8 Best Commercial Weed Eater | Heavy-Duty String Trimmers

If you want a weed wacker for your landscape gardening business or perhaps you’re just after a heavy-duty weed eater for your backyard, then keep reading to find the best commercial weed eaters on the market right now. 

Best Commercial Weed Eaters

Let’s start with the two best commercial weed eaters that I know you’ll love. The first option is the best battery-powered weed eater offering a great low noise solution for use in residential areas. 

The second product is my best gas-powered trimmer, with an outstanding power-to-weight ratio offering professionals a great performance without compromising comfort. In my experience, these are the best in class for gas or battery-powered weed eaters. 

Best Gas Weed Eater

Husqvarna 525LS 25.4cc 2-Cycle Pro String Trimmer

Convenient pre-measured fertilizer spike designed to be pushed an inch into the ground to provide a slow-release feed right through the growing season.

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Best Battery Weed Eater

Makita LXT 26V Battery String Trimmer

Outstanding battery-powered tool, ships with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries and a dual charger. Perfect for residential locations.

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Choosing the Best Commercial Weed Eater

To choose the best commercial weed eater, you need to decide upon a power source. Usually, you will find gas and battery-powered options. From there, research some of the features of the specific string trimmer, like the comfort, shaft design, and controls.

Here are some crucial factors to consider when selecting your next commercial weed eater.

Gas Powered Weed Eater

Gas-powered weed eaters feature 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines. You will find measurements of the engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc).

Gas weed eaters work well on areas with tall grass. However, they are noisy and have relatively high fuel costs. While they are cheaper than battery weed eaters, the fuel costs add up over time.

Engine Power (hp)

Horsepower (hp) is a common unit of measurement to describe the power of a gas string trimmer. It concerns the rate at which the engine can perform work, which corresponds to the speed and intensity of the cutting head.

Not all manufacturers advertise the horsepower of the weed wacker since it takes a low power input to spin the cutting string. 

Nevertheless, higher horsepower means a more powerful string trimmer. For heavy-duty jobs, you need a high-powered engine to generate torque.

You can estimate the horsepower from the cubic centimeters. Consider your gas weed eater to have one horsepower for every 15 cubic centimeters.

Look out for the maximum cutting speed in RPMs. A high-quality string trimmer will have a high maximum speed while also letting you change it quickly.

2-Cycle vs. 4-Cycle Engines

In a 2-cycle (2-stroke) engine, the piston produces power for each revolution. This engine mixes oil and fuel in the fuel tank. Some of this mixture gets expelled before use. Every time the piston fires, the engine burns up some gas. Since 2-cycle engines run twice as often as 4-cycle ones, they require more frequent fuel refills.

2-cycle engines are lightweight, cheap, and powerful. However, the higher RPM means they wear out faster. They are also more detrimental to the environment, lack an oil reserve, and have a higher fuel cost.

In a 4-cycle (4-stroke) engine, the piston produces power after two revolutions. As a result, it generates half the amount of power as a 2-cycle engine. The gasoline and oil are in separate tanks, so the oil does not burn.

Overall, 4-cycle engines are fuel-efficient, durable, eco-friendly, and steadier. However, they have less power, a greater capital expense, more weight, and more components.

Battery Weed Eater

Battery weed eaters tend to have shorter runtimes than gas-powered ones unless you opt for a Li-ion model. While these heavy-duty options add weight, you can manage more lawns.

Typically, battery string trimmers suit smaller properties with shorter grass. They do not supply as much power as gas options. Nonetheless, they are quieter, more eco-friendly, lighter, easier to start, and have lower fuel costs.

Manufacturers typically report the battery voltage (V) of their models to indicate the electric potential energy.

Motor Power (Volts)

The motor power is indicated in volts, which represent the electric potential energy of the battery. Higher voltages correspond to a greater power capacity and thus more powerful performance.

You can find a battery weed wacker with powers ranging from 20-80V. If you have to work on larger land parcels and do not want to recharge, look for a battery weed eater on the higher end of the range.

Battery Runtime (Ah)

The battery runtime will tell you how long you can use your string trimmer in between charges. Most manufacturers publish this value in terms of the capacity in ampere-hours (Ah).

You can calculate the runtime by dividing the capacity in Ah by the current delivered in amperes (A). Also, you can multiply capacity by the battery voltage and divide it by the wattage of the weed wacker.

