Best Overall
Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger
Best Heavy-Duty
DeWalt 60V MAX 17" Brushless String Trimmer Kit
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If you need a sturdypower toolto trim a lawn ’s edge or tackle overgrown weeds , a stamp battery pruner might be a wise investiture . Cordless green goddess trimmers offer similar performance to throttle train trimmers , and they ’re quieter , less polluting , and more roving than cord electric lawn pruner .
To determine which battery - powered trimmers were best , we tested a dozen highly rated models doing different project , such as edging a lawn , trimming fence line , and cutting down overgrown ditch widow’s weeds .
Ideally , the best drawing string trimmer should be lightweight , durable , and easy to operate . The string course should come on smoothly , and the drug user should n’t necessitate to frequently discontinue and untangle the line . It also has to produce enough cutting force to bombilate through green goddess and chop down coarse pot and light brush . We like theStihl FSA 80 R Battery - power String Trimmerthe most out of this lineup for its liquid but brawny cut performance on a variety of greenery .
That said , since some exemplar surpass at the lightweight and comfortable - to - usance vista , and others perform the heavy - duty task substantially , it ’s important to match your needs to the tool ’s military strength . forward , we will offer our observations from try out these pop model so as to help you find the sound stamp battery trimmer for your landscaping motivation .
Our Top Picks
The fall out reviews will walk through the primal features of each cordless twine trimmer joist and point how the models performed in our backyard tests .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest level of passport .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real - mankind examination and that represent core time value of the Bob Vila brand , including craftsmanship , innovation , and value for the buck . Winners of this designation come recommend by our professional review article team and are personally approved by Bob Vila .
Our Ratings : Power5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Safety5/5 ; Value4.5/5
A bit beefier than theStihl FSA 60 R battery trimmerwe tested in the past times , the FSA 80 R is one of the best string trimmers in Stihl ’s battery - powered residential cock batting order . It comes equip with a 36V 4 Ah Li - ion battery and a bump - advance train trimmer head that works with either 0.095- or 0.105 - inchweed eater string . This battery smoke trimmer features a varying - stop number throttle gun trigger and a cringle handle with a spry - release function for fast , peter - free adjustments . In standard cutting condition , the FSA 80 gas constant runs up to 25 second per charge . The include battery charger replenishes the AK 20 assault and battery in 180 minutes .
Although it had a comparatively light runtime per tutelage , the FSA 80 forage trimmer joist ran long enough for us to take care of our everyday lawn maintenance need . The motor and trimmer psyche ran smooth and strong in our tests , producing very little shakiness . The trimmer joist turn off crisp , clean boundary in the grassy areas , and in the weedy plot of ground , it easily tore through coarse flora , vines , and woody staunch up to ¼ inch thick . The adjustable advancing handle made it easy to get a comfortable fit no matter who was operate . This is an ideal option for general suburban yard upkeep .
Get the Stihl barrage fire trimmer atNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Our Ratings : Power4/5 ; Performance3/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Safety4/5 ; Value4.5/5
dependable lawn equipment does n’t always cost an weapon system and a peg . Black+Decker ’s compact EasyFeed trimmer / edger is one of the most low-cost models around , and it offer enough trimming power and runtime to maintain a little yard .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
This battery - power galvanic Mary Jane eater is designed to clip weed speedily , and once the problem is done , it stows away in a tiny amount of space . It features a side arm - style throttle grip , an adjustable forward closed circuit handle , and a telescope shaft for easy elevation adaption . It also has a rotate head that allows you to transition from a horizontal dope - eat lieu to a perpendicular edging contour without cause to concord the grips upside down . When it ’s in the edging billet , you get the added benefit of a bike for append accompaniment .
Although the Black+Decker offered importantly less cutting power than the other tools in our test mathematical group , it did a fine job on our lawn grass . The handles were comfy , and we appreciated the push - release channel feed ( as opposed to a traditional hump - advance pruner headway ) . Our two testers — one over 6 feet improbable and the other under 5.5 feet tall — both find it prosperous and easy to employ without undue melody , bending , stoop , or lifting .
Get the Black+Decker assault and battery trimmer atWalmartorTarget .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Our evaluation : Power4.5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Safety4.5/5 ; Value5/5
When an established drawing card in pro - grade cordless hand shaft enrol the lawn care category , shoppers will want to take note . The DeWalt battery trimmer packs a heavy - duty brushless motor power by a 60V 3 Ah FlexVolt lithium - ion barrage that lets it displume through all kinds of tough weeds for at least 40 minutes per charge .
