Are you looking for the Best Gas Weed Eater in 2026? If you’re looking for the Best gas-powered String Trimmer that’s been tested and reviewed by real people, backed by a strong warranty, and priced to make sense, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide features our carefully researched list of the best straight-shaft and curved-shaft string trimmers.
Note: Except for the high-wheel walk-behind string trimmer, the gas string trimmers we reviewed today all feature the far more popular 2-cycle gas engine (vs. a 4-cycle engine).
This is because 2-cycle engines are typically lighter, easier to start, and require less maintenance than 4-cycle engines.
In a hurry? Check out the Husqvarna 128LD 28cc 2-Cycle String Trimmer, which offers the best straight-shaft gas trimmer with incredible power, variable speed control, and a 17″ cutting path to get the job done fast!
7 Best Gas Weed Eaters For Homeowners
Let’s examine the Pros and Cons of Gas-Powered String Trimmers and help you decide which type of lawn equipment suits your needs.
Best Overall: Husqvarna 128LD – 17″ Path Straight Shaft trimmer
- 28cc engine
- 17-Inch Cutting Width
- Uses .095 diameter trimmer line
- 2-cycle engine with 28 cc Engine displacement
- Straight Shaft. Transmission gear ratio: 1.4
- It only weighs 11 lbs.
- CONS:
- Premium performance comes at a premium price.
- The Carburetor may need some adjustments out of the box.
The engine and starter on the Husqvarna gas trimmers are designed to start quickly with minimum effort, thanks to their unique Smart Start function.
This weed-eater trimmer also includes an auto-return stop switch.
When the machine is turned off, the stop switch automatically returns to the start position for easier starting. These features make the Husqvarna trimmer ready to go anytime you need to keep your lawn free of unwanted grass and weeds.
The Verdict
It is understandable if you don’t want to spend much money on a tool that can’t be used for extended time intervals. But the Husqvarna Straight Shaft was the clear favorite in our quest to find the top-rated weed eater.
So, if you want to get rid of weeds fast, desire the most professional-looking lawn, and can afford the entry price, Husqvarna could be the end of your search.
Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer
“Runner Up”: Best 20″ Path – Gas String Trimmer: Husqvarna 330LK
- This straight-shaft gas trimmer is similar in power to the Editor’s Pick. However, the Husqvarna 330LK trimmer offers a 20″ cutting path, compared to the 17″ path of the 128LD trimmer.
- The 330LK trimmer includes an oversized “Rapid Load” head. Align, insert the trimmer line, twist to load, and you’re done!
- Equipped with a 28 cc 2-cycle engine and QuickStart technology, pull starts are 30% easier.
- Dual-line bump head with .095″ line for greater control
- Comfortable Handle – With Low Vibration Technology.
- 20-inch cutting swath trims more comprehensive sections of tall grass in less time
- Power Handle Interchanges with 15 Different Husqvarna Tools.
- Cost: The 330LK trimmer costs nearly $300 but offers many more features.
The wildly popular Husqvarna 20″ Gas Trimmer has a 28cc 2-cycle engine with QuickStart technology, which reduces the effort required to pull the engine to start.
The Husqvarna 330LK’s straight-shaft design makes trimming and cutting under bushes, hedges, and in other hard-to-reach places easier.
If it didn’t cost $80 more than the editors’ pick, it would be our #1 choice for any buyer. However, as it offers significantly more options, the price may be out of reach for many homeowners.
The 20-inch cutting swath and dual-line bump head make trimming a large grassy area easy without stopping to refill the trimmer line. You can quickly reload the string trimmer line by tapping the cutting head on the ground while operating.
A 2-year limited warranty backs the Husqvarna string trimmer.
The Verdict
Suppose you want something versatile that handles the most weeds and accommodates multiple Husqvarna tools. In that case, this weed eater is worth considering, with outstanding ratings on Amazon from genuine customers.
Husqvarna 20″ Gas String Trimmer
Best Value: STIHL Weed Eater (FS91R) Gas-Powered With 16.5″ Path.
- STIHL is the Top Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment Brand
- 28.4 cc 2-cycle engine. It doesn’t sacrifice power and is Lightweight
- Very Affordable
- Weighs Only 9.3 Lbs.
- Easy winding .095 trimmer line head included
- 16.5″ wide Cutting path
- Curved Shaft to lessen fatigue from bending over
- Anti-vibration system to reduce user fatigue
- S-Start recoil-starting system reduces the force required to start the engine.
- Carburetor adjustment may be required out of the box for smooth operation.
