Every owner of a large yard knows how exhausting the maintenance can get, right? No one enjoys carrying the trimmer for an hour around the yard, continually recharging it, changing the batteries, or having to watch out for the cord the entire time.
But don’t worry, choosing the proper tool can change the game drastically.
Gas-powered weed eaters are a must-have tool for spacious lawns and yards. They will halve the trimming time and give you a more professional experience due to better performance and more power they provide.
Look at our list of the top 5 best gas weed eaters on the market, and see for yourself why they are life changers when it comes to gardening.
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The Best Gas Weed Eaters Available: My Top 5 Picks
When it comes to the gas-powered weed eaters, the best-selling model for years now indisputably remains Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft.
At the core of this super-powerful machine lies a 28cc 2-cycle engine that starts up quickly absolutely every time due to its unique Smart Start Technology. The stop switch automatically returns to the on position, while the start cord resistance is reduced by 40%, saving you both time and energy.
Now, this 2-cycle engine runs on a mixture of unleaded gas and 2-cycle oil, which you can easily prepare in the included bottle for mixing, following the provided instructions. The motor works as long as you have fuel, which you can easily keep track of since the fuel tank is translucent.
With motor as forceful as this, one wouldn't expect this tool to weigh only 10.8 pounds, but it's true. Furthermore, this lightweight butcher has a seventeen inches wide cutting path and a straight shaft that provides easier access to usually unreachable places.
To make the usage even more convenient, the producer installed a Tap'N Go function for a more accessible release of the feed line. So, as you work, just tap the trimming head against the grass, and more feed lines will be released.
Finally, due to compatible design, you can attach many different extensions to transform your weed eater into, for example, an edger or a cultivator and take full care of your lawn with a single tool.
And don’t even worry about the malfunctions! A two-year warranty guarantees the rigidity and durability of your weed eater.
- Wide cutting swath
- Powerful engine
- Possible attachments
- Easy start
- Lightweight
- Tap ‘N go function
- Possible carburetor problems
Based on its specifications, this model gets close to our top pick. It has a slightly less powerful motor but includes some extra functions, thus we consider it the second-best petrol strimmer on the market.
This tool derives its power from a two-stroke 22.1cc engine, extremely easy to start. It takes two pulls every time, and you're ready to go. It uses the 50:1 oil/gas mixture, which is typical for two-cycle engines, so you can buy it pre-made or easily make it yourself.
Just as our top pick, this model also has a 17 inches wide cutting path, which in combination with its curved shaft, enables you to trim large, plain areas more effectively and with less effort.
Once again, with the bump head function, you control how much feed line you release without having to stop to adjust It manually whenever needed. It is 0.080 inches thick and effortless to replace. Plus, the tool is distinctly lightweight and easy to manage.
What this model also features is a debris shield and an ergonomic throttle grip for extra convenient usage and maneuvering.
You definitely won’t make a mistake buying this model. Besides sturdy design and a strong engine as its primary qualities, it is straightforward for usage and maintenance, and the performance will leave you in awe.
- Lightweight
- Easy start
- Thick feed line
- Bump function
- Wide cutting swath
- Curved shaft
- Possible issues with fuel filters
Tame the fast-growing beast of your lawn with this unstoppable yet quite affordable machine. Remington RM2510 Rustler enters our list as one of the most efficient gas weed eaters on the market despite its low price.
Powered by a 2-cycle 25cc engine, Remington Rustler smoothly cuts through overgrown weeds and dense grass. Additionally, to prevent the annoying struggle before the trimming, the manufacturer installed a QuickStart Technology to the engine, enabling you to start your device in minutes.
When it comes to design, this incredible tool has a curved shaft for more convenient trimming of large spaces and an additional handle for a more comfortable grip and easier maneuvering.
Significantly thicker, dual-feed line measures 0.095 inches in diameter and extends by a simple bump of a trimmer head against the lawn. The bump system makes trimming quicker and prevents the unnecessary waste of time for manual line release.
You most certainly will trim quickly since this powerful tool has a cutting swath 16 inches wide, which is a golden standard for the trimmers of this kind.
- Lightweight
- QuickStart technology
- Curved shaft
- Thick feed line
- Wide cutting swath
- Affordable
- No vibration-control
What differentiates this model from other similar tools on the market is its upgraded design specially built to make this device extremely functional and easy to use.
HITACHI CG23ECPSL uses a 2-cycle heavy-duty 22.5 cc Pure Fire engine. This motor delivers high force and gives desirable performance while the anti-vibration system decreases the resistance, enabling you to trim without stress and troubles.
Further upgrades, in comparison to other models, are Hitachi's S-Start system and exceptional Walbro carburetor with purge bulb. These features reduce the recoil during the ignition and fix the core problem of gas-powered models, making it effortless to start and even more to use.
It also incorporates a solid steel drive shaft, 69.6 inches long, and quite sturdy. Long straight poles are ideal for getting to hard to reach places and corners. Plus, taller people can easily manage this trimmer without bending too much and hurting their backs.
Finally, Tap N’ Go trimmer head speeds up the feed line release process, and together with the low weight of this product, improve maneuverability.
