If you regularly use a weed eater and clear large areas of ground at once, it is crucial to invest in a commercial-grade weed eater built to handle large jobs. Professional weed whackers are made to withstand heavy jobs and hours of use, unlike regular household eaters. If you are in the market for the best commercial weed eater of 2021, read on.
Below, we will take an in-depth look at the ten best weed whackers on the market today. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each and include a comprehensive buying guide to cover all of the elements to consider when purchasing a weed eater for your lawn care business.
- Best Overall - Husqvarna Brushcutter 129R
- Most Powerful - Husqvarna 324L String Trimmer
Swipe the table!
| Power | Cutting Width | Weight | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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27cc Engine | 17-inch | 11.9 lbs |
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25cc | 18-inch | 5.1 lbs |
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- | 17-inch | 11 lbs |
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21.2cc | 16-inch | 10 lbs |
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159cc | 22-inch | 78 lbs |
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150cc | 22-inch | 50 lbs |
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Lithium Battery | 15-inch | 12 lbs |
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25cc or 51cc | 16-inch | 18 lbs |
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42cc | - | 20.9 lbs |
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42cc | - | - |
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With an ever-growing market of what seems like indistinguishable products, it is more challenging than ever to know which lawn products are right for you. Luckily, we are here to help. Here are our ten favorite commercial weed eaters of the year and why we like them so much.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Commercial Weed Eaters
1. Husqvarna Brushcutter 129R
The Brushcutter is known for its ease of use. It comes with smart start technology, which means the starters have been innovated to reduce starting effort, making it 40% easier to start the device due to cord resistance. Additionally, the stop switch automatically changes to the ON position to make starting it even more comfortable.
Not only does it start easily, but this commercial-grade weed eater also has a see-through fuel tank to make it easy to tell when you need to refuel. It also features a straight arm for extended reach and an EBevel gear to improve torque and improve cutting performance.
Your Brushcutter 129R purchase includes a trimmer head, combination guard, bullhorn handle, and a grass blade. All things considered, we believe this is the best commercial string trimmer on the market today.
Specifications:
- Engine size: 27cc engine
- Cutting width: 17 inches
- Weight: 11.9lbs
Pros
- Powerful engine that works without failure
- Small Start winding system makes start-up easy
Cons
- Difficult to assemble (took me about an hour)
2. Husqvarna 324L String Trimmer
This heavy-duty weed eater comes with an air purge primer bulb that allows you to remove excess air from the fuel system and carburetor easily. The product in its entirety is surprisingly lightweight. As a nice bonus, it also comes with a 2-year warranty.
Specifications:
- Engine size: 25cc
- Cutting width: 18 inches
- Weight: 5.1lbs
Pros
- Adjustable handle
- Easy to assemble (only took 5 minutes)
- Uses a Honda engine which are known for heavy-duty use
Cons
- No detachable head
- Not suitable for shorter people
Check on Acme Tools
3. Husqvarna 128LD String Trimmer
The 128LD features the same tap n’ go line release feature as the product above, where you release a new trimmer line by simply tapping the head of the whacker on the grass.
This Husqvarna tool is known for its plethora of optional attachments to help you utilize the full potential of the trimmer. There is an edger attachment that is made to keep lawn edges crisp and clearly defined. The blade edge is 2 inches deep.
There is a cultivator attachment made for tilling flower beds, underneath trees, and other small areas throughout your yard. It is an adjustable 6-9 inch tilling width. The pole saw attachment is an extender that allows you to reach high places such as hard to get tree limbs. It cuts branches up to 6 inches in diameter and extends up to 12 feet.
This commercial weed whacker is versatile and customizable due to its click on attachments. It also comes with a two-year limited warranty and is an ideal tool for anyone looking to perform lawn, brush, and branch care.
Specifications:
- Engine size: –
- Cutting width: 17 inches
- Weight: 10lbs
Pros
- Easy to reload
- Tap N Go release feature makes it easy to use
- Quick start option
- Translucent fuel tank making filling up a breeze
Cons
- Uncomfortable to use
- The attachment joint isn't very durable
Check on Acme Tools
4. Echo GT-225 Gas Trimmer
Over time you will need to replace the string, as with most commercial weed eaters, but replacement is easy and seamless with the Echo GT-225. The trimmer also features a vibration reduction technology that makes it less shaky than a professional weed eater, and it comes with a comfortable rubber grip.
