Photo: Worx
What We Like
- Lightweight (5.3 lbs. with battery)
- Trimmer and wheeled edger in one
- 90º tilting head for getting into tight spots
- Command feed spool system
- Complete set with two batteries and a charger
What We Don’t Like
- Single-speed setting
Bottom Line
A lightweight cordless weed eater that has a large cutting diameter for wide coverage on every pass.
Introduction
The weight of a weed eater is a big factor to consider because heavy ones can be difficult to use. This is because you hold them above the ground when cutting and therefore, if the tool is too heavy, you will experience a lot of fatigue, especially during long periods of use.
Therefore, lightweight units are recommended and Worx’s WG163 is the perfect example. Despite this, the tool has quite a lot to offer so let’s jump into the review below to learn more.
Worx WG163 Review
Photo: Worx
Performance: Wide Coverage with Simple Line Feeding
The Worx WG163 features a 12-inch cutting diameter, which is quite large in trimmer standards. Combined with a speed of 7600 RPM, this enables you to cover a wide section of your lawn in no time.
That said, cutting is done using a nylon string, and this is released using an easy-to-use command feed system. With this, you only have to press the command feed button while the motor is running, which eliminates the bumping method that is common in other weed eaters.
While pressing this button, the motor shuts off and if the spool has enough string in it, you should hear a clattering sound after a few seconds. At this point, you should release the button, which will restart the motor.
This sound is produced when the line hits the line cutter as it advances outwards and it might continue for about 5 seconds until it is cut to the right length.
Even though this is a very simple process, Worx’s WG163 takes it a step further by automating the line feeding system. Every time you power it on, about 0.25 inches of the line is advanced automatically, which ensures you have sufficient trimming performance at all times.
Once the spool is empty, you can manually wind a new string and this process is explained in detail with diagrams in the user manual for easier guidance.
However, Worx provides free spools for this model for life, and therefore, you don’t have to fill up the spool yourself, unless you want to.
Design: Trimmer and Wheeled Edger in One
This tool combines the functionality of a trimmer and an edger into one, which makes it very versatile. You only have to twist the lower half of the shaft to convert it to an edger and back, which is very convenient.
In the edger mode, a set of two wheels are turned downwards to help to guide the cutting process along the edge of a path. As a result, you can create very clear cut-lines that look neat and very professional.
Additionally, with these wheels, you push the tool as opposed to lifting it, which is easier because it minimizes fatigue.
On the other hand, in the trimmer mode, the tool is equipped with a retractable spacer guard that comes in very handy as you cut around flowers, lawn ornaments, and landscape features.
As the name suggests, the spacer guard places some space around the front to prevent the string from coming into contact with what you want to protect so that it’s not slashed.
Other than that, this weed eater is very adjustable. It has a telescopic shaft that can be adjusted to suit short and tall operators, a 7-position fully adjustable front handle for comfortable use, and a 90º tilting head that can be adjusted to fit the trimmer into very tight spaces.
Portability: Very Lightweight
One of the highlight features of the Worx WG163 is its lightweight design. It weighs only 5.3 lbs. with the battery attached, which makes it very easy to carry and easy to handle when trimming.
Read More: The Best Lightweight Weed Eaters
Additionally, it has a set of two wheels for guided edging and as stated earlier, these make it easier to move with minimal fatigue. These can also roll it into and out of storage, which simplifies the transportation process.
That said, the battery-powered design also enhances the unit’s portability because you can use it anywhere, so long as the battery is charged. The telescopic shaft also contributes in its own way, by allowing you to compact the tool into a small size for easy carrying after use.
Noise Level: Very Quiet
Measured in decibels, the sound level for the Worx WG163 is not given, but you can be assured that it runs very quietly because there is no engine noise. It is fully electric and runs on battery power.
Additionally, no bumping is required to release the line, and therefore, the only noise you should expect is that of the nylon string chopping the grass or weeds.
Battery: Complete Set
This trimmer/edger comes as a complete set with two 20V 2Ah Max Lithium batteries and a 20V charger. These batteries are part of Worx’s PowerShare family, which means they can be used on any other Worx tool.
However, this family comprises 20V and 40V batteries. Therefore, you can only use them on Worx tools with 20V electrical systems. The same case applies to the charger. It can only be used to charge 20V Worx batteries.
Therefore, if you are interested in buying multiple Worx tools, we recommend that you get either those with 20V or 40V electrical systems for compatibility purposes.
Price: Affordable
With a price tag of less than $100, Worx’s WG163 is a very affordable weed eater. Despite this, it comes as a complete set so that you can use it straight out of the box without buying any extra components.
The manufacturer produces multiple weed trimmer varieties but the ones that are closest to the WG163 in terms of performance and price are the Worx WG154 and WG170.
Worx’s WG154 comes at a cheaper price but it has a fixed shaft, a fixed handle, a non-pivoting head, a single-exit automatic line-feed system and lacks wheels for guided edging. On the bright side, it is lighter because it weighs only 4.2 lbs.
The WG170, on the other hand, costs more than the WG163 but it is a 3-in-1 tool that combines the functionalities of a trimmer, wheeled in-line edger, and a mini mower in one.
Verdict
A lightweight 2-in-1 cordless weed eater and wheeled edger that is easy to handle and is ideal for cutting large compounds.
Weighing in at only 5.3 lbs. with the battery attached, Worx’s WG163 is very easy to carry and handle while in use. Additionally, it can be converted to an edger where you can use the attached guiding wheels for easier handling to make straight accurate cuts.
Combined with a relatively wide 12-inch cutting diameter, the tool is ideal for working on large compounds and can be used by tall or short people due to its telescopic shaft.
Specs
- Product Name: Worx WG163
- Product Brand: Worx
- Power: 20V (cordless)
- Speed: 7600 RPM
- Cutting Swath: 12 inches
- Shaft: Telescopic (length not given)
- Weight: 5.3 lbs.
- Warranty: 3 years, 30-day money-back guarantee
Key Features
- Lightweight (5.3 lbs.).
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger design.
- Rubberized wheels for guided edging.
- Command feed spool system for instant line feeding.
- 90º tilting head.
- Retractable spacer guard.
- Telescopic shaft.
- 7-position fully adjustable handle.
- Includes two 20V 2Ah Max Lithium batteries plus a charger.