It is already a fact that a gardener’s lawn is ultimately the gardener’s pride. Maintaining and taking care of your lawn requires a lot of effort, but that effort can transform in a relaxing experience, as well. With the right tools, you can make the experience a lot more enjoyable.
For this reason, when choosing a new weed eater head, it should be the best. Not only the wrong head replacement won’t be compatible with your weed eater, but its capacity and power are also key elements. Having the best string trimmer replacement head in hand means you can reload it easily, it works up to par, and your yard is perfectly cut every time.
Other than being adjustable and powerful, it should be capable enough to work with almost any object out there. Besides from selecting the best pruners for cutting long branches, figuring out what is the best weed eater head can be overwhelming. So, investing in the best weed eater head and weed eater tool (likewise known as string trimmer) will eventually become very handy, especially when dealing with hard-to-reach areas.
That is exactly why we decided to review the five best weed eater head options on the market.
However, this article contains more than just a top five weed eater head options for you. We prepared some helpful advice for when you search for the most suitable string trimmer replacement head, and even a section where you will find out how to change a weed eater head. We will also talk about the different weed eater head types and what are their benefits and drawbacks.
5 Best Weed Eater Head Reviews 2018
To help the process of deciding what weed eater head is for you, we have reviewed five of the best weed eater head products on the market. After you will find out what are the top five, we will also guide you to choose the most suitable one for yourself and your lawn.
#1 Maxpower 3317233 PivoTrim Trimmer Head
Via: Amazon.com
First on the list, we have the Maxpower PivoTrim; a flexible and durable trimmer head option. It is an excellent choice which also fits 99% of any existing trimmer on the market. With an all-purpose 0.095-inch diameter line, you can easily perform any trimming task with ease. Moreover, it is super easy to install, and it even comes with a design that limits breakage.
Pros
- The head’s versatile design makes it applicable to use for almost any trimmer.
- It has a special pivoting design that reduces line breakage significantly.
- It comes with a 0.095-inch pre-cut line.
- The installation process is very easy, and you can start trimming within minutes.
- It is capable of tolerating a variety of line sizes.
Cons
- There have been some complaints about having to replace the line every now and then.
#2 Grass Gator 4680 Extra Heavy Duty Trimmer Head
Via: Amazon.com
The Grass Gator 4680 trimmer head is a versatile and durable head that makes trimming tasks a lot easier for every gardener out there. It is designed for heavy-duty commercial weed eaters, as well. Aside from the fact that it is easy to use, it also produces very little noise. Overall, it’s an excellent product for dealing with heavy brush, grass, and weeds.
Pros
- It is a versatile weed eater head for Stihl, Ryobi, Homelite, Craftsman, Toro, and several other popular weed eater brands.
- It comes with pre-cut lines that can be installed within seconds.
- The head is relatively lightweight for a heavy-duty product.
- The roduct is designed to tackle extra heavy-duty trimming tasks.
- It works best when installed on large trimmers with at least 25 cc engines.
Cons
- Some buyers complained about the trimmer head not fitting their string trimmers as advertised.
#3 Echo Speed-Feed Trimmer Head
Via: Amazon.com
The Echo speed feed 450 trimmer head is an excellent choice for beginners. Loading the line is relatively easy, and you can start trimming right away. Moreover, it’s quite long. That is why you do not have to constantly reload each time the string runs out.
However, the problem with Echo speed feed is that it is only limited to certain brands such as Echo, Homelite, and Husqvarna.
Pros
- The Echo head trimmer can load up to 20 feet of line, thus reducing the need to reload constantly.
- You only have to tap the head for feeding the line.
- The installation process is quick and easy.
- It comes with an adaptor for increasing the range of compatible weed eaters.
- It can fit any shaft string trimmer easily.
Cons
- The product is not suitable for curved shaft trimmers as it will not fit.
#4 Shindaiwa Speed-Feed Trimmer Head
Via: Amazon.com
This is the new and improved version of the speed-feed 375 from Shindaiwa. What is new?