This affixation - equal to trimming capacitor comes equip with a straight shaft and speedy - freight adjustable spool . It expend 0.080 - in trimmer line to cut either a 15 - inch or 17 - inch swath . A refuge switch in the grip prevents accidental starts . To adjust the trimmer to the project at hand , user can select high or scurvy ability and control the trim rotation per minute with a variable - pep pill trigger . The universal attachment feature lets owners replace the trimmer adhesion with a variety of other prick heads , let in an edger , hedge trimmer , pole saw , and more .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
The DeWalt barrage fire grass cutter was one of the heaviest we test but also the most powerful . With the standard 0.080 - inch trimmer contrast that came prespooled , this tool had no trouble weed wacking grass , flimsy tree seedling , and even hard blackberry bush canes . In low - superpower mode , it offered more cutting force than the high-pitched - power place setting of most others we tested . To be honest , mellow power was too much for many of our applications programme , so we also tested it exhaustively on low-down - power modal value . It ran about 40 minute on high and about 60 on down .
Other than its heavy weight unit , the only electronegative point we have to pop the question is the noise . The trimmer is brassy in universal , but when initially trip or feathering the trigger , it makes an even louder whine / whistle sound . Still , considering its power and runtime , it ’s a very impressive tool at a average Mary Leontyne Price . This trimmer is a respectable choice for maintain expectant belongings or cleaning up overgrown areas .
Get the DeWalt battery trimmer atAce HardwareorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Jacob Wolfe for Bob Vila
Best for Large Yards
Echo eForce 56V Battery String Trimmer
Our Ratings : Power4.5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Safety4/5 ; Value5/5
A wide - cutting swath , extended runtime , and powerful trimming power make the Echo DSRM-2100 eForce an fantabulous choice for large yards . drive by a brushless motor , the uncoiled - shaft trimmer is power by a 56V 2.5 Ah lithium - ion electric battery that provide up to 56 hour of muscular performance , rivaling traditional 2 - cps trimmers . It cut a 16 - inch - wide belt to get the job done expeditiously .
This battery trimmer weighs in at a comfortable 9.75 pounds , making it a relatively lightweight selection considering its full-bodied big businessman . It features battery - saving magnate options for unlike cutting conditions , a variable - speed trigger , and a cushioned handle clasp for comfortableness . The Speed - Feed cutting caput comes preloaded with 0.095 - inch trimmer line and reloads quickly without disassembly .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
The Echo eForce battery trimmer is an first-class value for large - property upkeep . In our tests , the cutting power seemed to be slightly less than that of the DeWalt trimmer , but it was still very capable . In high - power style , it cut down for about 40 bit . The above - average force and wide-cut swath mean that in 40 minutes with the Echo , we were capable to discharge work that other pruner would need an hr to accomplish . The stochasticity tier was good , and reloading was dissolute and well-off .
This trimming capacitor could have scored high with improved residue . Although it is a lightweight trimmer joist overall , the majority of its exercising weight is concentrated at the influence end . The wakeless cut head force the operator to overcompensate by lifting upward on the front handle and pushing downwards on the rear handgrip while working . We tested it with the 2.5 Ah assault and battery , which comes received . Working with the available5 Ah battery(sold separately ) would rebalance the trimmer to some degree while doubling its runtime and increasing its overall weight .
Get the Echo battery pruner atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Mark Wolfe
Best Loading System
Ego Power+ ST1511T 15" Powerload String Trimmer
Our military rating : Power5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Safety4/5 ; Value5/5
Ego Power+ has made a name for itself in the outdoor magnate equipment category by build up an affordable pedigree of electric battery - power tool that vie favorably against old - fashioned 2 - cycle gas - power equipment . This 15 - inch Ego pruner proved to be powerful , clean , and quiet in testing . The 56V 2.5 Ah lithium - ion shelling fork up up to 45 second of runtime , with a recharging time of just 50 minutes . The swelling - feedtrimmer headcomes preloaded with 0.095 - column inch trimmer joist billet for more cutting force and less noise . The unit weighs in at just over 10 pounds , and taller users will value the unbent shaft design .
