The Best Professional Weed Eater – Your Ultimate Buying Guide, Plus Top 5 Reviews

If you are one who always loves a clean well-manicured lawn, you need a weed eater. While weeds are noxious, gardening does not have to be. It is smart to automate the things that you hate doing but need to do. It is also smart to consult this guide to help you buy only the best professional weed eater.

Meet The Husqvarna Straight-Shaft Detachable Weedeater

Also called the Husqvarna String Trimmer, this has become the top choice of many gardeners. Let’s check out the features and see why it has easily become the best professional weed eater.

• Lightweight design. The Husqvarna 128LD model weighs just 10.8 pounds. Carrying it all over your lawn will not tire you out quickly. Because it is lightweight, its design is also for woman. Trimming hedges and tackling excess branches will not be as burdensome, too. To compare this model to other best lightweight weed eaters, see here.
• Power source. This trimmer uses gas as its power source. If you are looking for the best commercial weed eaters, go for gas-powered machines. They can be noisy, unlike the electric ones. They also emit gas fumes, but they can sure deal with large lawns.
• Engine. Engine power is important. It can be 2 or 4 stroke (4 cycle). The Husqvarna model has a 2 stroke engine. This type of engine is best for high-revolution power that a weed eater needs. The model is also built with a 28cc engine. You are assured that those tough weeds are whipped with ease.
• Versatility. This model is a reliable tool to deal with branches, brush, or lawns. Equipped with an easy-loading T-25 automatic trimmer, you can tackle a range of jobs. This machine can also be a combi-trimmer. Up to eleven professional-grade accessories can be attached with its convenient “click-on” feature. This way, your string trimmer can be converted into a hedge trimmer, sweeper, brush cutter, pole saw, tree pruner, edger, or tiller with just one base engine unit. Its cutting guard is compatible with either grass blades or trimmer heads.

To see Husqvarna 128LD Straight-shaft Detachable Weed Eater in action, you can check this demo video:

Among the best traits of the Husqvarna 128LD string trimmer is that it is lightweight

• Smart start function. The smart start feature of this model permits the machine a quick no-worry start. It is also equipped with an auto return stop switch. This switch automatically returns to the starting setting when the machine is turned off. The model is also designed with an air purge technology that removes air from the carburetor and fuel system. The fuel pump in this machine ensures that it is ready to use when you are.
• Cutting width. As a professional weed whacker, this machine has a wide cutting path of 17 inches. It is specially made for large yards. You are sure to do a nice clean and quick job with the aid of the Husqvarna 128LD model.
• Shaft design. While the structure of shaft does not determine the performance of the machine, it determines the ease of use. A straight shaft design, which this model has, allows you a better reach. It is also safer because you are farther away from the cutter. A straight shaft would be convenient for tall person.
• Trimmer line. The string trimmer line comes in a range of thickness. For thick grasses and weeds, a 0.085-0.110 inch range is recommended. This Husqvarna weed eater model uses a 0.095 line.

Good Professional Weed Eaters Compared— Quick Comparison Table

Here is a one-stop comparison of the ratings and prices of the top pro weed eaters on the market. We will review them one-by-one shortly below. But first, feel free to get an overview here:

Rating	Image	Products	Score	Price
1 Best		​​Husqvarna 128LD Straight-shaft Detachable Weed Eater​​​ Editor’s Choice
2		​​Husqvarna 967055801 4-stroke String Trimmer​​​
3		​​Pinty Gas Brush Cutter Gas-Powered String Trimmer with Handle 42.7cc 17” ​​​
4		​​Poulan Pro 967089801 2-stroke Pole Saw-trimmer Combo​​​
5		​​Kemanner 42.7 CC Gas Brush Cutter-Trimmer Combo​​​

Uses Of A Professional Weed Eater

Whether you need to deal with rough underbrushes, trim excess branches, or clean up your grassy lawn, a weed eater will always come in handy. Sometimes called a weed wacker, weed whipper, or trimmer, it acts as your extra hand to deal with those pernicious odd-one-outs.

But, you may think, a lawn mower can do the job. Yes, it does, and so do other trimmers in the market. So, why do you need a weed eater? Weed eaters usually have a lighter weight. They are easier to use even among non-professional gardeners. The best weed eater is one that is flexible and helps you do various trimming jobs quickly. One weed eater unit can trim edges and mow grass. If you are a type of person who does not want to keep high-maintenance trimming machines, the weed wacker works well for you.

• For Commercial Purposes

Now let’s talk specifically about professional weed eaters. They are best suited for people who use trimmers very frequently and often under commercial conditions. For instance, if you have a lawn maintenance business, professional weed eaters are a must. The residential units are not that durable and usually inefficient in trimming grasses in large areas. The professional units, on the other hand, are built to last long and has powerful engine.