- STIHL Weed Eater model FS91R is 2-Cycle: Requires Oil/Gas Mix
Our Take:
With very positive reviews from our crew and even some commercial contractors we know, the STIHL FS91R String trimmer checks all the boxes for a lightweight, high-performing gas weed eater.
The STIHL Brand has long been synonymous with “Quality and dependability.”
If you want to use a lighter weed eater over a comparable (but more expensive) Husqvarna and one with built-in anti-vibration, the STIHL 16.5″ Gas Trimmer is an excellent choice.
STIHL FS91R – 16.5″ Gas-Powered Weed Eater
Husqvarna: Model 130C – Best “Curved shaft” trimmer
PROS:
- Auto Return Stop Switch – The stop switch automatically resets to the ON position for easier starting
- Air Purge – Removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for easy starting
- 17″ Cutting Path
- 22C Gas Motor
- Tap-N-Go Trimmer Head
- Smart Start – The engine and starter have been designed so the machine starts quickly with minimum effort
- Detachable Shaft – A coupler separates the shaft for easy transport and storage
- A multi-purpose machine with several attachments available as accessories
- A curved shaft has a more limited reach underneat bushes compared to a straight shaft. However, it creates less bending at the waist.
- No other legitimate complaints with this model
The Verdict
The Husqvarna 130C features a powerful 28cc engine and a convenient starter. The Husqvarna Curved Shaft Gas trimmers are designed to start quickly with minimum effort, thanks to the unique Smart Start function.
This curved-shaft model has slightly smaller cutting and weighs 2 lbs. more than its brother, our #1 Pick. However, if price is a consideration, this one costs about $50 less.
Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer
If you’d like to see the best “Replacement Trimmer heads” you can buy, check out our product review article here.
Troy-Bilt Gas Trimmer – Value Trimmer With 16″ Cutting path – 25cc engine
- SureFire Fuel Delivery System. Easy as Prime, Choke, and Pull the starter.
- Powerful 25CC 2-Cycle Engine – No Mixing Oil and Gas Ever!
- Effortless Pull Starting – Spring-assisted starter system for ease of starting.
- Straight Shaft for Longer Reach
- The auto-return stop switch automatically resets to the ON position for easier starting.
- It has a dual-line-feed Tap’N Go head for superior cutting results. Reloading the trimmer spool is quick and straightforward.
- Air Purge removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for easy starting
- Straight shaft – preferred and generally on more expensive models
- 15 lb. weight tied for the heaviest of the gas trimmers we reviewed.
Troy-Bilt trimmers boast features that make them easy to use. The TB25SB model features a 25cc, 2-stroke engine with a straight shaft and a 16″ cut path.
The Not So Good
The biggest complaint about this device is the older-style “bump-feeder” head; otherwise, we think it’s a very solid-performing gas weed-eater trimmer, especially in this more moderate price range.
The Verdict
The Troy Bilt 16″ Trimmer offers excellent power and the features you want in a String Trimmer if you plan to trim your yard for 30-40 minutes.
Troy Bilt – Gas String Trimmer
Best Husqvarna Straight Shaft String Trimmer – 130L – 18″
- Husqvarna is one of the most respected brands in outdoor power equipment
- Digital Ignition for FAST startups
- 28 cc – possibly the most efficient fuel specs on the market
- Speed-Feed 400 trimmer head – Reloads automatically in seconds
- Anti-Vibration motor
- Lightweight at 12 lbs.
- Price. It’s tied with our #1 pick, which includes a “Prime” 2-day shipment. This one is not, but shipping is still free.
The Not So Good:
The only complaint about this product was the relatively high price, or, for those who prefer a curved shaft to a straight one. If curved is your preference, see our Editor’s Pick – same model in a curved shaft.
The Verdict
The Husqvarna String trimmer: If you can afford it, it is comparable to our #1 Pick, the Husqvarna Straight Curved Shaft Trimmer.
ECHO Gas String Trimmer
Best “Walk Behind” – Earthquake High-Wheeled String Trimmer
- 160cc OHV Viper Gas Engine: A powerful 4-cycle gas engine helps you clear the tallest, toughest grass and weeds.
- 22-inch Wide Cutting Path: The unique shape makes trimming around fences, garden beds, and other landscaping borders easier, making bigger jobs easier to handle.
- Very Large 14″ Diameter Wheels
- Fold-down handlebars for easy storage
- User-Friendly: The offset trimmer head helps reach hard-to-reach places, while the 12-inch ball-bearing wheels help you move quickly through rough terrain.
