Getting the Low Down on Grass Trimmers

Most landscapers will tell you that you generally get what you pay for in a trimmer and more expensive models generally do a better, faster, more thorough job at accurately trimming your lawn with a minimum of fuss. The exception to the rule is the cordless electric trimmer.

Although the idea of a cordless lawn tool is provocative, experts say these models are the least powerful trimmers around, and are not useful beyond very light trimming of thin grass. A complement to lawn mowers, string trimmers handle the touch-up work around yards. They?EUR??,,????'???re good for cutting grass, weeds and light brush, and work well in hard-to-manage spots, such as under fences, around trees and along borders.

There are two basic types of trimmers, curved-shaft and straight-shaft. Professional landscapers tend to favor straight-shaft models, claiming they?EUR??,,????'???re more powerful, comfortable, and have a greater reach. These are recommended if you regularly cut thick, tall grass and weeds.

Manufacturer: Shindaiwa

Model #: T3410X
Engine: C4 Technology 2-stroke/4-stroke
HP: 1.6 HP
Weight: 12.8 lbs.
Type of blades: Tornado blade, 30T, Heavy-duty
Length of machine: 70.5?EUR??,,????'??
Displacement: 34cc
Handle: Loop handle with barrier bar
Accessories: Standard with quick release shoulder strap, trimmer head.
Special Features: Combination debris shield for greater work site visibility. New interlock throttle control system, reducing chance for inadvertent throttle actuation.
Warranty: 2 year consumer, 1 year commercial. Lifetime on mainshaft and ignition components.
Cost: $440

Manufacturer: Honda Power Equipment

Model #: HHT31SLTA
Engine: Honda engine GX31
HP: depending on engine
Weight: 14.7 lbs.
Type of blades: semi-matic feed head nylon
Length of machine: 74.2 inches
Displacement: 31cc
Handle: loop type handle
Accessories: Optional blade barrier kit, optional 10 inch brush blade and optional double harness.
Special Features: Guard with cutter, mini four-stroke engine, safety glasses, harness, slide type switch.
Warranty: 1 year commercial, 2 years residential
Cost: $359

Manufacturer: Toro

Model #: 51930 Curved shaft gas trimmer
Engine: Full crank engine
HP: 1 HP
Weight: 12.5 lbs.
Type of blades: Bump line feed
Length of machine: 17 inches
Handle: Padded ergonomic handle
Accessories: Expand-It Attachment Capable
Special Features: Unmatched balance and control, split shaft coupler.
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $150

Manufacturer: Ryobi

Model #: 725r
Engine: 2-Cycle Engine
HP: depending on engine
Weight: 4.6 lbs.
Type of blades: 17-inch Cutting Swath
Length of machine: depends on machine
Displacement: 31cc
Handle: Adjustable J-Handle - for right or left-handed use
Accessories: EZ-Link shaft accepts interchangeable TrimmerPlus attachments for the ultimate versatility, speedspool line replacement.
Special Features: TrimmerPlus are capable not only to use the power of a gas engine, but also the versatility of an interchangeable lawn and garden system.
Warranty: 2 Year Limited Warranty

Manufacturer: Black & Decker

Model #: GH600
Engine: 14-inch Hog String Trimmer
HP: 4.8 amp motor
Weight: 5.2 lbs.
Type of blades: AF-100 easy spool replacement
Handle: Soft grips for maximum comfort
Accessories: Automatic line advancement. No bumping required.
Special Features: Patented cord lock secures extension cord during use.
Warranty: One year
Cost: $52.95

Manufacturer: Tanaka

Model #: THT-210S
Engine: 2-stroke
HP: 1.1 h.p.
Weight: 11 lbs.
Type of blades: 26-inch double-sided blades
Length of machine: 43 inches
Displacement: 21cc
Handle: Locking 5-position rear handle
Accessories: Lightest double-sided hedge trimmer in class. Has a sound reduction system.
Special features: Start system reduces amount of pull force required by 60 percent.
Warranty: 1-year commercial warranty
Cost: $329

Manufacturer: Stihl

Model #: HS 75 Hedge Trimmer
Engine: forward discharging exhaust
HP: 0.9 kW
Weight: 11.4 lbs.
Type of blades: double sided reciprocating
Length of machine: 20 inches
Displacement: 25.4cc
Handle: Front hand guard, Start/run/stop controls on handle
Accessories: Maintenance is simple and less expensive due to fewer components. Built-in hanger in rear handle for easy storage.
Special Features: Double-sided reciprocating blades with integrated cutter guard. Easy-access air filters. Start-up blade lock. Anti-vibration system. Throttle starting lock.
Warranty: 1-year professional use
Cost: $349.95