- Lightweight
- Anti-vibration system
- Powerful motor
- Tap N’ Go system
- Heavy-duty, long shaft
- Replacement parts are hard to get
With identical performance as our top pick, Poulan Pro PR28SD boils the ultimate choice of your favorite gas-powered trimmer down to brand favoritism.
It incorporates a 2-stroke 28cc engine that delivers the highest power measured on the market when it comes to the trimmers powered by gas and will significantly shorten the time you spend on trimming and edging your yard.
Moreover, the Effortless Pull Starting system combines a spring-assist pull cord with an effortless-to-use purge bulb to ease the troubles with motor ignition.
As for the cutting swath, it measures an incredible 17 inches, which is beyond the standard, which again works in favor of better performance and faster trimming.
The feed line releases with a simple tap on the ground, and the reloading is effortless and quick as well, so it's ideal for personal use and professional as well.
Additionally, this model is suitable for six different extensions and attachments, enabling you to have a trimmer, edger, cultivator, blower, and many other tools in one device.
The only disadvantage in comparison to Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft is that this model weighs more, thus being a bit harder for maneuvering.
- Wide cutting swath
- Easy to start system
- Tap N’ Go system
- Powerful engine
- Possible attachments
- Heavy
Types of Gas-powered Weed Eaters
Choosing the right gas weed eater can be tricky for someone who is not an expert in the area. They differ in many features, such as design, weight, price, etc. Yet, almost all the differences stem from the type of engine that drives the device.
There are two different engines in gas weed eaters: 2-cycle engine and 4-cycle engine.
A common misunderstanding among the users is that the 4-cycle engine is twice as powerful as the 2-cycle engine. It is entirely wrong!
Namely, both engines drive on a mixture of oil and fuel. The main difference between the engines is that one model requires the propellant already mixed, while the other does the mixing itself. But let's dive into the matter.
If you eventually decide to buy a weed eater with a 2-cycle engine and you’re not sure how to prepare the propellent, here is a video you may find helpful.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Gas Weed Eater?
As with any other commodity, there are some guidelines you can follow to purchase the best item on the market. However, always bear in mind your personal needs and buy the product that meets your demands fully.
Here are some suggestions about what you should look for in a gas-powered weed eater.
1. The Weight
Gas weed eaters can weigh more than other models on the market.
If you care about easy maneuvering, opt for trimmers with 2-cycle engines since they are more lightweight and more comfortable to use.
2. Cutting Swath
Trimming will be less time consuming if your device has a wider cutting swath.
The highest range on the market is around 17 inches, however slightly smaller will do the job too.
3. Anti-vibration
Gas-powered weed eaters can be hard to handle since they make a lot of noise and vibrate in your hands.
Many models have an upgraded design that creates less vibration and makes maneuvering easier. Pay attention to that.
4. The Shaft Design
Taller people should buy trimmers with longer shafts, while logically shorter users should opt for shorter rods. Some models have adjustable poles, which is of great use for the families where more than one person is in charge of the yard maintenance.
Also, curved shafts are better for vast areas, while straight shafts perform better in hard to reach corners.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer, 28-cc 2-Cycle, 17-inch Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer... |
$239.00 |
Buy on Amazon | |
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Echo GT-225 2 Cycle 21.2cc Curved Shaft Gas Trimmer* | $215.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How to Use Gas Powered Weed Eater
1. Start Up
As compared to the electric unit that requires a push in the button, the gas powered one requires a simple manual pull of the string to start the engine.
2. Noise
As operated by gas, the engine is noisy when trimming down the weeds or grasses. It is advised that you use ear protection to avoid ear problem or hearing problem.
3. Costly Than Smaller Electric Weed Eaters
Depending on the size, a bigger gas operated weed eater with bigger engine is definitely costlier than the smaller unit of the electric one.
4. Heavy
The engine of this tool makes it heavy. It requires more strength to carry it along while trimming the weeds.
5. Constant Needs to Refuel
There is a need to refuel every now and then, especially if the area to be trimmed is larger. The cost of the gas is also an additional expense.
6. Not Environment-friendly
Because of gas, this tool emits fumes and emissions, which are not environment-friendly. This is just a minor flaw compared to the performance.
Final Thoughts
There is an excellent variety of trimmers on the market, but let's get real, no model will finish the job as effectively as the gas-powered one. It's more powerful, faster, and has a significantly longer run time than the competing models. Our recommendation is the king of the branch, aka Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft. With the potent 28cc motor, it creates a 17 inches wide cutting path.
- Husqvarna 128LD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer is a great multipurpose weed eater with a 17-inch cutting width and a powerful 28-cc engine to let you power through yard work
- Tap N' Go T25 Trimmer Head: Husqvarna string trimmer with heavy duty twin line cutting system features a Tap N' Go weed trimmer head for quick line feed- spins counter clockwise
- Smart Start Technology: specially-designed engine and starter for easy and fast starting with minimum effort
- Air Purge: removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for additional easy starting
- Versatile and Easy to Store: This grass trimmer is compatible with select click-on attachments to cover the job of a variety of lawn care equipment, plus it features a detachable shaft for easy transport and storage
Furthermore, it is pretty light, thus easy for manual use, and starts instantly due to the smart start system. The Tap ‘N Go system makes the line release extremely simple, and the straight shaft helps you reach every corner of your yard. You most certainly won’t need another tool since it comes with a warranty and is suitable for many attachments. Check it out!