• For Heavy-Duty And Long Hours Of Trimming

The best commercial weed eater is one that does not fail users who have to work 8 to 10 hours a day. Commercial gardeners would love a professional model because it is heavy duty. It is designed to withstand long hours of usage and garden tough nuts. Homeowners would give all the rave about such a design because of its versatility. In addition, the engine of a professional weed eater does not easily overheat even after hours of using the equipment.

• For Cutting Thick Grasses And Small Trees

Professional weed eaters are especially reliable in whacking thick grasses or small bushes and trees. They have a versatile design that allows users to have professional grade attachments. Users can attach brush cutters to cut branches and small trees using the base engine unit of the professional weed eater.

3 Types Of Weed Eaters

Buying the best weed wacker requires, of course, knowing the different types. It is important to be clear about what you are intending to buy based on your needs. There are three main types of weed eaters: corded, battery-powered, and gas-powered. Let’s talk about them one-by-one.

• Corded Weed Eaters

These types are sometimes called plug-ins. They are so named because they are completely electric and do not use gas or oil. They need to be plugged in with a cord to work. Usually, they don’t have as much power as their counterparts that use gas. However, this characteristic makes them perfect for small yards or lawns.

They are also not great for commercial conditions because users are often restricted by the length of the cord. The plug-in types allow less maneuver and mobility. Among the advantages of corded weed eaters are their weight and sound. They are usually lighter than the other types and are much quieter. They do not use gasoline and neither they are environment-friendly.

• Battery-Powered Weed Eaters

Otherwise called cordless weed eaters, they need not be plugged-in to work. Because they are cordless, they can be taken anywhere. You will no longer need an extension cord. Battery-powered weed eaters are a good alternative to electric weed eaters when there are power outages. They are also ideal to use in open fields where electrical outlets are not available. One of the advantages of these types is that they are relatively quiet and light. The downside is, you need to have spare batteries in case the existing ones run out. Luckily, there are available rechargeable batteries on the market.

• Gas-Powered Weed Eaters

A gas trimmer is often considered the power horse of weed eaters. Gas-powered wackers are popular among large-scale operations. They are more efficient in cutting than their electric counterparts because they are usually designed with powerful motors that deliver high revolutions per minute. Plus, their operations last longer than using the battery-powered types. They can also hold more strings. These are the reasons why professional weed eaters are gas-powered. Because they are not restricted by a power cord, these trimmers can reach farther.

While it is heavy duty, there are quite a few requirements that need to be satisfied to operate this type. For one, the mixture of gas and oil needs to be considered depending on the engine power. A 2-stroke engine design, for instance, needs a proper ratio of gas and oil. The disadvantage of using this type is that it is generally noisy, relatively heavier, and not very environment-friendly. The best gas weed eater must at least comply with the standard emission levels.

The best commercial string trimmer is gas-powered.

5 Qualities To Look For In The Best Professional Weed Eater: A Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the best professional weed eater can be a tough nut to crack. Luckily, you can have this buyer’s guide as your friend.

We have quite established that a professional weed eater is best to be powered by gas. Let’s look at the other criteria for best gas string trimmer:

• Weight. The weight of the unit is important because you have to carry the entire unit for the whole operation. It should be lightweight enough so that you can easily maneuver the machine. A heavy-duty unit does not mean it has to be heavy. Models that are not lightweight are simply impractical.
• Engine. Of equal importance is the type of engine. For one, it contributes to the revolution power of the machine. Secondly, it determines the gas emission levels. The 2-stroke engine is observed to be the best for high-revolution power that you need in a weed eater. But then again, to make this work properly, you have to have the correct ratio of oil and gas. Otherwise, it can hinder performance. As regards emission levels, a test conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency found that a 2-stroke engine emits hydrocarbon approximately six times than that of a 4-stroke type (see report here​).
• Shaft design. Shafts can be curved or straight. The choice is really up to your preference. To aid your decision, there are factors to consider. The first factor is cost. Units with a straight shaft are usually more costly than the curved ones. The other factor is safety. A straight design keeps the user farther from the cutter, so it is relatively safer. The third factor is your height. Taller people find it more convenient to use weed eaters with straight shafts.
• Ease-of-use. This criterion refers to the ease in starting up the machine. Some gas-powered units are notoriously difficult to start. You will also have to consider how easy it is to put oil or if it is easy enough to replace the spool. Also, check if it is easy or compatible enough for head replacements. For matters related to replacing the weed eater’s head, you are free to consult this article.
• Handles. Yes, it is a more crucial factor than you might think. Generally, there are two handle designs: bike and loop handles. The choice is a matter of personal preference. However, what is important in the discussion of handles is the amount of padding on them. Padding is important for reducing vibration. It is important to try out how the design feels to you because you are likely to work in long periods with a professional weed eater.

