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.

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.

TMC Power Equipment, Inc.

Model No.: KPW2950V
HP: 1.4
Weight: 13 lbs.
Type of Blades: String
Length of Machine: 62?EUR??,,????'??
Displacement: 29.5cc
Handle: Aluminum
Accessories: Metal debris shield, metal engine stand, vibration dampers at clutch housing and handle mount
Special Features: 2005 EPA compliant 2-cycle engine, 7 mm solid steel drive shaft
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $380

Maruyama U.S., Inc.

Model No.: BC2321
HP: 1.1
Weight: 12.1 lbs.
Type of Blades: Trimmer head included, compatible with various blades
Length of Machine: 68?EUR??,,????'??
Displacement: 22.5cc
Handle: Loop
Accessories: Various heads and blades available
Special Features: Recoil assist starter system
Warranty: 2 year commercial
Cost: MSRP ?EUR??,,????'??? Varies

Husqvarna

 

Model No.: 324Lx
HP: 1.1
Weight: 11.2 lbs.
Type of Blades: String
Length of Machine: 1483 mm/58.5 inches
Displacement: 1.5 cu. inch/ 25.0cm3
Handle: Soft loop handle, can be easily adjusted without tools
Accessories: Shoulder straps or harness systems sold separately
Special Features: Fuel efficient 4-stroke engine; exclusive SmartStart feature makes starting easier
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $350

Shindaiwa

Model No.: T2510
HP: 1.1
Weight: 11.0 lbs dry weight
Type of Blades: Trimmer head only
Length of Machine: 67.3?EUR??,,????'??
Displacement: 24.5cc
Handle: Loop
Accessories: Speed-Feed??????oe Trimmer Head
Special Features: Shindaiwa?EUR??,,????'???s patented C4 Technology??????oe; light and responsive; one of the first 2-stroke/4-stroke hybrid trimmer in the industry
Warranty: 1 year commercial, 2 year consumer
Cost: $370

Little Wonder

Model No.: 2300-00-01
HP: Slightly less than 1 hp, 2-cycle commercial grade engine
Weight: 13 lbs.
Type of Blades: High-Carbon Steel, Double Edge
Length of Machine: 36?EUR??,,????'?? Shaft, 25?EUR??,,????'?? Blade
Displacement: 22.5 cc
Handle: Loop
Accessories: 24?EUR??,,????'?? Shaft Extension, extends 30?EUR??,,????'?? Shaft to 60?EUR??,,????'?? Shaft
Special Features: Blade speed of 4,900 cuts per minute, 180 degree blade rotation, quick release shafts, no tool required blade adjustment, shoulder strap
Warranty: 1 Year Commercial/1 Year Consumer
Cost: $319

Solo, Inc.

Model No.: 106L
HP: 0.95
Weight: 10.1 lbs.
Type of Blades: Cuts with a nylon line head ?EUR??,,????'??? .095 line
Length of Machine: 59?EUR??,,????'?? Shaft
Displacement: 25cc high performance engine
Handle: Loop handle is standard
Accessories: Optional shoulder strap
Special Features: Brush blade capable
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $270

Vandermolen Corp.

Model No.: L2540K trimmer
HP: Kawasaki C.A.R.B.
Weight: 10.3 lbs.
Type of Blades: Adjustable by position of debris guard on shaft
Length of Machine: 70?EUR??,,????'?? shaft
Displacement: 25.4 cc
Handle: Loop with safety bar
Accessories: Throttle lock, deadman throttle engager, finger trigger throttle, on/off slide switch all on shaft handle
Special Features: Single should strap, five anti-vibe shaft bushings, full size debris guard with replaceable nylon cutoff knife
Warranty: Commercial 1 year
Cost: $340

Echo Incorporated

Model No.: SRM-261T
HP: 25.4 cc engine
Weight: 10.9 lbs
Type of Blades: Optional
Length of Machine: 59?EUR??,,????'?? shaft
Displacement: 25.4 cc
Handle: Padded front and throttle
Accessories: Offset ?EUR??,,????'??U?EUR??,,????'?? Handle, Blade Conversion Kit, Shoulder Strap
Special Features: High torque model
Warranty: 1 year commercial, 2 year consumer, 90 day rental
Cost: $310

John Deere

Model No.: XT140LE
HP: 1.4
Weight: Lightweight at 12 pounds (5.4 kg) for ease of use and operator comfort
Type of Blades: Double-sided, double reciprocating
Length of Machine: Shaft length 5in. (12.7 cm)
Displacement: 25.6 cc
Handle: D-Barrier
Accessories: Optional mini-tiller attachment available; brushcutter blade available; bicycle handle conversion kit available
Special Features: Can be converted to pole saw, hedge trimmer, or cultivator for added versatility; commercial EZ Load?EUR??,,????< Warranty: Commercial 1-year limited, lifetime shaft and ignition
Cost: $400

Power Points

400: Miles per hour, the speed of trimmer tips. As a result, trimmer users should not forget eye and ear protection, as well as boots, long pants, and gloves.

50 to 350: Dollars, the cost range of trimmers. Gas models 4-cycle engines, can cost up to $350, while electric (cordless or corded) trimmers can cost less than $50. Source: This Old House