When it comes to keeping one's lawn fresh and healthy-looking, a walk-behind string trimmer is a must-have. A normal heavy-duty lawn mower simply won't do when it comes to keeping all those nooks, crannies, and corners properly trimmed.

Read on and find out everything you need to know about the best-wheeled string trimmers, including discovering which one is right for you and your lawn.

Backyard Boss Top 5 Wheeled String Trimmer for the Summer of 2021

PRODUCT

FEATURES

Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 Field Trimmer - $$title$$

Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 Field Trimmer

  • 150cc engine
  • 22-inch cutting swath
  • 12-inch wheels

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Remington RM1159 High Wheeled String Trimmer - $$title$$

Remington RM1159 High Wheeled String Trimmer

  • 159cc engine
  • 22-inch cutting swath
  • 14-inch wheels

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Earthquake 28463 M205 Walk Behind Trimmer and Mower - $$title$$

Earthquake 28463 M205 Walk Behind Trimmer and Mower

  • 150cc engine
  • 22-inch cutting swath
  • 14-inch wheels

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Tazz 35258 Walk-Behind String Trimmer and Mower - $$title$$

Tazz 35258 Walk-Behind String Trimmer and Mower

  • 150cc engine
  • 22-inch cutting swath
  • 14-inch wheels

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Black & Decker MTC220 Trimmer, Mower, Edger Combo - $$title$$

Black & Decker MTC220 Trimmer, Mower, Edger Combo

  • 20V Lithium-Ion Battery
  • 12-inch cutting swath
  • 5.5-inch wheels

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Why You Can Trust Us

I have been wielding weed-eaters, trimmers, edgers, and lawn mowers ever since the 1990s when I first started earning extra cash for maintaining yards around my hometown. That said, I have had my hands on more makes and models of trimmers than I can remember.

What I do know though, is that most walk-behind wheeled string trimmers make for an easier job than lugging around a hand-held weed-whacker.

Best Heavy-Duty Walk Behind String Trimmer

Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SWFT15022 Field Trimmer

    A top-tier heavy-duty line trimmer with manual recoil and a anti-vibration foam grip handle.

      Pros:

    • Heavy-duty and compact design
    • Anti-vibration comfort grip
    • CARB compliant
    • EPA certified
      Cons:

    • Slightly smaller wheels
    • No height adjustments

What We Like: For a gas-powered mower, this one is as eco-friendly as they get. It is also easier to handle thanks to its comfortable foam-reinforced grip and manual recoil.

The first contender on our list is a heavy-duty model from Southland Outdoor. This well-built model boasts a 150cc engine, a 22-inch cutting swath, standard 12-inch wheels, a quad 0.155-inch diameter thread string trimmer head, and 5.75 ft/lbs torque. The unit's manual recoil easy start fuel delivery system makes starting and stopping quite easy.

If you're susceptible to hand and arm discomfort from vibrations, this machine also features an anti-vibration foam grip. That foam grip is also collapsible, so this unit would be an excellent choice for those who don't have much in the way of storage. The SWFT15022 field trimmer is also EPA certified and CARB compliant.

Who Should Buy It: If it's a heavy-duty but easy-to-use wheeled trimmer that you are after, the SWFT15022 Field Trimmer may be the best solution for you.

Most Durable Walk-Behind String Trimmer

Remington RM1159 High Wheeled String Trimmer

    A trimmer with a unique body shape that makes trimming around hard-to-reach areas a breeze.

      Pros:

    • Larger OHV engine
    • Easy to maneuver
    • Comfortable folding handle
    • Off-set timer head
      Cons:

    • Some assembly required
    • Needs regular maintenance

What We Like: This trimmer is comfortable and easy to use, features a bigger motor than most units, and is easy to store.

Boasting the most powerful engine on our list, this Remington brand walk-behind string trimmer is a durable beast when it comes to cutting down shrubbery. The RM1159 features a 159cc 4-cycle gas engine, a standard 22-inch cutting swath, and large 14-inch ball-bearings wheels. If you have a medium to a large backyard or a serious brush problem, this is the model for you.

Don't be intimidated by the large size—despite being a fairly large trimmer, it also comes with a folding handle for easy transportation and storage. Not to mention, the off-set trimmer head feature makes it possible to trim in difficult-to-reach spaces despite its large size.

