What is the best cordless string trimmer? Nowadays the best battery-powered models are belong to the most functional and applicable tools, which are capable of an accurate manicuring of smaller lawns and suitable for tackling various trimming tasks at any tight spaces and remote locations. Thanks to capacity of this tool your lawn will be always well-groomed and fancy without any extra efforts or costs from your side. Taking into consideration the above-mentioned, the Greenworks GST80320 is in the forefront among other cordless counterparts which definitely deserves a closer look.
Why have I chosen this model? The GST80320 model from Greenworks proves its eco-friendliness with an advanced brushless system which delivers higher torque, more stability during operation and enhances the overall durability of the tool. Besides, this model is compatible with a 80V li-ion battery which has the highest voltage rate for this class of equipment. The 16-inch cutting width ensures an exclusive cutting efficiency. The latter is also proved by a variable speed control which can be adapted for the specific needs.
At the same time, this string trimmer comes in a compact and ergonomic design which gives you a great opportunity to be converted to various gardening tools with numerous gas attachments necessary.
Table of Content
- 1 Some outline of a cordless string trimmer
- 2 What features should be considered when looking for a cordless string trimmer? | Buyer's Guide
- 3 What are the main advantages of cordless string trimmers?
- 4 Trusted Brands
- 5 Top-5 cordless string trimmers
- 6 FAQ?
Some outline of a cordless string trimmer
If you want your backyard to look neat and manicured, a regular trimming of lawn grass is required. Thus, string trimmers also referred to as weed eaters have been highly demanded for years, making gardening routine easy and pleasant for an average householder. If a territory of your garden is more long than wide, the electric corded trimmers are less convenient due to a limited length of a power cable. Even the long extension cords sometimes are not enough to reach some odd corners. The gas-powered tools are very noisy in operation followed by polluting emissions. Thus, a lightweight, portable and user-friendly cordless trimmer is here to help you.
I have reviewed various battery-powered models which are suitable for lawn maintaining and weed cutting at hard-to-reach areas. Besides, I have prepared my own list of the best models basing on the benchmarking of their features and reviews from the professionals and regular customers.
What features should be considered when looking for a cordless string trimmer? | Buyer's Guide
Power output. It is one of the most important characteristics, you should pay attention to. This is the main indicator which determines the force of a motor. In majority of cases this parameter is measured in Watts; however it can be represented in horsepower, as well. The power output of cordless trimmers is considerably lower as this type of electric trimmers is used for light-duty jobs and less frequently. Less powerful motors are less expensive, thus reducing the overall cost of the tool. That is why, when selecting a tool for an occasional use, you shouldn’t strive for the extremely powerful models, like gas-powered options, if there’s no reasonable need for this.
Cutter. You should check the possibility of using a particular type of cutting accessory. If you are going to deal with a thin-stalked grass, then you’d better choose a tool with a nylon line or plastic blades. But if you have to trim small bushes, or dry and rough grass, then it would be reasonable to use steel cutters and cutting blades.
RPMs. Another indicator of tool's performance is determined by rotations of a cutter per minute. Low-power string trimmers feature speed ranges which are less than 7000 RPM. The professional-grade units are capable of obtaining up to 12000 RPM. However, the speed of 6000 RPM will be enough for maintaining a small garden or a backyard.
Shaft design. This part of a weed eater transfers power from the motor or engine to the cutting lines. It is commonly thought that curved-shaft trimmers are less reliable than the straight-shaft counterparts. The latter are commonly equipped with metal cutters and blades and a design which allows cutting of underneath shrubs and bushes at the hard-to-get areas. Curved shaft trimmers use only nylon line and plastic blades. However, they are lighter in weight and easier to maneuver. Thus, the straight shaft models are considered to be a powerful and professional-grade tools for operation under higher loads. The curved-shaft options are mostly used for residential purposes.
Cutting width. It is logical to assume that the tools with higher performance are capable of trimming wider spaces in one pass. However, when cutting of smaller or narrower lawns, the cutting width won’t be a crucial feature. Thus, we can make a conclusion that the assessment of this feature will be reasonable only when selecting a trimmer for large-scale jobs. However, it is worthy to mention that the most average string trimmers available on the market are offered with the cutting width ranges from 10 to 18 inches.
Battery type. You should learn carefully about the properties of a battery as it is a highly important component for an adequate performance. There are three main types currently available on the market. Lithium-Ion batteries take the lead among other options like Ni-Mh and Ni-Cad power sources. They are distinguished with higher power output, better capacity, low memory effect and environmental-friendliness. However, they will hit your wallets as li-Ion batteries are pricier options in comparison with the less powerful counterparts which are not so demanded nowadays.
Battery voltage. The average cordless string trimmers are offered with 14.4V-40V batteries. As you may imagine, the voltage rating determines the capacity of a tool. Thus, high-voltage batteries contribute to better cutting efficiency of a string trimmer.
