The 15 Best Commercial Weed Eaters (Trimmers) in 2024

Weeds are the bane of all professional landscapers. They’re also a thorn in the side of most garden-proud homeowners, too.

And while the only real way to deal with them is to pull them up, root and stem – sometimes we just don’t have time for that.

So, we need to take care of them. If you know what I mean.

Y’know – whack ‘em.

No, I’m not talking about a mafia hit – I’m talking about using the best commercial weed eaters (or weed whackers) to cut back on the unruly foliage in the garden.

Whether you’re tidying up the edge of the lawn or taking down some serious jungle, the best choice is one of these powerful machines that the pros often use.

Read on to choose the one that’s right for you, and a buyer’s guide and FAQ section will follow if you’re a rookie weed murderer.

Let’s go to work.

The 15 Best Commercial Weed Eater for 2024

Remington RM2560 Rustler String Trimmer

Starting us off we have this Remington 22cc gas-powered trimmer, which has a straight shaft and two-stroke engine. The design makes it easier to access hard to reach places, while the quick-change head allows you to convert from blade to bump head in seconds.

It offers you a 16-inch cutting width, quickstart technology that enables a faster, smoother start, and an adjustable handle providing multiple positions to reduce user fatigue.

It’s the perfect entry-level weed eater that’s well suited to handling small to medium-sized yards.

Reward: The best budget weed eater on the market.

Pros

Cons

Poulan Pro PR25CD String Trimmer

US company Poulan has been in the power tool game since 1946, and their Pro range products are definitely worth a look. This curved shaft string trimmer has a 23cc, two-stroke engine, with a 16-inch cutting swath at the dual-line, bump head.

The fuel tank is translucent so you always know where you are with range, while the sure-fire fuel delivery system of prime, choke, and pull ensures the machine starts with ease every time.

An attachment handle means you can adapt the tool up to five different ways for a variety of jobs, including a brush cutter, cultivator and pole pruner – among others.

Reward: The most versatile commercial weed eater.

Pros

Cons

Wild Badger Power WBP26BCI Brush Cutter

Another budget-friendly weed eater now with this offering from Wild Badger Power. It’s a straight shaft machine powered by a commercial-grade 26cc full crank two-stroke engine.

The easy, twist-n-load string trimmer makes replacing the line foolproof, while the ergonomic trigger set with auto on kill switch and soft-grip handle ensures safe and comfortable operation at all times.

The real bonus here is the fact it comes with a brushcutter head for the tougher undergrowth and groundcover, and a harness – so you can carry the machine with extra support until the big jobs are done.

Reward: The best weed eater and brushcutter combo for the price.

Pros

Cons

Blue Max 52623 Dual Line Trimmer

This Blue Max straight shaft weed eater is another machine that offers the two-in-one design, and you can switch the spool out for a heavy-duty brushcutter blade if required.

It features a powerful 42.7cc, two-stroke engine with a recoil starting system. There’s a dual-spool head for extra cutting efficiency, an anti-vibration handlebar configuration for additional comfort and control, and a 10-inch, heavy-duty brushcutter blade included.

A simple shoulder strap is part of the package for good measure.

Reward: One of the most powerful weed eaters at this price point.

Pros

Cons

Craftsman WS405 String Trimmer

The straight shaft design makes it easier to trim around bushes and hard to reach places with this Craftsman four-stroke string trimmer. The fixed-line head is designed for a 0.95-inch round line, which is a standard size and suitable for most jobs around the home.

It features a simplified, two-step starting process of prime and pull, while the engine is designed to offer quieter use*, and a multi-position handle to reduce vibration and operator fatigue.

The 29cc power is backed by a large 17-inch cutting swath, so you can trim more grass in less time and put your feet up well before sundown.

Reward: The best lightweight gas-powered weed eater.

Pros

Cons

GreenWorks ST80L210 String Trimmer

The second of our battery-operated weed eaters is this model from the hugely popular company Greenworks. It’s a powerful 80V beast with a rapid charger included, and it offers you around 45 minutes of run time when fully juiced – and that only takes half-an-hour to a maximum charge.

The brushless motor provides a lot of power, performance, and durability, with a generous 16-inch cutting path to get the job done in double-quick time.

The variable speed trigger is extremely useful for conserving power and spool line, ensuring you have a more efficient operation while reducing the need to stop and start.

Reward: The best battery weed eater for the super-fast charger.

