Well, spring is finally here and that means that the grass cutting season has commenced. By now you have hopefully taken your equipment out of winter storage and started it up to make sure that it works. If you haven’t you should probably do so as soon as possible. As we begin another cutting season you may be considering a change with some of your equipment. You might be getting older and can’t lift as much anymore or you might be looking to try to save a few dollars. One of the things that you may be eyeing is an electric string trimmer. So, is that a good idea?
When it comes to string trimmers you have three options: gas powered, electric or battery powered. For many years a gas powered trimmer was the way to go if you had anything other than a small yard but changes in technology have made electric and battery options more powerful and longer lasting. So, what are some of the benefits of a non-gas powered string trimmer?
No Gassy Smell
Well, for one you will never need to mix any more gas for it. That means you will not need to buy gas for your trimmer, you will not need to buy oil to mix it with and you will not need a special jerrycan to store it in. That means you will smell less like gas and treat the environment just a little bit better since fewer emissions are being created.
Easier On Your Body
The main benefit for many people with an electric string trimmer though is the weight of the unit. If you have used a gas powered model you know that they can be heavy and as you get older you may not be able to lift it and maneuver it quite as well as you once did and the constant vibrations can cause all kinds of pain while holding it. Just hold your hand up after you finish trimming with one and you’ll see what we mean.
Electric trimmers are light in weight and do not vibrate quite as much. They are much easier on the body to use and for most people that is a good thing. You might wonder just why it took you so long to make the switch in the first place. Some models weigh as little as 5-6 pounds but it should be noted that these models are not very powerful and only used for light trimming.
Gas powered trimmers can also be loud. Loud enough that wearing ear plugs or something of the sort is needed so you don’t kill your eardrums. Do you know who else doesn’t like the noise? Your neighbors. Electric trimmers are much quieter, meaning your hearing will be better and your neighbors will be much happier. It also means that you can start earlier in the day to take advantage of cooler temperatures on a hot summer day.
Less Wasted Time
Electric trimmers also do not need time to warm up. With gas powered models it takes time to warm up by letting it run for up to several minutes. This wastes gas, oil and your time. There is no need to take the time to fill the trimmer with gas, prime it and pull the string until it starts. No, either plug in an electric cord or the battery, press the button and you are off and running.
Same Potential Range
For years the main drag on electric trimmers was that they just simply didn’t have the ability to handle large yards. A gas powered model would allow you to do the entire property and for a corded electric model that is still a major benefit in favor of gas. But battery powered trimmers have come a long way and can now offer almost the same power while giving you the same unlimited range that a gas powered model could.
Less Maintenance
And when you are done, less maintenance needs to be performed. With an electric trimmer just clear the debris and put the battery on the charger for next time. That’s pretty much it and it’ll be ready for next time. Most of the batteries take about 2 hours to charge so it will be ready for the next time.
If you absolutely love your gas powered string trimmer there is nothing wrong with you but electric models have improved greatly over the years and offer many benefits to you. If you are looking to purchase one or just want to check one out to see what it is like stop in at Bill’s Outdoor Power Equipment on Delta Road outside of Red Lion. We can help you find the trimmer that works for you, whether it is gas powered or electric.