A walk-behind string trimmer can be beneficial when trying to maintain a large property with lots of wooded areas. They are generally easier to work with than regular hand-held weed eaters for larger, more demanding jobs.
All string trimmers are a little different; some are more powerful but also heavy, while others are less powerful but better to maneuver and store.
So, how do you decide which one you should purchase?
Our Top Walk Behind String Trimmers:
- TAZZ 40095: Unleash powerful, efficient trimming with a 150cc Viper engine, 22-inch swath, and adjustable comfort
- BLACK+DECKER 25A-26S5736: Tackle tough overgrowth with a 4-cycle engine, QuickStart technology, and 22-inch efficiency
- CRAFTSMAN 25A-262J793: Conquer uneven terrains and stubborn weeds with adjustable, reliable, and efficient 22-inch trimming
- Earthquake 40314: perfect for large landscapes and first-pull start convenience
- Toro 58620: large 22″ swath, very easy rolling, high wheels, cutting height adjustable
The trick to finding the right model is to know how you will use it. If you are looking to tackle tough jobs like clearing a well-grown area or knocking down tough, invasive weeds, you will want a more powerful model.
However, if you are looking to maintain your yard, a battery powered weed eater may be enough. As with anything in yard work, getting the right tool for the job is the right place to start.
Walk Behind String Trimmer Reviews
1) TAZZ 40095 Push String Trimmer
The TAZZ 40095 Walk-Behind String Trimmer is a powerful and versatile gardening tool designed for heavy-duty trimming tasks. It is equipped with a 150cc Viper engine that ensures high performance and reliability.
The trimmer features a 22-inch cutting swath, which allows for efficient and quick trimming. Its one-piece steel deck design enhances durability, while the large 14-inch wheels provide easy maneuverability over rough terrains.
The trimmer’s handlebars are adjustable, ensuring comfortable use for people of different heights.
Likes:
- The TAZZ 40095 Walk-Behind String Trimmer boasts a powerful 150cc Viper engine, ensuring high performance and the ability to tackle heavy-duty trimming tasks efficiently.
- Its 22-inch cutting swath allows for quick and efficient trimming, reducing the time and effort required for large areas.
- The trimmer’s design, featuring large 14-inch wheels and adjustable handlebars, ensures easy maneuverability and comfortable use, even on rough terrains and for extended periods.
Dislikes:
- Some users have reported issues with the trimmer’s assembly, indicating that the instructions provided could be clearer and more detailed.
- The TAZZ 40095 Walk-Behind String Trimmer may be challenging to use in tight spaces due to its size and design, limiting its versatility in certain scenarios.
2) BLACK+DECKER 25A-26S5736 Walk Behind Trimmer
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Cycle Walk-Behind High-Wheeled String Trimmer is a robust, user-friendly tool designed to handle heavy overgrowth and tough weeds. It features a 4-cycle engine, eliminating the need for oil and gas mixing.
The high wheel design ensures easy maneuverability, while the 22-inch cutting swath enhances trimming efficiency. The trimmer also incorporates QuickStart technology for reliable, effortless starting.
This product is highly appreciated for its performance, ease of use, and value for money, making it a reliable choice for your gardening needs.
Likes:
- Powerful Performance: The trimmer is highly praised for its ability to cut through heavy weeds and overgrowth, making it an excellent tool for tough gardening tasks.
- Ease of Use: The high wheel design and QuickStart technology make this trimmer easy to maneuver and start, enhancing the user experience.
- No Oil-Gas Mixing: The 4-cycle engine eliminates the need for oil and gas mixing, providing convenience and efficiency.
Dislikes:
- Durability Concerns: Some users have reported issues with the product’s durability, indicating potential long-term reliability concerns.
- Engine Issues: A few customers have experienced problems with the engine, which could affect the trimmer’s overall performance and lifespan.