Straight or Curved Shaft

Straight shafts are long, heavy, and durable. Most commercial weed eaters feature this design. The durability comes from the straight drive chain that can handle heavy-duty use. You can maneuver this string trimmer easily, but it is less ergonomic than a curved shaft.

Although straight shafts are more professional, curved shafts are more comfortable. They are shorter, lightweight, and easily maneuvered. However, they lack durability from the curved drive chain, so they only suit light-duty consumer use.

Line Feed Type

String trimmers have plastic or composite cutting lines that tend to break or wear out with time. By choosing the proper line feed type, you can prolong the lifespan of your cutting lines. There are three kinds of line feed heads:

• Automatic: The cutting line is advanced through centrifugal force, but you do not have much control over the quantity of line that you feed. Also, you can use up your line rapidly.
• Bump: You bump the string trimmer on the ground to let out the cutting line. You need to control the force you use to avoid damaging the weed whacker.
• Fixed-Line: This line feed type uses a pre-cut line that you replace when you run out.

Most modern weed eaters use a bump feed head.

Line Cut Path

The line cut path is the cutting diameter of the weed whacker’s string or blade. Anything that falls within the cutting path will get destroyed by the weed eater. You will need to keep a close eye on the distance it cuts to protect any delicate plants or infrastructure.

For most heavy-duty or commercial grade string trimmers a cutting path of at least 15-inches will be required. With most premium models offer something around 17-inches for their more powerful tools. 

Interchangeable Heads

Some commercial string trimmers have interchangeable heads that you can swap for other tools. Different parts can handle bushes, brush, and grass. They also vary in power requirements and usable shaft types.

For a new commercial business, you may benefit from having multiple heads. They can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your weed eater by making it compatible with more yards. 

Depending on your budget, you may find it more useful to have several types of weed whackers instead of an interchangeable head.

Speed Control RPM

Some string trimmers operate with one speed while others allow for variation. Steady speeds reduce the amount of user input, making them more beginner-friendly. 

However, those with variable controls can reduce the power used on slower speeds and help you get your work done faster with the higher settings. 

As a professional landscaper, you should opt for an option with speed control to conserve fuel, work through dense lawn areas, and handle more yard types.

Handle Type and Harness

Some of the best string trimmer handles are D- or ring-shaped. These are ergonomic and easy to grip, so you can comfortably use them for long hours. However, these options are better for smaller jobs.

Bicycle handles offer greater control and comfort since you can use both hands to maneuver the device. If you need to work long hours, these weed wacker should reduce some of the stress on your hands.

For greater support, try to get harness straps. They distribute the mass to your shoulders and back, relieving the load on your arms. Also, harnesses can stabilize the weed eater.

Overall Weight & Balance

When working as a landscaper, you will need to carry machinery for many hours. Heavy weed whackers can lead to fatigue, so you may prefer a lightweight option.

In general, gas weed eaters weigh more than battery options. Their fuel tanks can grow tiresome after a long day of trimming. Also, a full gas tank may hinder the balance.

To lighten a weed eater, manufacturers will reduce the components or material thickness. A lightweight weed eater may only weigh five pounds, but it will likely have reduced battery capacity, a low-powered motor, and a thin plastic casting.

Nevertheless, heavier string trimmers can feel lighter if they are well-balanced. You can compensate for poor balance by getting a comfortable handle and harness. Also, stand in a way that will help the motor act as a counterbalance to the head.

Professional String Trimmer vs. Home Use

Professional-grade string trimmers have different requirements than ones for home use.

A straight shaft is longer and more dynamic than a curved one, so you can more readily cover large lawns and reach in tight spaces. For home use, you generally do not need as much dynamism and length to trim a smaller yard.

Trimmers with interchangeable heads are great for smaller lawn care businesses. They have a low set-up cost and can help you manage an entire yard at once. 

However, larger businesses would do better with a solid shaft to work on more lawns in less time. Keep in mind that you will offer fewer services with this option.

Furthermore, you will need a higher-powered string trimmer with a long runtime for commercial projects. 

At home, you can get away with a battery weed eater that runs for 30 minutes before needing to recharge. However, you cannot take that many charging breaks when operating a business, so you need one with lengthy battery life or a substantial fuel tank.

Best Commercial Weed Eater Reviews

Here are some battery- and gas-powered weed eaters that I think can fulfill your commercial landscaping or lawn care needs.