In our trial , the Ego battery - powered green goddess feeder depict ample power to cut off through everything in its way of life , including overgrown pot , privet seedling , and Aquilegia canadensis vine . With the heavy battery in the back offset by the foresightful , straight ray of light , the trimmer ’s well - balanced purpose made it easy to work with and more manoeuvrable than others we tested . Our only caveat : for seasonal yard cleanup or maintain big landscape , the 45 - minute maximum runtime may not be quite enough . Get the Ego Power+ bombardment trimmer atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Best Control Options
Makita 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit
Our Ratings : Power5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Safety4/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Makita string trimmer joist is a insurance premium choice well suit to sustain lawns and gardens under control . It can handle large yards , offering enough power to take on obtuse weed ontogeny . This cordless drawstring trimmer hail with four 18V 5.0 Ah batteries , so you ’re not likely to run out of power . Shoppers can buy this good example as a kit that include a dual battery charger and two sets of batteries , or as a “ tool only ” for those who already have items from the Makita 18V puppet weapons platform .
With a long , straightforward shaft of light and high - power cutting fountainhead , this 10.4 - Syrian pound trimmer joist feels like a pro - quality prick . It was well balanced and accurate while trimming around shrubs and between obstacles . It had plenty of power to trim back through tough vegetation — though not quite as much as abrush cutter . In our tests , it made nice clean cuts and crisp edge in the grassy area and tore through scraggy privet seedlings and honeysuckle vine without hesitancy . It ’s an first-class candidate to supercede gas equipment for metier to large landscapes , though the price may be gamy for budget - minded shoppers .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Makita battery trimming capacitor atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Dual-Direction
Husqvarna 320iL Weed Eater Kit
Our Ratings : Power4.5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; repose of Use4/5 ; Safety5/5 ; Value4/5
One limiting ingredient of most drawstring trimmer is the cutting capitulum ’s direction of gyration , which matters more than one might consider . The focal point of rotation determines where the cutting will go and , in some situations , how the exploiter should transfix the trimmer . The Husqvarna 320iL offer a result thanks to its threefold - direction cut principal . At the touch of a button , we were able to flip from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation and back without changing our clench on the handles .
This straight - light beam trimmer is power by an effective brushless motor and 40V 4.0 Ah battery that provides about 45 min of runtime per charge . It features a rapid - load cutting head that comes prespooled with 0.080 - column inch trimming capacitor phone line and cuts a 16 - inch swath . Low - vibration technology better operator comfort , and the machine weighs in at just over 10 pounds with the battery .
Photo: Ace Hardware
The Husqvarna 320iL ranked near the top of the trial chemical group in terms of exploiter comfort and restrained operation , but its power was somewhat underwhelming after the big display from the DeWalt trimmer . We were super impressed with the double - commission characteristic . It provide us to habituate the trimmer right- or left - handed , and we were able to trim curb line of business safely from either direction without stand in the street . In high-pitched - power mode , the trimmer joist perform lawn - trimming duties superbly , but in heavy smoke and instinctive area , it could not keep up with the more powerful trimmers .
bar those who plan on truly bewilder into the skunk , so to speak , this trimming capacitor is a fantastic choice for most people . Its Libra is immaculate . And for unruffled operation , this one take the gold medal . The only material head regarding comfortableness and mastery was , why so many buttons ? Its four thumb - operated buttons control on / off , high / low power , clockwise rotation , and counterclockwise rotation .
Get the Husqvarna barrage trimmer atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Photo: Amazon
Our rating : Power5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Safety4/5 ; Value4/5
Best Expandable
Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable 15" String Trimmer Kit
Our evaluation : Power4.5/5;Performance5/5 ; Ease of Use4/5 ; Safety5/5 ; Value5/5
Ryobi , a flagship make from The Home Depot , is making a big splash in the lawn and garden tool industry . Its new 16 - inch string trimmer stood out in our tests due to its ergonomic design and its knack for making ultraclean cuts on grass .
This Ryobi cordless locoweed eater weighs 11.1 pounds and is so well balanced that we did n’t experience any weapon system and shoulder weariness , even after we ’d used it for nearly half an hour . We tested it by trim lawn grass and clearing weedy , viny smirch . It excelled on grass but took a few pass to crystallise some of the heavier weeds . The bump - feed function on the trimming capacitor is well project , and it take only a gentle bump to feed out more note .
Photo: Amazon
The battery fully charge in about 1.5 hours , and it ran for more than 45 hour , which is long enough to trim rumbustious pot and widow’s weeds in most yards .
The Ryobi string trimmer is an integral part of Ryobi ’s Expand - It line of power garden and landscape painting tools . Ryobi has an fond regard for well-nigh every outside pauperism — such as ahedge trimmer , rubber broom , pole saw , electric fan , and a mini cultivator — and all attach to the bowed stringed instrument trimmer grip , making this one of the most versatile trimmers around .
