Best Walk Behind String Trimmer Reviews of 2022
Craftsman 25A-262J793 Walk-Behind High-Wheeled String Trimmer
Best for heavy-duty use
Unique cutting deck shape makes trimming around obstacles and near fences a breeze.
1 Craftsman 25A-262J793 Review
Whether you have to manicure hundreds of acres of lawn or deal with lots of obstacles in your yard, the Craftsman 25A-262J793 is the best walk behind string trimmer you can find. This powerful machine boasts a 159cc 4-cycle gas engine and is capable of trimming all types of grasses and stubborn weeds alike.
It utilizes a .155-inch nylon line, but you could use it with a metal line if you need more cutting ability. A thing that makes it special is the cutting deck with an off-set trimmer head that allows for easy trimming near fences and around obstacles.
Another thing that we like is the 22-inch cutting swath. This string trimmer makes it easy to finish the job fast. In terms of handling, the oversized wheels and ergonomic handle make it a cinch to push around. User-friendly yet packing a punch, this string mower is perfect for heavy-duty residential and light commercial jobs alike.
BLACK+DECKER 25A-26S5736 4-Cycle Gas Walk-Behind String Trimmer
Best for homeowners
Wide cutting swath and ergonomic design make it a perfect choice for most residential purposes.
2 BLACK+DECKER 25A-26S5736 Review
Impressed by our best-in-class but not yet ready to spend that amount? Check out the BLACK+DECKER 25A-26S5736. One of the best walk behind string trimmers for homeowners, this model shares lots of our top pick’s features, but it’s cheaper.
Some of the things that we like include the off-set trimmer head and 22-inch cutting swath. Like our top pick, this machine has an ergonomic construction and oversized wheels. You can maneuver it easily on all kinds of terrain, while the .155-inch nylon line can deal with stubborn grasses, weeds, and small shrubs.
This string trimmer isn’t as powerful as our top choice, but its 140cc 4-cycle engine can satisfy most residential needs. No doubt, an excellent choice if you want best-in-class features and design at an affordable price tag.
Southland SWSTM4317 Wheeled String Trimmer
Best for domestic use
A trimmer head bevel feature allows for a precise edging along any obstacles.
3 Southland SWSTM4317 Review
Designed with smaller lawns in mind, the Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 is another great choice for most homeowners. Like our best value, it’s CARB compliant, but it’s equipped with a smaller, 43cc engine.
This doesn’t mean it’s not powerful; on the contrary. It’s aggressive enough to slice through thick grass and tall weeds in a blink of an eye. The 17-inch cutting swath makes it just perfect for small to mid-sized lawns, while the low weight and oversized wheels make it incredibly easy to maneuver on all terrains.
Small but mighty, it can use either .095-inch or .105-inch line, so you can choose the adequate string for the task. We also like the swivel head adjustment for wall or fence trimming, as well as the bevel head that allows for precise edging. Furthermore, the height-adjustable handle makes it perfect for people of all heights.
S SMAUTOP 36V Cordless Edger & String Trimmer
A battery-powered alternative
Eight blades and lightweight construction allow you to use this versatile tool for manicuring your lawn, trimming weeds, and pruning.
4 S SMAUTOP 36V Review
More than a walk behind string trimmer, the S SMAUTOP 36V is an all-in-one trimmer, pruner, and mini mower. It might not be as powerful as a gas-powered machine, yet it’s versatile and perfect for light domestic needs.
Instead of a trimming line, this cordless trimmer uses metal blades. A variety of blade types allow you to use it to trim weeds and grass, manicure the area around flowerbeds, and even prune small trees and shrubs.
The 36V lithium-ion battery delivers a whopping 8 hours of runtime. We also like the adjustable grip and dual control switch that increase maneuverability and safety.
Ideal for homeowners who like the push behind design but don’t really need commercial power, this three-in-one push behind trimmer is a true bargain.
Walk-behind vs. handheld string trimmer. What are the differences?
When thinking of string trimmers, the first image that comes to mind is that of a traditional, hand-held weed wacker. When thinking of self-propelled, we typically think of walk behind lawn mowers. Yet, if you live in an area with thick grass and stubborn weeds, if you have a big property or if you’re a landscaper, a professional string trimmer with wheels might be your best bet.
Often dubbed as a walk behind string mower, the self-propelled weed eater brings the best of both worlds.
This machine looks like a lawn mower but utilizes a string trimmer head with nylon line designed to cut through tall, prairie grass and weeds. The best commercial string trimmers even have bevel heads that work similar to an edger, allowing for neat edging along walkways or fences.
What are the benefits of a walk-behind string mower?
It’s often associated with landscapers and other professionals, but the walk behind weed eater comes with a bunch of advantages for residential users too. In a nutshell, a self-propelled string trimmer can:
- Help you finish trimming grass and weeds faster
- It’s easier to handle by impaired or elderly operators
- It is a better choice for large properties
2-cycle vs. 4-cycle engines. Which should you pick?