Husqvarna 525LS 2-Cycle Pro String Trimmer

Best Gas-Powered Trimmer

• Type: Gas 2-Cycle Engine 25.4cc 
• Runtime: 16.64 fl.oz
• Cut Path: 6.5 in.
• Line Feed Type: Auto and Bump Feed
• Line Diameter: 0.095
• Weight: 10.14 lbs
• Harness: Not Included

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Pros

• Excellent power to weight ratio 1.3hp, and 10lbs in weight
• Excellent value for money for around $330
• The best power to $ ratio I have used for professional light to medium work

Cons

• Not the most powerful model out there but as trimmers go, an excellent all-round choice

The Husqvarna 525LS 25.4cc 2-Cycle Pro String Trimmer features a powerful 2-cycle X-Torq engine that delivers 1.34 hp and 8500rpm. This weed eater has a straight aluminum shaft and a trimmer head with heavy-duty bevel gear. 

At 10.14 pounds, this string trimmer feels balanced and light. It can handle thick, overgrown grass with ease using a 0.095 titanium twin line. The head speed remains relatively constant, even through thick grass at wide-open-throttle.

The vibration dampening rubber isolators makes it more comfortable to use for hours on end without feeling any after-effects. However, the handle does not have any cushioning. However, my hands were not buzzing after use, which is always a great sign.

This weed eater has an auto return stop switch that you press to turn off the device. You have to depress the safety paddle to apply throttle. Its automatic bump head does not malfunction readily, and it is easy to use.

Check the latest price of the Husqvarna 525LS 25.4cc 2-Cycle Pro String Trimmer here.

Makita 25.4cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine Cutter

• Type: Gas 4-Cycle Engine 25.4cc
• Runtime: 25.98 fl.oz
• Cut Path: 17 in.
• Line Feed Type: Bump Feed
• Line Diameter: >0.095
• Weight: 11.5 lbs
• Harness: Not Included

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Pros

• A large fuel tank adds to the weight, but really extends run time
• MM4 4-Stroke engine is as powerful and has 10x fewer emissions than 2-stroke engines
• Overall power-weight ratio is excellent for a 4-stroke engine

Cons

• .095” maximum line diameter

The Makita 25.4cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine Brush Cutter has a mighty engine and an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Its engine has relatively low noise for a gas-powered weed eater. 

Furthermore, it has fewer fumes and emissions due to the high fuel efficiency. You can get an hour of operation with just half a tank.

This weed eater has a high torque because of its gears that spin at half the speed with twice the torque. As such, it can cut through thicker weeds with ease.

It uses a 0.095-inch line and a bump head, so you can release more cutting lines quickly. 

The straight steel drive shaft is durable and produces little vibration, making it comfortable to use on large properties. Furthermore, it has a compact design that is easy to carry. However, it does not have a harness, which can pose challenges for long-term use.

This commercial string trimmer has a high-quality and reachable air filter. The oil port, tool-less filter, and drain plug are also accessible, so you can perform the necessary maintenance yourself. The high-torque features mean you will need to put in more work to keep it running.

Check the latest price of the Makita 25.4 cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine Brush Cutter here.

Makita LXT 36V Battery String Trimmer

Best Battery Powered Trimmer

• Type: Electric Motor 36V
• Runtime: 5.0Ah Battery x2
• Cut Path: 17 in.
• Line Feed Type: Bump Feed
• Line Diameter: 0.095-0.105
• Weight: 17.2 lbs
• Harness: Not Included

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Pros

• Excellent power and cutting swath
• Automatic Torque Drive mode can save battery power
• 45-minute battery charge time
• Ships with two 5.0Ah batteries

Cons

• Shorter runtime than most battery models
• Heavy for a battery-powered model

The Makita LXT 36V Battery String Trimmer has two 18V batteries and operates at three speeds. The highest speed generates about 5805 RPM at the end of its 17-inch cutting diameter, giving it one of the highest tip speeds available.

While battery weed eaters are known for having less power than gas models, this option has the power output of a 30cc gas engine. You can clear large areas quickly, even if they have thick grass. Also, it accepts trimmer lines up to 0.105 inches in diameter.

The runtime is 30-45 minutes at steady throttle, with a fully charged battery. While some other battery-powered models run longer, they lack the power of this Makita. 

However, you could reduce the speed, switch to automatic mode, or add the Makita battery backpack to improve the efficiency and use it commercially. Or just get a few battery cells to go with the two supplied and get hours of cutting time.

Battery charges in 45 minutes with the Rapid Optimum Charger, so you can recharge two units on the dual charger in a very respectful time frame.

