5 Best Commercial Weed Eaters

When I owned my lawn care company, I experimented with several different brands of weed eaters. Like every tool, it's very important to have the right tool for the right application.

For instance, a person mainly doing weekly lawn maintenance should get a different string trimmer than someone clearing heavy brush or overgrown grass. The same is true if you are a homeowner… how much land do you have? What are you trimming? How often? These are all great questions to take into consideration.

What should you look for in the best commercial weed eater? A few things stand out above the rest, especially when compared to homeowners' versions. First, when operating your lawn service business, you need equipment you can rely on daily. Yes, all machines break down at some point, but you need something you can trust as your moneymaker's schedule. 

Second, we will look at the overall power output. There’s nothing worse than having an underpowered weedeater when you own a lawn care company.

And finally, we’ll look at some of each string trimmer's various features. This can be anything from fuel tank size, to bump heads, to weight.

We will cover these options throughout this guide that makes the best commercial weed eater something you will want in your arsenal of equipment. 

• Reliability
• Durability
• Special features
• Horsepower
• Weight
• Comfort
• Easy start
• Easy Maintenance
• Warranty

How We Chose the Best Commercial Weed Eaters

There is a process of testing and reviewing commercial weed eaters that are used to come up with guides for the purchaser. There is testing at the manufacturer's level to create the specs, reviews from customer data, and finally, my opinion of testing each string trimmer.

I try my best to remove any bias in any of my reviews. I compare specs, analyze reviews, and test/demo each product to see how they compare.

Best Commercial Weed Eaters Compared

Specs	Stihl FS91R	Redmax BCZ3060TS	Echo SRM2620T	Shindaiwa T262	Husqvarna 525LS
Engine	1.27 bhp four stroke engine	1.4 HP Two-Stroke Engine	1.35 Two-Stroke Engine	1.35 Two-Stroke Engine	1.34 hp X-Torq® engine
Engine Displacement	28.4 cc	29.5 cc	25.4 cc	25.4 cc	25.4cc
Cutting Swath	16.5″	19.3″	17″	20″	19.3″
Shaft Type	Straight	Straight	Straight	Straight	Straight
Fuel Capacity	24.0 fl oz.	24.3 fl oz	20.6 fl oz.	20.6 fl. oz	21.98 fl oz
Weight	12.1 lbs.	12.19	11.9 lbs.	12.4 lbs.	10.14 lbs.
Warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Stihl FS91R 

The Stihl FS91R is probably the most popular weedeater on the market. Nearly every landscaper has owned or used one at some point. They are know for their reliability, strong power, and overall one of the best trimmers available. 

This Stihl model also comes in at an amazing price, powerful engine, large fuel tank, and lightweight. This is without a doubt one of the best commercial trimmers on the market!

The top features are many and are listed below.

• Engine:1.27 hp Four-stroke engine
• Engine Displacement: 28.4 cc
• Cutting Swath: 16.5”
• Shaft Type: Straight
• Fuel Capacity: 24 fl oz
• Weight: 12.1 lbs
• Warranty: 2 Year Commercial
• Price: $339

2. Redmax BCZ3060TS

The Redmax BCZ 3060 TS is the powerhouse of the group. This weedeater is a beast with a ton of power. It is actually pretty lightweight for such a powerful trimmer and large fuel tank. This trimmer could easily be a daily user, especially if you are going to frequently be using a trimmer to edge. The extra power of this trimmer will help a lot.

The only downside I can find with this weedeater is the price tag. At around $500, it is the most expensive on the list.

Let’s check out the specs of this Redmax trimmer.

• Engine:1.4 hp Two-stroke engine
• Engine Displacement: 29.5 cc
• Cutting Swath: 19.3”
• Shaft Type: Straight
• Fuel Capacity: 24.3 fl oz
• Weight: 12.19 lbs
• Warranty: 2 Year Commercial
• Price: $499

3. Echo SRM2620t

The Echo SRM2620t is a very well built string trimmer and definitely one of the most popular in the industry. They have a reputation for durability, lightweight, and solid performance. These are a great option for your daily weedeater that is versatile and reliable. 

Let’s check out the specs!

• Engine:1.35 hp two-stroke engine
• Engine Displacement: 25.4 cc
• Cutting Swath: 17”
• Shaft Type: Straight
• Fuel Capacity: 20.6 fl oz
• Weight: 12.8 lbs
• Warranty: 2 Year Commercial
• Price: $399

4. Shindaiwa T262

The Shindaiwa T262 weed eater is another popular option in the lawn industry. Shindaiwa is owned by Echo and the T262 model is almost identical to the Echo 2620T. Because of this, I won’t spend much time on this trimmer. My advice, if you decide to go with either Shindaiwa or Echo I would go with the least expensive one you can find.

