{TOP 10} Best Commercial Weed Eater For The Money

Professional lawn care businesses can be very profitable because there is always work to be done! Both residential homes and commercial businesses have some level of need for landscaping services, whether that is simple mowing and trimming, or full-on gardening. But to succeed in this industry, you’ll need the right tools. One of the most important pieces of the job is edge trimming, otherwise known as weed eating or weed whacking. We have put together reviews of 5 bestcommercial weed eater brands to help guide your decision , including all the background information you need to pick the best one for your operation .

Gotta Be Gas

There are several types of weed eater available today, including gas powered, battery powered, and electric. But for commercial grade weed eaters, you really need a gas model. Though they are heavier and louder than other types, neither battery nor electric models have the range and longevity to get you through a day’s worth of edge trimming.

Battery packs tend to last less than an hour before needing to be recharged, and they diminish in power as the battery drains. Electric models are corded, so you will need an outlet and a bunch of extension cords at every property – some places might not be set up for that to even work. For professional applications, we recommend a gas powered commercial weed eater.

Weed Eater Style

Though you always want to choose a gas powered weed eater for commercial use, there is another choice to make in terms of Kush capital style. Most weed eaters feature a long shaft with the cutting line at the bottom and a handle with ignition switch at the top. The gas tank is affixed along the shaft.

With this type of weed eater, you need to carry and maneuver the tool. A shoulder strap can help make this easier, but weight and balance play a real part in how comfortable you’ll be as you use it. A gas weed wacker is always heavier than other types because the tank and the weight of the gas can be significant.

However, there is another style of weed eater that might be better for professional applications. It is a push model that looks a lot like a small lawn mower. These commercial string trimmers allow you to deliver a precise and clean lawn without having to carry your edging tool. They also have more powerful engines. The downside is that they are more expensive and take up more room in your truck and storage area at your business.

The best weed eater brands have put thought into the durability, maneuverability, and ergonomics of the tool. Stick around after the reviews for more details on the individual parts that make up a gas weed eater.

Top 5 Commercial Weed Eater – Comparison Table

Top 5 Commercial Weed Eater Product On The Market Reviews

  1    Husqvarna 324L, 17 in. 25cc 4-Cycle Straight Shaft String Trimmer

We’re starting off with the Husqvarna because this is a company that has put serious effort into delivering the kind of impressive power you get with a 2-stroke engine in a more user-friendly and ecologically safe 4-stroke engine. This model runs on pure gas so that you don’t have to mess with mixing in oil, yet it delivers the kind of power that you need in commercial applications.

You can feel good about using this weed eater from an environmental standpoint. Husqvarna has committed to producing the most eco-friendly engines possible, which is why the company favors the lower emissions of 4-stroke models. The engine on this weed eater exceeds the most stringent emission control standards for both EPA and CARB certification.

It has an air purge feature that removes air from the carburetor and fuel system prior to starting, as well as a patented Smart Start engine and starter button that gets you going with little hassle. Gas powered weed eaters usually have the same sort of pull string as lawnmowers, and just getting the thing started can be the most difficult part of the job. Not so with this Husqvarna.

It is designed ergonomically with a straight shaft and loop handle. The handle is nicely padded and adjustable for people of different heights. Weighing in at 17 pounds, it is on the heavy side. However, a recommended extra is the two-shoulder carrying strap, which distributes weight evenly across your back and makes long-term use of the tool much more comfortable. This Husqvarna features a solidly built bump head. It accepts any size of string, so you have the option to go thinner or thicker depending on your needs.

Unless you are looking for a push model, we don’t think you can go wrong with Husqvarna 4 cycle weed eaters. They deliver as much power as a 2-stroke engine but with less toxic fumes. It is ergonomically designed for user comfort. And the company has reliable customer service in the event of a problem. This product comes with a one year warranty.

SPECS:

70 x 9 x 9 inches17 pounds1 year warranty

PROS

 – Cutting line is easy to load and replace as needed
 – Easy to start
 – Less vibration and exhaust than a 2-stroke model

CONS

 – Heavy
 – Loud operation
 – Debris guard may be too small
  2    Tanaka TCG27EBSP 2-Cycle Gas String Commercial Grade Trimmer, 26.9cc

This Tanaka weed eater features a powerful 26.9cc 2-stroke engine for businesses that need to take down heavy duty growth on a regular basis. It is built with both power and durability in mind, featuring aluminum clutch housing, lined solid steel drive shaft, forged steel connecting rod, and rugged fuel tank protector. In other words, the Tanaka should be able to handle anything you throw at it.