The Automatic Torque Drive mode offers continuous variable transmission, so it adjusts the power output to maintain the speed for you. The reverse rotation function lets the trimmer head spin backward for untangling.

This weed eater produces about 85 dB, so you can use it for eight hours without hearing protection and it gives little vibration so it’s comfortable in use. 

The thin trimmer head guard is great for professional use due to the expanded visibility and access to tight spaces.

I like this machine a great deal. If you’re looking for a tool for home use or use in residential settings then the Makita LXT is a great option with excellent performance and good run time. However, if you need a full day’s worth of run time then go for one of the gas-powered machines listed above. 

Check the latest price of the Makita LXT 36V Battery String Trimmer here.

Honda 4-Stroke 35cc String Trimmer

• Type: Gas 4-Cycle Engine 35cc
• Runtime: 21.76 fl.oz
• Cut Path: 17 in.
• Line Feed Type: Auto Feed
• Line Diameter: 0.095
• Weight: 15.4 lbs
• Harness: Included

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Pros

• Ergonomic handles and shoulder strap
• Expansive fuel tank to compensate for the poor efficiency
• Solid build and quiet motor

Cons

• Overpriced for its mid-range performance
• Some features suit consumers more than commercial users

The Honda 4-Stroke 35cc String Trimmer is quiet for a gas-powered weed eater, running at 96 dB. However, it is one of the heavier options. Since it has a harness, you can balance the higher weight and use it more comfortably. 

The bicycle handles have some over-molding that makes them ergonomic. Also, this option uses the Honda flex shaft to absorb shock. Its straight shaft and interchangeable head make it useful for commercial businesses that want to offer multiple landscaping services.

Some flaws with the design include the inaccessible line refill system, overly thick guard, and the auto-on feature. Additionally, it has poor fuel efficiency.

When operating with eight ounces of fuel, this weed eater runs for around 18 minutes. A full tank will run for about 48 minutes. This comparison shows that the poor efficiency is compensated by the massive fuel tank.

The Honda motor starts quickly. Its 1.235 gearings can convert it from a weed eater to a brush cutter with ease. While not the fastest, it can effectively cut through thick and thin grass.

Check the latest price of the Honda 4-Stroke 35cc String Trimmer here.

EGO PowerLoad 56V String Trimmer Cordless

• Type: Electric Motor 56V
• Runtime: 5.0Ah
• Cut Path: 15 in.
• Line Feed Type: Auto and Bump Feed
• Line Diameter: 0.080 or 0.095
• Weight: 11.971 lbs
• Harness: Not Included

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Pros

• Excellent tool for light work in residential areas when you need a long run time1.5-hour battery life
• Lightweight and durable composition
• Convenient auto and bump feed heads

Cons

• Not compatible with a harness
• One of the smaller cutting diameters for a battery model

The EGO PowerLoad 56V String Trimmer has a durable, strong, and lightweight carbon fiber shaft. Although it does not have a harness, you can use it easily for hours on end. Additionally, its handle placement offers balance to keep it feather-light.

The PowerLoad auto-feeding head lets you refill the line quickly. You feed the line through one hole and pull it out of another. Then, you center the line by pulling at both ends. Press a button on the motor and everything lines up in ten seconds. 

You can release more of the line with the free-spinning bumper. Since the bumper is separate, you minimize wear.

This string trimmer runs at 80 dB due to the vibration dampening features. Its speed ranges from 4000-5800 RPM. Combined with the 15-inch cutting swath, you can handle thick grasses rapidly.

The battery life is around 1.5 hours, making it one of the longer-running options. However, this lifespan decreases at higher speeds.

Check the latest price of the EGO PowerLoad 56V String Trimmer Cordless Carbon Fiber here.

STIHL FS 94 R 16.5 in. Gas String Trimmer

• Type: Gas 4-Cycle Engine 24.1cc
• Runtime: 18.3 fl.oz
• Cut Path: 16.5 in.
• Line Feed Type: N/A
• Line Diameter: 0.80-0.155
• Weight: 10.1 lbs
• Harness: Included

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Pros

• Compatible with many line diameters
• You can customize it with multiple attachments
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Struggles to handle large areas

The STIHL FS 94 R 16.5 in. Gas String Trimmer has a wide cutting path and powerful 2-cycle engine to help you tackle thick grasses. Despite the 1.2 hp engine, this weed eater is lightweight and portable.

STIHL provides some of the best cutting lines between 0.080 and 0.155 inches thick, so you can use this string trimmer for most applications. Furthermore, the company offers multiple cutting heads with various feed types to let you customize your tool. 

