10 Best Gas Weed Eaters of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re looking for a gasoline-powered weed eater, you probably are looking for something powerful and durable for commercial work. Gas powered weed eaters may be more expensive and require more maintenance than electric or battery-powered models, but they provide enough power to cut through the thickest weeds, and they are the most serviceable type of the three.

We have chosen 10 different gas-powered weed eaters to review to help you learn more about the differences between them. We’ll give you the pros and cons as we experienced them and also tell you about any features each one provides that may set it apart. We’ve also included a short buyer’s guide where we take a look at the gas weed eater and pick out the important parts to look for while you shop.

Join us while we discuss engine size, handle comfort, head type, and more to help you make an educated purchase.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer	28cc 2-cycle engine 17-inch cutting path Easy line reloading	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Troy-Bilt TB22 EC Curved Shaft String Trimmer	Curved shaft 17-inch cutting path Multi-position handle	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Honda HHT25SLTAT Honda Trimmers	No fuel mixing 17-inch cutting path Durable flex shaft	CHECK PRICE
		Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 Field Trimmer	Anti-vibration foam grip handle 22-inch cutting path Easy storage	CHECK PRICE
		Tanaka TCG24EBSP Gas String Trimmer	Aluminum clutch housing Lined solid steel driveshaft Built-in spindle lock	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Gas Weed Eaters – Reviews 2024

1. Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer – Best Overall

The Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer is our pick for the best overall gas weed eater. It features a 28cc 2-cycle engine that provides the user with a 17-inch-wide cutting path, allowing you to quickly and efficiently cut tall weeds and grass. Tap and go release means you have full control over how much line you are using, and it features an easy reloading mechanism that’ll have you going again in minutes. A fuel tank window lets you know how much fuel remains, and an air purge primer bulb removes air from the carburetor. It weighs 11 pounds and features reduced starter cord resistance for easy starting.

We enjoyed reviewing the Husqvarna 128LD, and the wide cutting path allowed us to get work done quickly. The only problem we had with it was that the carburetor needed some adjusting at first. Despite this, we think this is the best gas powered weed eater on the market this year.

2. Troy-Bilt TB22 EC Curved Shaft String Trimmer – Best Value

The Troy-Bilt TB22 EC Curved Shaft String Trimmer is our pick for the best gas trimmer for the money. It features a 25cc 2-cycle engine that provides the user with a wide, 17-inch cutting path. The curved shaft feels more natural as you’re using it, and you have a better view of the cutting line. The multi-position handle lets you get the perfect angle, and spring assisted starting makes it much easier to get running. This model can also use the unique Troy-Bilt JumpStart mechanism that allows you to start the weed eater without pulling the string. You need to purchase the device separately, but it can be very convenient if you usually have difficulty starting gas-powered weed eaters. It weighs 11 pounds and features a bump line feed.

The only downside to the Troy-Bilt TB22 that we noticed was that it could be hard to start on occasion.

3. Honda HHT25SLTAT Honda Trimmers – Premium Choice

The Honda HHT25SLTAT Honda Trimmers Is our premium choice gas weed eater, and it features a powerful 25cc mini 4-stroke Honda engine that provides the cut through a 17-inch path with ease. It uses straight gasoline, so there’s no need to mix fuel or worry if you’re getting the mixture right. The flex shaft absorbs shock and adds durability, while the deflector shield design improves the cutting line’s visibility. It’s well balanced and features a comfortable grip handle.

We found the Honda HHT25SLTAT has a very impressive motor, but the line head didn’t work that well, and we needed to replace it. It was one of the most powerful trimmers we have ever used with the new head, but at 14 pounds, it may be a little heavy for some users.

4. Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 Field Trimmer

The Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 Field Trimmer is a powerful machine suitable for very large jobs. It features a 150cc engine that provides the user with a massive 22-inch cutting path. It rides on two 12-inch wheels and features an easy to start recoil system. It has an anti-vibration foam grip handle that folds down for easy storage when you’re not using it, and it includes easy to follow instructions that will have you using the machine immediately.

The only real downside to the Southland is that it may be too much machine for most people that don’t have very large yards, and at 50 pounds, it’s considerably heavier than most other weed eaters even if it’s easy to move around on wheels.

5. Tanaka TCG24EBSP Gas String Trimmer

The Tanaka TCG24EBSP Gas String Trimmer Is a powerful little trimmer that features a 23.9cc 2-cycle engine. The aluminum clutch housing helps keep it cooler, and the lined solid steel drive shaft reduces noise and vibrations while you work. It also has padded rear and front handles for a more comfortable operating experience, and the built-in spindle lock is a nice feature that locks the spindle while you are replacing it. It weighs 10.8 pounds and features a straight shaft design.