Top 5 Best Professional Weed Eater Reviews

With all the above criteria considered, let us now review the five top weed eaters on the market and look at their pros and cons. This will hopefully help you choose the best professional weed eater.

#1 Husqvarna 128LD Straight-shaft Detachable Weed Eater

Husqvarna 128LD Straight-shaft Detachable Weed Eater. Via: Amazon.com

The Husqvarna 128LD gas-powered model has a lightweight design that comes with a T-25 automatic trimmer head. The unit weighs 10.8 pounds. It is equipped with a smart start recoil system and fuel pump to easily start the machine. This machine is built with a detachable straight shaft for easy storage. It has a 2-cycle engine that is compatible with its high-revolution power.

Pros

• Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver the weed eater.
• The model is compatible with up to eleven different professional-grade attachments.
• The detachable shaft makes it easy to stow away.
• Starting the engine is not a burden, thanks to the smart start recoil system.

Cons

• Its 2-cycle engine type is not environment-friendly.
• The smart start feature is not durable as reported by some users.

#2 Husqvarna 967055801 4-stroke String Trimmer

Husqvarna 967055801 4-stroke String Trimmer. Via: Amazon.com

Manufactured by Husqvarna, this trimmer is designed with a smart start technology. Like other Husqvarna models, it has an air purge mechanism that removes air from carburetor and eases starting the machine. It runs on a 4-cycle engine type. This model is built with a flex drive straight shaft and a loop handle. The unit weighs 17 pounds.

Pros

• The 4-stroke engine keeps gas emissions within the EPA standard.
• There is no need to mix oil and gas because it is equipped with a 4-stroke engine type.
• Starting the machine is easy, owing to the smart start technology and air purge mechanism.

Cons

• The unit is relatively heavy.
• The absence of a shoulder strap makes this model easily tiresome to use.

#3  Pinty Gas Brush Cutter Gas-Powered String Trimmer with Handle 42.7cc 

This grass trimmer is built with a 47.2cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine type. It is designed with a QuickStart technology, so starting the machine is a breeze. Its straight shaft is adjustable. The trimmer head comes with a metal blade and nylon cutter perfect for brush and grass. The model is designed with a balanced aluminum anti-vibration handle.

Pros

• The QuickStart technology makes this machine easy to start.
• The adjustable design of the shaft makes it easier for the user to reach better and farther.
• The machine is designed for versatility.

Cons

• The 2-stroke engine type tends to emit high levels of toxic gas.
• The unit is not lightweight.

#4 Poulan Pro 967089801 2-stroke Pole Saw-trimmer Combo

Poulan Pro 967089801 2-stroke Pole Saw-trimmer Combo. Via: Amazon.com

Reloading the trimmer spool is easy with this model, thanks to the Tap n’ Go mechanism. It has an air purge design that removes air from the carburetor, which contributes to easy starting. It is equipped with an auto return stop switch that automatically resets it to the ON position for easy starting. The unit weighs 14 pounds.

Pros

• Poulan Pro trimmers are designed to be compatible with 6 head attachments.
• A shoulder strap is attached to aid in carrying the machine for long hours.
• The shaft’s expanse is 12-inch long so that it can reach farther.

Cons

• The 2-stroke engine type is not environment-friendly.
• The unit is relatively heavy.

#5 Kemanner 42.7 CC Gas Brush Cutter-Trimmer Combo

This 2-cycle gas trimmer is powered by a 42.7 cc engine. It has a straight shaft design that provides users an extended reach even under bushes or shrubs. The cutting attachment guard is designed for both a trimmer head and a grass blade. This model boasts of its 1.25KW motor, which makes it tough for noxious weeds and thick grasses.

Pros

• This model can tackle the toughest weeds and grasses, owing to its motor power.
• Its cutting attachment guard is versatile.
• The straight shaft design allows a good reach and keeps users safe.

Cons

• A correct mixture of oil and gas is necessary to operate the machine.
• A 2-stroke engine emits high levels of hydrocarbon.

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider in choosing the best professional weed eater. There are different models on the market that offer various kinds of user experience. However, what you have to always use as filters are ease of use and safety. That is why the Husqvarna 128LD model has earned the nods of many because its features have the combination of both. A good weed eater should be easy to start, lightweight, and has an anti-vibration padding.

Wearing the proper protective equipment is important for user safety.

Safety is also important. You have to consider your safety and the environment’s. Your safety, however, is not totally dependent on the model’s design. You have to have the proper protective equipment when you use the machine. Here’s an information sheet from an educational institution to guide you.

It’s time to upgrade your gardening tools. Try Husqvarna 128LD model and see the difference it can give to your lawn maintenance.

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