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer 128LD

Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna produces some outstanding power tools, including some top-quality zero-turn lawnmowers. This straight shaft string trimmer joins that line-up, with their distinctive and recognizable orange livery.

It features a 28cc, two-stroke engine that provides plenty of power to the large, 17-inch cutting head with a tap-n-go release design.

The translucent fuel tank allows you to visually monitor your fuel level as you work, and the machine is fully adaptable with three other click-on attachments, including an edger to keep your walkways razor sharp.

Reward: One of the best selling commercial weed eaters on the market.

Pros

Cons

Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWSTM4317 Trimmer

Our first walk-behind weed eater is this beast from Southland Outdoor Power Equipment. It features a whopping 43cc engine, which easily offers you up to 35% more torque than a hand-held trimmer right off the bat.

The multi-streaming trimmer head accepts 0.095-inch and 0.105-inch trimmer line, so you can choose the string that is right for your task. Heavy-duty 12-inch wheels with ball bearings provide maximum maneuverability across any terrain.

The adjustable head itself can swivel and bevel to offer you excellent directional control, while the on-board cutter ensures you get a perfect 17-inch cut diameter every single time.

Reward: The best walk-behind weed eater for the price.

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna 129R String Trimmer

The handlebar/bullhorn design is a popular choice among landscaping professionals, as it offers excellent control when used in conjunction with a harness. This is one of Husqvarna’s versions, a 27.6cc, two-stroke engine with a straight shaft.

The stop switch automatically resets to the on position for easy re-start, and the air-purge requires less pulling to get the engine going in the first place, with the cord giving up to 40% less resistance.

The translucent fuel tank lets you keep tabs on your range, and a brushcutter blade is also included for those really stubborn areas.

Reward: The best easy-start commercial weed eater.

Pros

Cons

Tanaka TCG24EBSP Commercial String Trimmer

Japanese company Tanaka has been around since 1918 making innovative combustion engines. This is their commercial-grade, two-stroke, gas-powered weed eater, with a 23.9cc engine and aluminum clutch housing to prevent overheating.

The lined, solid steel drive shaft drastically reduces vibration for maximum comfort, while the built-in spindle lock eliminates the need for using tools when replacing the bump cutting head – or switching it out with a brushcutter blade.

It’s very lightweight, too, making it an ideal professional-grade tool for anyone who can’t use heavy equipment.

Reward: One of the best lightweight commercial weed eaters available.

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna 967055801 String Trimmer

Speaking of Husqvarna, we’ve not had one for a while, so let’s add this 25cc, four-stroke version with a straight shaft.

It features a large cutting swath at 18-inches, translucent fuel tank, and tap-n-go bump head for easy line feed. As it’s a four-stroke, it doesn’t need that fiddly oil/fuel mixture and runs solely on unleaded gas for a longer-lasting and more durable machine.

The T25 trimmer line is easily replaced and reloaded, and the smart-start technology ensures you’ll get going in no time with as little effort as possible. Professional performance in your backyard.

Reward: One of the most durable weed eaters on the market.

Pros

Cons

Dewalt DCST990H1 String Trimmer

As far as battery-powered commercial weed eaters are concerned, this is probably the best one money can buy. What else would you expect from DeWalt?

A 40V string trimmer that will handle the toughest jobs, this machine comes with excellent feedback from others.

Featuring a patented gear drive design housed in a metal gear case for durability, a variable trigger for control over the speed and noise, and a 15-inch cutting swath, with a dual-line, bump-feed head.

Gas performance guaranteed, this is a serious piece of kit from the iconic US company.

Reward: Easily the best battery-powered weed eater there is.

Pros

Cons

Remington RM1159 String Trimmer

Never mind weed eating, let’s try weed devouring. This beast has an enormous 22-inch cutting swath, while the unique head shape makes trimming edges, flower beds, and other obstacles a breeze.

It also helps that it’s a commercial, walk-behind weed eater with a 159cc, four-stroke, gas-powered engine that will destroy any foolish foliage that dares to stand in its way.

Large, 14-inch ball-bearing wheels help you move easily over all kinds of terrain, and it’s finished with a comfortable folding handle for convenient storage and transportation.

Reward: The highest-rated walk-behind weed eater.

Pros

Cons

Makita XRU09PT1 String Trimmer

Another innovative Japanese company now with this cordless string trimmer from Makita. This is a really good value for money kit as it comes with four batteries included, offering a total of 36V of power through the brushless motor.

