It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or not, a quality gas trimmer (or weed eater) is the most essential tool you can have for keeping your lawn perfectly-trimmed and neat.
Whether you need to clear grass, shrubs, weeds, or small bushes, a good gas trimmer allows you to do so with ease. And, unlike lawnmowers, weed eaters can reach areas that aren’t easily accessible.
Weed trimmers come in a number of unique designs for catering to different needs, from light-duty variants that are great for small lawns or gardens to heavy-duty gas trimmers that can easily clear dense underbrush.
Also, weed eaters are of two main types – one uses a 2-cycle engine and the other features a 4 cycle. While the former is more powerful, the latter is fuel-efficient and less noisy.
To help you pick the ideal tool, one that suits both your trimming needs and budget, we present to you our very own review of the best 4 stroke weed eater. Below, you’ll also find a buying guide and a FAQs section, which will help you make a more informed decision.
Table of Contents
Best 4 Cycle Weed Eater Reviews
Without further delay, here is our exclusive review of the best 4 cycle weed trimmers that you can get your hands on today. Let’s Begin!
1. Craftsman 30cc Brushcutter – Best Overall 4 Cycle Weed Trimmer
If you are in search of the best overall weed trimmer then the Craftsman 30cc is worth considering. This incredibly powerful gardening tool features a 30cc engine and is solely dependent on gas. It’s also an excellent choice for both home and work.
To make it easy for you to reach difficult spaces and trim around bushes, the Craftsman 30cc boasts a straight shaft. Besides that, you’ll have an easy time starting the cycle engine thanks to its advanced easy-start technology. This technology also allows you to handle lawn care, yard work, and other tasks right away.
It has a multi-position handle, which is designed to minimize vibration and user fatigue. Another great advantage of this machine is that it doesn’t produce much noise, making it convenient for you to work long hours. Thanks to its 17-inch cutting width, the Craftsman 30cc lets you clear more weeds in less time. Additionally, it doesn’t require you to mix gas and oil. Besides being efficient and powerful, the 2-year warranty that comes with it is a great bonus.
On the downside, some of its customers had some issues with the bump head. You might also find it difficult to reload the spool.
Pros
- Quieter engine
- Powerful 30cc engine
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Difficulty reloading the spool
- Bump head issues
2. Husqvarna 25cc Trimmer – The Runner Up
The next product in our list is also among the most loved 4-cycle trimmer on the market and it’s called the Husqvarna Trimmer. Like any other product from Husqvarna, this one is known for its high reliability. The incredible tool is a gas-powered string trimmer that features a powerful 25cc engine and is an ideal choice for both commercial and residential use.
If you are a landowner or a landscaper, this beast will be the perfect semi-professional workmate for you as you don’t need to mix oil and gas. Given that it runs solely on gas, it boasts a strong punch.
Its air purge eliminates the air from the fuel system or carburetor to facilitate quick and easy start-ups. Equipped with a unique SmartTouch system, this device boasts quick and minimal effort to start. Also, it comes with a warranty.
Additionally, the moment you turn the machine off, everything goes back to its starting position automatically. This ensures that the next time you start the trimmer, it goes as smoothly as the first time.
The tool also features an adjustable handle with a soft grip that lets you control the machine while you operate. Thanks to its finely designed X-Torque motor, the emission of harmful exhausts go down by 60 percent while its fuel-efficiency goes up by about 20%.
Though the Husqvarna 25cc will meet almost every weeding need that you might have, it’s considerably high in price in comparison to its counterparts. Also, it weighs 17 lbs, which can make it difficult for some to carry around particularly for extended usage.
Pros
- Boasts a powerful 25cc engine
- Easy & minimal effort
- Comes with a warranty
Cons
- Considerably pricier than its counterparts
- Bit bulky, making it inconvenient for extended use
3. SENIX GTS4QL Weed Eater – Best Budget 4 Stroke Weed Eater
The product that takes the third place in our list of the best 4 cycle weed trimmer is the SENIX GTS4QL. The GTS4QL ticks every box for someone looking to own a powerful cycle trimmer at an affordable price.
This product is also among the best gas string weed cutters on the market and boasts a powerful 26.5cc engine that doesn’t require you to mix oil and gas. This powerful yet lightweight tool features a straight shaft followed by a standardized coupler that allows extended reach under bushes or shrubs.
Its carefully designed pro-style handle makes it much easier for trimming and edging your lawn. It features a shoulder strap that lets you maneuver the machine easily, helps in reducing user fatigue, and facilitates smoother action.
Moreover, you can use the GTS4QL with attachments, making it more versatile. Also, its 17.7 inch cutting swath offers maximum optimization of your weed cutting time. As such, you can perform several tasks within a few minutes.
Weighing just 12 pounds, this incredibly efficient weed eater is quite lightweight, which means it’s easy to maneuver. Another great feature of the GTS4QL is that you only have to pull the cord a few times to start the engine. The bump head also lets you adjust the string height as per your preference.
On the downside, you will have to replace the spring head after an extended period of several usages and the gas tank being relatively small, makes it difficult to handle big tasks.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver because of its lightweight
- 17.7 inch cutting swath
- Powerful 26.5cc engine
Cons
- Small gas tank
- Springhead requires replacement after several uses
4. Troy-Bilt TB575 Trimmer
If you need a versatile weeding tool that can help you take on multiple tasks, the Troy-Bilt TB575 is an excellent choice.
