eyelet on the opposite end.
Make sure that both ends are even in length. Next, you rotate the head until the string left exposed is of a reasonable size. Five to six inches is often recommended.
