The 10 Best Gas String Trimmers

Stuart Wellbert
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Gas String Trimmers provide plenty of benefits that cordless string trimmers simply cannot offer. If you have a lot of ground to cover, or you live on a farm or ranch, a gas string trimmer is going to be right for you. If you are a landscaper or you maintain baseball and football fields, a gas trimmer is the best option.

If you are on this page looking for the best gas string trimmer reviews, then you must be like me: someone who needs a high powered, professional grade string trimmer that can tackle almost any job.

The four gas string trimmers I’ll review below are tough enough to be used on lawns, scrub, weeds, briers, fences, brush and brambles. The 8-to-12-inch cutting width means you won’t have to stop and start as often, and the two-cycle engines deliver a ton of power.

These commercial-grade trimmers give you the power and performance you need for professional work. If you are looking for a string trimmer made from hardened steel, or comes with a carbide cutting blade, this is where you’ll find it.

These trimming powerhouses are great for getting the job done quickly, and for doing it right.

NameCategoryProduct
Husqvarna 128LD 17" Cutting Path Detachable Gas String TrimmerBest OverallHusqvarna 128LD 17" Cutting Path Detachable Gas String Trimmer
Homelite 26cc Gas Powered 17 in. Curved Shaft TrimmerBudget PickHomelite 26cc Gas Powered 17 in. Curved Shaft Trimmer
Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String TrimmerUpgrade PickHusqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer

1. Husqvarna 128LD 17" Cutting Path Detachable Gas String Trimmer

Our rating: 9 / 10

Husqvarna 128LD 17" Cutting Path Detachable Gas String Trimmer

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Pros:

  • Expect long run-times
  • Ergonomically designed to be very comfortable to use
  • Powerful engine
  • Very durable motor
  • Plenty of power
  • Very affordable
  • Easily adjustable for both tall and short users
  • Highly reliable

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Not an ideal choice for larger lawns

If you need a gas string trimmer, it would be hard to beat this one from Husqvarna. It’s powerful and durable, but still manages to be lightweight and most of all, extremely affordable. The lightweight body (it weighs just less than 14 pounds) in combination with the strong and powerful engine make this trimmer a great choice for trimming tight space corners and beds.

The trimmer is very easy to start. You simply need to hold down the throttle on the left rear side of the handle, pull the cord several times, and then push forward the primer bulb.

If you have an especially large lawn, you may still want to consider an electric trimmer, but if your lawn isn’t too big and you don’t want to spend too much, this gas powered trimmer from Husqvarna is definitely one of the best trimmers you can get right now.

2. Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer

Our rating: 8 / 10

Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer

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Pros:

  • Easy starting
  • Different attachments for different functions
  • Handles wet grass

A trimmer is broadly applicable because it can be used in the main house, and in the garden.

If you want a quality trimmer that can handle most kinds of trimmings and not create a racket, then you can consider buying the Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18".

This can handle all sorts of grass type including wet grass and is perfect for residential purposes.

3. Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

Our rating: 5 / 10

Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

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Pros:

  • Great power and easy starting
  • Well-made and powerful

Cons:

  • Uncomfortable to hold
  • Its head is heavy

Here’s the final entry in my top trimmers list with the Hitachi CG23ECPSL 29 cc gas-powered string trimmer.

This highly rated product features a .095-inch line and is perfect for anyone who needs to empty their pockets. It uses a straight up discharge for more efficient trimming, so you get the job done faster.

It also comes with a steel drive shaft for added durability. You’re able to trim straight lines, and it also clears out weeds like nobody’s business.

4. Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Brushcutter

Our rating: 5 / 10

Troy-Bilt TB42 BC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Brushcutter

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Pros:

  • Superior Cutting Power
  • Easy to Start
  • Lightweight and Portable

The Troy-Bilt TB42 BC is affordable and lightweight. It features 27cc of power that gives you unrivaled cutting power. It weighs only 8.5 pounds, which makes it the perfect companion for your yard work.

