If you’re in the market for a weed wacker, the most critical question you need to ask yourself is “gas or electric?” Once you have that narrowed down, it’s much easier to decide on which model is best for you.
But, which is better for your needs, a gas model or an electric one? Today, we’ll tackle all your questions and help you decide between the two as we pit these different types of string trimmers against each other in the battle of the gas vs electric weed wacker.
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Gas vs Electric Weed Wacker: What Separates the Two?
When it comes to weed wackers, the question of gas or electric is a matter of how the trimmer is powered. As you’d imagine, gas-powered models use gasoline as fuel, while electric models are fueled by electricity. Each type of fuel comes with benefits and drawbacks.
Gas powered trimmers are far more powerful, and they can go anywhere. With an electric trimmer, you’re at the mercy of the length of your extension cord. Battery powered models are also available which eliminates the need for an extension cord. But, with a battery powered model, you’re at the mercy of how much juice is left in the battery.
Benefits of a Gas Weed Wacker
Gas powered weed wackers have long been the industry standard because they provide the most powerful and easiest operation of any string trimmer.
With a gas trimmer, you’ll never need to worry about the length of your extension cord, batteries, or any of the other caveats that come with electric trimmers.
Gas trimmers can also generate far more power than an electric model can, so if you’re a professional landscaper, or you’re contending with a grass species that are difficult to cut, a gas trimmer may make a much better choice for you.
Benefits of an Electric Weed Wacker
Electric weed wackers have been growing in popularity for years, as they offer a viable alternative to gas-powered models.
One of the benefits of an electric model is carbon emissions. Gas weed wackers aren’t good for the environment, and they generate lots of emissions. Meanwhile, electric models generate no emissions at all, which is significantly better for the environment.
Electric trimmers also start up immediately, with no priming and no need to pull a starter. They also require far less maintenance. With a gas trimmer, you’ll need to mix fuel and perform basic engine maintenance to keep your trimmer running in top shape. Electric trimmers don’t require engine maintenance.
Which Type of Weed Wacker is Best For Me?
Evaluating the best type of weed wacker for you is a fairly straightforward process.
First, you’ll want to consider the size of your yard and the type of grass you grow. Do you have a large yard? Is your lawn challenging to cut? If you’ve answered yes to either question, a gas model is going to be best for you.
Meanwhile, if you have a smaller yard with easy to cut grass, you may find that an electric model is better suited for your needs.
Keep in mind that gas models do require occasional maintenance, and you’ll need to mix fuel for the 2-stroke engine. But, these are small considerations to make.
People with larger yards are likely to find that an electric weed wacker is too big of a headache, so they opt for gas-powered models, so they don’t have to worry about extension cords or charging battery packs.
Gas vs Electric Weed Wacker: Top Picks
Now that you have a better idea of which type of weed wacker will be best for your needs let’s take a closer look at our favorite gas and electric trimmers.
Top Gas Weed Wacker: Husqvarna 129LK
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdKpmkwgtPU&w=560&h=315]
Husqvarna has developed an impressive reputation as one of the best lawn equipment manufacturers in the world, and their 129LK string trimmer is a power-packed heavyweight that’s capable of standing up to whatever your lawn can dish out.
This model features a 1.1 horsepower 27cc engine and is equipped with some innovative features designed to make this one of the easiest to use weed wackers on the market.
Husqvarna’s Smart Start system ensures that this trimmer starts quickly and easily, and the choke and purge controls are ergonomically located and easy to understand. Compared to other gas trimmers, this model is incredibly easy to start and use.
One critical feature that separates this trimmer from others is the detachable shaft. The shaft of this trimmer can be removed and replaced with other tools, such as a pole saw, blower, cultivator, edger or hedge trimmer.
This feature can help you get tons of extra mileage out of your trimmer, and it can also help save space in your shed or garage that would otherwise be taken up by other tools.
What We Like
- Powerful
- Starts easily
- Affordable
- Detachable shaft allows you to convert your trimmer to other tools
What Could Be Better
- Engine runs rough for a minute or two after you first start it
Top Electric Weed Wacker: Greenworks 21142
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49mkMRKvo_A&w=560&h=315]
If you decide an electric trimmer is best for your needs, you can’t go wrong with this 10-amp model from Greenworks. It provides reliable operation and intuitive features to help you make quick work of your yard.
With its 10-amp motor, this model is every bit as powerful as some smaller gas powered trimmers, and can quickly work through fairly dense grass and brush. It’s also comfortable to use, with an over-molded ergonomic handle and a secondary handle for added control.
Like the Husqvarna we just discussed, this model also has an intuitive detachable shaft, which allows you to use this trimmer with additional attachments, such as a blower, hedge trimmer, edger, and more.
This model is also lighter and quieter than a gas model, which makes it a pleasure to use, even on larger properties.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Works with additional attachments
- Very powerful for an electric trimmer
- Comfortable and lightweight
What Could Be Better
- Replacement spools are hard to find
- Still much less powerful than a top-of-the-line gas trimmer
Final Word
When it comes to the battle of the gas vs electric weed wacker, there are excellent reasons to choose either kind of trimmer.
By evaluating the pros and cons of each type of weed wacker, you’ll be able to choose the best tool for your needs.
Power junkies and those with large yards are likely to feel much more comfortable with a gas trimmer. Meanwhile, those with smaller yards, people who try to stay green, and anyone looking for the easiest to operate tool are likely to feel more comfortable with an electric trimmer.
Ready to make your yard the envy of the whole block? Let us know what you’ll choose in the comments?
