Best Gas Weed Eaters 2021: Reviews and Buying Guide

Nothing could be better than a good string trimmer to quickly cut down grass, weeds faster and more effectively. They’re also easier and convenient to use and carry around the yard as well. Gas trimmer was once known for being hard to handle and was a nuisance to use the summers.

Today, however, things are much different, much better. They have been updated using new technology like anti-vibration grips, fumeless motors, improved string feeding and are much lighter too.

For a bigger lawn, a gas-powered weed eater is always the better choice. They are better at handling heavier jobs and don’t require charging, or charging ports.

But, if you purchase the wrong trimmer, you could end up with noise, engine fumes, heavy motors and could spend more cash on repairs.

We chose some of the latest models from popular brands, by actually using them on a lawn. Our top votes go to the Remington RM2560 Rustler that’s suitable for use with all lawns and grass types.

It also had good features too. Keep reading to know what those are! Here’s a list of the top seven of those best gas string trimmers, that have stood the test of time and our test runs as well.

Best Gas Weed Eaters for 2021

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer 128LD	Type: Straight Shaft Engine: 2-Cycle 28cc Cutting Width: 17-Inch Weight: 11lbs	Check Price
	HITACHI CG23ECPSL	Type: Steel Drive Shaft Engine: 2-Cycle 22.5cc Cutting Width: 15-inches Weight: 10.3lbs	Check Price
	Homelite 26cc Trimmer	Type: Curved Shaft Engine: 2-Cycle 26cc Cutting Width: 17" Weight: 14lbs	Check Price

Best Gas Weed Eater Reviews 2021

1. Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer 128LD

Being light and fast also give you the advantages of versatility. The Husqvarna 128 LD is compatible is with a host of other attachments that help you to get much more done, at any time of the year.

To get all of these minor jobs done, the Husqvarna 128 LD has to be started up. This task, unlike your average gas weed whacker, starts up immediately without that all too familiar struggle to get the motor going. The motor has been built in a way that reduces this effort, using Air Purge Technology.

This is where the air that builds up around the fuel system and carburetor is removed. The other advantage of this Easy Start system is Smart Recoil function; here, the Stop Switch automatically goes back to the

On position. Inside the box, you will find a 128 LD trimmer, the T25 automatic trimmer head and a manual to help you get started.

Husqvarna also offers a range of other garden care tools too like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, trimmers, snow blowers and more.

• attachment capability,
• 2 cycle unit, 28cc engine, 17-inch cutting width,
• .096 diameter trimmer line,
• 114 dB(A) sound output, 36V Li-On battery
• has to be adjusted before use to prevent damages,
• tough to use in cold weather,
• poor string advance systems

Verdict:

We’ve got mixed feelings about this one. Husqvarna is known for building some pretty good weed whackers that are efficient, reliable and ergonomic.

They appear to have put a lot of tough into this one too. For example, it has this intuitive purge and chokes control that is within your reach and easy to figure out. Then, the X-Torq engine starts up quickly too and reduces exhaust fumes by about 60%.

That last one is a plus point as the trimmer is quiet and doesn’t produce that migraine-inducing vibration either. And you’ve got a comfortable, adjustable handle also. We also like how it resets when it switched off.

Versatility is good too, and you can convert this trimmer into a tree pruner, hedge trimmer, tiller, brush cutter too.

But, like most of these tools, what’s advertised appears too good to be true, usually often is. Sure, the Husqvarna 128 LD does have all of these benefits but does have a few drawbacks.

First, you cant simply take it out of the box and begin using it. The carburetor has to be adjusted before use otherwise there are some serious damages.

It operates for a short while and then cuts out! Then you’ll have to let it cool off completely before firing it up again. Many people had this problem and can’t keep the throttle open either. It works when its cold but just for s few seconds.

We’d advise taking some time on setting it up, otherwise, the trimmer gets spoil. The engine appears to be pretty soft so stick to mild or moderate trimming only. This applies to use the other attachments too, some of them might ruin some parts of the motor too.

2. Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

Lightweight and it has a 69.6-inch shaft also, so trimming the garden is no longer hard on your back. Older gas-powered weed whackers were tough to use and you had to keep tugging on the pull wire to get it started.

With the Hitachi CG23ECPSL, you won’t have either of these issues. This is because the trimmer is equipped with their ‘S-Start Recoil system’.

• 55 CC two-stroke fire engine,
• The 9-inch shaft length,
• anti-vibration,
• S-start recoil system,
• low emission engine,
• simple controls,
• value for money
• feels slightly heavy,
• tricky bump head

Verdict:

If you want a trimmer that’s both affordable and can do a decent job of trimming the lawns, then this Hitachi model is for you. Ease of use with a simple design and it does its job well.

