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Straight shaved or curved? Cordless or corded? Attachment or no? There are countless options when it comes to weed eater types. (It’s almost as anxiety-inducing as ordering takeout on the phone.) Fortunately, we’ve seen a few weed eaters in our time and we have lots of recommendations for those looking to upgrade or purchase a new one.

Let’s break down the different types of weed eaters

Straight vs. Curved Shaft

The shaft is the long rod that runs the length of the weed eater. It’s where the handles, motor and other accessories attach and can be either curved or straight. The differences don’t stop with how they look, however. 

  • Straight-shaft weed eaters give you better reach, are usually more durable and offer more torque. They’re ideal for longer jobs, or anyone who cares for lawns frequently.
  • Curved-shaft weed eaters offer better control and ergonomics. They’re a little more comfortable to use and often more affordable as well. They’re great for lawns with tricky, hard-to-reach spaces or for those who don’t use weed eaters very often.

Corded vs. Cordless

Next, we have corded vs. cordless design. The obvious differences here are convenience and mobility, as you aren’t tethered to a cord with a cordless weed eater. But there are a few other differences. 

  • Corded weed eaters are better for the environment, since they don’t use batteries or gas. You’re out of luck if you don’t have power, however, and your reach is limited by the length of your cord and/or extension cord.
  • Cordless weed eaters are available in both electric and gas. Electric versions are safer and more convenient, though they tend to have limited run times (30-60 minutes). Gas versions also require pulling a string to start the small engine.

Attachments vs. No Attachments

Finally, let’s take a look at attachments and see whether they make sense for you. Here’s a list of a few common weed eater attachments:

  • Blowers: perfect for clearing out leaves and debris without changing tools.
  • Edgers: offer more precision for trimming the edges of your lawn.
  • Shoulder straps/harnesses: give your arms relief from longer jobs.
  • Saws: add reach to the typical distance associated with chainsaws.
  • Trimmers: allow for easier bush trimming.

If you’re interested in a new weed eater (or weed eater repair services), contact Classic Turf Equipment today!