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Last updated: February 21, 2023
Reviews of three of the best gas-powered string trimmers available today, based on engine power, shaft, weight, price, and more.
If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable, and long-running string trimmer, then gas can be a great choice. Despite a market saturated with corded and electrical options, there are still quite a few gas weed eaters to choose from.
To help you cut through the noise and find an option that will work for your needs without breaking the bank, I’ve put together this short list of reliable gas-powered string trimmers.
The top three models are noted for their durability, ease of use, and ability to deliver results without costing a fortune.
Our Top Pick:
- Husqvarna 128LD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer is a great multipurpose weed...
- T25 Trimmer Head: Gas powered weed wacker is equipped with strong, braided...
- Smart Start and Air Purge: Smart Start technology reduces starter cord...
Top 3 Gas String Trimmers:
| Gas String Trimmer | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer | Price |
| 2 | Craftsman WS235 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer | Price |
| 3 | Proyama PBC43 Gas Trimmer and Brush Cutter | Price |
Top 3 Gas String Trimmers
Let’s have a more detailed look at these three gas-powered weed eaters.
Prefer a battery trimmer? Read my guide with the best battery-powered weed eaters with reviews of good and affordable models.
Leaning toward an electric version instead? Check out my list of best electric weed eaters for some great options in that category.
1. Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer
If you’re looking for a trimmer powerful enough to take on tough jobs but still easy to maneuver for more general use, the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer is one to consider.
This powerful 28 CC 2-cycle trimmer can take on thick weeds, wet grass, and just about any other task in the average suburban yard. But, at 11 pounds, it’s also super lightweight and perfect for those long jobs.
This straight shaft weed wacker is just 52 inches tall, making it a less likely choice for taller users but perfect for those on the other end of the height spectrum. In fact, this is one of the best options for women, given the shorter, lighter-weight design.
The Husqvarna has a 17-inch wide trimming area that makes quick work for large jobs. The “tap-n-go” bump feed means no interruptions to the task. And the large translucent gas tank means less time filling up and plenty of warning before you run low.
This model is compatible with other Husqvarna attachable yard equipment. With a little work, this string trimmer provides impressive power in a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver package at a price that’s well-matched for what you get.
2. Craftsman WS235 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer
When it comes to features, power, and ease of use, the Craftsman WS235 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer is one to consider as a reliable option.
This 27 CC 2-cycle weed wacker features a full-crank engine for maximum durability, lasting performance, and less vibration when operating. With 13 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than our other two choices but well-balanced and easy to use, thanks to the comfort-grip J-handle and shoulder strap.
The long straight shaft makes trimming in harder-to-reach places a little easier, perfect for those that are average height or taller. The heavy-duty metal blade offers an 18-inch cutting width, allowing for cutting through dense grass and other vegetation. Also worth mentioning is that this machine offers the ability to change between a brush cutter blade and a trimmer head.
While all these features are great, what sets this trimmer apart is how easy it is to load and start. The easy-start technology simplifies pull starts into three easy steps, so you can get going right away.
3. Proyama PBC43 Gas Trimmer and Brush Cutter
Both our above picks are great choices for hefty yard work, but if you have a larger property or more than the average amount of debris to contend with, you’ll need a weed trimmer that can keep up. The Proyama 3-in-1 Gas Powered Weed Eater is one clear winner that’s up for the challenge.
This 2-cycle weed wacker has a huge 42.7 CC motor that delivers a ton of horsepower to get through even the thickest stands of weed and brush. And with the easy start system and trigger interlock, this machine can be started quickly and with minimum effort.
The quick-release split shaft provides durability and reliability for lasting performance even with heavy use. The frame is easy enough to maneuver, but made far easier thanks to the u-handles and included strap. The total length of the trimmer is 73 inches.
With the different blades, the Proyama PBC43 can function as a string trimmer as well as a brush cutter, perfect for regular trimming around the garden and managing thick brush.
Buying Guide
Before you choose one of the gas string trimmers above, there are a few things worth considering to ensure you get the right tool for your needs.