- Comfort Folding Handle: Equipped with a folding handle for convenient storage and transportation.
- The Trimmer line is standard .155” in diameter.
- None that we could find
The Earthquake 22″ Walk Behind user-friendly trimmer will help make big jobs seem small and help you clear the tallest, toughest grass and weeds. Its compact size lets you reach hard-to-reach areas and remove the toughest grass and weeds.
The 22″ cutting diameter makes it easier to trim in those hard-to-reach places, and the large wheels make maneuvering around smaller areas a breeze.
The Rolled Trimmer is easy to push around your yard. The Earthquake 22″ Gas-Powered High Wheel Trimmer will help you quickly cut down even the largest jobs.
The Verdict
This product offers an entirely different approach from typical Weed Eaters.
With a 22″ cutting path, High wheels for rough terrain, and the ability to tackle stricter cuts than standard string trimmers, it’s become a favorite amongst many customers.
At 78 lbs., it’s not exactly light, but the Large 14″ wheels make maneuverability much more effortless. Consider this product if you have a large lot or plan to trim more than you would with a handheld trimmer.
Earthquake 22″ Wheeled – Gas String Trimmer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best gas weed-eater brand?
The top gas-powered brands are Husqvarana, Echo, Craftsman, and Troy-Bilt.
These gas string trimmer companies have been around for decades, have extensive model lines, and enjoy a strong reputation for building quality yard equipment.
What is the Best Commercial String Trimmer?
The best overall “hand-held” commercial string trimmer is the Husqvarna 128LD, with a straight shaft and a powerful 28 cc gas-powered engine. It is durable, lightweight, and affordable for most commercial applications.
As a runner-up to commercial jobs that include heavy-duty weeds or brush, we’re big fans of the TAZZ 22″ High-Wheeled Gas-Powered Trimmer.
Which is Better, a Curved or Straight Shaft Weed Eater?
In most cases, a Straight-Shaft weed eater is favored over a Curved-Shaft weed eater. The reason is “better reach.” A straight-shaft trimmer easily cuts under bushes, whereas a curved-shaft trimmer is more difficult to use there.
That said, a curved shaft is a more comfortable tool to use if you have back problems or find a gas weed eater that is heavy to use.
Because of the curved rod, you don’t have to bend over to use it, offering more relief on the back and arms.
How Do You Use a Gas-Powered Weed Eater?
Sometimes, it’s better to show than to describe how to use powered equipment such as gas string trimmers. With that in mind, check out this video from “This Old House”:
What are the Benefits of Gas vs. battery-powered weed eaters?
These are the Top 4 Benefits of Using Gas Vs. Electric Weed Eaters.
Freedom of Movement
The apparent benefit of the gas-powered string trimmer is that you can go anywhere you need to without managing an extension cord while operating it.
Furthermore, you’ll never have to worry about a Low Battery, which can plague cordless trimmers if used for long durations.
Price
Compared to the top-rated Cordless (battery) String Trimmers on the market (EGO & DeWalt), our Best Pick gas trimmer, the Husqvarna 128LD Gas-Powered Trimmer, is less expensive.
Power
Cordless weed eaters aren’t as powerful as gas-powered machines. That’s a fact that isn’t up for debate.
While cordless weed eaters are making significant gains in power, they still lack the larger cutting path and power of top-rated gas trimmers.
If you have a large yard or heavy weeds to tackle, gas equipment is the right choice.
Lightweight
Like our top three picks, Premium Gas Trimmers weigh slightly less than DeWalt cordless string trimmers, thanks to the weight of their lithium-ion batteries.
Conclusion
When it is time to do yard work, you want to know that you have the tools to complete it correctly. String trimmers and weed eaters are among those tools.
Today, we’ve shown you seven (7) of the best gas weed string trimmer models, and we’re confident one of these will fit your needs.
But if you’re still undecided and need a little nudge, I’ll help you.
Our Top Picks for Best Gas-Powered Weed Eater/String Trimmer:
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References & Further Reading
- Gas vs. Battery-Powered Lawn Equipment – Which One is Right for You? – TakeEasy.Com
- The Best Electric Push Mowers – Besthomegear.com
- Common Sense – Safety Tips For Using a Wood Chipper from Austter.com
- How do you make baseball park stripes on Your Lawn? – Besthomegear.com
- 2-cycle vs. 4-cycle Gas engines – What are the fundamental differences? – Castrol.Com
- The Best Rotary Tool (Dremel) You Can Buy – Besthomegear.com