3) CRAFTSMAN Walk-Behind High-Wheeled String Trimmer
The Craftsman 25A-262J793 Walk-Behind High-Wheeled Trimmer is a robust and versatile tool that can handle a variety of terrains and weed types.
It’s particularly effective in country settings where the landscape can be uneven and filled with thick, stalky weeds. The trimmer is easy to use and can be adjusted on the fly to handle different heights and shapes of areas. It’s powered by a reliable engine and features a 22-inch cutting swath for efficient trimming.
Despite some design flaws that needed to be addressed, the trimmer has proven to be a reliable tool for heavy-duty tasks.
Likes:
- Versatility: The trimmer can handle a variety of terrains and weed types, including rocky areas, slopes, and thick, stalky weeds.
- Ease of Use: The trimmer is easy to use and can be adjusted on the fly to handle different heights and shapes of areas.
- Durability: The trimmer is robust and can handle heavy-duty tasks, including mowing up the side of a weed-filled gravel pile.
Dislikes:
- Design Flaws: a couple of design flaws that needed to be addressed, including an issue with the string trimming blade and the left wheel rubbing against the handle.
- Initial Performance: the trimmer had issues with stalling and the string disappearing quickly.
4) Earthquake 40314 String Mower
The Earthquake Walk-Behind Landscape and Lawn Edger is a powerful and versatile gardening tool. It is designed to handle a variety of terrains and weed types, making it an excellent choice for maintaining large properties.
The machine is praised for its easy setup and operation, as well as its ability to start on the first pull. It features a unique throttle that allows the machine to keep running while the mower stops, providing convenience when needing to move obstacles or take a break.
Despite some issues with durability and design, the Earthquake Walk-Behind Landscape and Lawn Edger is appreciated for its performance and ease of use.
Likes:
- Versatility: The Earthquake Walk-Behind Landscape and Lawn Edger can handle a variety of terrains and weed types, making it a versatile tool for property maintenance.
- Ease of Use: The machine is easy to set up and operate, and it starts on the first pull, enhancing user convenience.
- Unique Throttle Design: The unique throttle allows the machine to keep running while the mower stops, providing convenience when needing to move obstacles or take a break.
Dislikes:
- Durability Issues: Some users have reported issues with the mower head and skid plate breaking off after a few hours of use, raising concerns about the product’s durability.
- Design Flaws: The machine has some design flaws, such as the difficulty in removing grass that winds around the shaft and the issue with the spark arrester not being installed properly.
5) Toro 58620 Walk Behind String Mower
The Toro Walk-Behind String Trimmer is a powerful and efficient tool for maintaining your lawn. It is designed to handle a variety of terrains and weed types, making it an excellent choice for maintaining large properties.
The machine is praised for its easy setup and operation, as well as its ability to start on the first pull. It features a unique throttle that allows the machine to keep running while the mower stops, providing convenience when needing to move obstacles or take a break.
Despite some issues with durability and design, the Toro is appreciated for its performance and ease of use.
Likes:
- Easy to Use: The Toro is praised for its easy setup and operation, enhancing the user experience.
- Powerful Performance: The machine is capable of handling a variety of terrains and weed types, making it a versatile tool for property maintenance.
- Reliable Starting: The machine is known to start on the first pull, providing convenience and reliability for the user.
Dislikes:
- Durability Issues: Some users have reported issues with the machine’s durability, including problems with the air filter housing and drive pulley.
- Design Flaws: The machine has some design flaws, such as difficulty in adjusting the belt tension and issues with the engine missing or surging.
How I Rated the Walk Behind Trimmers
I rated the walk-behind string trimmers based on power, durability, ease of mobility, consistency, maintenance, and price. I looked at each feature thoroughly.
Though each machine has its setbacks, the top rated ones are more reliable and received better reviews across the board. From the top high wheel trimmer with the main problem being size and weight to the lowest rated trimmer have more wrong than right, each had a good review.