Although the Troy-Bilt TB42 BC includes 27cc power, it still remains the lightest power of other gas string trimmers. This makes it the best gas string trimmer for you if you don’t intend to use it for commercial purposes.

It is best gas string trimmers. It features a folding shaft to provide maximum comfort. The unit also includes a spring-assisted starting to ensure you never lose power in the middle of you work.

5. Weed Eater W25SBK

Our rating: 5 / 10

Weed Eater W25SBK

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Pros:

  • Lightweight (5.3 lbs.)
  • Easy to use
  • Powerful (25 cc)
  • Great for keeping sidewalks in shape
  • Includes a multifunctional quick winding string attachment
  • Easy to assemble with no tools required
  • Ideal for small to medium sized lawns
  • Makes mowing the lawn a whole lot easier
  • Powerful enough to handle lighter and tougher jobs
  • Consistent power and speed

6. Remington RM2510 Rustler 25cc 2-Cycle 16-Inch Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer

Our rating: 5 / 10

Remington RM2510 Rustler 25cc 2-Cycle 16-Inch Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer

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Pros:

  • Inexpensive price point
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to start
  • Two-year warranty
  • Substantial weight for a weed trimmer
  • Adjustable head for easy edging and trimming

Cons:

  • Gas tank is small
  • Heavier than some trimmers

The Remington RM2510 Rustler 2-Cycle Gas Powered Straight Shaft Trimmer is a worthy contender. Despite its low price point, you still get an excellent trimmer that performs quite admirably.

The Remington Rustler offers many of the features you’d expect from an expensive trimmer, including a high-quality, rust-resistant steel shaft and aluminum head. The shaft is also adjustable, allowing you to trim weeds and tall grass from both high and low positions.

This Remington trimmer has great balance and is very comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. It comes with large wheels, allowing you to roll it over tough terrain with ease.

7. Weed Eater W25CBK

Our rating: 4 / 10

Weed Eater W25CBK

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Pros:

  • Lightweight and more streamlined than your conventional 2-stroke trimmer
  • Easy start up
  • Weighs less, but still has 70% of the weight of your typical string trimmer
  • Comes with a spool cap and spool cover
  • Has a curved shaft design

As the name implies, this gas string trimmer is one of the sleeker, more streamlined models out there on the market.

It’s 50% lighter and has an Easy Start Up System, so you don’t need to pull hard on the string to get it going. It also has an Anti-Vibration system, so your hands won’t go numb from using this tool.

The string lasts 15-25% longer on this weed eater which is especially helpful considering the speed with which weeds grow out of control.

8. Metabo HPT Tanaka TCG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

Our rating: 4 / 10

Metabo HPT Tanaka TCG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

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Pros:

  • Lays out a 30 foot path with one fill up
  • Lightweight
  • Durable and well built

This trimmer is the best gas string trimmer under 100. The Metabo HPT is lightweight, weighing less than 10 pounds. The steel drive shaft makes this string trimmer great for tough yard environments. It’s also one of the best gas string trimmers under 200 dollars.

In addition to this being one of the best gas string trimmer under 200, this model is very affordable and gets the job done easily. The steel drive shaft is well made and the automatic line advance makes it very convenient for you to use.

The Metabo HPT can cover a staggering 30 feet of lawn with just one tank of gas. This makes it the best gas string trimmer for the money. Additionally, it’s very light in comparison to other trimmers. Another perk of owning this trimmer is that it runs very quietly.

9. Poulan Pro PR25SD

Our rating: 4 / 10

Poulan Pro PR25SD

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Gas String Trimmers are great for people with a bigger yard, or who just want to take the cutting of weeds to a new level. The Poulan Pro PR25SD is my top pick, and here’s why:

  • It has a straight shaft, for those of us who like to stand upright when we work.
  • If you want to mow over taller weeds and taller grasses, this is the string trimmer for you.
  • It produces more power than some other gas string trimmers.
  • It�s lightweight and easy to use for all-around trimming.
  • Not only is it affordable, but it has an expandable tube system, which means you can make this trimmer as long or as short as you want depending on the height of grass, or how much edging you want to do.
  • It is very durable, and will last you a long time.