Battery capacity. This parameter determines a continuous runtime of a tool. In general this time is in the range of 1.3 to 4.5 Ah. In particular, a string trimmer with a 2Ah battery is capable of cutting up to 20-30 minutes without any recharge. Nowadays, the most advanced batteries are capable to withstand up to 1 hour of a continuous operation before they are fully empty.
Noise level. The cordless string trimmers have one apparent advantage of ability to work with less noise in comparison with corded and gas-powered models. The latter are especially noisy during operation due to the peculiarities of their design and the gas engine. Quiet battery-powered units can be used at any time of the day without producing unpleasant sounds which can be irritating both for a user and those around.
Weight. This feature can influence on the convenience during operation of a string trimmer and on fatigue of its operator. In general, the weight can be varied from 3 lbs up to 20 lbs. it would be reasonable to prefer lighter models for the extended operations. However, such type of work may be performed at some remote locations with no regular power outlet, thus requiring gas-powered models which are the heaviest among other types of string trimmers. Cordless models usually weigh from 5 up to 11 lbs.
What are the main advantages of cordless string trimmers?
What can make you hunting for a cordless string trimmer? What unmatched advantage does it have which distinguishes the battery-powered option from other corded or gas-powered counterparts? It goes without saying that there are a lot of such benefits. First of all, it gives a sense stability and thus confidence during operation. This fact is explained by the right positioning of a motor, plus anti-vibration arms which represent a kind of extension of a shaft which allow operating your cordless buddy with one hand.
The lightweight of this type of string trimmers also contribute to convenience and ease of its operation. This benefit allows anyone to handle cordless string trimmers easily. Even women can operate it without fatigue, as no outstanding physical abilities are required. Besides, its light weight allows carrying such unit from one area to another. More than that, there is no longer necessity in a shoulder strap.
Another important advantage of the battery-powered models is the independence from a power cable. There is no need to take care about an extension cord or a standard power outlet available; you can cut the grass at any remote location. Forget about annoying cords on your way and feel the freedom of your motions while creating the best of your garden landscape.
Trusted Brands
As the market of the electric string trimmers is quite saturated, I suggest reviewing the most reliable manufacturers, which are highly recognizable due to their high-quality outdoor equipment and tools.
Black & decker outdoor power tools have been highly demanded on the global market popular for many years. The electric trimmers of this U.S. brand are offered in a bright design which can be also distinguished by a high ergonomic level. Even if their models are less powerful with lower cutting capacity in comparison with other reliable counterparts, they are still very convenient in use due to an exceptional stability and light weight they grant.
Greenworks is another U.S. brand which is gathering its popularity among the customers even beyond the U.S. borders due to the official policy of the company directed on the environmental protection. In particular they produce only eco-friendly electric tools, excluding any hazardous or polluting emissions into the atmosphere. As for their range of cordless string trimmers, the company offers the tools suitable for various household purposes.
Makita is one of the well-known brands worldwide which manufactures a wide range of electric string trimmers including extra powerful professional-grade models. This Japanese brand declares an impressive performance which is proved by a prominent cutting width. Besides, the units from this brand are highly safe in use, featuring a number of specific functions like a protection against unintended start-up.
Bosch, the German company, is another giant in the world of the power tools and accessories. This brand has a solid reputation of a manufacturer of the high-quality goods covering all the fields of application, from residential- to industrial grades. Thus, all string trimmers from this brand come in a sophisticated and ergonomic design. All models feature plenty of advanced user-friendly features, thus enhancing the convenience and simplicity of their operation.
Worx tools and equipment are highly demanded by more and more customers in the U.S. and outside. The company provides end-to-end solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications at comparatively lower prices than those from the international leaders in the industry. All Worx string trimmers feature powerful batteries for extended runtime. The company also states that their powerful cordless units operate as efficiently as many gas-powered counterparts.
Top-5 cordless string trimmers
1. GREENWORKS GST80320 | Best overall
GreenWorks offers various power tools for indoor and outdoor needs in accordance with the best available eco-friendly technologies.
This 80V li-ion battery powered string trimmer features numerous professional-grade characteristics. Firstly, it comes with a brushless motor with a die cast gearbox which enhances performance and durability of the tool similar to 26cc gas engine. The cutting path amounts to 16 inches with a .080 line diameter bump feed. This unit comes with a variable speed control which can be adjusted by means of a special trigger.
The detachable design allows accepting various gas attachments. Besides, a battery used can be shared with several cordless models, thus enhancing the overall versatility of the unit.
Features
- Cutting path (inch): 16
- Shaft design: Straight
- Weight (lbs): 14.65
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 12.5 x 6.5 x 69
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I recommend the Green Works GST80320 string trimmer as one of the best option in its class. It has been developed to tackle heavy-duty jobs in its innovative lightweight and ergonomic design.
