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Jennifer has a decade-plus of experience testing the best products on the market, leading her neighbors to ask if she ever stops vacuuming.
A great choice for professional landscaping jobs that last hours. Uses same gas mix as a lawnmower; string bumps out quickly.
A great choice for professional landscaping jobs that last hours. Uses same gas mix as a lawnmower; string bumps out quickly.
Easy to start and maintain. 4-stroke engine requires little oil mixture. Not too noisy to operate considering size of the motor.
Confusing information on oil to gas ratio. Owner's manual not detailed. Some users disappointed with power output.
Entry-level Husqvarna model for basic yard work. We recommend replacing the original string with a thicker line for better results.
Entry-level Husqvarna model for basic yard work. We recommend replacing the original string with a thicker line for better results.
Affordable price for a light- to medium-duty gas trimmer. Curved shaft easier to maneuver. Fast, reliable string bump-out.
Not easy to start, requires purging and choking. Bogs down in thicker growth. Curved shaft is shorter than straight shaft.
If you want one machine with multiple lawn care functions, this is one to buy. Heavier than other models, but offers power and better control.
If you want one machine with multiple lawn care functions, this is one to buy. Heavier than other models, but offers power and better control.
Powerful engine cuts through thick growth. Many attachment options, such as edger and tiller. Well-balanced in hand.
Rough idling and vibration reported. May release too much line when bumped. Challenging to start.
Lightweight and reasonably priced. Worth considering for small to midsize yards, and for anyone who prefers a lighter gas-powered trimmer.
Lightweight and reasonably priced. Worth considering for small to midsize yards, and for anyone who prefers a lighter gas-powered trimmer.
One of the more affordable options by the brand. Gas powered, yet lightweight with a curved shaft for easy handling for most users. Easy to start.
Shaft is a bit short, which could be awkward for very tall users. Not suited for tough trimming tasks.
Good option for anyone with small to midsize property who prefers the lightweight, eco-friendly design of a battery-powered model.
Good option for anyone with small to midsize property who prefers the lightweight, eco-friendly design of a battery-powered model.
Easy for most consumers to use, thanks to lightweight build and battery-powered operation. Comes with battery and charger. Charges quickly, which helps compensate for fairly short battery life per charge.
Telescopic shaft doesn't always stay in a locked position, causing it to shorten during use. Battery life could be longer. Not ideal for large yards.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
You’ve probably heard of Husqvarna when it it comes to heavy-duty powered lawn, forest, and other outdoor equipment. Maybe you even know someone who owns a mower or chainsaw by the brand. But did you know that Husqvarna also makes tools to banish weeds and keep your lawn looking perfectly manicured?
If you have a lot of land to maintain or a minimal backyard, Husqvarna makes a weed eater that will help you keep your property looking its best. From affordable, mid-powered machines to serious lawn tools, there’s a Husqvarna weed eater with the features and functions that will make tending to weed-control chores fast and efficient. But how to choose the right model?
The dedicated team at BestReviews has researched Husqvarna’s weed eaters so you can find the perfect match for your needs. Read our shopping guide for some tips and tricks to help you choose.
Although Husqvarna is known for its high-powered lawn and property-maintaining equipment, the tools the company manufactures for the average homeowner are just as reliable and durable. Its line of weed eaters is no different. For the thickest weeds and more challenging maintenance tasks, Husqvarna’s professional line trimmers are built for heavy-duty work. These reliable machines are designed to handle a variety of tasks and are compatible with different attachments. There is a gas- or battery-powered model to fit nearly every weed-clearing need.
When it comes to average use, such as weekly lawn cutting or clearing small weeds along a fence line, Husqvarna offers several battery-powered weed eaters. These models use less energy and are easier to maneuver for the occasional user.
Pros:
Lighter weight
Less vibration
Easier to handle
Good for light-duty landscaping
Energy efficient
Quieter
Lower price (most models)
Cons:
Less power than gas models
Limited charge life
Not ideal for large jobs
Requires electricity to recharge
For more frequent trimming needs or even the professional landscaper, Husqvarna makes gas-powered weed eaters that have more horsepower for cutting through taller, thicker growth. These models are also suitable for property owners who have large swaths of land that frequently need to be cleared of brush.
Pros:
More powerful
Not limited to battery life
Cuts through thicker weeds
Models with different horsepower to fit different jobs
Cons:
Heavier than battery-powered models
More vibration
Noisier
Pricier than battery-powered models
Husqvarna designs each engine and starter to work together to start quickly so you can get to your work when you’re ready.
If your hands are uncomfortable or you don’t have a firm grip, you can’t trim weeds effectively. To help prevent these common occurrences, Husqvarna has designed their weed eater handles to fit nicely in the hand. With soft coatings and adjustable mechanisms, nearly everyone can achieve a comfortable grip.
For consumers who prefer a battery-powered trimmer, Husqvarna offers durable chargers and reliable Li-ion batteries that charge quickly.
Choose a Husqvarna weed eater with a long, straight shaft if you need the added length and superior leverage offered by these tools. Or choose a model with a curved shaft if manageability and a lighter weight are your preferences. Some weed eaters also feature telescopic or adjustable shafts to fit various users and trimming tasks.
Each Husqvarna weed eater is designed to save energy. While the battery-operated models are the most eco-friendly, the brand’s X-Torq engines are efficient and made to put out minimal emissions.
Husqvarna weed eaters vary in price, from about $160 to $480, depending on the model and features you need.
Inexpensive: For about $160 to $200, you can find both battery- and gas-powered models for weed control in small to midsize areas.
Mid-range: If you want a weed eater with a bit more power that’s capable of handling larger yards and some mid-level professional lawn care duties, expect to pay between $200 and $300.
Expensive: For between $300 and $480, you can find the most powerful models offered by the brand, including professional-grade tools made for large properties and commercial use.
Read the owner’s manual before you use your weed eater. Even if you’re a pro at operating all types of lawn equipment, chances are you’ll find some important information that can help you make the most of your new tool’s features and functions.
Invest in two different models. If you have a lot of land that includes landscaped areas, you might want to consider buying two Husqvarna weed eaters. A gas-powered model with a larger engine and straight shaft can easily cut through tough weeds, while a lighter, battery-powered model is easier and more convenient to handle for frequent, small trimming tasks.
Wear protective clothing when trimming weeds. When trimming dense weeds, it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves, long pants, and boots to protect your skin from poison sumac, ivy, and oak. Protective clothing will also protect you from insects and flying debris.
Q. How reliable is the string feed function on Husqvarna weed eaters?
A. Issues with trimming line, or string, not working properly is a common concern when using weed eaters. Husqvarna has addressed this concern with string feed that works quickly and effectively in most weed trimming situations. In addition, once you complete your trimming work, the automatic Return/Stop switch keeps your line in order and ready to use for your next job.
Q. I own a landscaping business. What are some features I should look for in a weed eater?
A. Because you’ll encounter all types of weed-control issues in your business, versatile features will be important to you. A gas-powered trimmer can run for longer periods and handle small to large jobs. If you plan to do more than just manicure lawns, more horsepower will give you an advantage. Additionally, adjustable handles and shafts will help you increase your reach as needed and make transporting your equipment easier.
Q. What’s the difference between curved and straight shafts when it comes to maneuverability?
A. If you’re a smaller individual or have limited arm or hand strength, a model with a curved shaft is a good option because the contoured design makes it easier to use. However, if you need optimal power or are taller, consider one of the brand’s straight-shaft models because these are built for heavy-duty weed control and are better suited to taller users.
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