This handy buyer’s guide will help you narrow down your options by considering the following buying factors:
- Why gas-powered?
- Engine
- Shaft
- Weight
1. Why Gas Powered?
Gas-powered string trimmers used to be the gold standard. But improvements in battery technology have made them less desirable in recent years, in favor of electric trimmers.
Still, there are some benefits to the gas-powered versions.
Pros and Cons
Compared to battery and corded string trimmers, gas-powered models offer longer runtimes, more consistent power through tough jobs, and professional-grade performance at an affordable price.
A quality gas trimmer can get through thicker debris and tall grass faster and easier than even the best electric trimmers.
However, there are also some downsides to gas trimmers. For one, they require fuel to run, which not only costs extra but is less earth-friendly.
They also tend to be noisier, stinkier, and heavier than electric options. And they take a lot more maintenance, not just of the motor itself, but to mix the gas and oil at the correct ratios.
Other Options
Corded string trimmers have always been a good alternative to noisy gas-powered models. These can put out quite a bit of power and will run indefinitely without needing to be refueled. But they also have limited use based on the length of the extension cord available.
Battery-powered string trimmers have come a long way in the last decade. Now, many top models rival gas-powered options in how easily they take on tough jobs and thick debris. And battery life is also getting longer, making for fewer interruptions even when taking on large jobs.
My preference? I use a corded electric string trimmer for the quick jobs around the house, and a battery-powered trimmer for the chores further into the backyard and garden. I can’t say I like gas-powered string trimmers, but I can see how they are helpful in certain scenarios.
2. Engine
Gas-powered string trimmer engines come in various sizes and types.
2-Cycle
2-cycle motors create higher rpm to spin the trimmer wheel faster so you can complete tasks more quickly. These types are also much more affordable. But, on the downside, they are also less fuel-efficient and noisier.
4-Cycle
4-cycle motors spin at lower rpm but create more torque, making them better able to cut through thick debris. They are also more fuel-efficient and create fewer emissions. But they are also very pricey and not usually necessary for the average homeowner.
CC
Trimmer engines are also rated in CCs. The term CC stands for Cubic Centimeters, which measures the Engine Capacity. This measurement gives you an idea of how powerful the motor is, with larger cc motors tending to be more powerful than smaller ones.
However, other factors also influence the overall horsepower of a trimmer motor. This means that higher-quality, lower-cc motors can often outperform lower-quality, higher-cc motors. In other words, don’t just look at the advertised CC number.
3. Shaft
When looking at the shaft of a gas string trimmer, there are generally three things to consider:
- Length
- Adjustability
- Shape
Longer trimmers are easier for taller users to operate without having to hunch down. Shorter trimmers, likewise, are easier for shorter users to use. Most commercial trimmers range between about 50 inches and 64 inches.
Some models feature adjustable shafts that can be lengthened or shortened to fit the user and the job. These can be very convenient but are also more prone to durability issues, especially under heavy use.
Gas trimmers are available in straight shaft or curved shaft builds. Curved shaft trimmers tend to be easier to maneuver, especially in tight spots. But these kinds rely on plastic cable drive mechanisms that are much less durable and offer less power.
Straight shafts aren’t quite as easy to use but are much more durable, especially when paired with a metal driveshaft. These types are powerful enough to be used with trimmer blades and are the only type used by professionals.
4. Weight
The last thing you’ll want to consider is the weight of the gas string trimmer.
Of the three trimmer types, gas-powered models tend to weigh the most. In fact, the dry weight of most gas-powered trimmers is generally more than the functional weight of even the heaviest corded trimmers.
It is worth keeping in mind that the “dry weight” given in most advertising material doesn’t account for the weight of gasoline. With a full tank, most trimmers will weigh one to two pounds more than advertised.
Heavy trimmers are often fitted with u-handles or shoulder straps to make them easier to manage. If you’re worried about the strain from using a heavy trimmer, it’s worth considering getting a corded or battery trimmer instead.