Who Should Buy It: Looking for a replacement for your trimmer? One that won't need to be replaced again for years to come? Good news... you may have just found it.

Best Walk-Behind String Trimmer for Regular Use

Earthquake 28463 M205 Walk Behind Trimmer and Mower

    Save on gas with this trimmer's never-kill engine that makes dislodging sticks from the cutting head safe and easy.

      Pros:

    • One-piece steel deck
    • Large wheels
    • No assembly needed
    • Wide cutting radius
      Cons:

    • Expensive
    • Bumper may jam

What We Like: This unit comes ready to use, just add oil and gas and you are good to go. We also like its large wheels and wide cutting radius.

Another standard walk-behind trimmer with a 150cc 4-cycle engine and a 22-inch cutting swath, the Earthquake 28463 M205 Trimmer still manages to stand on its own in terms of value. This unit is strong but surprisingly quiet, and its large 14-inch wheels are dynamic and allow for a smooth trimming experience.

When it comes to durability, this trimmer really takes the cake. It features a single-piece steel deck that provides strength as well as stability while reducing overall vibration—there's no need to outfit this trimmer with foam handle padding. That five-year warranty is also quite attractive as well, especially for high-quality units like this that tend to be on the pricey side.

If you hate assembly, don't worry—this unit requires virtually no setup and is almost ready to go straight out of the box. It doesn't get much better than that.

Who Should Buy It: For those who are fed up with heavy and awkward hand-held trimmers, this unit from Earthquake could be just the form of relief that you've been looking for.

Best Walk-Behind String Trimmer for Brush

Tazz 35258 Walk-Behind String Trimmer and Mower

    A lightweight and easy to store compact trimmer for small to medium-sized backyards.

      Pros:

    • 2-in-1 design
    • Heavy-duty frame
    • Robust no-kill engine
    • Fuel-friendly
      Cons:

    • A bit pricey
    • Needs regular maintenance

What We Like: Big wheels, tough line, and a heavy-duty design on a compact body; what's not to like about this brush-whacking wheeled trimmer?

We've included quite a few standard trimmers on this list (22-inch cutting height, 14-inch wheels, 150cc 4-cycle gas engine, etc.) but this standard unit from Tazz also has its own unique features that some consumers might be interested in.

Complete with a single-piece steel deck that reduces vibration and wear-and-tear similar to the Earthquake 28463 M205, the Tazz 35258 model also boasts a very handy never-kill engine. This engine is able to stay on while the cutting head is disengaged. This makes it substantially easier to remove sticks, branches, or other debris from the cutting line or trim head without having to turn your unit on and off. Constantly turning the engine on and off will lead to more wear-and-tear as well as less time spent actually trimming. This feature is perfect for professional landscapers who want to be able to trim tall grass as quickly as possible with minimal interruption.

Who Should Buy It: If you have tall fast-growing weeds and brush that need regular maintenance, look no further than the Tazz 35258. This thing lays low even the toughest of stalks.

Eco-Friendliest Walk-Behind String Trimmer

Black & Decker MTC220 Trimmer, Mower, Edger Combo

    One of the most versatile and compact eco-friendly string trimmers ever made, the Black & Decker MTC220 goes above and beyond trimming; it also works as an edger and mower.

      Pros:

    • 3-in-1 design
    • Dual height adjustments
    • Compatible with other B&D 20V batteries
    • Automatic line feeding
      Cons:

    • Not ideal for large yards
    • Automatic feeder may jam

What We Like: This trimmer features an ergonomic design that is easy to use and is one of the most friendly units, in regards to the environment as well.

When it comes to walk-behind string trimmers with a little footprint, perhaps none are more impressive than Black & Decker's MTC220. The unit is powered by a 20V Lithium-Ion battery that holds a charge as much as five times longer than the 18V NiCad batteries commonly found in similar products. Not only is this trimmer one of the eco-friendliest around, but it also works on all sorts of terrains, including hills and bumpy lawns.

It features a compact build that makes it super easy to store as well. Even more, the unit is multi-functional and works as a mower and edger in addition to its trimming ability.

Who Should Buy It: For those looking for an electric unit, or one that also works as an edger, or mower, few electric trimmers are so versatile and well-made.

Common Features of Wheeled String Trimmers

Engines

A close-up of a Remington wheeled string trimmer's black and orange gas-powered engine.

