Best Walk Behind String Trimmers – Tested and Reviewed

If you’ve ever fought thick weeds or a bumpy fence line, you know handheld trimmers don’t always cut it. The best walk behind string trimmers handle those tough spots with ease.

I live in Asheville, North Carolina, and I’ve used these on big yards, rocky paths, and overgrown edges. They’re tough, fast, and save your back. In this guide, I’ll share the ones that worked best for me—and why they might work for you too.

Top 5 Walk Behind String Trimmers (Quick Comparison)

Model	Engine	Weight	Best For
Powerhorse	173cc	77.5 lbs	Power and control
Earthquake	160cc	70 lbs	Thick brush, easy setup
Yard Force	163cc	68.3 lbs	Low care, strong cut
BILT HARD	170cc	54.1 lbs	Light use, small spots
SENIX	160cc	48.5 lbs	Clean trim, easy store

1. Powerhorse 173cc – Best for Raw Cutting Power

If you need strong cutting, this one delivers fast.

What I Like:

• The 173cc engine cuts thick grass with ease.
• The 22-inch cut path saves time on large jobs.
• It feels firm and steady on rough ground.

What Could Be Better:

• It’s heavy and harder to turn.
• Not sold in California.

Best for: Big yards, rough areas, and heavy weed growth.

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2. Earthquake 40314 – Best All-Around for Daily Use

It works well and is simple to set up.

What I Like:

• The 160cc engine starts quick and runs strong.
• No tools needed — just unfold the handle.
• Flat-free wheels move well on bumpy ground.

What Could Be Better:

• Handle height can’t be changed.
• Slight shake after long use.

Best for: Home use with thick grass or rough patches.

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3. Yard Force 675EXi – Best for Easy Care

This one is smooth and needs less work.

What I Like:

• 163cc engine cuts clean and fast.
• You don’t need to change the oil.
• Handle folds down to save space.

What Could Be Better:

• It’s loud when running full power.
• Wheels may slip in mud.

Best for: Medium yards and users who want less upkeep.

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4. BILT HARD 170cc – Best Budget Pick

Good power in a light frame. Easy to use.

What I Like:

• Light and simple to push.
• 22-inch cut clears weeds fast.
• Good for tight spots and fence lines.

What Could Be Better:

• No height change on handle.
• Jumps a bit on rocky ground.

Best for: Small yards or buyers on a budget.

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5. SENIX STMG-L – Best for Light Brush

Great for trimming with smooth control.

What I Like:

• 160cc engine runs clean and quiet.
• Five cut heights to choose from.
• Folds for easy garage storage.

What Could Be Better:

• Not built for thick brush.
• Line wears out fast on tough weeds.

Best for: Light grass, slopes, and small jobs.

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What to Look for When Buying a Walk-Behind String Trimmer

Not all trimmers are the same. Here’s what I always check before buying one.

Power: Gas or Electric

• Gas: Strong and fast. Great for big yards.
• Electric: Easy to use. Good for small spots.

Pick gas if you need more power. Pick electric if you want less fuss.

Cutting Width

• A wide cut means you work faster.
• But wide cuts are harder to steer.
• For most yards, 22 inches is good.

Wheels and Terrain

• Big wheels roll better on rough land.
• Pick wheels 12 inches or more.
• “Never-flat” tires work well on bumpy grass.

Care and Upkeep

• Gas tools need oil, gas, and filter checks. That takes time and tools.
• Electric ones need less work. Plug and go.

My Personal Experience: Gas vs Electric String Trimmer

Last summer, I tested both on the same weekend. I had a thick patch out back and a small side yard near the deck.

I started with the gas trimmer. It was loud but strong. It didn’t stop, even in tall grass and thick weeds. I worked for over an hour without slowing down. It handled hills and ditches with no problem. But when I was done, I had to clean the air filter and check the oil.

Then I tried the electric one. It started with a push and made less noise. It was light, which helped in tight spots. I used it near fences and flower beds. But after about 25 minutes, the battery ran low. I had to stop and wait.

Both had pros and cons. Gas worked better for the big stuff. Electric made quick work of small jobs.

If you need power and long run time, gas is the way to go.
If you want quiet and less work, try electric for light use.

That test made it clear — I now use both, based on the job.

Read More: EGO ST1511T vs ST1521S

Final Thoughts

Walk-behind string trimmers can save you time and effort. They cut better than handheld tools, especially in thick grass or rough spots.

If you need power, go with gas. If you want less care, try electric.
Pick what fits your yard — and how much work you want to do.

The right trimmer makes hard jobs feel easy.

FAQs for Best Walk Behind String Trimmers