If you suffer from arm or back pains when trimming your lawn, then only the best lightweight weed eaters can save you from those troubles.
Any grass trimmer that weighs less than 12 pounds is lightweight and offers many advantages, such as less muscle strain and more enjoyable lawn trimming sessions.
They come with slightly different specifications, however, so this lightweight weed eaters review will show you what matters the most when choosing. You also get a list of the market’s top offers below.
In this post:
- Things To Check Before Buying Your Lightweight Weed Eater
- 9 Best Lightweight Weed Eaters Reviewed
- 1. Worx WG163 (Best 2-in-1)
- 2. Black & Decker LST300 (Ultra Lightweight)
- 3. Makita XRU02Z (Ergonomic & Powerful)
- 4. Worx WG154 (Best 10-inch)
- 5. Black & Decker LSTE523 (Best With Adjustable Shaft)
- 6. Worx WG160 (Best 3-in-1)
- 7. Black & Decker GH900 (Corded & Very Lightweight)
- 8. Greenworks 21342 (Lightweight with 24-Volt Battery)
- 9. Greenworks 21272 (Corded 15-inch Lightweight)
- Conclusion
Things To Check Before Buying Your Lightweight Weed Eater
Lightweight weed eaters save you from all the troubles of using heavier units. These include back and muscle strains, as well as getting tired after only a while.
Since they are special power tools, you’ll need to understand them a bit, if you want to make an informed decision and buy the best offer out there.
The following are these important aspects to keep in mind when deciding.
1. Weight
It might seem obvious, but you need to remember in your search for the best lightweight weed eater, that it’s primarily about weight.
So, you need to first consider the weight of any potential weed eater that you’re planning to buy.
You should look for a unit that’s as lightweight as possible while offering all the major features that you want from a weed eater.
12 pounds and less is good, but most of the best lightweight weed eaters weigh just about six pounds.
2. Power & Power-Source
Another important decision is the power source because a weed eater’s source of power helps in determining its overall design and weight.
The following are the major types of weed eater power sources.
– Corded Electric
These are weed-eaters with power cords that connect them to any available mains AC outlet. Their major advantage is lighter weight because they don’t need a heavy battery or combustion engine.
They have a disadvantage and that comes from the power cord having a finite length. This makes them less portable than cordless types.
– Cordless Electric
This type of lightweight weed eaters run on electric power from batteries and this too comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Their advantage is portability. You can take them anywhere with you to work and you don’t have to worry about finding mains AC outlets.
The disadvantage is that batteries add extra weight to the weed eater.
– Gas-powered
Even the best lightweight gas weed eaters are too heavy and completely out of the question here.
3. Cutting Swath
The cutting swath or width is the diameter of the cutting head and reflects how much grass it can trim at a go.
You’ll find cutting diameters from 8 to 12 inches, depending on the maker.
A weed eater’s cutting width doesn’t matter much if you’re trimming a small area, but if it’s a larger area, then you may want to consider a unit with a larger cutting diameter to help reduce your working time.
4. Ergonomics
In addition to weight, length and handle design also play a role in determining how comfortable it is to use the weed eater. You want a unit that’s designed with ease of use in mind.
Features to look out for include a comfortable handle, an adjustable shaft, a comfortable assist handle, and an automatic feed or bump head that makes it convenient to release the cutting lines.
5. Extra Features
Different manufacturers add different features to their weed eaters, so you may also want to consider extra features that may make your life easier.
These include wheel attachments that can turn it into an edger, a wheeled base to turn it into a mower, as well as cross-device battery compatibility that can help you to save costs by using cordless products from just one manufacturer.
6. Set A Budget
Weed eaters come in different price classes depending on their construction material, brand, features, and attachments. Their price can range from about $50 to a few hundred dollars.
It’s therefore left for you to choose what price range you can afford and stick with it. Remember that costlier products often come with better warranties, but the choice here is all yours.
9 Best Lightweight Weed Eaters Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Worx WG163 (2-in-1 Eater & Edger) |
|
 | 2. Black & Decker LST300 (Ultra Lightweight Cordless) |
|
 | 3. Makita XRU02Z (Ergonomic & Powerful) |
|
 | 4. Worx WG154 (10-inch Mini Design) |
|
 | 5. Black & Decker LSTE523 (Adjustable Shaft Length) |
|
 | 6. Worx WG160 (3-in-1 Trimmer, Edger, & Mower) |
|
 | 7. Black & Decker GH900 (Corded & Very Lightweight) |
|
 | 8. Greenworks 21342 (With 24-Volt Battery) |
|
 | 9. Greenworks 21272 (Corded 15-inch Design) |
|
1. Worx WG163 (Best 2-in-1)
Photo: Worx
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Power Source: 20V battery
- Cutting Width: 12 inches
- Shaft Length: Adjustable
This Worx WG163 is perfect for anyone that wants a dependable and lightweight modern weed eater. It’s powered by Worx’s 20V battery system and produces a 7,600 RPM to handle its 12-inch cutting diameter.
