The Top 8 Commercial Weed Eaters for Landscapers

Landscaping businesses rely on professional tools to help them efficiently and effectively take care of yard work. Since the equipment is in constant use, you need it to be reliable and high performing. 

A commercial weed eater plays a big role in maintaining property. Choosing the right one ensures your crew gets the job done well the first time. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about what to consider when making a purchasing decision and get a preview of some of the best commercial weed eaters on the market. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Commercial Weed Eater for Your Landscaping Business 

Reliable, hardworking equipment can be the difference in how quickly and expertly you complete landscaping jobs. With any tool you buy for your business, it should be commercial grade. Standard weed eaters won’t last with constant use. 

Investing in commercial weed eaters guarantees they are proficient for daily use. Lower-performance models may have a short lifespan, so you’d be constantly replacing them. 

You can gain many benefits from adding commercial weed eaters to your tool kit, including: 

• Helping workers be productive with a tool that has stamina for all-day use. 
• Providing versatile equipment to take on any weed-eating job and reduce manual work. 
• Getting the value out of your purchase, as commercial weed eaters have greater longevity than standard ones. 
• Delivering exceptional results for all your customers. 
• Increasing the speed of job times to allow for more appointments each day. 

To reap these benefits, you should consider an array of criteria when evaluating commercial weed eaters. 

Buying Guide for Commercial Weed Eaters 

Whether you’re purchasing your first commercial weed eater or replacing your current stock, assessing products on the market should involve various factors. 

Determining the best option for your landscaping business consists of decision-making around the features and functionality that matter most to the type of work you do. 

Manufacturers are constantly improving their products, much of the time based on user feedback. These trends in usage and requirements often lead to updates in future models. 

As you move through the buying process, keep these factors in mind: 

• Power source options: There are products on the market that are gas- or battery-powered or corded. Each option has its pros and cons. Choosing one or the other depends on the size of jobs, how long they tend to last, and the location. 
• Straight vs. curved trimmers: The shaft of a commercial weed eater can be straight or curved. The shape of the trimmer impacts its effectiveness and range. Most experts recommend a straight one, citing curved trimmers’ limitations of being too short and less dynamic. 
• Single-purpose vs. multi-tool trimmers: Making the choice between single- and multi-purpose depends on how you’ve set up your lawn care business. Single-purpose is your best choice if you have steady jobs and need to boost efficiency. If you’re just building a book of customers, you may need to be more versatile, which is possible with a multi-tool weed eater. 
• Cutting width: Another feature to keep in mind is how wide the weed eater cuts. If you’re doing a lot of open-field work, the broader the field, the better. If you mostly do residential jobs, its size is less important. In fact, shorter widths may be advantageous for smaller areas. 
• Value: You want and need a long-lasting piece of equipment. Cheaper models may need replacement more often, which increases your costs over time. Consider its lifespan, warranty, and durability ratings to calculate the expected value. 
• Weight: A weed eater with a more potent motor will be heavier. You need to balance horsepower with worker comfort. If tools are hefty, operators may tire more easily, which impacts job turnaround times. 
• Brand reputation: Most professionals have opinions about manufacturers that produce lawn equipment. A company with a solid history of creating high-quality products can give you peace of mind in your investment. 
• The space between the cutting head and shaft: A large gap may cause tall grass to warp around the shaft in areas. A minimal one with an easy-to-remove cutting head allows you to take off the head and continue weeding. 

Reviewing these considerations in your evaluation of commercial weed eaters helps you compare them objectively. Many of those on the market could be a good fit for your business. When selecting the tools, be sure you look at them holistically. 

Top 8 Commercial Weed Eaters for Landscapers 

You’re ready to make an informed decision on the purchase of a commercial weed eater. The following list provides lots of options, detailing features, benefits, and cons. 

We built this list by considering many aspects of commercial weed eaters, including: 

• The brand: Does the brand have a history of creating high-quality products? 
• Value: How long will it last and perform versus its initial cost? 
• Maintenance: How much upkeep does the equipment need to remain in good working condition? 
• Reviews: Are users recommending it as a good product for professional landscaping? 
• Versatility: Does the weed eater accomplish lots of different jobs? 
• Performance: Does it run well and powerfully enough for daily use? 
• Portability: How easy is the weed eater to transport? 
• Ergonomics: Is the tool comfortable enough for workers to use it consistently? 
• Durability: How long will the product last, and is its construction sound? 