Greenworks GST80320: Check the current price
2. GREENWORKS 2100702 | Best performance
This cordless string trimmer features a powerful and durable brushless motor which delivers higher torque and contributes to a lower level of noise. The top mount motor head is detachable and can be adopted by multiple gas attachments. Thus, it grants you versatility of use and save your money. This model is capable of obtaining up to 14-inch cutting width with a bump feed, thus increasing the efficiency when cutting through tough weeds. This unit has a straight shaft which has a robust design to meet tougher needs.
The tool is delivered with a 40 V li-ion battery and a charger. The battery is compatible with several models from the cordless range of this manufacturer.
Features
- Cutting path (inch): 14
- Shaft design: Straight
- Weight (lbs): 12.9
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 8.2 x 10 x 35.8
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The Greenworks 2100702 is a bright example of a cordless string trimmer featuring power, performance, versatility and durability of a gas-powered counterpart.
Greenworks 2100702: Check the current price
3. WORX WG163 GT | Best set of functions
Worx is continuing to follow the environmental responsibility aspects of its policy. Thus they offer this powerful and versatile 20V li-ion battery-powered string trimmer. This model gives enlarged opportunities in garden maintaining by converting from a string trimmer to a wheeled edger with no hassle. More than that, the shaft can be 90-degree tilted to direct a cutting head to the tight or hard-to-get areas.
The WG163 has a command feed button, thus a user has a total control over the process. This model features a telescopic shaft which allows height adjustments for better comfort and control. Besides, it comes with an adjustable handle which can be regulated depending on a situation.
Features
- Cutting path (inch): 12
- Shaft design: Straight
- Weight (lbs): 5.3
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 7.5 x 5.5 x 36.3
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This model stands out with its lightweight and versatility from other counterparts in this class. This string trimmer can be easily adapted to any user or cutting needs required.
WORX WG163: Check the current price
4. BLACK + DECKER LST300 | Best value
And again Black & decker proves the reliability and affordability of its products by the LST300 cordless string trimmer. The manufacturer claims this model with the 20V li-ion battery has 33% more run time than its predecessor. A transmission system of this unit is capable of delivering more power from the motor to the cutting line, thus increasing the torque and efficiency of the trimming process. This cordless string trimmer features an automatic spool for a continuous feeding of a line excluding unpredictable bump feed.
Like most advanced electric trimmers, this model is designed to be transformed from a trimmer to an edger, whenever needed. Its lightweight design consists of an adjustable handle and shaft to be convenient for any user of any height and physical abilities.
Features
- Cutting path (inch): 12
- Shaft design: Straight
- Weight (lbs): 5.7
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 8.5 x 4.8 x 36.3
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This model is a great value for its money. This string trimmer can be distinguished by its reasonable price, versatility and user-friendliness in one pack.
BLACK + DECKER: Check the current price
5. WORX WG154 | Best budget
This cordless 20V li-ion model delivers enough power to trim through a small land. One of the best things about the WG154 is its versatility. Thus, it can be easily converted from a string trimmer to an edger and back easily and quickly. The great thing is that this transformation doesn’t require any manual operations as it can be performed by means of a simple click on a button.
The cutting path of 10 inches can be extended up to 12 inches for better cutting efficiency and time saving. Besides, this model is equipped with a flower guard which can be folded to avoid damaging your flower beds while grass trimming.
- Features
- Cutting path (inch): 12
- Shaft design: Straight
- Weight (lbs): 6
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 10 x 11 x 47
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The WG154 is the simplest tool for any person even that who doesn’t have anything to do with the gardening. The design of this string trimmer with its folded guard will take care of your ornamental plants. Overall, it is the best budget option granting all versatility and flexibility for its owner.
WORX WG154: Check the current price
FAQ?
How good are electric string trimmers?
Electric string trimmers are designed for cutting of grass at small gardens or backyards due to less power in comparison with heavy-duty gas-powered counterparts. Nevertheless, the electric models have numerous advantages like compactness and maneuverability, lightweight, lower noise and vibration levels, and lack of regular maintenance routine. The electric string trimmers can be successfully used for cutting small lawns. The only thing you should take care of is the availability of a regular power outlet nearby.
What is a cordless string trimmer?
A cordless or battery-powered string trimmer is a type of electric units which run on a battery. The latter in average can last up to 20-30 minutes till its recharging. Such tools stand out with the portability and maneuverability, thus they are pretty simple and easy in operation. However, the cordless models are designed for light-duty trimming, like grass or weeds grown on smaller territories.
What does brushless mean in cordless string trimmers?
It means that a cordless string trimmer is equipped with a brushless DC motor. The latter is more efficient and reliable in comparison with a traditional brush motor. The brushless motor can be compared with a gas-engine in its power, at the same time, featuring absolute eco- and user-friendliness, lower vibration and noise, and no necessity in a regular maintenance.