The head provides more power and can fit almost all string trimmer brands. It is capable of holding up to 20 feet of .095 to .105 inch lines.
Pros
- The head is compatible with most string trimmer brands on the market.
- It holds up to 20 feet of line, thus reducing the need to load new lines frequently.
- You can find adapters in the package to help fit both straight and curved shaft trimmers.
- The installation process takes only a few minutes.
- It is the replacement to the older 375 version with more speed and power.
Cons
- It can fit most premium brands, but ironically, it won’t fit a Shindaiwa string line trimmer.
#5 Poulan Replacement Head
Via: Amazon.com
The Poulan trimmer head is a lightweight product that is capable of performing trimming tasks fairly easily. Many customers were really satisfied by its capabilities. The string can tear through soft and slightly woody weeds with ease. However, you might have to try a heavier duty string to minimize bumping.
Pros
- The replacement head fits almost any string trimmer brands.
- It will only take you a few seconds to completely change the line.
- The installation process is relatively quick and easy.
- It has a dual channel feature in the spool to prevent each side of string from separating with the other side.
- It can make your trimming tasks a lot more convenient.
Cons
- Some buyers complained about the product not fitting with their string trimmer.
Three Types Of Weed Eater Heads
The head for weed eater is actually the one that does the trimming. You can find three distinct types of trimmer heads on the market, and your choice can either make or break your trimming experience. Although there are some string trimmers that come with fancy names for their string trimmer heads, basically there are only three types of head designs.
1. Bump Feed
The bump feed system got its name because of the way it functions. To trim effectively, you will need to lightly tap or “bump” the trimmer’s bottom on the ground. With a bump feed head, lines of varying length are wound around the spool through the openings in the trimmer replacement head. A lot of gardeners actually prefer bump feed heads due to their ease of use and convenience. However, since it involves constant bumping to work, you will require a regular weed eater trimmer head replacement.
2. Fixed Head/Line
The fixed line trimmer head is a convenient weed eater head type that is capable of lasting for a longer period than the other two.
With a fixed head system, you only need to load individual lengths of line into the trimmer whenever necessary as opposed to winding an entire spool. This removes the hassle of winding the line into the trimmer head, thus making the process of dealing with trimmer line a lot more convenient. The fixed line trimmer head is commonly used for commercial weed eaters, particularly those that need thick lines. Since the lines are thicker and tougher, this means you do not have to deal with regular trimmer line replacement. So. this is perfect for those who think that winding a weed eater head is difficult.
3. Automatic Feed
An automatic feed system is common among contemporary trimmers. Like a bump feed system, an auto feed system also uses a line spooling motor. However, the process is entirely automatic. Also, since you don’t have to bump your trimmer, you can finish your trimming more quickly and easily.
On the other hand, the problem with an automatic feed is that the spooling motor replacement is quite expensive in the event it gets damaged.
Things To Consider When Buying A Weed Eater Head
Technically, the weed trimmer head is the most important part of your string trimmer because it is where you place the line that does the trimming. It is the most likely part to break, considering it keeps coming into contact with debris and other objects in your garden. As an outcome, you will only have to replace it after a period of time. In order to reduce the frequency of needing a replacement as much as possible, you need to buy the best weed eater head for exactly what you use it.
Here is how:
Choose From A Gas-powered Or An Electric Head
A gas-powered trimmer head is more powerful than electric heads, thereby making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Although electrical trimmer heads have become popular nowadays, they still come with a number of pros and cons. That said, it all goes down to which type you prefer. A gas-powered trimmer head will require fueling before you can get them to work. Although it is not an eco-friendly choice, it produces more power and can last for a longer time.
An electric head, on the other hand, is a lot lighter and easier to use. However, it is not as powerful as a gas-powered head, meaning you will not be able to cover much area as quickly as possible.
