gas and propane powered string trimmers

Common gas string trimmers have two-stroke engines, burning the familiar gas and oil mix. But there are now a new generation of four-cycle engine trimmers, that do not require that mixing and are much more energy efficient. They can reduce emissions by more than 50% (up to 80% in the case of more energy efficient units).

Propane trimmers are another good option for very large needs.

Four stroke models and Energy Efficiency

Trimmer Four Stroke Engine If you have a large property and do need a powered gas (or propane) grass and weed trimmer, prefer a 4 stroke model. These models run more quietly, are less polluting and don’t require the mixing of gasoline and oil… They are regular gas powered machines.

They are heavier than the two stroke models, but well balanced models with good reach aren’t necessarily more tiring.

Propane garden trimmers

Propane garden string trimmers can be as powerful as gas units, and much less polluting than the two-stroke gas models. Propane trimmers are lighter than most gas units – though heavier than common electric trimmers.

Instead of gas, typical propane trimmers use 1-pound propane canisters. Each propane canister costs between $3 and $5 each and may give you about two hours of runtime. If local stores in your region have this type of canisters, propane trimmers are a great alternative to gas units.

Alternatives

For small hedging and trimming needs, prefer an electric trimmer – or, for very small needs, a manual grass or edge shear. Consider also the long handed grass shear.

See:
Electric vs. Gas and Propane String Trimmers
2 and 4 stroke Gas Hedge Trimmer
Electric Hedge Trimmers
Electric vs. Gas Hedge Trimmers
Hedge and Grass Shears

Features

Features that you may search in a good gas or propane string trimmer:

- quietness and lower pollution (prefer four-stroke engines, in the case of gas trimmers:they do not require the mixing of gas and oil and allow important energy savings);
- ease of starting and line refilling;
- weight: heavy trimmers demand a shoulder harness;
- ergonomic multi-position handle, to reduce vibration and operator fatigue;
- 360º engines;
- durability: pay special attention to the shaft drive system.
- cutting swath: 18’’ are better than 17’’

Prices and Warranties

Prices of the most competitive and best string trimmer models begin at $200. Pay special attention to the trimmer warranty. 3 years limited warranties are common in the best models.