10. Homelite 26cc Gas Powered 17 in. Curved Shaft Trimmer

Our rating: 4 / 10

Homelite 26cc Gas Powered 17 in. Curved Shaft Trimmer

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Pros:

  • Excellent features
  • Reasonably priced
  • Great for small to medium sized yards
  • Versatile

Cons:

  • Some customers have reported features breaking after minimal use
  • Relatively short life span

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best gas string trimmers?

String trimmers aren't the most exciting tool on the planet, but they are one of the essential ones. However, finding the best one for your landscaping needs isn't as easy as you think.

For a long time, electric trimmers were thought of as the superior tool when compared to gas power. However, the trend has reversed because of the advancement of technology.

Today, gas trimmers have come a long way and are comparable to their electric cousins. In fact, many professional landscapers prefer this power source now.

Also, due to the use of synthetic cords with gas powered trimmers, that can be inexpensively replaced, they are more economical than electric trimmers…. That's the way things currently stand.

What string trimmer do professionals use?

Black and Decker string trimmers are the favorite choice of professional landscapers and residential pool services. They simply hold up better and outperform 99% of other brands, based on my experience over the last 30 years in the landscape/pool maintenance industry.

For my own line of work, the Black and Decker WG155 12 Amp Weed Whacker offers most of the benefits I need for my contracting business. My favorite for residential use is the Black and Decker LST136 40V Max string trimmer.

The answer to the question of what string trimmer professionals use can be found in the multitude of outstanding reviews on Amazon and other online retailers.

Which is better Stihl or Husqvarna trimmer?

The most common question we hear regarding gas string trimmers is whether you should buy a Stihl or Husqvarna model. The difference between the two companies is slim, and hopefully, our side-by-side comparison will shed some light on what makes each trimmer unique.

The Stihl FS 45 C-E is one of the larger and more powerful models in the Stihl battery line. Its 115 cc engine has excellent power, making it well suited for medium-sized yards. The trimmer’s most notable feature is an attachable edger attachment which allows you to double the value of your trimmer and save space in your shed.

One of the more beneficial features of this trimmer is its automatic return idle speed feature. This means that if the trimmer is running a little slowly when you are not holding the trigger, then it will automatically speed up to match the speed you need.

What is the best string trimmer head?

Many seasoned landscapers usually swear by the 0.080" head, while the average homeowner might find the 0.080" head to be a bit much. There are many other choices of string trimmer heads, but they each have their own benefits and are designed to help you tackle different tasks.

We recommend getting a string trimmer with a trimmer head that suits the most common jobs around your yard. If your yard is mostly bumpy and overgrown, the 0.080" head is a good choice, whereas a smaller head with longer teeth may be preferable if you mainly have to tackle grass and weeds with your trimmer.

Like most accessories, you'll need to replace string trimmer heads periodically, but obtaining spares for different types of jobs will cut down on the yard work you need to tackle each year.

Conclusion

If you think you can’t take any more lawn maintenance headaches, then we have a solution for you. It’s in the form of a gas string trimmer, and our buying advice should help you understand it’s benefits to you and your grass. We also look at the best gas string trimmers of 2017, so you can compare them side-by-side.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
Husqvarna 128LD 17" Cutting Path Detachable Gas String TrimmerBest OverallHusqvarna 128LD 17" Cutting Path Detachable Gas String Trimmer
Homelite 26cc Gas Powered 17 in. Curved Shaft TrimmerBudget PickHomelite 26cc Gas Powered 17 in. Curved Shaft Trimmer
Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String TrimmerUpgrade PickHusqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer