Best Gas Weed Eaters - Top Picks, Reviews & Complete Buying Guide
by Scott Miller Updated on
Among all kinds of weed eaters, we have decided to speak about gas-powered ones and make your purchase of weed eaters easier.
The process of picking the right tool is not as easy as it might seem and manufacturers tend to speak only about the advantages in their ads, avoiding mentioning all the weaknesses and drawbacks of their models.
Our aim with this article is to make you a well-informed consumer which will make great decision and will not regret the purchase.
We are offering you not only a list of reviews of the best gas weed eaters, but also a buyer’s guide, in which we have explained everything you need to know about gas-powered weed eaters before you buy.
We assure you that this is definitely best gas-powered weed eaters on the market nowadays.
The tool boasts a 17” cutting width, making it faster to clean your garden.
It also comes with a Smart start system, enabling you to start the engine in just one or two pulls.
This model has the ability to work with .065”, .080”, and .095” diameter trimmer line.
What users appreciate a lot is that it serves as the base for multiple Husqvarna tools.
The weed eater attachment can be taken off the shaft and you can add accessories to transform this model into a hedge trimmer, brush cutter, sweeper, edger, tree pruner, tiller or pole saw.
Actually, you get so many tools in one, meaning that you can get really good value for your money when you buy this model.
Among all these advantages, there is only one drawback of this model.
Some units need their carburetors adjusted before use, and this cannot be done by anyone.
The runner-up on our list is the Hitachi CG23ECPSL.
This is definitely a good choice, as it is a very powerful gas-powered weed eater.
Its shaft is just under 70 inches long, so you no longer have to bend over to use a weed eater.
The S-Start recoil starting system allows users to start the engine in 2 pulls or less.
Furthermore, it requires less force than other models on each pull.
What users found useful is an anti-vibration system, causing less stress on your body while you use it.
This means that the model is designed for extended usage, which is proved y the fact that it is also a lightweight model for a gas powered weed eaters.
The only disadvantage is related to the included bump head that dispenses the trigger line.
Users found it time consuming and irritating to have to hit it multiple times to get it to work.
This is the reason why this model is not on first position.
The third position is usually taken by the model which is the best value for money and when the gas powered weed eaters are in question, the Homelite 26cc ZR33600 deserves it.
The tool features a curved shaft, designed for clearing weeds out of an open area.
It is not so useful in tight spaces, but users find it great that it comes with a Quick-Fire carburetor, enabling them to start the engine on the first or second pull every time.
The Homelite 26cc ZR33600 cuts a 17” swath, thus less passes will be needed to clear the same area than with other models.
Among all these, the price is also great, as it is twice lower than with the first two models on our list.
Now, we need to mention some disadvantages as well.
The tool does not last long and it also has problems with the bump head.
It dispenses more trimmer line inconsistently, which can be fixed but require additional expenses.
The Poulan Pro 967105301 is a very inconsistent weed eater.
Even though it is an easy staring model, which possesses a low-force pullcord, and will start working on the first or second pull, this is not a model that will be durable.
Let’s first mention some advantages.
The tool comes with a large 17” cutting width, meaning that it is designed for clearing large areas and it does it quick and easy.
You will get a separable shaft so that you can add accessories and make this tool become a hedge trimmer, cultivator, blower, brushcutter, edger, or pole pruner.
This makes this model versatile and you get many tools in just one engine.
Furthermore, the machine works really well while it lasts, but do not expect it to last for years.
Due to its durability problems, it is good for occasional yard workers, but cannot be used for heavy-duty tasks.
Users noticed that some units have loose handle, affecting the control or precision.
Last, but not the least, this is not the cheapest model so we do not consider it a good value.
The Remington RM2560 Rustler is the last weed eater on our list due to many reasons.
You will get a straight shaft, so you can get under bushes, in fence corners, or other areas that are hard to reach and a 16” cutting width, which is considered enough.
But that is all that can be said about this model.
There are important weaknesses that have to be mentioned.
It is a heavy tool, with more than 14 pounds weight and it has a short shaft and people need to bend over to use it.
Those people who are taller should avoid this model.
The tool has poor quality control and if you need a model that will last for a longer period of time, you should look elsewhere.
Even though the price is reasonable, you will not get good value for the money.
As it is the case with any other tool, there are major differences among various models of gas-powered weed eaters.
They are not made the same, they come with different features thus affecting their prices to vary as well.
Everybody wants to get a good deal for money, so you need to understand your needs and choose the tool which will suit them without breaking the bank.
Our buyer’s guide is there to give you some ideas about what you should be looking for when you shop for a weed eater.
How significant is the weight?
When the most important characteristics of gas powered weed eaters are in question, we have to speak about the weight first.
