Are Battery Powered Weed Eaters Worth It?

Battery weed eaters have become more popular in recent years. They cost less than gas models, quieter and do what they’re supposed to do, care for your lawn. But is it really a good idea to buy a battery operated weed eater? After doing extensive research, I can provide some definite answers here.

A battery powered weed eater is worth it for those with lawns 43000 sq. ft. or smaller. These weed eaters are also cheaper than gas models, quieter and do not require constant maintenance.

The Bottom Line

If your lawn is up half an acre in size, a 20-40V battery weed eater is enough. I recommend the 40V Black and Decker Max as it is reliable and has a long battery life. It is easy to use too.

If your lawn is 1 acre, I would suggest a 40-80V weed eater like the Greenworks Brushless String Trimmer. This packs plenty of power but is still light. It is enough to get the job done.

For lawns larger than an acre, you are better off with a gas powered weed eater.

While that is the bottom line, there are situations where a battery powered weed eater makes sense to use. And in other instances it doesn’t. You will find out when if you keep reading.

Note: these are also called cordless weed eaters. I will use them interchangeably here.

The Benefits of a Battery Powered Weed Eater

Cordless weed eaters are still somewhat new compared to gas and electric models. But there is no doubt they are here to stay.. A lot of homeowners and particularly those new to lawn care prefer them. There are also seasoned gardeners who have purchased cordless string trimmers too.

No matter what you call it, weed eater, string trimmer or weed trimmer (a fascinating story in itself) there is no question these devices offer a lot of advantages. The following are some of the most important.

Powerful

If you have a small lawn (an acre or less), a cordless strong trimmer is just right. It costs less than a corded or gas string trimmer, and it gets the job done. Today’s cordless weed eaters have long lasting batteries designed for lawn care.

It is true that gas weed eaters are more powerful. If you have a large lawn, then I recommend a gas powered model. But for small lawns a battery model is more than enough.

Low Noise Level

Do you hate the sound of loud weed eaters? Do your neighbors frown on it too? Well, cordless weed trimmers are for you.

Compared to gas trimmers, cordless models emit very little noise. You do not need to put ear plugs on and no need to worry about annoying the neighbors. As batteries become more sophisticated, the decibel goes down too.

Environment Friendly

Cordless weed eaters do not emit smoke or fumes. This is good for the environment and for you as well. If you hate the smell of gas and oil, a battery powered string trimmer is ideal.

As powerful as gas string trimmers are, the smoke and fumes can be tough for some people. If you are one of those, switching to a cordless model makes sense. This is good not just for you but your household and neighborhood as well.

Easy to Use

Cordless string trimmers run with the press of a button. No need to pull a cord multiple times to get the engine to start.

Ask anyone who has used a gas trimmer and they will tell you the pull cord can be frustrating. Sometimes it takes a lot of pulls – and force – to get the engine running. If you are not physically strong, this can be taxing. In contrast, a cordless weed eater is easier to use.

Cordless string trimmers are also lighter than gas models. Corded trimmers are also light but you are confined by the cord. With a battery powered trimmer, you have freedom of movement.

More Affordable

Battery weed eaters are less expensive than gas string trimmers. In some cases the difference can be significant. Not only are they cheaper to buy, but over the long term you save even more.

If you buy a cordless string trimmer, that’s it. You do not need to buy anything else. The battery should last at least a year if not longer. And there is very little maintenance required.

Gas powered weed trimmers cost more to buy upfront. Next you have to buy gas and oil. You have to replenish these every 30 days.

Gas string trimmers require constant maintenance. You have to replace the air filters, spark plugs, fuel filters, fuel line, etc.

The carburetor needs regular cleanup and you have to check the valves, primer bulb etc. All of these are going to add up. With a cordless weed eater, you just need to replace the battery and you are good to go.

Disadvantages of a Cordless Weed Eater

While battery powered string trimmers have a lot of advantages, there are some potential drawbacks. If you plan to get one, keep the following in mind. I won’t call any of these deal breakers, but you should know what to expect.

Most of the issues that you will run into involve the battery. Let us take a look at each one and what you have to do.

Cordless string trimmers need to be recharged after an hour or so. If you have a large lawn, the constant need to recharge can get tedious. This is why I stated earlier that cordless string trimmers are best suited for small lawns.

If you have a large property and still want to use a cordless weed eater,, make sure you have several batteries. This way you can just pop a new battery on as you recharge the other one. If the trimmer does not have a removable battery, you will need at least two.

Another thing to keep in mind is that as battery power drops, so does its performance. You will notice the weed eater slow down as power goes down.

One more thing. Cordless string trimmers need little maintenance. But if it gets broken, you have to take it for repair. Gas weed eaters can be fixed DIY style by purchasing replacement parts. With cordless models, it is best to go to a specialist.

Ia a Cordless Weed Eater Right For You?

Only you can decide that. To help you out, here are the most important questions.

Lawn size. If your lawn is less than an acre, get a cordless weed eater. You don’t need to shell out for a gas or corded trimmer. As long as you don’t let the grass grow too tall, a battery trimmer can handle it.

Usage. A battery weed eater is enough for a small residential lawn. However if you are going to mow several lawns, a gas unit is the better option. But if your property has just a small lawn, a cordless string trimmer is sufficient.

Maintenance. Gas weed trimmers need a lot of maintenance. Get a battery model if this is something you want to avoid. With cordless models, all you need to do is clean the trimmer after use and recharge the battery.

In contrast, gas powered string trimmers have complex engines that require constant maintenance. You have to keep a close watch on the spark plugs, carburetor and other parts.

Budget. Gas string trimmers cost more. If you have a large lawn, it is a good and necessary investment. But for a small property it is better to buy a cordless model.

Do you need attachments? This comes down to your personal requirements. Before you buy a cordless trimmer, ask yourself what kind of attachments will you need?

Will you use the string trimmer as a cultivator, pole saw, edger, or brush cutter? The more attachments available for your string trimmer, the better.