The TB575 comes with a 29cc engine, which is powerful enough to keep it going till you’re done. In addition to that, its exclusive Spring Assistant technology makes it easy to use and start. Featuring a straight shaft, this will easily reach difficult areas. Plus, the straight design ensures a clean cut as it’s much easier to operate. The device also boasts a JumpStart capability, which means there’s no need for pulling a cord to turn the engine on.
The bump head on this device makes it much easier to load more strings, which means you don’t need to worry about detachments. Its 17 inches of cutting swath further enhances the overall efficiency of the tool. Like most Troy-Bilt products, you can turn the TB575 into an edger, blower, cultivator, pole saw, and more.
Being a gas machine, you can surely expect to drive more power out of this tool. While the TB575 is a user-friendly and powerful weed trimmer, it’s not without some drawbacks. This machine tends to make much noise when it’s running and can get inconvenient if you are using it for an extended period. The engine performance is slightly sub-par, particularly with its occasional inability to start quickly.
Pros
- JumpStart technology eliminates cord-pull to start
- Powerful 29cc engine
- Straight shaft offers extended reach under bushes and shrubs
Cons
- Can be loud
- Engine performance is sub-par
Weed Eater Buying Guide
Before making any buying decision, it always helps to consider a few key features or at least have some basic knowledge of the products that you are buying.
This way you don’t spend your money on the wrong device or a pricier option simply because it packs more features, only to find out that you don’t really need them.
To prevent that from happening here’s a quick buyer’s guide on what you should be paying attention to before purchasing a weed trimmer.
Weight
As you’ll be grabbing the weed eater or trimmer while operating it, weight is an important factor to consider. Heavier brush cutters will be hard to handle, particularly if you are going to use it for an extended period. When shopping for weed cutters, look for ones that have a balance between weight and functionality. A lightweight product may seem ideal but if it doesn’t have standard features like a large fuel holding capacity or a wide cutting width, it’s not worth it. A well-balanced trimmer in terms of both features and weight is what you should look for.
Shaft Type
When looking for weed cutters, you’ll come across 2 types of shafts – curved and straight. The curved shaft is ideal for short people and is great for clearing open ground as they keep their trimming heads close to the surface. Also, weed eaters with curved shafts are easier to maneuver and control. One downside of this type is that it makes you more susceptible to get hit by debris. On the contrary, straight shaft weed cutters are great for tall users but not as comfortable for short people. With straight shafts, there’s no need to strain your back. You can simply adjust its height as per your needs. Checking both types at a hardware store can help you determine the one that suits you.
Durability & Safety features
Gas-powered weed trimmers tend to be quite durable. This is thanks to their simple spinning motion and exposed lines, which are quite easy to maintain. Compared to the battery or electric-powered counterparts, the former variants are known for being more sturdy. However, it can deteriorate rapidly if it doesn’t receive proper maintenance. Aside from durability, you might also want to consider if the machine comes with any safety features. Opt for one that has a guard to prevent getting hit by debris. Getting a model that boasts a few safety features will not only prevent injuries but also avoid damaging the tool itself.
4 Stroke Weed Eater FAQs
In this section, we’ll take a look at the three most burning and frequently asked questions that people across the world have concerning weed eaters.
What Oil Should You Use in a 4 Cycle Weed Eater?
You should use a premium-quality oil for 4 cycle weed trimmers. Most manufacturers offer industry-standard oils for the machines. When purchasing oils for your 4 cycle trimmer, go for one with the API (American Petroleum Industry) designation. To keep the weed eaters functioning properly, they need to be refueled regularly.
It’s also important to use the right oils. If possible, pick ethanol-free gasoline and avoid diesel. Remember that not all types of oil are good for your weed eater as it differs from one brand to another. Make sure to check the user manual carefully to determine which oil type is best for your machine.
How Do You Properly Restring a 4 Cycle Weed Eater?
To properly restring a 4 cycle weed trimmer, you’ll have to take the old string out from the trimmer. To do this, remove the head and release the spool and then take the old spring out of the spool. Do note that this step varies for different models. For some weed cutters, you’ll have to remove the spring along with the spool that’s attached to the cutter. As usual, the user manual will offer helpful information so it’s best to read it thoroughly before you restring your weed cutter.
How Do You Clean a 4 Cycle Weed Eater Carburetor?
Cleaning your 4 cycle weed cutter carburetor the right way is essential to keep it running efficiently for the long-term. To clean the tool’s carburetor, you need to start by removing the protective plate or breather shield that covers the weed eater’s engine. Unscrew it and place them somewhere safe as you’ll be using them again. Once you’re done unscrewing, the machine’s motor will be visible. Find the air filter (present close to the carburetor) and clean it using soap and water. Next, detach the carburetor and drain any liquids that might be in it. Grab a pipe cleaner and remove any grime and dirt present.
To clean it thoroughly, you’ll have to unscrew all its bolts. It’ll also be great if you soak it in soap water as it’ll soften any stubborn dirt and make it easy for you to clean. Once done, keep it to dry for a while and then assemble the parts with care to prevent the trimmer from malfunctioning.
Find the Best 4 Stroke Weed Eater That’s Right for You
Regardless of which trimmer you end up buying, remember that all of these weed cycle eaters are superior products. However, if we were to pick the best among them, Craftsman 30cc would be it. While not superior in every area, the Craftsman is a perfectly-balanced tool in terms of efficiency and reliability. Ultimately, the best weed cutter for you will depend on your budget, needs, and preference.
Jake is a tool guy – think Tim Allen from Home Improvement but with a much drier sense of humor. He lives in the great state of Ohio and plays the guitar on his downtime. He also spends his time writing on all things tools and DIY-related as this is his passion.