Get the Ryobi barrage trimmer atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Open Spaces
Greenworks 60V 17-Inch Brushless Battery Trimmer
Our Ratings : Power5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; simpleness of Use4/5 ; Safety5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Greenworks is a relative entrant to the might peter manufacture , but the mark has firmly base itself by cook up some of the best - performing battery - operated putz in recent years . The Greenworks 60V drawstring trimmer is no elision — it is powerful and ergonomic , and it gasconade a hefty runtime of up to 60 mo on a single battery charge . charge the battery fill less than 1.5 time of day .
offer comparable office to agas string trimmer , this framework feature a generous 17 - column inch swath , piddle it well suitable to quickly clear up big , heart-to-heart areas of weeds and giantism . In our psychometric test , it tailor lawn grass cursorily , leaving a clean transmission line . It also surpass in clearing out mourning band and vines , which are normally fodder for a brushing tender . However , its encompassing swath can present a bit of a downside if you ’re essay to clear away skunk between close - set trees or other items . We found ourselves need to restrain the cutting head at an rum slant to trim weeds between a tree diagram trunk and a fence position .
Photo: Amazon
The Greenworks string pruner weighs 12 pounds , but it is well balanced and easy to operate in open area . Its solid carbon paper - fibre spear does n’t tot up extra weight to the tool . We did find out ourselves having to find it two or three times to feed out more line , but that might have been our fault for not bumping it firmly enough at first . Toward the end of our examination , we started giving the head a firm bump , and that seemed to solve the problem .
This trimmer is an excellent option for anyone who needs to clear up prominent area of smoke since its wide swath and powerful motor reduce work meter . However , it may not be the best alternative for those who have many small details in the landscape painting that require a smaller trimmer .
Get the Greenworks assault and battery trimmer atTractor Supply Co.orGreenworks .
Photo: The Home Depot
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Battery Trimmers
We were picky when choose the battery - powered gage feeder for examination . We considered the brand ; after all , Makita and DeWalt are well - abide by role player in the magnate cock industry . Still , we did n’t automatically excrete up - and - comers like Greenworks and Ryobi , who are making exciting wave in battery - powered applied science . We took brand repute , user reviews , and our own experience with interchangeable tools to select the products we wanted to screen .
Before testing , we assembled the weed trimmer joist and charge the battery . Most get with battery that were about 25 percent charged right out of the boxwood , but a full complaint allowed us to judge runtime at full power . Although some of the trimmers offer reduced major power place setting that cover runtime , we found the lower setting also reduced performance on rough-cut weeds , so we run them at full power for testing .
We put each prick through its paces in several real - yard scenarios , such as trimming “ clean ” lawn grass , scrawny grass , and natural areas replete with common , skinny seedling and vines . To bring in a spot in our lineup , the lightweight 20 - volt ( volt ) trimmer we tested had to deliver a frosty stinger in both light and weedy grass sections .
Photo: Tractor Supply Co.
In addition to trimming the eatage zone , we used the 36V , 56V , and 80V models to shorten through woody , viny growth in rude areas . We also noted battery runtime , manoeuvrability , and operator comfort . We scored each model using a rubric to help determine the best electric battery trimmer by category .
Testing Stats
What to Consider When Choosing a Battery Trimmer
When denounce for string trimmers ( also cognise as weed eaters ) , consider the yard size of it , how often the peter will be used , and the height and strength of the primary substance abuser . The following central consideration may facilitate you further empathize what qualities you ’ll desire to face for while searching for the best battery trimmer for your indigence .
A dependable chain pruner is an investment that can heighten your household ’s curb appeal . These cubic yard care tool power a cutting head word load with nylon cosmic string ( instead of a cook brand ) to cleanly cut the supergrass at the boundary of a lawn or mow down weedy region . Though gas pedal and galvanizing models once dominated , young - and - improved battery trimmers do n’t require mixing fuel or stash away gasoline likegas string trimmersdo , nor are they limited by the length of an extension corduroy , like corded galvanic string trimmer are .
Trim Width
Also called belt width , trim width indicates how wide a way of life the tool will burn through grass in a single pass . Many cordless lawn trimmers on the market today boast swath widths of 10 to 18 inches . The full the breadth , the more power the trimmer joist needs , which often means the creature will be heavy due to the declamatory , higher - content battery .
Battery Type
Running a string trimmer demand a hefty Zen of world power . Though most of today ’s trimmer run on rechargeablelithium - ion batteries , a few accept nickel - atomic number 48 ( NiCd ) batteries . atomic number 3 - ion batteries are more brawny , but NiCd battery are less expensive ( an average of $ 70 to $ 125 less ) . Li - ion batteries also are smaller , hold a guardianship longer , and put up full power throughout the sacking Hz .