As with any machine you purchase, knowing what is important and what doesn’t matter to you is going to be the deciding factor in your purchase. If you are just looking to do simple yard detailing work with a push trimmer akin to a handheld trimmer, #4 may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to take on bigger jobs, #1 may be a better choice.
Reliability (Warranty)
When purchasing a wheeled trimmer, having a warranty is essential. The ones mentioned above have 5 to 2-year warranties.
The higher rated string trimmers typically have a longer warranty because they generally are more reliable. In contrast, the lower rated trimmers normally have a shorter warranty. This difference in duration suggests quite a bit about these machines.
Companies honestly don’t want to deal with customers who theoretically cash-in their warranty because something has gone wrong with the machine. Thus, companies will add an extended warranty on their more reliable machines and a shorter one on the less reliable ones.
Wheel Size
Wheel size is an important aspect of any good push mower. Smaller wheels will require more effort to turn and maneuver over a lawn while larger wheels will be easier to use – in most cases.
A larger wheel has a greater circumference and covers more ground faster than a smaller wheel. So, the larger the wheel, the simpler it will be to redirect the machine. Also, a machine with only two large wheels as opposed to four smaller ones is more easily redirected.
Machines with larger wheels are also easier to push over uneven terrain and up hills.
All of these string trimmer mowers have two wheels, so they are essentially equal save their size. When deciding on a model, the wheel size should play a part in your decision.
Performance
What type of performance do I look for before making a purchase?
- Ability to handle thick grass and weeds
- A motor that doesn’t slip when challenged
- Consistency to trim throughout the entire job
An essential aspect of any good high wheel trimmer is its ability to tackle tougher jobs. A trimmer with a motor that slips when it takes on a thick grass or weeds is not a capable machine. Most of the above-listed trimmers besides the higher ranked one struggle with thicker brush.
If you’re looking for dependable performance, look for ones with good ratings and positive feedback.
Power
The amount of power needed is depends on the needs of a job. If you are looking to tackle tougher brush like a field, shrubs, saplings, thick grass, or dense weeds. You are going to need more cutting ability. If you are working with lighter jobs like already well-kept lawns and thinner grass and weeds, it won’t be as important.
If your job really requires a lot of power, I would look for the best self propelled string trimmer that you can afford. The self-propelled feature will make it much more manageable for larger jobs.
Ease of Use
For many people, there are few things more important than an easy-to-use machine. There is nothing worse than trying to do yard work with a machine that hurts your back the entire time.
Especially if you are an older person, physically limited individual or outdoor worker – time spent with a difficult to maneuver machine is not fun.
The ease of mobility is an important deciding factor. With a string mower, maneuverability makes jobs more manageable. If it’s is difficult to push around on rough terrain, it will strain the user. For machines that are easy to use, look for larger wheels, lighter weight, and well-balanced mowers.
How to Pick the Best Walk Behind String Trimmer
If you’ve spent time with string trimmers in the past, you know that some can be very difficult to load and will have inconsistent string lengths. When comparing the best string trimmer mowers, pay particular attention to the mechanism that holds the string.
The type of string is less of a factor than what holds the line. Save yourself the pain of having to fight changing the string in your machine and trust the string trimmer mower reviews.
Things to keep in mind when looking at wheeled string trimmers:
- Ease of rotation
- The RPM of the swivel
- Ease of string replacement
How Much Power Do You Need?
As I have mentioned, power needed is dependent on the job. If you are looking to take on large tasks with thicker brush, you will need more horsepower.
My pick for the best walk behind trimmer has an engine rating that is higher than the others listed. This gives the machine the ability to tackle tough jobs. However, as stated above, this also leads to a heavier machine which can be more difficult to handle.
Keep in mind that though the more powerful machines can tackle harsh brush, you will still struggle trying to cut down thicker saplings and similar foliage with just a string trimmer.