Specifications:
- Engine size: 21.2cc
- Cutting width: 16 inches
- Weight: 10lbs
Pros
- Cutting shield protects you from debris
- Curved shaft makes it easy to maneuver
- Easy to operate and start
Cons
- The strings need to be constantly loaded
- Doesn't have many useful attachments compared to other models
Check on Acme Tools
5. Remington RM1159 Trimming Mower
This push weed eater’s unique shape makes trimming around obscure hindrances, such as fences, flowerbeds, and landscape barriers, a breeze. It can be adjusted into three different reclining positions, and it has 14-inch ball-bearing wheels that allow you to chop through almost anything and move across uneven terrain with ease. Also, it is easy to store thanks to its comfortable folding handle.
Specifications:
- Engine size: 159cc
- Cutting width: 22 inches
- Weight: 78lbs
Pros
- Doesn't throw grass clippings in your face
- More powerful than other models
- Large cutting width at 22 inches
Cons
- Heavier and harder to maneuver than other models
- The gas tank and the motor are too close to each other
6. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022
This powerful commercial trimmer runs on a 150 cc OHV engine with 5.75 ft-lbs of torque. This beast is great for cutting through everything that you can’t clip with a standard mower.
Specifications:
- Engine size: 150cc
- Cutting width: 22 inches
- Weight: 50lbs
Pros
- Compact design
- EPA certified
- Anti-vibration comfort grip makes it easy to use
Cons
- The line was hard to change
- No height adjustment
- The wheels feel low quality
7. EGO Power+ ST1521S String Trimmer
The EGO Power+ features a patented power load technology where you simply insert your line and press a button to wind it up, allowing you to return to your work quickly. It is backed by a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
Specifications:
- Engine size: Lithium battery
- Cutting width: 15 inches
- Weight: 12lbs
Pros
- 5-year tool warranty & 3-year battery warranty
- Auto-wind head
- Variable speed control
Cons
- Small front handle
- Short runtime
- Battery known to lose power after long period of use
Check on Acme Tools
8. HUYOSEN Grass String Trimmer
The HUYSEN is easy to use and contains a replaceable nylon trimming line. The string trimmer harness is extremely comfortable and can be worn like a backpack with a quick-release mechanism to release the straps if needed. The startup is easy, and it is simple to operate because of how the ignition switch is mounted on the throttle trigger housing.
Specifications:
- Engine size: 25cc or 51cc
- Cutting width: 16 inches
- Weight: 18lbs
Pros
- Comes with two engine options (25.4cc or 51.7cc)
- Comes with a harness for comfort
Cons
- Feels cheaper than other models
- Not a well known brand
9. PROYAMA 2 in 1 Extreme Duty Weed Eater
Also included with your purchase is a nylon head, a 3T blade, a 40T blade, and a chainsaw tooth 9-inch brush blade to swap out depending on what you need to trim. Additionally, it comes with a fuel mixing bottle, which requires a 40:1 gas mixing ratio, and a tool bag to carry everything!
The PROYAMA tool can easily be stored by breaking it down with its quick-release split shaft. It is also easy to handle and carry due to the convenient handlebar design, making long jobs easier to manage. Last but not least, it also comes with a one year warranty.
Specifications:
- Engine size: 42.7cc
- Cutting width: –
- Weight: 20.9lbs
Pros
- Comes with additional safety gear
- Attachable vibration-reducing harness
Cons
- Heavy
- Feels cheaper than other models
10. MAXTRA Multifunctional Tool
The first attachment is a gas-powered pole saw that you could adjust between 8.2 to 11.4 feet in length, allowing you to reach high branches and limbs up to 16 feet off the ground. It also comes with a weed eater, a hedge trimmer, and a brush cutter attachment.
The tool is run on a 42.7 cc engine, making it perfect for big jobs and allowing you to cut through branches up to 10 inches in diameter. The MAXTRA is designed with a shoulder strap to help you work comfortably and to reduce vibration. Additionally, it comes with a one year warranty!
