There is a big difference between trimmers intended for your backyard and those designed for commercial use.
Your number one priority when it comes to purchasing a professional-standard trimmer should be selecting one that has a straight shaft rather than a curved one.
The latter is fine for dealing with a small yard, and they’re also easy to use, however, professionals nearly always use straight shaft trimmers, as these are better equipped to deal with larger yards and commercial jobs.
Straight trimmers are longer than curved ones, so they’re more dynamic and have a further reach. While curved trimmers may be easier to use as they’re lighter, they’re less easily turned on their sides to edge, or get in tight spaces.
Not only this, but straight trimmers are more powerful, which is why they’re best for commercial operations.
Professionals usually use 2-stoke or 4-stoke gas trimmer, as these are far more effective than the current battery-powered options.
It’s also best to stay away from multi-purpose designs if you’re looking for a trimmer that’s super-efficient and capable of doing 10 lawns or more a day.
In terms of trimmer string, .095 string is usually used by professionals, as this is lightweight yet still strong enough to tackle thick grass.
What is the most powerful string trimmer?
Like we said, gas trimmers are by far the most popular.
When it comes to brand, according to GreenPal’s poll, over 50% of professionals use an Echo trimmer, and one of the reasons for this is that they’re described as “beasts”!
The Echo SRM-3020 is one of the most recommended, thanks to its 30.5 cc high-performance professional-grade engine that provides superior cutting power. The bellows-type fuel intake reliably enables hot restarts while the flex cable drive provides the best combination of performance and low vibration.
In terms of cutting speed, for thin grass, Echo has an average of 7.8 seconds per average 5’ square; Makita 8.0 seconds, and Shindaiwa 8.4 seconds.
For thick grass, average cutting speeds were 10.9 seconds per average 5’ square for
Husqvarna, 11.2 for Echo, and 12.8 for Honda.
Stihl’s range of commercial trimmers also offers a powerful engine, such as the FS 460 which offers a 45.6 cc engine with a 2.2 kW engine power – that’s pretty impressive, and the engine is far larger than the Echo model mentioned above. However, these are also significantly heavier and a bit harder to handle.
Who makes the best string trimmer line?
There are plenty of string trimmer line brands out there to choose from, and the answer to this question largely depends on the shape and size of the line you’re looking for and the model of your trimmer.
A popular choice is Oregon. This is an impact-resistant, nylon co-polymer that is fortified with additives to prolong durability. The Gatorline round .80” is one of the most popular varieties as it’s versatile and fits a range of trimmers, including Stihl FS 45 and FS 40 C, DeWalt DCST920P1 and DCST970X1, Ryobi RY40220, and Greenworks 21362.
Cyclone’s Desert Extrusion 0.95” Trimmer Line 0.095 is designed for commercial cutting, and has a special copolymer formulation for durability and efficiency. The patented 6-bladed “star” shape provides added cutting power and makes it a popular choice among landscaping professionals.
Other popular choices include ANLEOLIFE’s 0.95” Commercial String Trimmer Line, Husqvarna’s 0.95” Titanium Force String Trimmer Line, and DEWALT’s 0.80” String Trimmer Line.
Like we said, 0.95” is usually the best for commercial jobs, but it also depends on the brand and shape you go for. Check your trimmer’s user guide to see if it can use different brands, or whether it requires a specific make of trimmer line.
Which is better: Stihl or Echo trimmer?
Stihl and Echo are both recognized as being two of the best and most popular trimmer brands among professional landscapers.
As we mentioned previously, in GreenPal’s poll of 1000 landscapers, over 50% of them used an Echo trimmer. Echo was chosen for the reliability of their trimmers, their fair pricing, and their powerful and easy-to-start engines.
On the other hand, Stihl’s range of string trimmers offers greater power, with powerheads in 24.1, 27.2, 28.4, 31.4, 36.3, and 37.7 cc engines.
However, this power does mean they’re harder to handle and are not for amateurs. Most retailers also recommend you wear a full face shield rather than just a pair of safety glasses when using a Stihl. Stihl can also be more expensive, though it does offer some cheaper models that are under $200, as does Echo.
In terms of power and durability, Stihl is pretty tough to beat, however, Echo is generally a more popular choice due to their trimmers being lighter and easier to handle, as well as their steadfast reliability and affordability.