Pick the right size
The size of your preferred head will make a difference when it comes to how big or small your yard is. For example, getting a smaller head is ideal for smaller gardens. Meanwhile, bigger lawns will require a large head with over 0.100 inches in diameter.
Pick a Head That Is Compatible With Your Weed Eater
Keep in mind that different trimmer heads are made for different trimmer brands.
Even if you have purchased the best weed eater head on the market, it is still useless if it is not compatible with your trimmer. This is why you need to read the features and specifications in order to make sure it can work perfectly with your tool. Fortunately, the products we have listed above are compatible with most trimmers out there.
Choose the appropriate blade for your project
A weed eater head with a blade is the ideal choice for cutting thicker weeds and even small branches.
Depending on the trimming project you want to engage in, you have to decide on the blade shape of your preferred head. If you are dealing with small projects that come with light workloads, a head with two spinning blades will be sufficient. However, if you are tackling a more heavy-duty project, you will need a trimmer head with larger blades.
Decide what type of weed eater head you want
As mentioned above, there are three types of trimmer heads available. A good idea is to choose one that suits your needs best. If you want an easy to use and convenient option, you can go for a bump feed system. However, if you want a more durable product, you should go for a fixed head/line system. Lastly, if you want a trimmer head that features automatic line feeding, then the automatic feed system is for you.
How to Change a Weed Eater Head
Replacing a weed eater head is quick and easy as long as you follow these steps:
- Do not begin this job until taking the necessary safety measures.
- Always follow the instructions given in the user guide which manufacturer usually enclose with the purchased product. However, most of the weed eaters have similar heads, and their removing is almost the same. Although, if you have one which requires a different approach, spot the differences, follow recommendations, and you won’t have any problem to finish the job the way you want.
- The process of removing a trimmer head will depend on the model. You will need a wrench or a small screwdriver. If there is a small hole on the side of the dust cap, you can use a screwdriver. Otherwise, a wrench is needed to replace the trimmer head.
- When using a wrench, hold your trimmer upside down. Using your wrench, grasp the dust cap, which is found at the top of the shaft. Turn the trimmer head counterclockwise using your other hand, then twist it off the shaft.
- Afterwards, turn the new head clockwise on the shaft while holding the dust cap with your wrench. Make sure to tighten the trimmer head before you turn on your trimmer.
- When using a screwdriver, hold your trimmer upside down, then twist the dust cap until the small hole located on the side aligns with the hole located on the gearbox side. Insert your screwdriver into the holes, and hold it in place as you turn the head clockwise.
- Pay a lot of attention when replacing this part of your weed eater! If you replace the head incorrectly, there is a possibility to injure yourself, other people, or animals next to you while using your unit next time.
- Place the new head by threading it to the shaft in a counterclockwise direction.
- Do not forget to pin it!
Final Thoughts
So, we should now give our team’s opinion, too. When it comes to power and functionality, we pick the Maxpower 3317233 PivoTrim Trimmer Head as the best weed eater head on this list. Its design makes it suitable for small to medium-large activities. It is compatible with 99% of string trimmers on the market. Also, it features a quick and easy installation process. Lastly, its special pivoting design is really convenient as it significantly reduces the frequency of replacing a new line every now and then.
However, you should feel free to start your purchasing process for the best weed eater head, now that you have all the necessary information. Do not forget that not only the wrong head replacement won’t be compatible with your weed eater, but its capacity and power are also key elements. Having the best string trimmer replacement head in hand means you can reload it easily, it works up to par, and your yard is perfectly cut every time. Do not forget that this process may take time and energy, but that is okay considering it can be an expensive purchase. You are entitled to read, research, ask around and finally, spend money for your perfect weed eater head. That is the most rewarding way to find the tool you need.
Have you ever tried replacing your weed eater’s head before? Which brand do you think is the best weed eater head? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Furthermore, do you want us to make such a list for the best weed eater heads of 2021, too? Let us know.
Also, please do not forget to share this with your friends. Thanks for reading!
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