On the plus side, it’s got all of the important features and benefits, such as a two-stroke engine, longer stainless steel shaft, anti-vibration, nylon trimmer tap head, well balanced, lightweight and a protective cover over the fuel tank.

On the downside, the bump head might give out a little extra string than needed. It’s impossible to put it back or trim it down – this can be controlled, but you have to get used to it. The other thing is that it’s heavier, but not to a point where you can’t use it. This is the best gas weed eater for money.

3. Homelite 26cc Gas Powered 17 in. Curved Shaft Trimmer

• Easy start clutch engine,
• curved shaft,
• easy load bump feed head,
• 17 inches cutting width
• loud motor
• Not for beginners.

Verdict:

This does look like your average battery operated trimmer and so, it has all the advantages of one. But, on the other hand, it runs on gas, so you have the longer runs times and can cover a sizeable lawn.

Other good things are that it doesn’t have those easy pull cords that get the motor running. There is this clutch instead and that makes sense when starting up the motor, and trying to hold the shaft at the same time.

This is a curved shaft model and might make trimming tricky edges a little easier, although some argue otherwise. It is however pretty light for a gas trimmer tool, and that’s one of the biggest highlights and you won’t have trouble maneuvering it.

It is very noisy, so make sure you pick up a pair of earplugs and goggles too. Best recommended for those who know how to use a gas String trimmer.

4. Poulan Pro PR25SD, 16 in. 25cc Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer

The model is easy to use, efficient and cost-effective, especially when you look at the kind of features you get for the price tag.

• Sure-Fire Delivery system,
• easy pull string,
• 19-inch cutting width,
• dual line feed,
• attachment compatibility
• light-duty machine.

Verdict

From the first look and test of this Poulan Pro PR25SD, we were able to get this – that it’s a light machine and might be good for lighter, occasional jobs. It did start up easily, correctly, and the motor works well too.

The gas trimmer is made out of quality metal material though, has an adjustable handle and you get an oil mix to add to about a gallon of gas too.

This tool is good for beginners who don’t need to do too much trimming. It’s more or less adjusted and ready to use right out of the box, with string already preloaded in the trimmer head. A quick check wouldn’t hurt and some assembly is required, but this can be done easily without the use of tools.

That aside, we like that the trimmer is light and has everything it needs, you can use universal attachments with it and that it comes with this awesome price. It should last you a long time if you use it correctly, for lighter work.

5. Remington RM2560 Rustler 25cc 2-Cycle 16-Inch Straight Shaft Gas Trimmer

The 16-inch cutting swath covers the entire yard in no time, and if the string breaks, just bump the trimmer head for more string.

• straight shaft,
• 25 CC 2 cycle engine,
• dual line bump head,
• .095 line
• 16-inch cutting width,
• durable component
• could use a bigger trimmer guard,
• The spool should hold more line

Verdict

First, it’s got all of the good features that we’d like to see on the best gas weed eater and all that comes at this price tag too. Remington is a good brand, with service centers, so it can’t get better than this.

The only problem is that the grass cuttings go all over the place, as the trimmer guard is too narrow. Still, that’s not an issue, as you wear a good pair of glasses too.

Usage wise, the trimmer starts up very easily, probably the fastest one we’ve seen yet. It gets the job done fast too and the cutting capacity is pretty good for such a light machine. The line feed works exceptionally well, with more string being advanced with each bump.

The only issue is that the spool should have more string put inside, so if you’ve got a larger yard you might be reloading more spools! Consider the Remington Rustler for regular cutting on small, medium yards.

6. Tanaka TCG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

• 9 overall length,
• S-Start Recoil system,
• anti-vibration, 22.5 CC engine,
• powerful, affordable,
• angled guard and comfortable design.
• fragile build,
• the line is tough to install
• breaks easily

Verdict:

The 22.5 CC engine gives this weed eater all the power you require, without adding the additional weight.

The design is pretty smart too, with a 69.6-inch width for cutting and a system that reduces the vibrations to almost nothing when its on full throttle. The vibrations do come back if the settings are lowered to the normal speed.

The Tanaka is a commercial-grade tool and can be used on a wide range of lawns. An interesting benefit is a guard that protects the trimmer line from concrete, rocks and any object that could destroy it.

If you come across an issue when starting it up, or using it, you might want to check the fuel. Thankfully, you get a ton of instructions with it.

It does have a few drawbacks. First, the String trimmer isn’t of the best quality but will get most of the trimming work done anyways. The trimmer head is fragile so be careful about putting too much pressure on it or allowing it to fall from a height.

