Are you eager to upgrade your old string trimmer into a better unit with more handy features? Or are you a lawn care professional who is looking for the best 4 cycle trimmer? Look no further; we got you!
In today’s article, we’re going to provide you with an in-depth review of the best weed eaters on the market as well as how to purchase the ideal trimmer to meet your needs and budget.
The Best 4 cycle trimmer
#1. Troy-Bilt TB575 EC Shaft Trimmer – Editor’s Choice
Starting off our list today is a product from the brand Troy-Bilt – the Troy-Bilt TB575 EC Straight Shaft Trimmer.
You’ll be surprised at the versatility this machine has to offer at such an affordable price range.
The best thing about this product has got to be the JumpStart technology that removes the hassle of pulling a cord to start the engine.
For that reason, be gentle with the machine as you won’t need as much force as you thought to start it. What is more, line replacing can be done at ease thanks to the quick loading system, making it one selling point of T575 EC.
There are 10 different attachments to assist you in multiple gardening tasks such as cutting dry tree branches with a pole saw or blowing the leaves away with a blower.
What’s better is that these attachments can be replaced with those from other brands as well.
When it comes to the grass cutting performance, the extra powerful 29cc engine can handle pretty much everything you throw at it; you’ll be impressed with how much difference 9cc can make.
However, the machine’s strong vibration might cause hand fatigue if you use it for too long, especially if you have the curved shaft. What is more, the edger can be stalled sometimes if you go through too dense and tall grasses.
- Powerful 29cc 4 cycle engine
- 17-inch cutting width
- 10 attachments for various uses
- Hassle-free line replacement
- Easy starting operation
- Strong vibrations causing hand fatigue
- Prone-to-jamming trim string
Final Verdict:
This product makes an ideal option for those who are tired of pulling the cord multiple times to start the unit thanks to the JumpStart Technology.
#2. Ryobi ZRRY34440 Straight Shaft String Trimmer – Best Semi-Professional String Trimmer
Ryobi has always been known to provide customers with the best home appliances on the market, and a string trimmer is no exception.
Introducing the Ryobi ZRRY34440 Straight Shaft String Trimmer – a unit that those homeowners with a big lawn cannot miss out on.
First of all, this 4 cycle trimmer has an exceptional cutting width of 18 inches, offering a slightly longer reach than other units of the same class.
That, combining with the 30cc engine, creates semi-professional trims even if you’re a novice in lawn mowing.
Besides, the fact that this unit is extremely lightweight at 14 pounds adds more ease of handling and navigation.
The longer shaft and rather small engine make you feel that the machine is far more lightweight than its mentioned weight of 14 pounds.
Another thing that we like about this product is the steel bump-button. While most bump-buttons are made out of plastic, which feels a bit flimsy, the steel bump-button of this product looks sturdy enough to last for a long time, especially when it comes into contact with rough surfaces.
Nonetheless, some customers have been complaining about the lack of power in this unit.
This perhaps resulted from overfilling the oil; so, to avoid this, make sure you use just enough oil for the machine to work decently.
- Very lightweight
- Easy to maneuver and navigate
- Long-lasting steel bump-button
- 90-day money back
- Large cutting width of 18 inches
- Encounters occasional bug down
Final Verdict:
Opt for this unit if you want the finished look of your lawn to look like it has been professionally mowed by the pros.
#3: Husqvarna 967055801 324L String Trimmer – Best for Heavy-Duty Tasks
Husqvarna has never failed to produce high-quality domestic use appliances, and the same goes for this product – the Husqvarna 324L String Trimmer.
At first glance, you’ll notice that the exterior of this unit looks somewhat different than that of others. The air primer bulb at the bottom helps to keep the line clear, which can only be seen in this 967055801 model.
Not only is it powerful with a 25cc engine, but this machine also accepts replacement of 13 different attachments for diverse use as an edger, blower, cultivator, you name it!
What is more, 967055801 is even more lightweight than Ryobi, weighing only around 11 pounds. This machine works like a charm on all surfaces, including lawn, hedges, and bush.
The 9676055801 model features a Smart Start technology that allows you to start the engine with a single pull and your weed eater is ready to go!
The biggest downside to this unit is the noise. It makes an obnoxiously loud noise when operating, which is very likely to disturb your neighbor, so do avoid mowing your lawn early in the morning if you don’t want to piss them off.
- Convenient one-pull start
- Dual trigger for more safety
- Effortless line reloading
- Powerful 25cc 4-stroke Honda engine
- Impressive cutting width of 18 inches
- Occasional oil leak
- Makes loud noise
Final Verdict:
If you own a big lawn that requires frequent trimming, opt for the Husqvarna as it gives butter-smooth cuts even to bushes and dense grass. We personally think this machine is the best self propelled string trimmer due to the handy features it has to offer.