Specifications:
- Engine size: 42cc
- Cutting width: –
- Weight: –
Pros
- Multifunction tool that acts as a chainsaw, hedge trimmer and brushcutter
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for shorter people
What to Consider When Buying a Commercial Weed Eater
With so many different weed trimmers on the market and so many variations between them, it is crucial to consider what factors are most important to you and what elements will be most beneficial to your specific jobs.
Below we will cover all of the different aspects of weed trimmers to help you with your purchasing process.
Power
Power is an important aspect to consider when purchasing a commercial weed trimmer. Commercial trimmers are often more powerful than typical homeowner trimmers to handle big jobs and multiple hours of use. My buddy has a lawn mowing business and finds this is the most important thing to consider when buying a weed eater.
The power comes in both cc, or cubic centimeters, and hp, or horsepower. CC’s measure engine displacement while Hp measures how powerful an engine is. These numbers will determine how much power your weed eater has and how efficiently it will clear a yard.
Size and Weight
The size and weight are essential when deciding which weed eater is best for your job. If you are going to be carrying a trimmer all day, every pound matters. Commercial weed eaters are more powerful than normal ones, meaning they are also heavier and larger than typical trimmers.
Ensure that you are aware of how much your new commercial weed eater will weigh and know your limits. You do not want to purchase one that will be too heavy for you to carry because if you drop your trimmer or bring it close to your body, you can get seriously injured.
Shaft
Weed eater shafts come either with a curved bar near the cutting head or a straight one. Each type has its unique purpose and defaults. Depending on what kinds of jobs you perform, you will likely find that you prefer one over the other.
If you ask yourself what weed eater do professionals use, it is probably one with a straight shaft. A straight shaft weed eater is more of an advanced tool. It allows you to be more precise with your trimmings, but they are often heavier than curved trimmers and are more difficult to use.
A curved shaft is mostly used on a typical homeowner weed eater. They are often lighter and more manageable for non-professionals to use. They make it easier to edge your lawn, but they do not allow you to trim underneath things such as bushes, and they do limit your precision ability as well.
Fuel Type
Fuel type is an essential factor to take into consideration. Most weed eaters come with either a gas or an electric engine. The electric weed eaters can run on battery power or use a cord to plug into an outlet.
Gas weed eaters are much more common than electric models in the commercial lawn care market. A gas trimmer produces more power than an electric trimmer and allows you to complete longer jobs. You do not have to recharge them if they run on a battery. Additionally, cord-powered weed eaters limit your range and inhibit your work; they are not ideal for commercial jobs.
Gas-powered weed eaters often use a gas mixture, which is a combination of oil and gas. Each model is different and will require a specific ratio, so consult your owner’s manual for the exact amounts you need.
Four cycle engines do not require any oil and run purely on gas. You still have to add oil to the trimmer, but you do not have to worry about combining it with the gas. These trimmers still produce similar power to weed eaters that require a gas and oil mixture.
Engine Type
There are also two different options of engines with commercial weed trimmers. The first type is a two-stroke engine or a 2-cycle. They work by completing a power cycle with every two piston strokes. A 4 stroke engine, or 4-cycle, works by completing a power cycle with every four piston strokes.
Two-stroke engines produce more power than four-stroke engines. Professional workers often prefer them because they generate more power. Their downside is that they are loud, and they do require a gas and oil mixture, as mentioned above.
Four-stroke engines are more comfortable to operate and are often preferred by typical homeowners. They have less power, but they only require gas, and they are not as loud as two-stroke engines.
Cutting Head
Cutting heads have different string release features that differentiate them from one another. As you trim, the string deteriorates, and while some cutting heads replace them automatically, others require you to replace them manually.
Some automatic string replacement trimmers come with what is called a bump feed, where you simply hit the head on the ground while you are using it, and it feeds you more string from a spool.
Another type is called the automatic feed, which is where the string automatically is fed so that it is continuously at the same length. These are more expensive and heavier than the other options. Most commercial trimmers use bump feed cutting heads.
Handle and Harness
If you are trimming for prolonged amounts of time, you will want a trimmer with a good, comfortable handle. Some come with foam coatings and grips to make them easier to hold onto. Others come curved to fit your hands better. Some are even adjustable and extendable. If you have a great weed eater but do not like the handle, consider purchasing a better one separately and swapping it out.