A gas-powered weed eater has to be effective, but if it is going to weight a lot, it will cause your hand fatigue and disappointing overall experience.
With the lighter model, you can finish cleaning up your yard feeling fresh.
In the majority of cases, the weight is listed in the specifications so that you can compare it with other models.
You should not consider the shipping weight, as it is much greater than the regular weight of the weed eater.
The shipping weight includes the weight of the box and any shipping materials.
Sometimes manufacturers will voluntarily list the weight of their item and what you should look for is “item weight.”
There are cases when producers emphasize the low weight of the product.
What should I know about the engine type?
Engine type is something that can change your experience of a weed eater.
Power of the engine is something you have to keep in mind being that not weed eaters are made equally and have the same power.
Buyers make a mistake when they think that a 4-stroke engine is twice as powerful as a 2-stroke engine.
If these two engines have the same cc or horsepower, they will have equal effectiveness.
The two extra strokes in the 4-stroke engine change how oil is delivered to the moving parts.
This improves the lubrication, thus extending the life of the engine.
The 2-stroke engine will use a 50:1 oil-gas mix, so it should be mentioned that the 4-stoke has less emissions and is more environmentally-friendly.
We need to speak about the advantages of the 2-stroke engine as well.
It is going to be lower maintenance over its lifespan, it is smaller and lighter.
This makes the tool producing less vibration and makes working with it a more pleasant experience.
2-stroke engines are easier to start with just one or two pulls.
What about shaft type?
Shaft type is something that also confuses buyers.
They do not know whether to get a curved or straight shaft on their weed eater.
Buyers end up getting one or the other without really knowing why and we want to explain you the difference.
Curved shafts are designed for clearing large areas with few hard to reach areas.
They result in some loss of torque from the engine to the head, but the curve makes the shaft perfect for long, sweeping cuts, thus enabling the user to clear a large area much easier.
Furthermore, less force on the weed eater to move it around is necessary with a curved weed eater of equal weight to a straight one.
However, the curve in the shaft does make it harder to get into tough areas.
Getting under bushes is possible with the straight shaft.
The head is going to be a bit further away and you will get a bit more reach than you would with the other model.
What you need to know is that the length of the shaft is especially important as it should be in line with your height.
Tall people should look for a long shaft, or they will bend over while they work, which is very uncomfortable.
Short people should get a short shaft, or they will have to hold the weed eater above a natural position.
Are there extra features to be considered?
Among all the regular features that each weed eater has, there are several smaller features which are considered additional, but which can affect the overall experience when working with a weed eater.
They can either add or subtract value to your purchase depending on your needs.
One of them is the low-vibration system, making you less tired at the end of the working day.
The protection of your arms after weed eating is something that is very important if you are working for an extended period of time.
A high-vibration model is better to be avoided, if that is the case.
Additional features include the number of compatible string gauges.
The thicker the diameter of the string, the better it will cut, which means you can clear thicker vegetation with thicker string.
If you choose to buy a lighter-weight string, you might end up with the tool which will not be up to the task.
Thicker strings also tend to break less often and changing is not that frequent.
On the other hand, the heavier-gauge string is harder to move around, so you will need to have your weed eater may which is more powerful to cut things efficiently.
The cutting area is often advertised on each model and you should know that the bigger cutting areas require more power.
So, the models with 17” are the best on the market and they will help you get your jobs done faster.
How to determine which gas-powered weed eater is the right one for me?
We cannot determine which model is the right model of weed eater for you as it depends on many factors.
It varies from person to person as the needs are different.
Not all people have the same yard, build and budget, so each person should decide which model suits his/her needs.
The most expensive model is not always the best solution, while the cheapest one can be a great deal if it suits you the best.
You should make a list of requirements for your next weed eater, go through comments and reviews related to some features that you would like your new weed eater to have, and then create a short list of weed eater models which will be affordable to you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have to repeat that the Husqvarna 128 LD is our top model and definitely worth considering.
You will get the tool with large cutting width, amazing attachments, and smart start system.
Our runner-up, the Hitachi CG23ECPSL is also a great weed eater.
It is lightweight, has a quick-start system, and a long shaft.
An inconsistent bump head makes it second best.
The Homelite 26cc ZR33600 features a curved shaft, a large cutting width and a great price.
It is rightfully our best choice for money.
The Poulan Pro 967105301 is considered great due to the fact that it has a range of possible attachments, but only if you do not mind its durability problems.
The Remington RM2560 Rustler features a decent cutting width, but poor quality control.
As you have read our reviews and buyer’s guide, you now know all the different features you need to consider before you buy a gas-powered weed eater.
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Gas weed eater is a good thing. If you love your garden you should choose the best one.