The direct drive system increases power and torque, while the variable speed option allows the user to match the RPMs to the task at hand. It comes ready equipped with the bump head loaded with 0.080-inch twisted line – which is the best for keeping noise to a minimum.

Aside from all that, it’s also one of the lightest weed eaters in this lineup – which is great if you’ve got a lot of ground to cover and you’re working long hours.

Reward: The best light commercial weed eater for a large property.

Pros

Cons

Swisher STP4422HO String Trimmer

First of all, and at the time of writing, if you’ve heard someone saying this is an overall bad trimmer, don’t be put off, as it’s probably unjust due to some misunderstandings on the buyer’s part. Swisher manufactures some seriously high-end commercial power equipment and this is no exception.

This walk-behind weed eater is a beast of a machine, featuring a super-strong, 4.4 horsepower, 160cc Honda engine. The off-set trimmer head is maintenance-free and will make it easy for you to negotiate those tricky spots in your (hopefully large) yard.

It offers you a merciless four-string/eight cutting line head, that will make short work of even the toughest weeds and grass. And to cap it all, it’s self-propelled, which will save you so much time and energy – especially if you’re trimming hilly terrain.

Reward: The most powerful walk-behind weed eater there is.

Pros

Cons

How to Choose the Best Commercial Weed Eater

There’s a lot to take into consideration before parting with your cash on a pricey power tool – especially if it’s your first one.

Let’s take a look at the things you should be looking out for in your new commercial weed eater.

Power Source

When it comes to commercial weed eaters, you generally have two types of power sources. They’re either going to be gas-powered, or they’re going to be a cordless rechargeable.

Corded battery-powered machines have no place on a list of the best commercial weed eaters and are only useful for smaller residential plots.

While it’s long been considered that gas versions offer the most power, in recent years the advancement of battery technology has begged to differ.

There are some particularly strong battery-powered weed eaters available that claim to offer the same torque of that of a gas trimmer.

Rechargeable Trimmers

These trimmers have numerous advantages. They need virtually no maintenance, they’re very easy to start with no priming or cord pulling required, they give off zero emissions, are super-quiet to operate, and they weigh considerably less than their gas counterparts.

However, that being said, they still can’t really compete with the sheer power you get from a quality gas engine.

They also have the obvious constraint of running out of juice eventually. They won’t be able to come close to gas-powered trimmers when it comes to range and run time.

Hence why for commercial purposes, the vast majority of weed eaters here are gas-powered.

Gas-Powered Trimmers

They have either a two-stroke or four-stroke engine (or two-cycle/four-cycle engine).

Two-stroke engines offer the most power for their engine size. They’re often the go-to choice for professional weed whackers (landscapers).

They’re not without their drawbacks, however, as they need a measured oil and gas cocktail to run, can often be very difficult to start, and are considerably noisier than four-stroke engines.

Four-stroke engines don’t quite have the oomph that the two-stroke offers, but they are easier to start, only require gas to operate, and don’t spew out nearly as many fumes. This is advantageous in certain states where strict emission regulations are in place.

Regardless of which type of engine you choose, gas power tools are still noisy, they require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, and they’re not very kind to the environment.

Whether it be a rechargeable trimmer, a gas two-stroke model or a four-stroke version, It’s up to you which one you choose, but do take into consideration these points before you make the call.

It might also depend on the following factor, too.

Size of the Job

This is really quite simple – but it still needs addressing from time to time, especially as people are often prone to purchasing power tools that are serious overkill.

Suit the selection of weed eater to the size of the job it’s being bought to do.

If you’ve got a tiny piece of land, picking up a commercial-class trimmer is going overboard. Even if you really want it.

Likewise, if you’re lucky enough to own vast acres, a lightweight, corded trimmer you could use on your mustache or legs isn’t going to be up to the task.

Use your common sense here. It will save you time and money if your power tool is perfect for the job it needs to do.

Please note, I do not advocate using a garden string trimmer on facial or body hair.

Straight and Curved Weed Eaters

The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that some weed eaters have a curved shaft, while others come with a straight shaft. What’s the difference? It’s much more than simply cosmetic.

Curved-Shaft Trimmers

These are generally more lightweight than straight shaft versions. They can be easier to handle depending on your personal preference. They’re also a lot cheaper.

Straight-Shaft Trimmers

These are more durable than curved shafts. They allow the user to access difficult areas and provide excellent reach and control. They’re more suitable for taller users, and/or if you’re cutting weeds for extended periods of time – which is why they’re generally favored commercially.

