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:
- Earthquake 37676: 1 piece construction reduces vibration and fatigue – my favoriate model
- Generac TR45080GMNG Pro Trimmer Mower: powerful unit is great for tackling any terrain
- Swisher STD4422HO: 4.4 HP (160cc) Honda engine for longevity and power
- Troy-Bilt TB22TM Trimmer Mower: good combination of cost and features
- Dirty Hand Tools 101085: accepts .17″ cutting line which allows the machine to tackle very thick brush
- Poulan Pro PR22WT: 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) BLACK+DECKER 22-Inch Wheeled Trimmer
Like:
- Easy to use on level ground
- Consistent and clean cut
- Powerful engine built to withstand any job
Dislike:
- The heavy build makes it difficult to maneuver
- Bulky and somewhat difficult to store
With these impressive attributes, this powerful unit is great for tackling any terrain.
- 140cc 4-Cycle OHV gas engine
- A 22-inch cutting swath
- 0.155 diameter trimmer line
It is easy to start and easy to handle. The unique deck shape also makes getting a clean, close cut easy and consistent. The smooth-turning wheels also make maneuvering through curvy terrain and leaving precise lines a simple task.
This machine is designed with a foldable handle that makes storage somewhat simple. With the compact and easy-to-maintain design, this is a great product for anyone looking to keep a well-manicured lawn.
In my opinion, this is the best walk behind string trimmer for most people!
2) Earthquake 37676 String Trimmer
Like:
- Reduced vibration
- Easy to set up and get started
- String replacement is simple
Dislike:
- Top heavy and difficult to move up and down slopes
- Front part of the frame appears weak
The 173cc 4-Cycle gas engine gives it the ability to tackle almost any job on virtually any terrain. Though, the engine has been said to slip when the field or grass gets too thick. Taking more time in the thicker areas will let this mower do its job and leave you with a clean cut.
Its design and light weight make this machine more comfortable to maneuver and causes the user less strain. Some have suggested that the string has a tendency to come undone, but is not difficult to recoil. It has also been said that though the design should make rough terrain easy to maneuver, that it can struggle at times.
3) Southland SWSTM4317 Wheeled String Trimmer
Like:
- A convenient alternative to a hand-held trimmer
- Works well for detailing already maintained lawns
- Useful swivel trimmer head
Dislike:
- Does not handle thicker jobs well
- Not a heavy duty machine
The Southland string mower offers 35% more torque than a standard 25cc hand held trimmer. With a multi-string trimmer head, this machine gives the user multiple line length options. The 5 degree and 10-degree swivel allow for easier rotation and more trimming versatility. This machine works well with grass, particularly short grass, and struggles with thicker debris.
Users have found that this machine works well, but is too short and thus can be difficult to handle. It has also been said to operate just as well as a cheaper, more light-weight string trimmer. Also, the lower quality of the machine results in broken parts and more maintenance – especially if used for heavy duty jobs.
4) Troy-Bilt TB22TM Trimmer Mower
Like:
- Large rear wheels make it easy to use in deep grass
- Comes fully assembled with oil and extra lines included
- Wide reach helps to clear more brush faster
Dislike:
- I am not a fan of the auto choke system
- Bulky and somewhat difficult to store
The Troy-Bilt TB22TM is priced right compared to competitors. The powerful motor makes easy work of deep brush and is a good replacement for a handheld weed whacker for bigger, longer jobs.
Overall it’s very easy to use and does a good job of clearing brush. It may not be the best machine for heavy commercial use, but it’s great for homeowners looking to tackle ordinary tasks.
5) Dirty Hand Tools 101085 Walk-Behind String Trimmer
Like:
- Adjustable height and string length
- High wheels for increased mobility
- Easy to start
Dislike:
- Difficult maintenance
- Inferior cutting capabilities
This DHT trimmer has some useful aspects:
- 149cc Kohler XT675 engine
- 5 adjustable heights for cutting
- 14 gauge durable steel frame
- 4-inch diameter trim ball with 4 inch heat-treated blades
- 14 in x 1.75-inch wheel width
The Kohler engines and adjustable cutting heights make this wheeled trimmer a powerful tool. The large wheels allow for better mobility around a rough yard and a more consistent cut line when working on uneven terrain.
Based on our research, this is fairly poor quality machine. The cutting quality, frame strength, and functioning inconsistency cause user frustration. Though, some of these issues seem to be solved by learning to adjust the trimmer for the job appropriately.
3) Poulan Pro 190 cc High Wheel Lawn Trimmer
Like:
- Adjustable deck and speeds help with varying jobs
- Powerful engine
- Convenient maneuverability
Dislike:
- Set up and maintenance can be tricky
- Some users complained wheels weren’t durable
This mower has a conveniently adjustable deck that ranges from 1.6 inches to 3.04 inches. Great for larger jobs with its 22-inch cutting width. Works well on lawns with rougher terrain and more varied layouts. The high rear wheels provide mobile freedom to make tasks simpler.
Powered by the Briggs & Stratton 625 Series gas engine, this trimmer can take on just about any job. Its durability lets you work near driveways, fences, posts, and more while still keeping the nylon line in tack. With its adjustable speeds as well, you can determine how much effort and speed each job will require.
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 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API
