From Consumer reports about a year ago.... the lawn mowing forumn rejects consumer reports because they look at them as utility intruments and they are much more than that.... what about feel, beauty, happiness....
Faster starts, fewer tangles, and easier handling are among the string-trimmer features you'll find as manufacturers improve these bladeless yard tools.
Those developments have become talking points for the big-box stores that now account for most of the nearly 10 million string-trimmer sales each year. So have lower prices. While you'll still find $ 300 professional-grade trimmers at dealers, a growing number of mainstream models that cost less than half that price are now available at your local Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, or Wal-Mart.
Still other improvements could increase the cost of some string trimmers no matter where they're sold. Here are this year's highlights:
Foolproof starts. Up to now, firing up the gasoline-powered trimmers that most people buy often involved a frustrating series of choke adjustments and yanks on the starter rope before the engine sputtered to life. A new system on Craftsman (Sears) and Troy-Bilt models requires three steps: Push the primer bulb, flip the choke lever, and pull the cord. Models with this system started with one or two pulls.
Snarl-free string. Tangled or jammed cutting line is another common problem. Some manufacturers have addressed it by replacing the usual spool with a fixed-line head that uses two precut pieces of cutting line. Found on Echo and Craftsman models, the system lets you replace lines quickly without tools. It also eliminates having to bump the head on the ground to release line - a source of jam-ups. While you'll need to replace line more frequently, the two pieces should handle most yards.
Slimmer trimmers. At 11 pounds on average, this year's gas trimmers are more than 1 pound lighter than those we tested only a few years ago. Some corded electric models are better balanced by mounting the motor on top, rather than at the bottom with the trimmer head.
A price for clean machines. Up to now, California has had the toughest small-engine emissions standards. That changes next year, when gas-powered trimmers and other handheld tools must meet tougher standard for all 50 states. Most of the 26 gas trimmers in this report meet current California rules and should meet nationwide limits for 2005.
So far, manufacturers have absorbed much of the cost of adding more-efficient carburetors and other technology. But industry experts predict price in increases of $ 10 to $ 20 per unit as costs go up.
HOW TO CHOOSE
You don't have to invest in a pricey, professional-grade trimmer unless you need its metal-blade capability for cutting saplings and other woody waste. Most of the gas trimmers and even some electrics we tested can handle the grass and tall weeds that account for most trimming.
See First Thing First, to determine whether a gas-powered or electric trimmer fits you needs. Then keep these points in mind at the store:
Consider the landscape. Trimmers with a straight shaft can reach beneath shrubs more easily and are less likely than curved-shaft ones to spatter you with clippings. Curved-shaft trimmers trade those benefits for easier maneuvering and, often, less weight - a plus for shorter users and those with less arm strength.
See how it feels. While a lighter trimmer tends to reduce fatigue, weight isn't the whole story. Good balance can be just as critical. To check it, adjust the front handle for comfort and hold the trimmer in the cutting position with both hands. Its weight should feel evenly distributed or slightly heavier at the top.
Also check that all the controls are smooth and easy to reach. If you're left-handed, make sure a gasoline-powered trimmer you're considering has deflector that routes the hot exhaust gases rearward. Most now include one.
Consider your neighbors. If they're close by, you may want to choose a corded or cordless electric trimmer. Nearly all the ones we tested are significantly less noisy than gasoline-powered models. If you opt for gas, protect your ears with ear muffs or plugs (see Health Wise).
CR Quick Recommendations
Many of these models can handle everything from trimming around fence posts to tall grass and weeds. All but five gas-powered models (noted in the Ratings) also meet the tougher emissions standards required for sale in California. Top performers add other strengths to that mix.
Easier handling is a major attribute, given these models' lighter weight and better balance. Most high-scoring models also have easty-to-reach controls. Nearly all have dual cutting lines, which speed cutting.
Noise is a major downside of most top performers. Exceptions among those that scored well include the corded-electric Ryobi (28) and the Black & Decker (29); both emitted less than 85 dBA at which we recommended ear protection. Note that the MTD-built Ryobi models tested differ from the newly introduced Ryobi models sold at Home Depot, which are made by another company and arrived too late for inclusion.
The Ratings rank models strictly by overall performance. See First Things First, to decide whether a gas or an electric trimmer meets your needs. Then check our Quick Picks for tested models that deliver specific strengths and value.
QUICK PICKS
Best for most people:
Troy-Bilt $ 130, CR Best Buy
Stihl $ 150
Toro $ 140