Don’t expect a 190cc engine to take down a young tree and don’t expect a 100cc engine to handle thick weeds easily. Some of the models may allow you to switch out the string line head for a brush cutter head, but I didn’t research this.
So, be realistic about your expectations for your machine.
Safety Precautions During Operation
As with any heavy-duty machine you deal with, there is always a risk factor if you use it without taking the proper precautions.
Trimmer mowers are high powered machines that can do severe damage. One of the primary safety concerns when working with any trimmer is its ability to cut through just about anything. When it is running, it can easily sever toes and fingers.
Also, do not operate any trimmer wearing loose fitting clothes or hanging jewelry.
Though direct contact with this machine can be harmful, simply being near it can be dangerous without the proper safety equipment. A trimmer can fling debris at high speeds when slicing through a job and this can be very dangerous for your eyes.
Advice:
- Do not operate over gravel, loose stone, woodchips, or sticks.
- Wear protective eyewear at all times when operating
- Wear protective clothing and shoes when operating (no hanging or lose items)
The engine on these machines can also get very hot. Though it can seem like a less dangerous and more obvious safety tip, mind your hands and legs when the motor starts to heat up.
Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Models
Some users say that getting a pricey machine is a waste of money when the cheaper version does the job just as well. While others say that it’s worth it to invest in the higher priced machine over the cheap one. You could argue both sides.
Though it may seem excessive to spend so much money, sometimes pricey models are better. They come with more features and typically easier to use. Pricier models are also often more durable. When the tough gets going, most of the more expensive models can last through the fight.
Sometimes saving your money and getting a cheaper model will save you more than money at the end of the day. There are some instances where the cheaper versions are hardier. They can take more of a beating and still come out needing little to no maintenance.
Whether you invest in an expensive model or a cheap one, your decision should be dependant on individual performance and needs. If the cheap one outperforms the expensive one, don’t let a price tag fool you into thinking you’ll get a better machine just because it costs more.
Top Rated Brands
- Remington
- Poulan Pro
- Fields Edge
- Southland
- Dirty Hands
- Airens
- BLACK+DECKER
- Generac
- Swisher
- Cub Cadet
- Powermate
- Husqvarna
How Much Should I Expect to Pay?
After reading the wheeled string trimmer reviews and deciding on the features you need, you can expect to pay anywhere in the range of $100 – $300. As with most things, there are exceptions to either side of that range, but that’s the general rule. However, the quality models listed above run around $300.
A major deciding factor in how much you are going to pay is what quality you are looking for and the type of work required.
You’ll probably pay more if you:
- Have tougher, bigger, or thicker jobs
- Want more maneuverability
- Want more cutting ability
- Want a more durable machine
- Want less frequent maintenance
If the tasks you are looking to do are not as challenging, then you likely won’t have to spend as much. A $150 machine may work fine for you.
However, as much as saving money on a cheaper model would be great; you may not want to sacrifice quality for price tag.
Conclusion
Finding the right wheeled string trimmer can be challenging. However, if you know what you’re looking for, finding the right machine should be fairly straightforward.
My choice is the BLACK+DECKER.
- 140cc OHV GAS ENGINE: Powerful 4-cycle gas engine helps you clear the tallest, toughest grass and...
- 22-INCH CUTTING SWATH: Unique shape makes trimming around fences, garden beds, and other landscaping...
- USER FRIENDLY: Off-set trimmer head feature helps to trim hard-to-reach places while the 14-inch...
- COMFORT FOLDING HANDLE: Equipped with a comfort folding handle for convenient storage and...
The 5 trimmer mowers that I review above are just some of the more popular models on the market today. Each has its own strength and weakness.
So, how do you know which walk-behind string trimmer is right for you?
As redundant as it may seem at this point, choosing the best trimmer mower is an individual decision. One person’s favorite model may not work well for another person.
Read my walk behind trimmer reviews, but evaluate the ratings in light of what you plan to do. What you need is based on what YOU need, so once you know what you want, go out and get it!
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API