1. Echo X Series SRM-3020 

The Echo brand won top honors in a lawn care professionals survey. Over 50% of those polled selected this company as the top option. Survey respondents cited its reliability, affordability, weight, and ease of use. 

The Echo X Series SRM-3020 is a leading option from the brand. It features a Speed-Feed® 500 cutting head, which reloads in seconds without the need for disassembling it. It’s fuel-powered and has a straight shaft. 

Benefits 

• It has a 1.62:1 gear reduction that enables fast, efficient cutting, along with a 20-inch cutting swath. 
• The weed eater has a two-stage air filtration system, which boosts cleaning capabilities and longer maintenance intervals. 
• A 30.5 cc professional-grade, 2-stroke engine powers this Echo tool. 
• Its rubber front and rear hand grips plus low vibration provide user comfort. 

Cons 

• The cost could give you some sticker shock, as it averages around $460. 
• Some users had concerns about its spool and spring delivery system, as it requires pushing two tabs to remove the spool, which could be vulnerable to breaking. 

Overall, across multiple sites, the Echo X Series SRM-3020 had glowing reviews from professionals who use it daily. 

2. Husqvarna 324L 

Husqvarna is another trusted name in lawn equipment. The Husqvarna 324L is a gas trimmer with a 25 cc 4-cycle engine. It has multiple attachments available that make it a multi-tool option. 

It features a Smart Start® starter for quick power with little effort. Additionally, you can purchase a RapidReplace™ trimmer head. 

Benefits 

• The weed eater doesn’t require a mix of gas and oil, eliminating the mess and work of fueling. 
• It has a convenient stop switch that automatically resets to “on” for simplified startup. 
• Air purge functionality removes air from the carburetor and fuel system, so starts are more reliable. 

Cons 

• Some users noted that it goes through many strings and that they wrap around the shaft too often. 
• Its motor isn’t the most powerful of the group at 25 cc. 
• This weed eater is a bit heavier than comparable ones at over 11 lb. 

Reviews on the manufacturer’s site were mostly positive. It earned four out of five stars. They called out its quick start and low noise, and that it is a big upgrade over a 2-cycle trimmer. 

3. STIHL FS 311 

This trimmer has lots of handy features to take on heavy-duty trimming for extended use times. Its IntelliCarb™ compensating carburetor ensures optimal engine performance, and its four-point anti-vibration system enhances comfort for operators. The STIHL FS 311 cutting width is 18.9 in, and displacement is 36.3 cc. 

Benefits 

• It includes a shoulder strap, carrying system, and bike handle, so workers can keep working without too much strain. 
• The model has a vertical pleated air filter to improve infiltration, which reduces service intervals. 
• Adjustments require no tools because the central wing nut moves easily, and its handle rotates 90°. 
• The STIHL FS 311 has built-in protection for its control cables, spark plugs, spark arrestor muffler, and choke lever. 

Cons 

• It doesn’t have quick start functionality, requiring fuel primer to set the choke. Then, you pull the starter. 
• This weed eater is one of the heavier options at 15.9 lb. 

The product page on the manufacturer’s website includes glowing reviews of the product. Users praise it for its performance, power, efficiency, and design. 

4. RYOBI 40V Whisper Series 

The RYOBI 40V HP is the first battery-powered option on the list. As part of the Whisper Series, the company states it is 72% quieter than gas models. Its carbon fiber shaft also makes it extremely durable. With a 40 V engine, it’s more powerful than a 30 cc gas string trimmer. 

Benefits 

• The model has a brushless motor, advanced electronics, and an adjustable cut swath of up to 17 in. 
• It has a 105 in line, which makes it ideal for thick weeds, grass, and bush. 
• Since it doesn’t require gas or oil, maintenance will be much less. 

Cons 

• The battery lasts for 67 minutes and takes 60 minutes to fully recharge. 
• Some users had issues removing the line feed head, finding it extremely difficult. 
• The balance point can be challenging, as indicated by some operators in comments. 

Positive reviews on the manufacturer’s website confirm that it is quiet, powerful, and easy to use. 

5. RedMax BCZ3060TS 

The RedMax BCZ3060TS comes with a Strato-Charged® 2-stroke engine without a catalytic converter. As a result, it provides 20% greater fuel efficiency. It has added torque for the high demands of landscaping work. 