If you are a commercial trimmer, consider a string trimmer harness. These straps transfer the trimmer’s weight from your lower back to your shoulders and upper body. These come in one simple strap or even backpack-like double straps. Commercial workers that spend multiple hours a week trimming love using harnesses.
Cutting Path
Cutting path size is essential and is determined by what kind of jobs you are tackling. Big cutting paths will cut through more at one time, but it is not always better. If you are tackling a large yard, you will want a large cutting path, but if you have tight corners and objects to trim around, you will want a trimmer with a smaller, more precise cutting path.
Most commercial string trimmers have a range between 10 and 20 inches.
Cost
The main question with any purchase is the cost. Weed eaters come in a wide range of prices, from $50 – $500. The more powerful and featureful the trimmer is, the more it is likely to cost. If you are hesitant about dropping a few hundred dollars on a new trimmer, consider how often you will be using it and how long you want it to last.
If you are a commercial trimmer that will be using their weed eater multiple hours a week, then investing in a good quality trimmer will save you money and stress in the long run. Make a list of the features you want in your trimmer, and write down your budget before you begin shopping around to make your product comparisons easier.
Tips for Effective Weed Trimming
Weed trimming takes precision and focus, but it can be efficiently completed by anyone if you follow a few simple steps. Below are a few tips and tricks that I use all the time to make my trimming experience seamless and straightforward.
- Glance over your trimmer and make sure there are no issues before you use it. Check the amount of string in the head and decide if it needs replacing before you begin your work.
- Be careful what your weed eater is hitting. Stay clear of rocks and gravel, and tip it away from cement when using it.
- Work on angling. You will need to practice a few times before you can keep it off pavement and cement when cleaning up sidewalk cracks or edging lawns against driveways.
- To create the perfect sharp edge, you will want to tilt your trimmer vertically. This takes practice as well but will leave lawns looking amazing.
Weed Eater Maintenance
It is critical to take care of your trimmer if you want it to last for a long time. Below are some things to remember when you purchase a weed eater so that you can keep it running smoothly for years to come.
- Keep your weed whacker clean. When you use your weed whacker, it will likely accumulate a lot of debris, and it is necessary to clean it out after each use. The residue will build up over time and make your trimmer run less smoothly.
- After working on lawns, remove the grass from the trimmer while it is wet. You can use a cloth to wipe it out simply. It will be a lot easier to remove when it is wet than when it dries. Dry grass and debris left of your trimmer can pose a fire hazard.
- It is important to check the filters in your gas-powered trimmer often and wash them regularly.
- Allow the weed eater to cool off before you refuel it completely.
- It is important not to clean your machine when it is turned on. Make sure it is entirely powered off before wiping it down.
- Before every use, check the gas tank. You do not want to let your weed eater run on an empty tank of gas because it can damage the engine.
- Another important part to check is the spark plug. This often goes unnoticed, and it will need to be replaced after about 25-30 hours of use.
Weed Eater Safety Tips
The most critical aspect of weed whacking is always safety. Weed eaters can be dangerous tools if proper precautions are not taken. Below are a few simple safety tips I put together to remember when working with a weed eater.
- Always wear safety glasses. This will protect your eyes from any rocks and debris that get shot up while using your trimmer.
- It is also essential to always wear close-toed shoes with good traction to protect your feet.
- Wear gloves and long pants or leg protectors for added safety.
- Tie back loose hair and any loose clothing.
- For gas-powered weed eaters, wear earplugs to minimize eardrum damage.
- Always read the manual before using your weed eater to make sure you understand the operation.
- Make sure there are no rocks or debris in the area you are going to be working in.
- If someone approached you within 30 to 60 feet, immediately stop trimming. Flying debris can hit people even from a distance.
Final Thoughts
We have covered a lot in this article. We discussed factors to consider when purchasing a commercial weed eater, some tips to make your trimming safe and easy, and we took an in-depth look at our top 10 favorite commercial weed trimmers of 2021. Although the Husqvarna Bushcutter ultimately made it to number one, you really can’t go wrong with any of the weed eaters we featured today. Happy trimming!