In terms of ergonomics, the solid steel drive shaft reduces vibration significantly. Another nice feature is the choice of handle types – you can choose either bicycle or loop according to your preference – and both types are amply padded for a very comfortable grip. The handle can also fold down for easier storage. The entire thing weighs just over 11 pounds, which is impressive considering all of the heavy duty materials used in construction.

Users report that the bump feed head, with a 17” cutting swath, is designed extremely well and easy to use. You won’t need any tools to remove and replace the spindle when necessary. The S-Start pull force reduction system also contributes to ease of use because it requires less effort to get the weed eater fired up and ready to cut.

You would be hard pressed to find a more powerful commercial weed eater, but the tradeoff comes in terms of environmental impact. The Tanaka can’t match the Husqvarna in emissions, so there will be some fumes to breathe as you work, but the Tanaka is still able to secure CARB/EPA compliance. The company stands proudly behind their products, too, with a stunning 7-year warranty for private consumers and generous 2-year warranty for commercial use.

SPECS:

70.1 x 9.9 x 12.5 inches11.2 pounds2 year commercial warranty; 7 year consumer warranty

PROS

 – Minimal vibration
 – Easy to start
 – Quieter than many gas models

CONS

 – Lacks a shoulder strap
 – Customer support in Japan is difficult to reach
 – May struggle to restart until it has cooled down
  3    Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer

The Hitachi 22.5cc, 2-stroke gas powered weed eater is a budget-friendly model that sacrifices little in the way of power, energy efficiency, and ergonomics. It has an S-Start recoil starting system that makes it easier to get the engine running, and it meets required emissions levels. This Hitachi weed eater does have a slightly smaller gearbox than the Tanaka and Husqvarna models, but you are unlikely to notice diminished performance. You’ll also get a smaller 15” cutting swath.

This tool is designed to be operated comfortably by people of any height, with a 69.6” length that all but eliminates the need for bending as you work. There is an anti-vibration system in order to reduce operator fatigue. It comes with a loop handle as well as an auxiliary grip on the shaft.

You will find slightly less padding on the handles than some other models, but this isn’t troubling due to the lighter weight of just over 10 pounds. Users report that it is easy to maneuver and the anti-vibration system keeps them comfortable during use, making this model the best lightweight weed eater on our list.

As long as you aren’t regularly taking down weeds with stems more than an inch in diameter, the Hitachi is a budget-friendly choice with solid power. The bump head is functional and mounts onto a cast aluminum housing for added durability. You get the same great warranty on the Hitachi model as the Tanaka – 7 years consumer and 2 years commercial.

SPECS:

​70 x 8 x 8 inches10.3 pounds2 year commercial warranty; 7 year consumer warranty

PROS

 – Lightweight and easy to maneuver
 – Simple to load cutting line
 – Very little vibration

CONS

 – Some components are plastic
 – Replacement parts are difficult to find
 – Bump head can jam in dense weeds
  4    Remington 25A-26J7783 22″ Hi-Wheel Trimmer

Depending on the size of your business, it might be wise to invest in a push model weed eater. This Remington model looks and functions like a compact lawn mower, but has an offset trimmer head that cuts a 22” swath around flower beds, edges, and landscaping. Though it is much larger and heavier than a shaft-style weed eater, the Remington has a folding handle that allows for convenient storage and transportation. And despite being 78 pounds, the large 14” ball bearing wheels make it really easy to maneuver.

This wheeled string trimmer is quite deft and can be adjusted into three positions with a single-lever height adjustment. That gives you a lot of control over the work. The tool is deft enough to get into tight spaces, but the wheels serve as useful guides to create deliberate and precise lines. Hand held weed eaters are much harder to move in uniform swaths.

If you want to save your back a lot of strain, consider a wheeled commercial string trimmer. One thing to note about the Remington is that the handle may not be tall enough for people over 6’ to operate without bending a bit. This weed eater is supported by a nice 2 year limited warranty.