A simple 90° flip will turn it into a wheeled edger, making it easy for you to precisely give your lawn that fine manicure it needs. It comes with a 10-ft cutting line and Worx guarantees free spools for life.
One downside here is the price since you can find cheaper offers and the other is that it runs at just one speed. So, there’s no battery saving mode.
Worx includes two batteries in the package, however, and backs it with a 3-year warranty. It also comes with an adjustable spacer guard, so you don’t harm important plants or furniture, and this makes it one of the best lightweight weed whackers out there.
Detailed Review: Worx WG163 Review
Pros:
- Cordless and lightweight weed eater
- Easily switches from trimmer to edger
- Comes with 2 batteries & free spools for life
- Backed by Worx’s 3-year warranty
Cons:
- There are cheaper offers
- It has only one speed
2. Black & Decker LST300 (Ultra Lightweight)
Photo: Black & Decker
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Power Source: 20V lithium battery
- Cutting Width: 12 inches
- Shaft Length: Adjustable
With this Black & Decker cordless weed eater, you get a super lightweight tool at just 5.7 pounds, which delivers enough power for all your trimming needs and is also very silent, besides.
The 2-in-1 product works beautifully as a trimmer or as an edger. It also features an automatic feed spool, so you don’t need to bump the head often.
You get a package with 1x 2.0 Ah 20-Volt battery and this lasts for about 20 minutes on a full charge. This makes the LST300 less ideal for large lawns but one of the best mini weed eater for smaller lawns and gardens.
Black & Decker also includes a guard and a charger, plus it backs the offer with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight 5.7-lb weed whacker
- The 2-in-1 design also works as an edger
- Features an automated spool and adjustable shaft
- Black & Decker backs it with a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- You can find cheaper lightweight weed eaters
- Doesn’t have an edger wheel
3. Makita XRU02Z (Ergonomic & Powerful)
Photo: Makita
- Weight: 6.9 pounds
- Power Source: 18-Volt battery
- Cutting Width: 10.25 inches
- Shaft Length: 48.5 – 56.5 inches
Makita also has a lightweight weed eater offer, although it’s slightly heavier than the previous two products in this review. It’s ergonomically designed, however, and delivers a 7,800 RPM speed.
Makita gives it a 10.25-inch cutting diameter, and it will extend from 48.5 to 56.5 inches to better suit each user, but it also comes with some disadvantages.
There’s no battery or charger in the package, so you need to buy them separately. However, the package comes with a 1-year warranty.
Detailed Review: Makita XRU02Z Review
Pros:
- Ergonomic and well-balanced weed eater
- Produces 7,800 RPM of cutting power
- Includes an adjustable shaft from 48.5 – 56.5 inches
- It’s backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- The package doesn’t include a battery or charger
- Some offers are lighter than it
4. Worx WG154 (Best 10-inch)
Photo: Worx
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Power Source: 20-Volt battery
- Cutting Width: 10 inches
- Shaft Length: 47 inches
Worx also makes one of the best lightweight weed trimmers in the market. This offer is for the Worx WG154 and it offers a compact design, lightweight, and cordless freedom.
It runs on a 20-Volt lithium battery system and the head tilts easily, so you can quickly switch it from a trimmer to an edger.
You get a folding spacer guard that lets you protect your important plants or garden furniture. What you don’t get, however, is an adjustable shaft length and the battery also needs up to 5 hours for a full charge.
Worx includes the battery and a charger in the package, plus it backs it with a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- Compact 10-inch lightweight weed eater
- Rotating head easily switches from trimmer to edger
- Very portable design with folding space guard
- Backed by Worx’s 3-year warranty
Cons:
- The shaft isn’t adjustable
- It takes up to 5 hours to fully charge
5. Black & Decker LSTE523 (Best With Adjustable Shaft)
Photo: Black & Decker
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Power Source: 20-Volt Battery
- Cutting Width: 12 inches
- Shaft Length: Adjustable
With Black & Decker’s LSTE523, you get a high-quality weed eater with the popular and reliable 20V MAX battery system. It also comes with 2-speed control, so you can choose between power boost and extended run times.
Another nice feature is that you can convert it from a trimmer to a wheeled edger for more versatility. Plus, you can also adjust the shaft to any length you want and it includes soft handles.
