If you’re looking for a 4 stroke string trimmer or weed eater, you’re in good company.
A string trimmer is an essential tool for anyone who does yard work. They’re good for trimming around curbs, siding, flowerbeds and every other nook and cranny in your yard.
Weed whackers have been around forever, but 4-stroke weed whackers are relatively new. When I entered the landscaping industry some twenty years ago, 4 cycle engines were just too big and clunky to put on a stick, plus most oil pans relied on gravity.
But nobody ever liked those 2-cycle engines. They’re noisy, require mixing oil, always break, and spit out that disgusting blue smoke that nobody likes.
But now, in 2019, we have 4 stroke weed eaters. They are just as every bit compact, powerful, and easy to use as the 2 stroke counterparts, yet without all the bad parts of a 2 cycle engine. So all things considered, I’d always recommend a 4 cycle trimmer.
In this post, we’ll break down the 3 hands-down best 4 cycle weed whackers you can buy today.
Quick Glance: My Top Picks
The 3 Best 4 Cycle String Trimmers of 2019
1) Husqvarna 324L Straight Shaft Gas Trimmer
(The hands down best weed eater you’ll ever use)
- 25cc Engine
- 1.07 HP
- 11.24 lbs
- 1 Year Warranty
- Check Latest Pricing Here >
This is my go-to weed eater. It’s the best I’ve ever used and I don’t plan on changing anytime soon. It’s also affordable.
The Husqvarna 324L is a hand-held, straight shaft weed trimmer. Its cutting circumference is 17 inches and its got a respectable 25cc engine. It’s equipped with a Smart Start System and X-Torq engine. The X-Torq engine design increases fuel efficiency by up to 20% and reduces harmful exhaust emissions by up to 60%. It’s not just quieter, its exhaust emissions are also lowered and you can barely even smell the exhaust.
The Husqvarna 324L is super easy to start. No more blisters from frustratingly pulling the cord only to flood the engine and have to start all over. This thing starts on the first pull almost every time I use it.
The weight on the Husqvarna 314L is just icing on the cake. At only 11lbs, the 324L provides plenty of power while maintaining maneuverability. Even though four stroke weed eaters are known to be heavier, this is lighter than most two stroke trimmers.
All in all, the Husqvarna 324L brings commercial power and performance at a very reasonable price for both homeowners and lawn care professionals alike.
2) Troy-Bilt TB525 EC Curved Shaft Trimmer
(Best if you’re looking for versatility)
- 29cc Engine
- 10 Attachments capability
- 12 lbs
- 2 Year Warranty
- Check Latest Pricing Here >
If you’re looking for a 4 stroke string trimmer that offers a little more versatility, and you don’t mind a curved shaft, the Troy-Bilt TB525 is gonna be your best best.
The Troy-Bilt TB525 EC 4-Cycle Gas Curved Shaft Trimmer string trimmer has a cutting area of 17″ and is very easy to operate. The Troy-Bilt TB25 is equipped with SpringAssist technology that makes pulling the trimming like cord easier. The 29cc 4 cycle engine provides plenty of power, allowing this thing to cut through weeds like a knife through hot butter.
When it comes to versatility, the TB525 can be used with 10 different attachments turning your weed eater into a pole saw, blower, cultivator or edger to name a few.
Note, the cutting area of 17” is considerably smaller than the 24” cutting swatch of the Husqvarna 324L, but that’s not always a bad thing. Most homeowners don’t need a huge cutting swatch, and the smaller the more precise.
3) Remington High Wheeled Trimmer
(best wheeled string trimmer)
- 159cc Engine
- 22″ Cutting width
- 12″ Wheels
- 2 Year Warranty
- Check Latest Pricing Here >
The Remington High Wheel trimmer is the best 4-cycle wheeled string trimmer there is, if that’s what you’re looking for. It is geared up with a 4-cycle OHV, 159 cc engine and has a cutting diameter of 22″. Needless to say, this weed wacker is equipped with a great deal of power making it perfectly capable of handling even the most overgrown weeds. Of course, at the center of the Remington High Wheeled trimmer is the wheeled design, which operates very smoothly. If you’ve got a lot of edges to weed eat, the Poulan Pro is one for you. I’ve got one of my own and the thing is a charm to work with.
The one drawback to this one is the size, which is the case with all wheeled trimmers. As such, it can be hard to store if you’re short on garage / shed space. So, if you want something compact, consider one of the other options here. But if a wheeled trimmer suits your needs, don’t even bother shopping around, go with the Remington.
Operating a 4-Stroke
Operating a 4-cycle trimmer isn’t all that different than any other weed eater, other than starting. In the video below, Lawn Care Life does a review of the Husqvarna 324L (again, my favorite weed eater) along with some operating tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of a 4-stroke vs a 2-stroke?
A 4 stroke trimmer has a number of advantages over its 2 stroke counterpart.
No More Fuel Mixing: 2 stroke engines require that you keep a separate fuel can in which you have to mix in. 4 stroke engines take normal old gasoline, which is less mess and headache.
Less Noise: 2 stroke engines have an annoying, loud, high pitched hum to them. 4 stroke engines are a quieter, lower pitch sound that is more bearable. Of course, you should wear ear protection either way.
Cleaner Emissions / No Blue Smoke: Because 2 cycle engines burn oil, they emit a nasty blue smoke that worse for your lungs and the environment. By contrast, 4 stroke weed eaters emit a much cleaner smell with less odor.
What are the downsides of a 4 stroke string trimmer?
There are a couple downsides to going with a 4 stroke trimmer.
Cost: 4 stroke engines tend to be more expensive. It’s just a fact of life.
Oil Changes: You do have to change the oil after a certain amount of use with a 4 stroke trimmer.
What are the factors to consider when purchasing a weed eater?
There are a number of factors at play when it comes to choosing which weed wacker is right for you.
Cost: Can you afford it? Will it break the bank?
Durability: If you’re a commercial landscaper, you’ll need an extremely durable weed eater. If you expect to only use it occasionally, not so much.
Cutting Width: Are you looking to cut large areas of grass or get really detailed with your cuts? The cutting swath varies.
Straight vs Curved Shaft: This is really a matter of personal preference, and each has its own benefits. Generally, curved shafts are easier for beginners to use, but are a bit less versatile. Straight shafts are best for professionals that need speed and precision.
What are the other types of weed eaters?
There are a number of different types of trimmers, including the following:
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