#4. CRAFTSMAN WS405 Straight Shaft String Trimmer – Best if You’re on A Budget
The CRAFTSMAN WS405 Straight Shaft String Trimmer is another straight-shaft model on today’s list; it is one of the best bargains on the market for such quality. Let’s check it out!
You’ll be happy to hear that WS405 is very lightweight at around 18 pounds.
Even though we’ve mentioned more lightweight products above, this machine actually feels lighter than its actual weight, and it won’t break your back when you need to trim the yard for a long time.
We love how the line and hoses are covered by a thick plastic sheath for extra protection. What is more, it doesn’t make much noise when operating and has fewer vibrations compared to other machines of the same category.
This contributes a great deal to lessen hand fatigue, and it also removes all the fear of annoying your neighbor like it does with conventional lawnmowers.
However, we have something to discuss regarding the attachment replacement. You might encounter problems finding the replacement spools as it is somewhat awkwardly positioned. But that is just minor considering the quality this machine has to offer.
- Very quiet
- Lightweight and compact construction
- Comes with handy attachments
- 2-step and easy-start technology
- Protected hoses and lines
- Good warranty policy
- Encounters bump cap problem
- Hard to find the replacement spools
Final Verdict:
This unit is the perfect match for you if you’re shopping on a budget but still want a reliable machine to work with.
#5. PowerSmart PS4531 String Trimmer – Best for Easy-Maneuvering
We finally come to the last machine of today’s list – the PowerSmart PS4531 String Trimmer.
It is also the most powerful 4 cycle trimmer on the list that packs with a 31cc motor and, at the same time, has a very budget-friendly cost that won’t break your bank.
Like the ones mentioned above, this unit includes a number of attachments, making it a versatile machine that can handle anything you throw.
What we like best about the PS4531 is the straight Flex shaft for increasing durability as well as enhancing the shock absorption to the fullest.
You can now mow your lawn for as long as you want without worrying about developing hand fatigue due to the intense vibrations.
Is there a catch to this product, though? Absolutely, since nothing is perfect. The fact that this unit weighs around 25 pounds is unacceptable; if you are very likely to stretch your arms for a long time during extended use, resulting in weary muscles.
- Powerful 31cc 4 cycle engine
- Budget-friendly
- Has various uses
- Increased durability and shock absorption
- 2-year limited warranty
- Heavy for extended use
Final Verdict:
Since this machine is quite heavy, it is ideal for those who have a small lawn with tall, dense grass that requires a powerful engine to deal with.
How do You Choose The Best 4 cycle trimmer?
After walking you through the list of the best weed eaters, here are a few things you should carefully take into consideration when buying a weed eater for your household.
Gas or Electric?
The 4 cycle engine is commonly seen among both gas and electric units, offering various capacities for different purposes.
Both have their pros and cons. Gas trimmers tend to be more powerful and commonly used among homeowners who have big lawns.
They’re strong enough to handle medium to heavy-duty tasks at ease. Some modern models even have the power to cut through super dense grass and bushes.
The motor of electric trimmers is rather small, making it more appreciated by those who have small lawns. In return, these machines are lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Some are very quiet that you can now mow your garden without worrying about waking up the neighbors on an early Sunday morning.
Cutting Characteristics
It depends on the size of your lawn to choose a suitable cutting width. The most significant difference between a whacker and a string trimmer is the cutting width.
A string trimmer can give off a cutting width of up to 22 inches, helping you to save effort and reduce the time of trimming your yard up to half.
Also, consider getting a cutting blade to replace your line if you often have to deal with tall, dense grass. Sometimes the blade is included in the kit, so you don’t have to make an additional purchase.
You can choose a thin or thick string trimmer depending on the features of your lawn in terms of cutting line. A cutting line with 0.095” in diameter is ideal if you’re unsure what to go with.
Handle
Make sure the handle feels solid and easy to hold as you’ll be holding it for quite some time when mowing the lawn. A well-positioned handle will lessen hand fatigue, thus helping you do the job more effectively.
It is best to opt for a handle that can be adjusted; you can freely move it around to achieve the desired fit for your hands.
In Closing
Have you made up your mind on the best 4 cycle trimmer yet? All the machines we mentioned above are highly appreciated by consumers throughout the world for their handy features and brand reputation.
As stated above, we would go for the Husqvarna 967055801 324L String Trimmer as today’s top pick due to its outstanding cutting width of 18 inches and the powerful 25cc engine to handle all the heavy-duty jobs.
Yes, it might not be the most powerful string trimmers, but it is sure to successfully tackle all the trimming tasks at ease.
If you haven’t found the one to meet your needs on this list, go over the features in the buying guide section again, and we assure you that you’ll find a similar machine to have all the features you wish for.
Good luck, and thank you for reading.