While we were using the Tanaka TCG24EBSP, it tended to get very hot quickly and wouldn’t operate correctly until it cooled back down. It needs to be revved high, or the engine sputters, which not only leads to overheating it causes the unit to scalp your lawn, making it inadequate for detailed work. The guard is also a little small for our taste.

6. Echo GT-225 Curved Shaft Gas Trimmer

The Echo GT-225 Curved Shaft Gas Trimmer Is another model that features a curved shaft to give you a better sight of the cutting blade. It uses a 21.2cc 2-cycle engine to provide the user with a 16-inch cutting path. It has an adjustable handle to let you get the angle you need and an easy start mechanism to help save your back. The convenient see-through fuel tank lets you know when it’s time to refuel.

The biggest downside to the Echo GT-225 Curved Shaft Gas Trimmer is the line feed that requires you to fill it with 8-inch pieces continuously. The line also wears down extremely quickly, so you need to refill it every few minutes, which gets tedious and adds a lot of time to the job. Our model also arrived poorly assembled with many components out of alignment.

7. Craftsman CMXGTAMD30SA Gas Powered String Trimmer

The Craftsman CMXGTAMD30SA Gas Powered String Trimmer is made by a company synonymous with durable tools. It features a 30cc 4-cycle engine that uses straight gasoline, so there’s no need to mix fuel. It cuts a 17-inch path, and though we can’t find any dB rating, we feel it’s quieter than many other four-cycle engines. The multi-position handle helps reduce vibrations and makes the device more comfortable to operate. The high capacity bump head allows you to control the flow of string and store plenty for the job.

While we were using the Craftsman CMXGTAMD30SA, we found it extremely heavy at 21.5 pounds, especially when working large jobs or using it on uneven ground. We also felt that it used up the line quickly and was occasionally hard to start.

8. Remington RM2560 Rustler String Trimmer

The Remington RM2560 Rustler String Trimmer features a 25cc 2-cycle engine That provides users with a 16-inch cutting path. An adjustable handle helps reduce vibrations and user fatigue by making it more comfortable to hold. The straight shaft design is perfect for getting into hard to reach areas, and the quick-change head makes line replacement fast and easy.

The primary downside to the Remington RM2560 is that I can be a little heavy at 14-pounds depending on how much work you have. The shaft is only 39 inches long, so it can be a bit short if you are 6 feet tall or more, and the string feeder continuously jams. We also found it difficult to start despite its QuickStart technology.

9. Wild Badger Power WBP31BCF Straight Shaft Trimmer

The Wild Badger Power WBP31BCF Straight Shaft Trimmer features a 31cc 4-cycle engine that provides users with a 17-inch cutting path. The four cycles engine uses straight gasoline and does not require you to mix any fuel. It also includes a string trimmer head and a blade head for different types of trimming applications.

We like that the Wild Badger came with a blade head, but we found it very hard to start, and it overheats quickly, requiring you to let it cool. The garden handles are extremely flimsy and cracked easily, and the assembly instructions were hard to follow and led to a lengthy setup.

10. Ryobi RY253SS Lawn Grass Weed Trimmer

The Ryobi RY253SS Lawn Grass Weed Trimmer Is the last model on our list, and it features a 2-stroke motor that allows the user to cut a 17-inch path. While there are no stats printed on the box, we noticed that this model ran longer per tank than most other models on this list, and the soft-grip handle was comfortable to hold.

The Ryobi RY253SS Is a little heavy, though, at 14.27 pounds, and much of the plastic is extremely flimsy. After only a few uses, the guard cracked, and the throttle and safety switch require a conscious effort to use gently, or they will certainly break. Several parts use plastic wing nuts that are easily broken or stripped and the thin aluminum shaft bends with little force applied. It was also one of the hardest to start and keep running of all models on this list.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Purchase the Best Gas-Powered Weed Eater

Let’s look at a few of the most important things to consider when choosing a gas weed eater.

Engine Size

The first thing you’re going to want to consider when choosing a weed eater is the engine size, and there are two main things to look at when selecting an engine size, cycle, and cubic centimeters(cc).

Cycle (Stroke)

The engines on our list are all either 2 or 4-cycle engines.

2-cycle

As you would expect, 2-cycle engines are smaller and require less fuel; however, they are also less powerful. Two-cycle engines require you to mix the gasoline with a special oil, but they are easier to start because they only need one revolution of the crankshaft to have power.