This unit comes with Black & Decker’s EASYFEED technology, which uses a simple button touch to advance the line, making it one of the best small weed eaters out there. It weighs 6.3 pounds and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Cordless weed eater with an adjustable shaft length
- Features a 2-speed power control
- Also features a one-button line adjustment
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- There are cheaper lightweight weed eaters
- You can also get lighter offers
6. Worx WG160 (Best 3-in-1)
Photo: Worx
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Power Source: 20V, 4.0Ah battery
- Cutting Width: 12 inches
- Shaft Length: Adjustable
For true cordless freedom from an ultra-lightweight power tool, this Worx WG160 weed eater offers you a unique experience with its 3-in-1 unique feature to make it one of the best lightweight weed eaters.
You can use it as a normal trimmer, then easily switch it to a wheeled edger, and additionally to a mini mower. This makes it a very versatile tool, and being cordless means you can do more as well.
It also offers tool-free shaft adjustments, an adjustable spacer guard to protect plants and furniture, as well as a high-capacity 4.0 Ah battery at 20 Volts.
Downsides include its higher price and the lack of variable speed control as the Black & Decker above has. It’s lighter, however, at just 5.7 pounds and Worx backs it with a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- Converts easily from trimmer to edger and mower
- Fast and easy height adjustment
- Ultra-lightweight at 5.7 pounds
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s one of the costlier weed eaters
- There’s no variable speed control
7. Black & Decker GH900 (Corded & Very Lightweight)
Photo: Black & Decker
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Power Source: Corded electric
- Cutting Width: 13 inches
- Shaft Length: Adjustable
Here’s another weed whacker from Black & Decker, this time it’s a 5.5-pound lightweight corded design with a 13-inch cutting swath. It’s powered by a 6.5-Amp motor, which produces plenty of torque to get the job done.
You get an ergonomic design, an adjustable shaft length, and an automatic feed system for a continuous line feed. The unit is also easy to convert to a wheeled edger with a simple rotation.
Its large 13-inch cutting path makes it easy to finish larger areas in record time, but being corded means that it has physical limits, unless you use a long extension power cord. Black & Decker backs it with a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Corded weed eater needs no battery
- Weighs only 5.5 pounds
- Easily converts to a wheeled edger
- Comes with a 2-year Black & Decker warranty
Cons:
- It’s not as portable as cordless units
- You can get cheaper corded weed eaters
8. Greenworks 21342 (Lightweight with 24-Volt Battery)
Photo: Greenworks
- Weight: 8.82 pounds
- Power Source: 24V battery
- Cutting Width: 12 inches
- Shaft Length: 40 inches, adjustable
Greenworks makes power tools that often come with unique features. This one features a 24-Volt system and although it comes with a 2.0-Ah battery, it packs more power in total.
It features a pivoting head, which lets you switch it between trimming and edging positions, and it features an automatic line feed.
One issue with this offer is that it weighs 8.82 pounds, making it the heaviest weed eater so far in this review.
Look beyond that, however, and you’ll appreciate its 40-inch adjustable shaft, a battery, and charger in the package, the 3-position pivoting head, plus the 4-year trimmer and 2-year battery warranties.
Pros:
- A more powerful 24-Volt system
- Comes with the battery & charger
- Features a 40-inch adjustable shaft
- Backed by Greenworks’ 4-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s the heaviest so far on this list
- You can get cheaper offers
9. Greenworks 21272 (Corded 15-inch Lightweight)
Photo: Greenworks
- Weight: 6.9 pounds
- Power Source: Corded
- Cutting Width: 15 inches
- Shaft Length: 54 inches adjustable
Here’s another Greenworks offer, but this time, it’s a cordless weed eater that you can convert to a wheeled edger easily. It comes with a 54-inch long and adjustable shaft to make it perfectly adjustable for all users.
The system features a 5.5-Amp motor to power its large, 15-inch cutting width. In addition to that, it features a dual-line feed, which is also fully automatic for your convenience.
For downsides, this is one of the heaviest weed eaters on this list. You need an extension cord to cover your yard.
On the brighter side, it’s the cheapest offer here and Greenworks also backs it with a 4-year warranty.
Pros:
- Cheap corded weed eater works as edger too
- Large 15-inch cutting width
- Features an automatic dual-line feed
- Backed by a 4-year warranty
Cons:
- You need an extension power cord
- It’s one of the heaviest on this list
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of this lightweight weed eaters review and you’ve seen all the different offers out there.
You’ve seen both corded and cordless units, as well as those with other different features.
This last decision is all yours because we are all different and we also need slightly different products. So, you’re the only one that knows which weed eater will best fit your yard.