This review has been updated 5 times since it was first published in May of 2021. If your property is overgrown with vegetation, or the terrain is too rugged for a standard lawn mower, that’s when you reach for one of these wheeled string trimmers. Compared to conventional handheld models, they have larger, more powerful engines and most are designed for heavy-duty weed whacking. Note that they can throw debris with a lot of force, so make sure to always wear eye protection.
6. Southland SWSTM4317
The cutting head assembly on the Southland SWSTM4317 (about $233) swivels up to 20 degrees, so you can find the perfect position for trimming along walls, fences, or other obstacles. It accepts two sizes of line, enabling you to choose the best for your task.
- Adjustable cutting height
- Smaller engine than other options
- Suitable for light-duty work only
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5. Husqvarna HU675HWT
You’ll pay a bit more for the Husqvarna HU675HWT (about $363) than for some other options, but its reliable and beefy Briggs & Stratton motor will provide many hours of service if you care for it properly. Plus, you can disengage the trimmer action while leaving the engine running.
- Starts with just one pull
- Can even cut small trees and brush
- Plastic shroud prone to breakage
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4. Dirty Hand Tools 101085
The Dirty Hand Tools 101085 (appx. $276) features a 14-gauge steel deck, which means it can stand up to lots of punishment on properties overgrown with foliage. Its cutting head supports not only trimming line, but also 4-inch blades for ripping through thick weeds and brush.
- Ideal for hilly and rocky ground
- Easy to put together
- Starter assembly prone to failure
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3. Earthquake 28463
The big, never-flat wheels on the Earthquake 28463 (about $851) make it easy to maneuver through tall weeds or over uneven ground, which means you can use it just about anywhere. It has a one-piece, seamless deck that minimizes vibrations, and a surprisingly quiet 150cc motor.
- Handle adjusts without tools
- Five-year warranty
- Variable cutting heights
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2. Southland SWFT15022
The Southland SWFT15022 (appx. $278) has a vibration-dampening foam cover on the handle that makes it comfortable to use. Its quad-line trimmer head cuts down tall grass and weeds, even in spots that are hard to reach with a standard mower.
- Handle folds for compact storage
- Perfect for uneven terrain
- Cuts both fresh and dry vegetation
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1. Remington RM1159
With its powerful 159-cc engine and a 22-inch cutting swath, the Remington RM1159 (about $330) is ready to tackle the toughest jobs. It features 14-inch wheels that make it easy to maneuver around obstacles and an offset trimmer head that helps get into those hard-to-reach places.
- 4-cycle motor starts easily
- Head height is adjustable
- Changing the line is quick and easy