For a more detailed explanation of curved and straight-shaft trimmers, see the relevant question in the FAQ section below.

Cutting Swath

The size of your cutting head can make a big difference in the type of weed eater you choose.

As you might expect with commercial-class weed eaters, the larger the head, the better it is.

This simply means that you will cover more ground and get the job done faster.

Look for a trimmer that has a cutting head of at least 17-inches if you’re undertaking a commercially sized job.

Type of Cutting Head

How the cutting line is extended in the trimmer’s cutting head is another thing to consider before making your purchase. Generally speaking, you’ll find there are three types of cutting head.

The Fixed Head

This is the most common type in residential-class tools.

You start by feeding the line into the spool and cut the grass until it’s worn away and needs to be replaced. It’s the most time-consuming option and you won’t find it on a good commercial trimmer.

The Bump Head

It’s exactly what you think – you bump the head of the cutter on the ground to feed more cutting string through the spool. You replace the line only when it runs out, but it can get stuck and weld together if it’s not well designed and performing.

It’s also known as a bump-n-go and can save a lot of time if used correctly.

The Automatic Head

This head features a spinning motor that keeps the cutting string at a consistent length during the job. Excellent in theory, but it does come with its own limitations and can malfunction.

For commercial-standard trimming, I prefer using a bump-head as it offers you much more control and allows you to keep going by limiting the need to stop.

Again, it’s up to your personal preference and I’m open to having my mind changed.

Type of String

The market is awash with different types of trimmer string, and rather than extend this article for several pages, head on over to check out the best string trimmer line replacement spools of 2024.

You should find all the answers you need and the right type of string you should be using in your machine.

Weight

While it might at first seem like a string trimmer is lightweight, try lugging it around for a few hours and get back to me.

After even just a few minutes, these machines can start to become very heavy.

With that in mind, it’s important to select a weed eater you’re comfortable with and you can handle throughout the length of the job.

To be honest, most professionals will use a harness with the power tool, especially if in control of a gas-powered model.

There are lightweight trimmers available, but if you’ve got a lot of ground to cover you should consider investing in a good harness to shoulder some of the load.

Trust me – it makes all the difference.

Cost

Commercial weed eaters don’t come cheap – although there are certainly bargains to be had.

Again, I must stress that you should spend what you can afford, and only on something that fits the task it is required to do.

A $900 Swisher model is a waste of money on a backyard with not enough room to swing a cat.

FAQs

What Is a String Trimmer Used For?

A string trimmer is mostly used to cut back on unwanted undergrowth in your garden or yard.

Its main purpose is to tidy up after you have mowed your lawn – as your lawnmower won’t be able to reach all the areas in your garden.

String trimmers are perfect for cutting vegetation around obstacles, close to brick, concrete or woodwork, or simply anywhere your lawnmower can’t venture.

String trimmers can also be used to edge a lawn – keeping a nice neat edge along walkways, flower beds, water features, or anything else you might have in your yard.

Do I Need a String Trimmer?

I always say that you don’t need one – especially if your yard is on the smaller side. For smaller plots of land, it’s much better to use a manual edger or long-handled shears to keep the weeds at bay and keep the grass in order.

However, if your yard or garden is much larger, then a string trimmer is highly recommended as it will make the job much easier and halve the time it takes to do it.

They’re also a big help for anyone who can’t do manual garden work – as using hand shears will seriously take it out of you.

What Is a Weed Eater?

Exactly the same as a string trimmer, trimmer, weed whacker, strimmer, or any other strange name they might be known by all around the world.

It’s a garden tool for cutting grass and groundcover that uses a flexible, monofilament line to chop down unwanted foliage.

Don’t confuse this machine with a brushcutter – which uses a rotating blade or chain and is a much more powerful machine.

They’re used for seriously heavy-duty jobs that include clearing denser grass, very tough weeds, and even small trees and shrubs.

Most residential homeowners will have no need for a brush cutter on their property. They should only be handled by someone who really knows what they’re doing.

How Do I Clean and Maintain My Weed Eater?

Weed eaters – particularly gas-powered models – need regular maintenance to ensure they’re performing at maximum capacity and last as long as possible.

You should clean your machine immediately after using it to cut grass or weeds, as if the debris is left to dry out it can be harder to remove. Use a stiff brush to clean anything off that shouldn’t be there.

Regularly check (and replace – if required) fuel and air filters if you’re using a gas-powered machine.