Wheeled string trimmers are powered by 4-stroke engines that require oil changes as well as some other maintenance to keep them working properly. Most wheeled string trimmers' engines also come with recoil starters that have to be pulled by a starter rope that turns the engine over and gets it going. There really aren't many battery-power string trimmers on the market, something that we hope will change soon.

Rugged Capability

A grey and black high-end Remington string trimmer wheel with a clean white background..

There are many reasons why wheeled string trimmers are a great choice for thick brush and rough terrain. They are large (usually between 12 to 16 inches or even larger), which enables them to be more easily maneuverable on uneven ground. Since the wheels are composed of hard plastic or durable material, there is virtually no chance of a flat tire. The cutting width of walk-behind string trimmers is usually a hefty 22 inches (though sometimes less), so a lot of ground can be covered at once.

Replacement Line

A shiny black dual-line string trimmer head with ornage line.

Since walk-behind wheeled string trimmers are able to handle very tough brush, the line used to cut brush breaks more often as you work through the shrubbery. It's a common maintenance issue. When you purchase a new line trimmer, it is a good idea to pack some replacement line. Trimmer lines can come in several different lengths and diameters as per your trimmer and job requirement, and are often very inexpensive.

Walk-Behind Trimmer Buyer's Guide

A homeowner cutting an overgown lawn with a wheeled string timmer.

To begin with, you will want to buy a wheeled string trimmer that is durable and sturdy enough to handle the toughest brush growing in your backyard. Remember, skimping on the investment at first will eventually lead to a lot of frustration in the long run.

It's also worth remembering that high-quality (and more expensive) trimmers will require less maintenance and thus cost less throughout the life of the trimmer. You've got plenty of options to choose from, so make sure to pick the one that suits your particular needs!

Yard Size

Before you start shopping, you'll need to take the size of your yard into account, as well as the kind of terrain you've got going on. Based upon the size and "type" of yard you have, you can decide on whether you need to buy a high-powered wheeled string trimmer or a lighter model that you'll only use for tackling the occasional weed growth in your yard.

Remember, skimping on the investment will almost always lead to a lot of frustration in the future. At the same time, you don't need to spend a massive amount of money on a heavy-duty trimmer if you only have a tiny apartment or condo backyard.

Think Storage

Got a storage problem? Think about where you'll be able to store your trimmer once you've purchased it. If you don't have a lot of storage space, go for a wheeled string trimmer that comes with a fold-down handle so you can easily tuck it away in your garage under other stuff.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Install an ergonomic harness on your walk-behind weed trimmer to make it more efficient, comfortable, and easier to use. Or, you can simply buy a trimmer that has such a thing included with the model. The handlebar of the string trimmer must be angled against the shaft to prevent it from putting unnecessary strain on your back as you work in your yard.

Some type of foam padding should be used to reduce vibration in the handle. A trimmer with little to no vibration control can make your hands, arms, and shoulders feel tingly and uncomfortable for quite some time after you've stopped working. If your wheeled weed eater has vibration dampening, you can use it for longer periods of time without experiencing discomfort.

How We Picked

In order to come up with a list of the very best wheeled string trimmers on the market this year, we delved deep into the outdoor power equipment retail market. We looked at manufacturer descriptions, retail ratings, customer reviews, and individual stats and specifications for over a dozen units (after weeding down our list the first time around).

After careful review of each unit's main advantages and disadvantages, as well as what customers had to say about them, we were able to slim down our final selection to the five products listed here in our guide.

Which Wheeled String Trimmer Is Right for You?

It's no surprise that the heftiest walk-behind string trimmer made it to our number one spot! Not only is the Remington RM1159 machine extremely powerful and durable enough to take on large or intense backyard spaces, but the off-set trimmer head feature makes it possible to get to small or hard-to-reach spaces as well. To put it simply, this is a great trimmer to have for virtually any size of backyard.

Remington also produces parts such as trimmer lines, spark plugs, and air filters that are easily found at most home improvement stores, making maintenance a breeze for the Remington RM1159. The foldable handle makes for easy storage, too. What more could you ask for in a walk-behind string trimmer?

While this model can be a bit on the pricey side, it's absolutely worth what you get in terms of power, durability, flexibility, and quality. Remember, investing a little more money initially to get a quality product will save you from a lot of headaches and maintenance costs in the long run. High-quality trimmers like the ones on our list require fairly minimal maintenance, so that initial cost will be absolutely worth it.