Tim Johnson of OPE Reviews has just done extensive testing to find the best windpipe trimmers for professionals and those who just want to maintain your property. There are 10 models in the shootout, with a balanced 2-stroke and 4-stroke model to choose from.
Best Air String Trimmer Starting Lineup
- Echo – SRM-2620T
- HONDA – HHT35SLTA – 4 STROKE
- Husqvarna – 525LST
- Makita – EM2650LH – 4 Cycles
- Rimi – RY253SS
- Ryobi – RY4CSS – 4 loops
- New Yamato – T262
- Stihl – FS 91 R – 4-mix – 4-cycle running premix (oil and gas)
- Tanaka – TCG27EBSP
- Troy-Bilt – TB6044 XP – 4 stroke
We've quickly broken down how things happen, but you'll want to check out the best herbicide shootout for all the details, photos, and diagrams.
Best Weedeater Shootout – String Trimmers Gas Powered
cutting tape
Our group's cuts ranged from 16" for Makita to 20" for Shindaiwa, with others in between.
automatic choke
Fiddling with chokes isn't necessarily part of the startup process these days. It may not be necessary to win the title of "best gas line trimmer," but it's a very handy feature.
Automotive Choke Model
- Husqvarna
- Makita
- Steele
Fuel Efficiency and Run Time
Do you want to go longer or use the least amount of fuel? Yes. both. That's fine, but in this case you need to choose between the two.
8 oz for maximum fuel efficiency. fuel
- Ryobi 4-Stroke (23:29)
- Ryobi 2-Stroke (23:20)
- Troy Bilt (22:35)
Optimal run time with full tank
- Steele (1:02:37)
- Makita (54:41)
- New Yamato (54:20)
weight
Cord cutters are known for straining your back, so the lighter the weight the better.
Lightest fuel and fluid
- Husqvarna (12.3 lbs)
- Echo (12.6 lbs)
- Makita (12.6 lbs)
noise level
Whether you're protecting your hearing or caring for your neighbors, you need to be aware of the noise you're making.
Minimum Noise Level (at 50' and at user's ear)
- Honda (74/96 dB(A))
- Tanaka (74/97 dB(A))
- Ryobi 2-stroke and 4-stroke (76/97 dB(A))
fine tune power
Tim cuts through thick and thin bahia grass to see what cutting characteristics each air string trimmer has.
Top Thin Grass Cutting Speed (average 5' square)
- Echo (7.8 seconds)
- Makita (8.0 seconds)
- Shin Yamato (8.4 seconds)
Highest thick grass cutting speed (average 5' square)
- Husqvarna (10.9 seconds)
- Echo (11.2 seconds)
- Honda (12.8 seconds)
price and value
The cheapest price is not always the best value. A cheap tool that doesn't get the job done is worthless. Getting the most out of every hard-earned dollar is always a worthwhile goal.
Lowest price
- Rima RY253SS $140.27
- Ryobi RY4CSS $199.99
- Troy Bilt $239
highest price
- Honda HHT35SLTA $369
- Echo $409.96
- Tanaka to be determined
best value
- Rima RY253SS $140.27
- Ryobi RY4CSS $199.99
- STIHL FS 91 R
Warranty
The warranty you get on a gas hose mower depends on whether you use it as a consumer or commercially as a professional.
best guarantee
- Tanaka (7 years consumer, 2 years commercial)
- Echo (5 years consumer, 2 years commercial)
- Shindaiwa (5 years consumer, 2 years commercial)
Best Gas Line Trimmers Final Ranking
- 10th place, 63.0 points – Troy-Bilt TB6044XP
- 9th place, 72.3 points – Tanaka TCG27EBSP (available online at Amazon)
- 8th place, 78.3 points – Ryobi RY4CSS
- 7th place, 80.6 points – Ryobi RY253SS
- Sixth place, 81.3 points – Honda HHT35SLTA
- 5th place, 84.3 points – Shindaiwa T262 (Get it on Amazon)
- 4th place, 87.9 points – Stihl FS91R
- 3rd place, 89.0 points – Husqvarna 525LST
- 2nd place, 90.7 points – Echo SRM-2620T
- 1st place, 90.8 points – Makita EM2650LH
Editor's note: This article was originally published on July 6, 2018.