Consumer Reports reveals best weed trimmers

Friday, May 13, 2016

If you don't have a goat -- a weed whacker is a good way to cut dry grass that could easily burn, so Seven On Your Side teamed up with Consumer Reports to help you find the right trimmer.

This can be a good time to spring clean the yard, that's why Consumer Reports tested 60 trimmers and found some good choices.

String trimmers can help you tidy up faster. With any type of string trimmer be sure to change the cutting string at the start of the season.

Consumer Reports said be sure to buy the right string size for your trimmer. A line that's too thin will reduce cutting power, and if it's too thick and you may slow down the engine or motor.

Consumer Reports' Peter Sawchuck tested string trimmers to see how they handle all sorts of tasks from whacking through tall grass and weeds to edging walkways and paths.

Sawchuck and his team just looked at three types of trimmers: Traditional gasoline powered, corded electric and battery-powered.

"Gasoline trimmers have been popular for a long time because they're powerful, they can go anywhere and they run for a long time," Consumer Reports Peter Sawchuk said.

Consumer Reports named several gas trimmers that are best buys including, a $130 RYOBI. It has a straight shaft, which is ideal for reaching under bushes. Plus, it makes quick work of tall grasses and weeds.

This year, for the first time, Consumer Reports found several battery-powered trimmers that perform just as well as gas trimmers.

It top-rated, this EGO for $180. "This trimmer is well balanced, has a nice long reach and enough power to handle any situation and you don't have to worry about the hassle of mixing oil and gasoline," Sawchuk said.

Just keep in mind, the battery lasts about 25 minutes and takes about 40 minutes to recharge.

Consumer Reports said for smaller yards and jobs a corded electric may be all you need. "All corded electric units are limited to the length of the electric cord but they are good, cost effective alternative for smaller jobs. Look for one that has twin cutting strings. You'll get the job done faster."

The best of the bunch was two RYOBI's at $90.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.