If you have a courtyard or a lawn in front of your house, you’ll inevitably need something to trim the grass with. The most popular devices are string trimmers, and among the diversity of models, gas ones still have their advantages over their electric counterparts. What’s the best gas string trimmer 2024 for your needs according to toolsngoods.com? And what should you look at while choosing one? Let’s take a closer look at these devices and point out the most important parameters.
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What Is a Modern Trimmer? Trimmers vs. Lawnmowers
Today’s string trimmers are mobile, lightweight devices that remind home cleaning equipment rather than four-wheeled lawnmowers. Though those also have their cons, a string trimmer is more versatile. It’s smaller and lighter, easier to apply, and can accurately trim edges and reach bordered small areas that a lawnmower can’t enter.
These trimmers use a simple string turned into a blade when given enough torque as a cutting element. The engine that sets it in motion is small enough to be controlled manually, and the trimming power is comparable to your standard sharp metal blades. They are more affordable and require less energy. Therefore, even gas models are relatively eco-friendly, producing less exhaust gas.
Source of Force
There are basically 3 types of trimmers available today, using different power sources. All of them are popular, though one will be better suited for each use case than the others. They are the following:
- Gas-powered. The most autonomous, as their worktime only depends on how much fuel you have. These are the most useful for larger areas, especially those remote from the nearest power source.
- Battery-powered. They are good for smaller yards that can be processed in about an hour. Though they can only work until the battery runs out (unless you have a charged replacement), they are quieter and more eco-friendly.
- Corded. They require an extension cord. These models are great if you need to trim the grass around your house and have a long cord. They usually are more powerful than battery-operated ones, yet they retain the rest of their other pros, except for mobility.
Which one should you choose? Look at your yard or lawn. Do you have an extension cord cable to power the device in the remotest corners? If yes, a corded one is the best. If not, think how much time it would take to trim it all over. Then compare it with the battery capacity of the model you like. Maybe, you can solve the problem with an extra battery. If not, choose your trimmer among gas models.
Indeed, gas models are the most versatile. If you have a car (I bet you do as you have a yard), there should be no problems with fuel. The noise is harder to deal with, but a pair of earmuffs will protect you. As for your neighbors, if they find the noise too annoying, you can just contact them and warn them when exactly you plan to do the trimming.
So, gas models are the way to go unless you have specific reasons to get an electric one. But the choice doesn’t end there as you can find many various gas string trimmers, and even the models looking similar may perform differently. Now, let’s examine the differences and try to highlight the key features.
What to Look at While Choosing the Gas String Trimmer
Gas string trimmers are a large and diverse class of devices that may differ in many features, from design to performance. Here are the ones you should look at before buying.
- Power. The more powerful the engine, the more efficiently the device works. Stronger ones will require more fuel, but the overall consumption still remains rather low.
- Engine. 4-cylinder models usually are stronger and more reliable.
- Weight. You should feel comfortable when holding this device and turning it to, for example, edge your lawn. You should also consider potential attachments that shouldn’t make the appliance too heavy to handle.
- Balance. It’s just as important as the weight.
- Height. Choose one that fits your own height, so you won’t have to hold it below the handle or bend while working.
- Shape. Some like them bent, some like them straight. It’s a pure matter of comfort. Straight ones reach further and let you process larger areas in one go, while bent ones are just easier to hold for many.
- Noise. It’s one of the biggest issues with gas string trimmers. Even with low-noise models, you may still need earmuffs.
- Vibration. Most modern trimmers come with anti-vibration technology preventing your hands from that forced trembling. However, older models may lack it. So make sure the vibration level doesn’t make the experience unbearable.
- Safety features. Though trimmers usually come with onboard safety shields and guards, you still need to check whether they do their job while you do yours. And don’t forget to follow the manual.
- Attachments. You may want to use the device with attachments providing extra features. For example, a chainsaw blade may help you cut through the thickest grass. In addition, some of them have a versatile connector, while others are only compatible with attachments by the same brand.
- Manufacturer. The equipment of established brands may be more expensive than what Chinese new companies offer, but they surely deliver better consumer service.
- Price. Good things are never the cheapest, but you can search for the best price for your desired item.
Choose With Your Hands
The final recommendation may be too obvious, but it’s worth reminding. Gas trimmers are designed for a physical job, so you should feel comfortable working with them. So you better give it some time. Try to touch the one you liked by the description. Lift it up and see whether it’s lightweight enough. Check the shape: which one is more comfortable to hold? Even if you don’t like the color or find it too expensive, following your feeling is always better than calculating and regretting it. Your lawn, as well as your body, deserves the best.