It’s efficient and fast, but you will have some difficulty installing the line. The Tanaka weed eater loses points when it comes to the build, but might last as it’s efficient and affordable.

7. Weed Eater W25SBK, 16 in. 25cc 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer

• Tap ‘N Go Cutting Head feature,
• Convenient knock-down coupler,
• lightweight design,
• Quick Spool Replacement
• persistent throttling to keep it running

Verdict:
After a quick run with this trimmer, we noticed that the trimmer performs well. Consistent power in spite of the tank being so small and ran for an hour, with still some fuel left. So it gets the trimming done and is easy on your pocket too – appears to be a good buy.

Pretty strong cutting too, where it was capable of cutting green bamboo too. Other tougher, hard to reach areas can be manicured too, as the tool starts up and can be carried around easily.

The other feature we liked is that there’s no clutch, so it continues spinning even when idle, this is perfect for light trimming. The 25 CC motor is strong as it is quiet.

Best Gas Weed Eater 2021: Buying guide

You can find any number of gas trimmers online and in stores. You could easily spend a lot of cash buying a pricey, branded one – but what if it doesn’t work for you? You might just be able to find the right tool if you think ahead.

Obstacles

Beginning with what kind of obstacles you have to trim around. These are the furniture, trees, garden decor that has to be edged. Corded trimmers might be a hassle to use in this kind of lawn, as they’ve got a cord that could get tangled.

Size of the property

Next, the size of the property comes into play. The trimmer has to be able to rim for some time before your next run. Cordless trimmers can be limited here, only because the need to be charged often. Users have purchased additional battery packs, charging stations but, as you’ve guessed, that can be expensive.

Shaft

Trimmers have either a curved shaft or a straight shaft. It takes a lot of experience to determine which style would be better suited for work around your yard. Curved shafts are better for easy movement. Straight shafts are better for properties where one has to trim under lots of shrubs, bushes.

Maintenance

Gas trimmers have the benefit of lasting longer and trimmer bigger yards. They do require more care and upkeep. Maintenance of a gas trimmer is simple as long as you keep in mind the manufacturers’ precautions on ethanol limits, fuel storage.

An electric trimmer is popular as they’re light weighted, affordable and are fume free. But if the battery runs out, you have to wait for an hour before your next trimming run, unless you have an extra trimmer on hand! Cordless trimmers are cheaper, offer sufficient power for most yards but cords tend to limit mobility,  get tangled around the lawn ornaments.

Best Gas weed eaters don’t have these limitations, and they’ve got enough power to cut weeds, grass and more. There’s no need for charging, as your carrying the power source – fuel tank – with you.

Designs have been perfected since they were created, so some models are light, curved or straight shaft, with or without a clutch and at various price ranges. Engines have been changed since, so you no longer have a problem with fumes.

Why Gas Weed Eaters in 2020?

Gas String trimmers are a feasible option for bigger yards, filled with landscaping fixtures and that need more trimming. You do get smaller, compact models for smaller yards too. Unlike the older models found in the eighties, gas trimmers are now much lighter.

For the obvious reason that you have to carry this tool with you, maneuver around the lawn, sidewalks, trees, and shrubs. They even come with shoulder straps to lessen this burden.

Tools this powerful are fitted with safety guards. Such as the shields that prevent debris from flying all around, automatic idle-time shut off or reset systems, fume-free engines and more. Some even feature trigger locks that prevent the trimmer from starting up when it’s not in use.

Engines now produce fewer vibrations and noise than their predecessors. They can still, however, produce the powerful trimming capabilities required for tough lawn needs.

They are bladeless, just like electric trimmers – but look for a dual nylon line trimmer head with lines that are thicker than .08 inches, for dealing with tougher vegetation. We recommend using the line suited for the trimmer you have, so you don’t damage the motor.

Gas String trimmers might have swivel heads for dual edging and trimming function, but they are well balanced, give you a clear view of the areas and still cut a crisp line.

Other good features of best gas weed eater to look out for are adjustable shaft lengths, loop handles, easily rotate trimmer heads, ease of use and spool reload.

Out of all of these durable construction comes first. Top-notch, quality build gas weed eaters are made from the best materials put into a well-planned design. The switches, spools, pull cords, engines should last years of use and manage most trimming work.

Final words

Best Gas weed eater gives you the option of reducing the time spent on trimming a huge lawn, or one that’s filled with ornaments. Today, a single trimmer has so many benefits that it’s hard to choose the right one. If you’ve decided which one from this best gas weed eater 2020 you buy, you can take a look at the features, price, the kind of lawn you have and who often you have to trim it to pick one.

Also Check:

• Best Cordless lawnmower 2021
• Best Brush Cutter 2021
• Best cordless weed eater 2021