Here are the specs… you’ll notice some similarities!

• Engine:1.35 hp two-stroke engine
• Engine Displacement: 25.4 cc
• Cutting Swath: 20”
• Shaft Type: Straight
• Fuel Capacity: 20.6 fl oz
• Weight: 12.4 lbs
• Warranty: 2 Year Commercial
• Price: $369

5. Husqvarna 525LS

The Husqvarna 525LS is my sleeper pick for a commercial weed eater. Husqvarna gets some criticism from the professional lawn care industry, but I won’t lie, the Husqvarna 525LS trimmer is worth taking a look at. It has an amazing power to weight ratio. Actually, the best on this list. I’m also a big fan of their X-Torq engine on this machine and the T35X trimmer head. There are so great things about this trimmer and I think it deserves a spot in the best commercial weedeater discussion

Let’s take a look at the specs!

• Engine:1.34 hp X-Torq® engine
• Engine Displacement: 25.4 cc
• Cutting Swath: 19.3”
• Shaft Type: Straight
• Fuel Capacity: 21.98 fl oz
• Weight: 10.14 lbs
• Warranty: 2 Year Commercial
• Price: $419

Buying Guide

Below is a buying guide to help you choose the best commercial weed eater for your specific needs.

Engine Size

Engine sizes are determined by cubic centimeters, better known as cc's. There are two different types of engines that determine cc. One is a two-stroke engine, and the other is a four-stroke engine. The sizes of a commercial weed eater engine range from 24 to 31cc. The bigger the engine, the more power it has.

Engine Type – 4-cycle VS 2-cycle

There are significant differences between two and four-cycle engines. The biggest difference is the fuel. Two cycles run on a ratio of gas and oil mixture. Four cycles run on straight gasoline. They also have a special place for the oil to go, and it needs changing like any engine with an oil drain plug. 

Two cycles have the oil and gas mixture, so there is no need to have a place for motor oil. The four-cycle engines are also bigger, and some, but not all, weigh more than a two-cycle. The preference is in the user's opinion. Four cycles may have more power as the engines are bigger. 

Cutting Swath

The distance in cutting range measured in inches is the cutting swath. In other words, as you swing the string trimmer, the length of the shaft will determine the distance. Most straight shafts will have a cutting swath of 20 to 24 inches. So naturally, the longer the cutting swath, the more grass gets cut.

Shaft Type – Straight vs. Curved

There is a saying once you use both and go to the straight shaft, there is no going back. The straight shaft is so much easier on the back muscles. A curved shaft does not have the outreach a straight shaft does. Using a straight shaft allows a natural flow for both the arms and back. Those who use a curved shaft have to keep their back arched and arms bent, which can cause fatigue.

Weight

The weight of commercial weed eaters ranges between 9 and 14 pounds. Some four cycles can weigh as much as 15 to 18 pounds. It is important to keep in mind not all four cycles are heavy. Some are known to weigh 10 or 11 pounds, depending on the materials of the weed eater.

Comfort

Comfort is critical when using a commercial weed eater. Those who use a commercial weed eater daily know how important it is to have a comfortable string trimmer. These are the areas to look into what features make the weed eater comfortable.

• The grip on the front and rear handles
• The strap, if it is cushioned or not. 
• If the throttle has a cruise control
• If the handles are adjustable
• If the strap is adjustable
• A straight or curved shaft makes all the difference in comfort.

Durability

Commercial weed eaters are very durable and can take a lot of beating. Looking into the parts of the string trimmer can determine the durability. In other words, what material makes up the equipment. Make sure the parts are not able to rust or get corroded. Some features are made of plastic. If that is the case, check to make sure they are not going to break. 

Most commercial weed eaters will go on a rack with an open trailer. Make sure the weed eater can withstand the outdoor climates. As far as cutting, make sure there is enough horsepower to handle tough jobs. Look into the cc for this. 

Fuel Capacity 

Make sure to get a weed eater with a decent-sized gas tank to hold a fair amount of fuel. The average would be 20oz or more. Keep in mind the capacity does not entirely rely on how long before running out of fuel. Efficiency determines in the end how long the fuel in the tank will last before running out. 

However, a small tank is not a good idea when in the commercial business. The last thing you want is to get caught running out of fuel when a long distance away from the gas can.

Fuel Efficiency

Several factors determine fuel efficiency. They are as follows.