SPECS:

​​34.5 x 22 x 21.1 inches78 pounds2 year warranty

PROS

 – Powers through weeds
 – Easy to start
 – Easy to reload cutting line

CONS

 – Smaller gas tank
 – Handle may not be tall enough for people over 6’
 – Difficult to navigate in rocky terrain
  5    Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 150cc Field Trimmer

Another push model is the Southland 150cc, 4-stroke walk behind weed eater. It features 12” wheels and is set apart by its quad cutting head, which uses 4 cutting lines instead of the standard two. Users report that the Southland can power through even dense foliage with ease. It is also easy to get started, with a manual recoil easy start fuel delivery system. You get a solid 22” cutting swath with this tool.

The handle is designed to minimize vibrations and is covered in foam for your comfort; it also folds down for compact storage. The body of this commercial weed eater is slim to allow precise trimming in tight spots. One minor downside is that this model does not have multiple height positions. However, it is the lighter of the two push models we cover, and therefore more maneuverable.

The Southland walk behind weed eater is low on emissions due to its 4-stroke engine, and is EPA and CARB certified. There is some assembly required to get started, but it is fast and easy to manage. This product comes with a 2 year warranty.

SPECS:

​​​35 x 21.6 x 21.3 inches50 pounds2 year warranty

PROS

 – Clear instructions and straightforward assembly
 – Starts easily, often on the first pull
 – Simple replacement procedure for cutting line

CONS

 – Lacks multiple height positions
 – More difficult to navigate on steep terrain
 – Really dense weeds may tangle around the spindle

Parts of a Gas Weed Eater

In the following sections, we break down the various parts of a commercial weed eater and describe important factors for each that might guide your purchasing decision. In the end, you’ll want a model that has a powerful engine and ample capacity for gasoline, without being too heavy or unbalanced to operate all day.

Engine

The engine on a gas weed eater is relatively lightweight and small, but still adds quite a bit of heft to the tool. So weight is one of the first things to consider when shopping for one. You will also want to determine the type of engine, which could be either 2-stroke or 4-stroke. In general, 2-stroke engines are the best for weed eating because it delivers consistent power at both speeds.

However, 2-stroke engines are a bit finicky. You will need to mix ethanol-free gas and motor oil at the right ratio before filling the tank. Without enough oil, your engine will overheat and eventually break down. If you have too much oil in the mix, the engine will smoke consistently and carbon will build up on the spark plug, which reduces performance. Overall, 2-stroke engines are louder and give off more emissions, so that’s something to consider if you want your business to be considered “green.”

If you choose a weed eater with a 4-stroke engine, you’ll find that care and maintenance is a lot easier. Oil gets added separately to the crankcase, so there is no need to mix it correctly into the gasoline. This type of engine is also quieter and produces less in the way of toxic emissions than a 2-stroke engine. The plug and carburetor don’t accumulate as much oil and carbon residue, which means fewer maintenance issues over the life of the tool.

The trade-off comes in terms of power – you do get less with a 4-stroke engine. However, note that both types of engine usually fall in the range of 20-25cc. And it’s the design of the engine that plays the biggest role in how much power you actually get and at what rate you’ll burn through fuel. User reviews can be very helpful in guiding your decision in this regard.

Gearbox

The gearbox is the part of the weed eater that delivers power to the cutting head. It needs to be thoughtfully designed and tough enough to withstand heavy duty. In general, a cast aluminum housing for the gearbox is ideal.

Shaft

The shaft on a standard-style weed eater will be either curved or straight. Which you prefer is a matter of personal choice. Straight-shaft weed eaters offer better reach, which can be ideal for taller people. They also keep your body a bit further away from flying debris. On the downside, straight-shaft models tend to be a bit pricier. In the end, it should come down to which style feels most ergonomic to you, so as to reduce operator fatigue and repetitive stress injuries.

Cutting Head

Weed eaters are also commonly called string trimmers, because they use rapidly rotating nylon string as the cutting mechanism. This string wears down quickly during use and will need to be regularly replaced. Some cutting heads require you to do this manually. But to reduce the amount of time you spend doing this, there are other types of cutting head that attempt to automate parts of the process.

Weed eaters are also commonly called string trimmers, because they use rapidly rotating nylon string as the cutting mechanism. This string wears down quickly during use and will need to be regularly replaced. Some cutting heads require you to do this manually. But to reduce the amount of time you spend doing this, there are other types of cutting head that attempt to automate parts of the process.

