Walk Behind String Trimmer Review

The Best Walk Behind Weed Eater 2019 | Wheeled String Trimmer Reviews

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Not a big fan of long reviews? Here's the bottom line: The best walk behind string trimmer for backyards in the market today is the Remington RM1159. Its cutting power and durability raise it high above the competition, while its high stability makes it an excellent option for large yards!

A walk behind string trimmer is a great tool for anyone with an especially rough brush to cut through. While lightweight string trimmers are great tools for finishing up a newly mown yard, these powerhouses can help you knock down woody brush so you can start mowing.  The following Walk Behind String Trimmer Reviews will help you find the right tool for your needs!

Do I Need a Walk-Behind String Trimmer?

It's important to be aware of what walk behind string trimmers aren't. As a general rule:

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    They aren't good for use as a final finish mower; they're hard to balance and won't cut a smooth, flat surface of grass like a mower will.
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    They aren't great for edging against hard surfaces unless they offer the ability to rotate

If you've ever rotated a hand-held string trimmer and edged along a sidewalk or driveway, you've seen what that spinning blade can accomplish on its side. Be aware that your walk-behind probably won't be able to put a clean edge on your yard like a cordless strimmer might.

Related Article:
If you're looking for other string trimmer varieties, check out our entire weed wacker reviews section.

What's The Highest and Best Use of a Walk Behind String Trimmer?

These tools are ideal for heavy weed growth or abandoned patches where the grass has gotten out of control. These tools have a rather pointy front and ride low, so if you need to get under an old vehicle, implement or swing set to take out some of the taller weeds, this tool will give you great power in a small package.


Why Not Just Use A Mower?

Here is where a walk behind string trimmer will really pay off. Knocking down tall weeds, especially tall weeds with woody stems, is nearly impossible with a standard lawn mower. First, the metal edge of the mower deck pushes the weeds over so you can't easily get at the stems, and secondly, all of that vegetation gets mulched under the mower deck and may clog your grass chute.

Debris can also hide out in tall weeds. If you hit a rock or a brick, your string trimmer may experience a jolt or need a new piece of string, but some debris can be really hard on your lawnmower. String trimmers will also throw debris, so go slowly when using your walk behind string trimmer near cars and buildings. Window repair and replacement can be expensive. 

Finally, a walk behind string trimmer will cut down weeds in something of an orderly fashion and give you the chance to look out for natural hazards. Concerns such as poison ivy and oak, stinging nettles and ground wasps are a little easier to manage if you're removing weeds with a precision tool. Of course, if wasps boil up out of the ground, be ready to leave the trimmer behind!

A string trimmer on wheels will enable you to get low on the plants and cut through tough, woody stems. Then, you can remove the fallen plants and go over the area with a mower to even out the weeds and get them looking at least something like a lawn.


Safety Considerations To Use a Walk Behind Week Wacker

Protect yourself from the top down. These powerful tools can kick up a lot of vegetation and may also fling small stones.

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    Goggles - Goggles with side protection, are the best option for eye protection. Your eyeglasses won't protect you around the edges, and may be a casualty of a piece of debris. Owning goggles that fit you well and fit over your eyeglasses if necessary is a great investment in your own safety.
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    Gloves - Walk behind trimmers are built for heavy work, and the gas engines will transmit a lot of chatter up into your hands. This, in turn, can lead to eventual nerve damage in your hands and wrists. Plus, to keep the machine running, most of these tools feature a compression handle, so there's no way to get a break from the vibration. Invest in chatter resistant gloves, and get a large enough pair that anyone who uses this machine can wear them.
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    Arm protection - If you're going to be following along after this tool and picking up the recently cut weeds, be sure to protect your arms and hands. Wear long sleeves and gloves with gauntlets that will cover your cuffs. There may not be a toxic plant in what you're picking up, but is it worth the risk of a bad rash to find out?
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    Wear jeans or heavy pants - What the string trimmer can't cut it may throw. Pebbles, garbage, and bits of broken glass may all become airborne as you use this tool, and a good pair of jeans can protect you from getting bruised or cut up.
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    Never use any lawn implement while wearing flip flops or sandals - Your exposed feet are at risk of several dangers, including toxic plants, rogue insects, debris and the cutting-edge of whatever tool you're using. In addition, flip flops are terrible impediments to running.

Gas, Battery or Electric String Trimmer?

Most of the trimmer mower reviews listed below are for gas-powered tools. Battery-powered weed eaters are ideal for small to medium-sized yards, but definitely not for large yards, as they're limited by the energy capacity of their batteries. A normal gas string trimmer will give you more power and more flexibility in this regard. 