The trimmer has a low-exhaust-emission engine, making it more eco-friendly than most gas engines. It also has an anti-vibration system to make it more comfortable to operate. However, the ring handle makes it suit smaller lawns.

You can easily take out the air filter, spark plug, and other features to maintain the trimmer. Furthermore, you can swap out many of the components to suit your commercial business.

Although it has a 16.5-inch cut path and decent fuel efficiency, the engine lacks the torque and power to handle thick grass and large displacements.

Check the latest price of the STIHL FS 94 R 16.5 in. Gas String Trimmer here.

Husqvarna 325iLK 36V Battery Combi String Trimmer

• Type: Electric Motor 36V
• Runtime: N/A
• Cut Path: 16.5 in.
• Line Feed Type: Auto Feed
• Line Diameter: 0.080
• Weight: 16 lbs
• Harness: Not Included

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Pros

• Highly customizable from the various attachments
• Excellent cut path and maximum speed
• Suitable for beginners

Cons

• Some specs aren’t clear
• The attachments can eat up your budget

The Husqvarna 325iLK 36V Battery Powered Combi String Trimmer has the power of a 25cc engine delivered through its 36V battery. You can customize the power source by using the standard or backpack Husqvarna batteries.

This option is great for those with smaller businesses looking to offer multiple services because of its interchangeable heads. You can buy trimmer attachments to offer hedge trimming, pruning, cleaning, grass cutting, and edging.

You can switch the tube length between 23.819 and 56.496 inches. These lengths have a maximum RPM of 8400 and 5750, respectively. This high-speed weed eater is durable as well, considering its brushless motor and straight shaft.

Despite the high speeds, this weed wacker operates at a quiet 82 dB. Since it is 16 pounds, it is on the heavy side for a battery trimmer. You will want to buy a harness separately.

You can choose between a straight and curved shaft through the various attachments. It does normally have a thin line diameter, so you may need a separate head if you have to work through thick grass.

Overall, the base model suits lighter jobs. However, you can purchase plenty of attachments for heavy-duty assignments.

Check the latest price of the Husqvarna 325iLK 36V Battery Powered Combi String Trimmer here.

DEWALT 60V MAX 17-inch String Trimmer

Most Powerful Backpack Blower

• Type: Electric Motor 60V
• Runtime: 3.0Ah
• Cut Path: 15 or 17 in.
• Line Feed Type: Auto and Bump Feed
• Line Diameter: 0.080 or 0.095
• Weight: 14 lbs
• Harness: Not Included

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Pros

• Extremely long battery life
• Well-balanced for its weight
• Easy to start

Cons

• Requires extra parts to get the attachments to work

The DeWalt 60V MAX 17 in. Brushless String Trimmer has a rear-oriented motor driving a split shaft that you can connect to countless interchangeable heads. You can convert your weed eater to a brush cutter, saw, blower, lawn edger, or hedge trimmer.

This string trimmer uses a brushless motor powered by a 60V battery. It has a variable trigger that toggles between two speeds. Since it is a battery model, it is quiet and has a trigger start. DeWalt provides a thin deflector, making it suitable for commercial use.

Its power rivals gas trimmers. You can see the power levels in terms of bars. After about two hours of use, the battery only drops down to ⅔ of the original power. You can easily maneuver it around a lawn.

You can choose 0.080-inch or 0.095-inch lines, which you feed through an automatic feed head. Then, you bump it to unleash more of the line. The cutting swath can reach 15 to 17 inches.

Verdict: Best Commercial String Trimmer

The best commercial string trimmer has to be the Husqvarna 525LS 25.4cc 2-Cycle Pro String Trimmer. It’s an excellent gas model with plenty of power, and it’s not too expensive.

Best Gas Weed Eater

Husqvarna 525LS 2-Cycle Pro String Trimmer

Convenient pre-measured fertilizer spike designed to be pushed an inch into the ground to provide a slow-release feed right through the growing season.

Check Price

Best Battery Weed Eater

Makita LXT 26V Battery String Trimmer

Outstanding battery-powered tool, ships with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries and a dual charger. Perfect for residential locations.

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If you prefer a battery model, look at the Makita LXT 26V Battery String Trimmer (5.0Ah). It offers plenty of power for you to get through a large property before needing to charge it.

FAQs Commercial Weed Wackers

Here are some FAQs about the best commercial weed eaters.