Fixed HeadThis is the most basic type of cutting head. It requires you to feed one or two lengths of cutting line into the head (depending on whether it is a single or dual line model). As the line breaks down, you’ll find that your cutting swath gets smaller and smaller until you eventually replace the line with fresh pieces.

Bump FeedBump feed cutting heads hold a spool of thread that can be fed out incrementally as you notice your cutting swath diminish. To do it, simply bump the head on a hard surface. This can be done even in the midst of your task. Only when the spool is empty do you need to load more line.

However, if you choose a bump feed head, make sure that it is well-designed. A bump feed head that doesn’t work reliably means MORE downtime spent messing around with the cutting head.

Automatic FeedEven fancier is an automatic head, which utilizes a line spinning motor to keep the line at a standard length all the time. This is great as long as it works properly, but some users prefer the greater control of a bump feed head. Automatic feed heads also need their own motor, which is another component that can break down.

Cutting Line or String

If you go with a hand operated weed eater, you’ll need to contend with vibration. This is true of push models as well, but in that case, the ground takes some of the vibrations. Commercial weed eaters are designed to reduce as much of this as possible, but vibration is an unavoidable byproduct of doing the job.

Constant vibration puts strain on your hands, wrists, and arms. It can also lead to permanent nerve damage if you don’t stop and take breaks. Therefore, you really want to consider the handle of your weed eater before buying so as to reduce the amount of vibration it produces.

There are two basic types of handle: bike handle and loop handle. Bike handles feature two distinct grips, much like the handle of a bicycle. Loop handles are wide loops, either open or closed, affixed to the top of the shaft; this style offers multiple gripping positions. Note that bike handles are almost always designed for right-handed operators, while loop handles can be used by either left-handed or right-handed people. (Pay attention to the location of the throttle trigger if you are left-handed, as these can sometimes be difficult to reach.)

Whichever handle style fits your personal preference, the amount of padding that it contains is the real test of how comfortable you’ll be while using it. The more padding there is, the less vibration and user fatigue you’ll experience.

Troubleshooting Your Weed Eater

There is little more frustrating than getting down to trimming in your list of chores but getting stopped by a tool that won’t start. It’s even worse if the thing starts but keeps sputtering out when you attempt to use it. Following are a few things you can try at home to get a finicky weed eater back up and running.

Check the gas line

Sometimes old fuel can gunk up the filters in your weed eater. This is especially common after a lengthy period of storage. It’s best to drain the gas tank at the end of each season before storage. Even so, you may need to use a cleansing additive sometimes to clear out any accumulated gas/oil residue.

Keeping a close eye on the gas/oil ratio is also very important with a 2-cycle engine that uses them mixed. Stick to 1 gallon of fuel to 3.2 ounces of oil. This is less of a concern with 4 cycle string trimmer models because the gas and oil are added to separate compartments.

Seizing is another common engine problem that can occur when you try to start the engine too many times in succession. If you make sure your entire work area is clear before you begin, you are less likely to need to stop and start your weed eater.

Line Breakage

The nylon cutting line used by weed eaters is designed to break down as it gets used. Replacing the line is something you’ll have to do regularly, but if your line is breaking before it even slices through anything, that’s a problem. The first step is to make sure you aren’t expecting nylon string to cut through tree stumps. It is really only meant for pliable weeds, though they can be slightly woody.

Another reason that your line might be breaking is age. After 5 years, the nylon becomes brittle and prone to breakage. A fresh spool can make all the difference in this case. So even if you find a great deal on cutting line, it’s best not to stock up too much as the line will dry out in storage.

Proper Storage

And speaking of storage, the way you put your weed eater away make a big difference, too. The engine of a gas powered weed eater can easily be flooded if it is stored on its side. Prop it against a way to avoid this problem. If your engine has flooded, you’ll need to wait about 15 minutes before trying to start it again.

Conclusion

We hope we have given you all the information you need to find the best commercial weed eater for your landscaping business. It’s good and honorable work that makes people feel happy. Whether you choose a handheld or walk behind model, the right weed eater makes all the difference in completing those finishing touches that puts the cherry on top of a job well done. Best of luck with your business and your new weed eater!