NiCd barrage fire digest from “ computer storage result , ” imply if the battery is used before it has fully charged — or if it ’s recharged before its power depletes — it will “ remember ” the early kick level and wo n’t book a farseeing charge in the future . If you choose for a trimmer joist with an NiCd battery , let it charge to the full before habit and drain whole before charging . For most users , a string trimmer with a lithium - ion battery will be the best choice .
Voltage
Along with battery eccentric , consider how much operating power the battery has , which is measured in volts . Today ’s rechargeable string pruner batteries range from 18V to 80V of business leader . More powerful battery at the high end often are intended for commercial use and can be $ 200 or more per battery .
Some string trimmers in this category are sell without a battery ( or battery battery charger ) , so the user must purchase one separately . Counterintuitively , this configuration could save you money — if you already own a cordless tool from the same brand , that tool ’s electric battery may be compatible with the train trimmer , so you wo n’t have to pay additional for a shelling you do n’t need . However , buy a outfit with multiple barrage can be convenient , secure you ’ll always have a backup shelling on hand .
Feed Type
A cosmic string trimmer ’s feed type determine how the trimmer head will exhaust additional trimmer line as the existing line becomes frayed and broken during purpose . The touchstone is a extrusion provender , in which the exploiter bumps the bottom of the trimmer ( the area where the spool attache ) on the ground to release a few inches of fresh Mary Jane feeder short letter .
Some newer model feature an automobile - feed sensor that gauges the length of the strings and exit more when needed . Others have a button push to release more line . Auto- and release - feeds pass the want to bump the spool , which can reduce the risk of impairment if bump too severely , but many commercial - type trimmer still use protuberance feed because it ’s quick and easy .
Curved vs. Straight Shaft
Some grass and bound trimming capacitor feature a square shaft that lead from the handle to the cut straits , while others feature a decided curved shape in the lower shaft about two - thirds of the agency down . Some user encounter curved - shaft trimmers to be prosperous to operate since the bobbin cease already rests at a ready to hand slant for weed - wacking .
Straight - shaft trimmer joist may suit interchangeable shaft , such as a tree pruner head , which can be switch out depending on the task at manus . unbowed - shaft trimmers generally work well for users who are at least 6 feet tall , while curt users will likely appreciate curved - gibe trimmer .
Noise
Battery - power trimmers have a distinct advantage over gasolene - power weed trimmers when it fare to randomness pollution . Gas - powered trimmer are reasonably loud , emitting an norm of 90 decibels ( about as flash as a bike passing by from 25 feet away ) . By contrast , a cordless string pruner emits approximately 77 dB , which is like to the sound of lively conversation .
FAQs
Those still unsure how to use a barrage fire string trimmer may regain the following answers to coarse interrogative about these tools helpful .
Yes , cordless electrical supergrass trimmer can help oneself you cut and control weed emergence around the home and garden . However , idle - tariff trimming capacitor may contend with very dense weed ontogeny .
Astring trimmercan be used to veer grass , but you need to be careful not to cut the grass too brusque while taste to balance the trimmer . It is n’t the easy way to cut the grass , but it is possible .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Yes , a train trimmer can be used to butt on the garden , private road , walkway , or pavement . However , if you have a large yard , invest in a disjoined edging tool may be better .
String trimmer joist batteries fair from 18V up to 60V. Typically , the high the electromotive force , the longer the battery lifespan .
contain the string trimming capacitor perpendicular to the lawn to keep the cutting even . lay the principal about 4 inch off the soil so the bowed stringed instrument has space to rotate . The train should rotate and cut through the grass and dirt . As you move along the desire borders , keep the brain balanced and even . Clean up the cut grass and shit to finish the job .
At the ledger entry cost point , cord string pruner are more brawny than cordless . However , efficient brushless motors and sophisticated barrage fire technology give agiotage shelling - powered string trimmers a substantial power advantage over their fireplug - in counterparts .
Meet the Testers
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a setting in the greenhouse and landscaping industry . For more than 20 long time he mowed , butt against , planted , dress , cultivated , irrigated , and renovate beautiful landscapes . Now he test and write reviews about the latest outside top executive equipment , hand puppet , lawn care product , and other outdoor - living good .
Glenda Taylor is a mathematical product tester and writer specialise in the construction , remodeling , and actual estate of the realm diligence . She and her married man own a oecumenical contracting company , and Taylor is experienced in residential and commercial building applications . She test a wide range of great power tools and other home melioration , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
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