• Engine size
• Type of fuel 
• If the fuel has a stabilizer in the mix
• If the weed eater is adequately cared for and maintained
• Age of the weed eater

Warranty

Most of the brands offer a two-year warranty for commercial use on commercial weed eaters. Some will go three to five years if the same string trimmer is used for homeowners. At the time of purchase, the question will come up. If purchased for a lawn or landscaping business, it will automatically fall under the commercial warranty. However, the homeowner warranty will take effect if it is listed under a person's name. Should the warranty be listed under the person's name and the signs show the weed eater was used in commercial business, the warranty may be voided. 

The Best Commercial Battery Powered Weed Eater

Many are moving to the best commercial battery-powered weed eaters for several reasons. First, brushless motors are becoming more popular due to their lightweight and less noise. Second, if the battery power is there, so is the horsepower. Finally, they match up to the 2 or 4-cycle motors in many cases. The top one on the market is the one we will discuss below. 

If you are considering switching from gas models to battery, below is your best option!

Ego Power Plus ST1521S

This weed eater will cut through the thick and soft grass like it is nothing. The prices are affordable, and there is very little maintenance to worry about. It has a running time on a fully charged battery to cut a foot tall grass for half a mile stretch. 

• Cutting swath of 15.”
• The weight is 7.8 pounds.
• It has a push-button loading system.
• The brushless motor is highly effective. 
• It comes with a three-year warranty for the battery, a five-year warranty on the tool, and for the shaft, it has a lifetime warranty.

Check out our complete guide to battery powered weed eaters here.

FAQ

Single Purpose or Multi-tool String Trimmers?

The single-purpose string is used for regular trimmer cutting. It is only used for grass and weeds. The string will eat up pretty fast and is not the best for commercial use. Multi-tool string trimmers are used for different purposes and cutting terrains. These are used for thicker weeds and take less time to cut. 

Gas vs. Electric Weed Eater – Which is Better?

It depends on the user and how much is getting trimmed. An electric weed eater is perfect if only for around the house and a few trees. It is also cheaper. The gas weed eater is more efficient for commercial purposes and long distances. Most gas weed eaters are better when it comes to power, but electric weed eaters are catching up with the latest technology. 

What is the Best Commercial String Trimmer on the Market?

A survey was taken with over 1,000 landscapers. Echo commercial string trimmers turned out to be the best on the market. 

The Best Weed Eater Strings For Trimmers

Many will argue whether or not the string you use in your weed eater matters. In short, yes, it does. Certain strings are provided to be better and last longer than others. Below is a list of the best commercial weed eater strings on the market.

Oregon Gatorline

This string has a high cutting efficiency. It allows for straighter, cleaner cuts with little to no effort. There is a high-strength inner core within the string to make it more durable than the rest. It comes in the round trimmer line with a .095 diameter, which is the most effective and longer-lasting than any other shape. Lastly, it fits all trimmer models. 

Husqvarna Titanium Force

It allows for faster acceleration and better performance and has a longer life than many strings out there on the market. They are proud to have the label “Made in the USA.” This string has a high cutting efficiency which means less strain on the user. The string has a 50 percent lower noise level than other strings. It even comes with a free line cutter. 

Echo Cross Fire

Just the name alone sounds intimidating with its eight cutting edges as it works excellent with Echo trimmers. It comes in a three-pound spool of .095 trimmer string. It is the top-of-the-line professional grade for grass and weeds and delivers fast and clean cuts. 

Check out our article on the best string trimmer lines on the market!

Edgit Pro

Interested in turning your weed eater into an edger? Of course, many lawn care companies will use string trimmers to edge lawns… we've all done it at some point. However, this probably isn't the best idea if you want a quality and consistent edge every time.

A solution to this is the Edgit Pro (make sure you choose your correct trimmer model.) I used these for 3 years in my company, and they save a ton of time. Basically, you only have to go to the truck once to trim and edge instead of twice. If you are doing a lot of residential properties, this is a huge time saver.

If you decide to use the Edgit Pro, make sure you have a way of carrying extra string with you. Since you are edging with your trimmer a lot more, you will naturally go through the trimmer string a little bit quicker.

Wrapping it up

Hopefully, this guide clarifies which ones are the best weed eater options for you and your commercial business. Everyone knows the best way is to save time as it can make you more money if you have the best commercial weed eater. Along with the buyer's guide and the list of the best strings, you can deliver the best cut yards for your customers.

What do you think?

Which best commercial weed eater are you planning to get? Let us know in the comments!

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