4-cycle

Four-cycle engines produce more torque and can handle larger jobs than a 2-cycle. They use more gas, but you’re not required to mix the fuel, and you can use the same gas you use in your vehicle. Four-cycle engines can be harder to start because they need two revolutions of the crankshaft to get power.

Cubic Centimeter (cc)

The cubic centimeter is a measure of displacement in the engine. It is a way to gauge engine size and strength. The higher the cubic centimeter rating, the larger and more powerful the engine is.

Weight

If you’ve done a lot of weed whacking, you know that weight is a serious concern when choosing a weed eater. Even a pound or two can make a big difference when you’re holding it long term. We tried to list each model’s weight in our reviews and recommend keeping it under 12 pounds when possible. Some models offer accessories like a shoulder strap, which can greatly improve comfort during long work sessions.

Shaft

The shaft is another important thing to consider when choosing a gas-powered weed eater. It needs to be of sufficient length, or it won’t reach the ground while you’re using it, which can lead to backache if you use it for an extended period. An adjustable shaft is best to guarantee a perfect fit, especially if you have multiple users. Most of the models in our reviews had an adjustable shaft unless we otherwise noted it.

Another thing to consider when choosing the type of shaft is whether it will be a straight or a curved type. The type of shaft is really a personal preference, with many experts arguing both sides. A straight shaft makes it easier to use at strange angles and get into hard-to-reach areas. A curved shaft makes it easier to see the cutting line so that you can perform more accurate trimming.

Durability

One thing we notice when reviewing these tools is that some have extremely flimsy parts. The ground guard has long been something that cracked easily on these devices, but recently the throttle and other parts are becoming increasingly fragile as well. The thin plastic parts are lightweight but don’t hold up over time. Which had to point out any models with flimsy parts in our reviews, and you should keep an eye out for them when you shop around.

Head

The head is the part of your gas weed eater that holds the string used for cutting. In some cases, they may use a type of blade instead. Some removable heads allow you to replace it with a head prepacked with string, but most gas-powered models require you to restring it from a larger spool.

Bump Feed vs Automatic Feed

Bump Feed

Bump feed is the type of weed eater that you tap on the ground to feed more string from the spool. The bump feed is the original method and is much more common, especially in gas-powered weed eaters. This type of line feed allows for more control over the amount of string you use, but the continuous tapping on the ground can wear out the head and damage the guard. Almost all of the models in our reviews use a bump feed.

Automatic Feed

Automatic feed uses an internal mechanism to detect when the string is low and releases more. This method is convenient because it does not require you to bump the machine on the ground, and you always know you have a good amount of string until this pool is empty. The downside to automatic food is that it’s more complex and difficult to repair. The base model, as well as replacement heads, are often more expensive.

Cutting Width

A larger cutting width will allow you to get your work finished in a shorter time. Most gas weed eaters on our list of reviews have a cutting width between 16 and 17 inches, but it can be virtually any size depending on the motor’s strength. Budget models often have a narrow cutting width, while wider cutting will often require wheels or other means to help with the increased weight.

Attachments

There are plenty of attachments that can be added to your gas weed eater to accomplish more jobs like hedge trimming, edging, cultivating, and more. While most models can accept attachments, not all extensions work with every model, so if you have a specific attachment in mind, it’s best to check its adaptability with a weed eater you want to purchase.

More of our weed eater-related posts:

• Which corded-electric weed eater is our favorite this year?
• Which weed eater head is our favorite?
• Looking to replace the string of your weed eater? Then read our guide found here

In Conclusion

When choosing a gas-powered weed eater, we highly recommend our pick for the best overall. The Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer features a 28cc 2-stroke engine that provides the user with a 17-inch cutting path for making short work of even the biggest jobs. It’s easy to reload the line, and the see-through tank helps you know how much fuel remains. It weighs only 11 pounds and is easy to start.

Our best value, the Troy-Bilt TB22 EC Curved Shaft String Trimmer, is another great choice. This model features a slightly smaller 25cc 2-stroke engine but still provides you with a 17-inch cutting path and includes spring assistant starting.

We hope you have enjoyed reading over these reviews and buyer’s guide and found them helpful and informative. If we have helped you find your next yard tool, please share these 10 best gas weed eaters on Facebook and Twitter.

See Also: 

• Electric vs Gas Weed Eater – Which is Best for You?
• 4-Cycle vs 2-Cycle Weed Eaters – Which is Better?