Unlike the lawn mowers, which can be electric or cordless, the vast majority of the walk-behind string trimmers have gas engines. Choices, therefore, are reduced to 2-cycle and 4-cycle models.
- The best walk-behind string trimmers come with 4-cycle engines that are more powerful and run cleaner than the 2-cycle ones. Most of these engines are CARB-compliant, meaning you can use your professional weed eater in all states. However, they need more maintenance and frequent oil changes.
- Two-cycle engines are louder and produce more emissions than the 4-cycle ones. However, they are easier to maintain and are typically lighter in weight Needless to say, they are also cheaper than the 4-cycle ones.
Can walk-behind field trimmers cut brush?
Whether you’ll be able to cut brush with your self-propelled weed eater largely depends on its power and type of line it uses.
Typically, walk behind string trimmers use a heavy-duty, commercial type of line with a diameter of at least .095 inches. This nylon line is strong enough to slice through thick grass and most types of weeds, but it’s not adequate for brush cutting.
Stronger line – either nylon or metal wire – with a diameter of .105-.110 inches can typically cut underbrush, but for effective brush cutting, you should invest in a self-propelled string trimmer compatible with steel blades. Or even better, you should consider getting a brush cutter.
What is the cutting swath of a wheeled string trimmer?
Like self-propelled lawn mowers, wheeled string trimmers can have various cutting swaths. When choosing, think of the size of your lawn:
| Lawn size | Recommended cutting swath |
| Small lawn up to ½ acres | Up to 17 inches |
| Mid-sized lawn ½-1 acres | 17-22 inches |
| A large lawn of 1 acre or over | 22 inches or over |
Do self-propelled string trimmers need a lot of maintenance?
Self-propelled string trimmers don’t need a lot of maintenance, but they do need more maintenance than a handheld weed eater. There are two things to take into account the maintenance of the engine and that of the cutting head.
How to maintain a 2-cycle engine?
If you decided to invest in a professional weed eater with a 2-cycle engine, you’d be pleased to know that this type of engine is easy to maintain. To prevent damage, only use fuel and oil mix as specified by the manufacturer. Clean and replace the spark plugs every season, and check the condition of the anti-vibration system regularly to make sure it’s in good working conditions.
How to maintain a 4-cycle engine?
Four-cycle engines are more efficient and cleaner, but they have more components and need more maintenance than the 2-cycle ones. Besides making sure that you’re using the highest quality fuel, you should:
- Clean and change the spark plugs every season
- Change the oil at the beginning of each season, then every 20-25 hours of use
- Change the air filters every 3 months or every 20-25 hours of use, whichever comes first
- Replace the crankcase detergent oil as often as indicated by the manufacturer
How to replace the string trimmer line?
Replacing the line on a wheeled weed eater is very similar to replacing the line on a handheld string trimmer. However, you will have to lift the string mower to remove the cutting head; for safe lifting, the best thing to do is to invest in a light-duty lawn mower lift.
- Lift the self-propelled string trimmer, remove the cutting head, and take it apart.
- Cut at least 10 feet of adequate line (usually with a diameter between .095 and .110 inches), and put one end of the line in each of the two holes of the inner reel.
- Pull the ends to close the loop.
- Find the arrow on the reel, then rotate in the indicated direction to wind the trimmer line around the spool. Continue winding until you’re left with about 6 inches of line.
- Assemble the cutting head and mount it back. Free the ends of the trimmer line, and you’re good to go.
What features to look for when buying a walk behind weed eater?
Besides all the above, there are a few other important features you should consider when buying a self-propelled string trimmer:
- Wheels: A wheeled weed eater is an excellent choice instead of a hand-held one if you have a large plot or difficult terrain. The best walk-behind string trimmers come with rugged wheels of at least 10 inches that can make handling easier.
- Anti-vibration system: No matter how performing they are, all gas engines produce vibrations. To reduce fatigue, it’s best to invest in a self-propelled string trimmer with an anti-vibration system.
- Adjustable height handle: This feature allows you to adjust the size of the handle to your own height; thus, it helps you prevent lower back pain while improving your overall experience.
- Foldable handle: Reduces the size of the string mower for storage and transport purposes.
- Ergonomics: Last but not least, don’t underestimate the comfort factor. A walk behind string trimmer may help you finish the job faster, but maneuvering it will be easier if the handle is ergonomic and equipped with a soft grip.
Best Walk Behind String Trimmer for the Money
BLACK+DECKER 25A-26S5736 4-Cycle Gas Walk-Behind String Trimmer
Best for homeownersWide cutting swath and ergonomic design make it a perfect choice for most residential purposes.
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