Air filters should be washed in detergent and hot water after every 10 hours of use. Rinse well and let it dry. Lightly soak with clean motor oil to prevent anything from getting sucked into the engine.

Fuel lines and primer/purge valves should be in good working order, with no cracks or leakages.

Replace the spark plug roughly every 25-30 hours of use. If it’s damaged, eroded, or blackened in any way – replace it immediately.

The throttle cable should be in good working order, with nothing impeding its operation. Tighten the handle and guard to ensure continued safe and comfortable use.

Replace the string line if required. See the article on replacing the string line for detailed information

Warning: remember to switch the machine completely off, empty the gas tank and remove the spark plug (if present) before attempting any maintenance on your weed eater.

What Is The Best Gas String Trimmer For The Money?

Without trying and testing them all, it’s difficult to say. Everyone has their personal favorites, and opinions differ wildly between professional landscapers.

If I was backed into a corner and had to choose the best gas-powered string trimmer – I would almost certainly go with a Honda.

They are more expensive than other models, but you get what you pay for.

Which Company Makes The Best Weed Eaters?

Take your pick between Honda, Husqvarna, DeWalt, Greenworks, Poulan Pro, and Black & Decker to name a small, inexhaustive list.

My personal favorites are Honda, DeWalt, and Greenworks. Let me know which you prefer and why.

Why Are Curved Shaft Trimmers Cheaper? What’s The Difference?

I touched on this debate in the buyer’s guide above, but for more information and an in-depth look at the differences between straight and curved-shaft trimmers (and why one is more expensive than the other) refer to the video below.

How Often Should I Use My Weed Eater?

Remember that all weed eaters are dispersing microplastic into the environment, so even if it’s not a gas-powered model it’s still having an impact on mother earth.

With that in mind, you should try to limit how often you use your trimmer – and always do your best to clean up after yourself when you do.

This is why it’s useful to purchase brightly-colored line, so you have a better chance of locating and disposing of as much of it as possible when the job is done.

It’s actually up to you and your lawn when you use your trimmer. Mowing and trimming tend to go hand in hand, so whenever your patch of land is becoming unruly, perhaps it’s time to bring out the big guns and cut it down to size?

What’s The Difference Between A Trimmer And An Edger?

A very good question and I’m glad you asked. However, instead of me opening that can of worms here, might I direct you to this rather informative article on that very subject.

Read my article about Edger vs Trimmer and you will find out exactly what you’re looking for.

In short – there is a big difference, and you should get one of each.

What Safety Equipment Do I Need To Use With a String Trimmer?

Another very good question and one I always like to touch on when talking about any kind of power tool.

Weed eaters – particularly the gas variety – tend to be very loud indeed. Especially two-stroke engines, or engines with a lot of power.

Ear Protectors

Are absolutely essential. There’s no ifs or buts about this – if you’re using a loud trimmer, you need to protect your ears.

Even if you can stand the noise for a while, you’re doing lasting damage to your hearing. This is particularly true of landscapers or regular trimmers.

Eye Protectors

Also, imperative. Even with a cutting guard, the very nature of these machines ensures that debris is going to be constantly flying everywhere.

Sharp objects, stones, glass, and even grass clippings can all cause serious damage and injury when launched through the air at high speed, and there have been fatalities. Wearing eye goggles is the very least you should do.

Harness

A harness is highly recommended for long periods of weed whacking. Don’t overlook the damage this job can do to your back.

When using a heavy machine, or tackling a large job, you’re going to need all the help you can get.

High-Visibility Jacket

This could be needed for those of you working anywhere that’s public – especially if its along roadways. Most homeowners won’t need to go that far, but if you need to maintain a stretch of lawn along a busy thoroughfare – it’s not a bad idea to be clearly seen.

Work Gloves

Protective gloves should always be worn – commercially cutting or not. The vibrations these machines give off can be very uncomfortable and can seriously damage and chafe your hands. The added grip they offer is also very advantageous.

For a more detailed look at all the protective things you should consider, read this article.

Summary

A beast of an article to cover these beast machines. Finding the best commercial weed eaters has not been an easy task, but I hope this piece has gone someway to pointing you in the right direction.

As for me, if I was forced to choose between them, I’d go for the DeWalt battery-powered model.

Yes, it’s not gas and purists would say it’s not commercial, but I think it’s a top-quality tool that will suit most homeowners right down to the ground they’re going to be cutting.

Let me know which machine you prefer and why.

Happy weed eating/trimming/strimming/weed whacking/whipper snipping!