Benefits 

• It has a steel shaft for maximum durability and lower vibrations. 
• Its engine is 1.4 hp, and its torque is 1.37 Nm. 
• The drive gear angle is 60°. 

Cons 

• It’s somewhat shorter than other models, so taller operators may not find it as easy to use. 
• The price may be out of budget, as it averages around $500. 

Users were most complimentary of its easy starts and the high-quality construction of the shaft. 

6. Maruyama B300L Turbo 

The Maruyama B300L Turbo powers through the many use cases for landscaping upkeep. It’s especially good at cutting wet and dense grass or thick bush. Its 1.9:1 gear reduction boosts torque, so it performs well without overwhelming the engine. 

Benefits 

• Its 2-cycle engine has low emissions, protecting operators. 
• The solid steel shaft is robust and can take daily usage and wear. 
• It has adjustable throttle control, an anti-vibration grip, and a waterproof kill switch. 
• Spring-assist technology enables fast starts. 

Cons 

• It’s not the most powerful engine, only a 2-cycle. 

7. Shindaiwa LE262 

The Shindaiwa LE262 makes the list of commercial weed eaters to consider with a 25.4 cc displacement and 2-stroke engine. It has a flex cable drive with a lifetime warranty and features a curved shaft. 

Benefits 

• The weed eater has a powder-coated aluminum debris shield. 
• A captive wheel mount for hardware ensures simple adjustability without the concern of losing parts. 
• Its extended skid plate offers more durability. 

Cons 

• Some professionals prefer straight over curved shafts, although the product does say the curve allows for better sight lines. 
• It’s not the lightest weed eater, weighing in at nearly 13 lb. 

Most reviews are positive, and professionals do taut its design and performance. Many comments included the benefits of the debris shield. 

8. Kress KC170.9 

The Kress KC170.9 has a 60 V battery-powered engine. It has comparable performance to a 30 cc gas engine, per the manufacturer. An ergonomic design makes it a great option for easy handling and reduced fatigue. The offset handlebar is also a standout feature for comfort. 

Benefits 

• You don’t need gas or oil to power, nor will you have to manage maintenance related to fuel. 
• It has a quick-load trimmer head and three preset speed settings for variability. 
• It houses a Kress-built, commercial-grade brushless motor, which delivers stable outputs and sufficient torque. 

Cons 

• The battery charge isn’t infinite, so that could impact productivity unless you have multiple batteries. 
• It’s not as powerful as some other models. 
• It’s pricey, averaging about $430. 

Most reviews are very favorable for this battery-powered commercial weed eater. It gets the most compliments on its handlebar, which is incredibly unique. Operators say it’s the easiest weed eater they’ve ever used in landscaping jobs. 

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Weed Eaters 

Once you begin to use your commercial weed eater, you need to ensure it will perform well its entire intended life. As with any landscaping equipment, maintenance must be consistent. 

Here are some tips to consider for weed eater upkeep: 

1. Follow the manual properly regarding maintenance: Every model is unique, so start by reviewing manufacturer recommendations, which typically include disassembly and reassembly instructions. Remain true to their rules to avoid damage or voiding a warranty. 

2. Check the fuel filter if applicable: Any gas-powered weed eater will require this maintenance step. The filter works to remove debris from the fuel so that only purified oil will reach its engine. Doing so keeps the engine in good condition. 

3. Clean the air filter regularly: An air filter removes dust and dirt from the air to provide clean oxygen for igniting the fuel. Too much dust will cause starting problems. Experts suggest doing this after every five hours of use. 

4. Use the right cleaning agent for the weed eater: What you clean the weed eater with matters. Using a detergent that is too harsh could damage the engine, so avoid these. Simple dishwashing detergent is usually gentle enough to cleanse the weed eater. 

5. Change the strings as needed: The primary element of any commercial weed eater is the string. While the strings are tough, they aren’t unbreakable. They suffer damage over time, so regularly switching them out is necessary to prevent breaking while in use. 

6. Empty the fuel drum after each use: Oil will settle if it sits idle for a long time. Carbon, gum, or varnish could occur in the tank, impacting the weed eater’s performance. 

7. Perform regular checkups: Inspecting your commercial weed eater each month will help you stay ahead of potential bigger issues. If you see any areas that need attention, do so quickly to prolong the equipment’s lifespan. 

8. Store your equipment properly: Avoid storing the tool in areas of humidity, extreme heat, or cold for long periods during the off-season. You can store a weed eater on racks or lay it flat on the floor.