There is a battery powered walk behind trimmer listed below. While it's not ideal for heavy brush, it does have the benefit of serving both as a trimmer and is level enough to work as a mower as well.

Related Articles:
For Gas String Trimmers check out https://electrosawhq.com/best-gas-string-trimmer/

Push or Self-Propelled?

While several brands claim to offer a self-propelled walk behind string trimmer, be aware that this is not a constant feature. You'll need to review your manual to determine how to turn this feature on, and more importantly, how to turn it off.

The best self-propelled string trimmer can make it easy to move up and down steep embankments, but these tools need to be flexible enough that you can get away from dangers. If the self-propel feature is in an awkward spot, you will just need to release the power grip handle and get away.

One critical item to consider is that many self-propelled trimmers, while generally having a higher cost, also have an electric start. For example, when comparing the DR Trimmer vs Husqvarna tools with self-propel drives, the DR offers an electric start system. If you have any physical concerns or conditions that may get in the way of pulling the starter rope, an electric start tool is well worth the cost.

Best Walk Behind String Trimmer of 2019 Reviews 

This powerful trimmer balances on two 14 inch high rear wheels and has variable height adjustment so you can get better control or your trimming height.

Again, be aware that you will need to balance this tool; there are no front wheels to keep it flat. The Remington trimmer is 78 pounds, so it will take some strength to maneuver.

PROS

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    159cc engine with plenty of cutting power
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    Large tires for easy balancing
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    Sturdy footing on rough terrain

CONS

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    May be hard to balance due to weight and may sink into boggy ground

The Husqvarna HU625HWT is 22 inches of cutting power with a Briggs and Stratton motor for power. It features a pull start and has 12-inch tires with three levels of adjustment for custom trimming.

You will need to balance this tool, and it's 71 pounds so be ready to practice and find the best working height and speed. This tool is similar to the Husqvarna HU675HWT 22 163cc walk behind string trimmer, but lighter in weight.

PROS

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    Customers find it easy to start and easy to over winter
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    The plastic shield at the back of the blade is very durable

CONS

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    Because of its weak build, the string carrier could get damaged easily

If you've got a variety of terrain to trim, this is the trimmer for you! It offers multiple trimming heads in a variety of angles for close trimming and for rough brush clearing.

This trimmer is just under 40 pounds and has a 2 cycle engine.

PROS

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    Flexible tool that will work in a variety of applications.
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    Nice wide tires for easy maneuvering in wet conditions.

CONS

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    This is not a great tool for tall people.
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    It's possible to adjust the handle, but if you're over six feet tall, this tool may be uncomfortable to use.
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    Requires mixed gas and oil combination thanks to 2 cycle engine.

The Poulan has a Briggs and Stratton 4 cycle engine and plenty of power. It's just over 70 pounds and has 12-inch wheels for easy maneuvering. The pull start is dependable and will help you get your yard cleaned up in a hurry!

PROS

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    4 cycle engine, no mixing of gas and oil.
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    Pull start is dependable and works consistently.

CONS

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    Many users find the quality of Briggs and Stratton engines to be dropping
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    There are lots of plastic components in this engine.

The Fields Edge M200 is a powerful tool with 14-inch wheels for easy access to very rough terrain. It has a dependable 173cc Viper Engine and comes with 6 sets of trimming string.

For those with extremely swampy conditions or a lot of ditch trimming, the Fields Edge M220 walk behind string mower may be a better choice thanks to the wider wheels.

PROS

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    The deck of this mower is a single piece and greatly reduces the vibration the user is exposed to.
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    The 4 stroke engine requires no special fuel mixture.

CONS

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    The plastic shroud behind the trimming line is lightweight and may need to be replaced often.

Fans of any Black and Decker or Craftsman walk behind string trimmer will appreciate this little trimmer. While it's not built for extremely heavy applications, it will be a wonderful tool for small yards, anyone with yard "islands" of grass or any users with physical limitations. This mower is battery-powered and easy to maneuver.

PROS

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    Very lightweight, battery powered and switches easily from trimmer to mower
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    No need to balance as it has four wheels.

CONS

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    This walk behind trimmer will not tackle heavy brush or wet conditions.

Conclusion

Walk behind trimmer reviews need to find the best option for any user. Since each yard is very different, the most flexible tool often comes to the top. The clear winner of this review is the Remington 22 inch Trimmer Lawn Mower​.

While it will require you to maintain a special fuel mixture, this tool, which includes multiple heads that can be changed out for different applications, will suit nearly any terrain and provide many users the trimming power they need. Review the manual and start off in the rough terrain; once you get a good feel for the balance of the tool, you can change out the trimming heads and work along fence posts and sidewalks.

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