10 Reasons You Should Switch to an Electric String Trimmer

If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric string trimmer from gas, these ten reasons show the benefits of finally making the jump.

With modern, available power from cordless trimmers, there aren’t many scenarios where you need to continue using a gas powered string trimmer. Some of the main reasons to switch are: avoid having to mix oil and gas, low maintenance, and shared batteries with other lawn equipment.

Just to clarify, all of the reasons listed here are for cordless options, not corded. In recent years, corded options are dwindling because of the capabilities of newer lithium-ion battery technologies.

1. No more mixing gas and oil improperly

Oops, that was a little too much gas. Oh well, that’ll be fine.

Most of us are familiar with the times too much oil or too much gas was used in the gas trimmer. Unless you are buying premixed solution, it’s really hard to make sure the exact ratio is followed.

2. Electric string trimmers are stupid easy to start

I know it’s the first start of the year, but twenty pulls on this string is ridiculous!

Even using the highest priced string trimmers the following year, I highly doubt they will be starting on the first string pull. Use the below guide to learn how to start an electric weed eater:

  • Insert the battery
  • Push the button

My ratio of oil to gas for my weed trimmer isn’t working. Maybe it’s time to switch to an electric trimmer. #electriclawn

3. Less noise to annoy the neighbors with

“Hey Bob, how’s life?” (Holding a conversation while trimming)

Compared with gas weed trimmers, electric alternatives are proven to be more quiet. That means even late in the evening you can trim the yard without bothering the neighbor’s dinner or movie time. In addition, no more need for earmuffs.

4. Absolute freedom from cords

[FACT] Two things people do: cut their own cord or trip on it.

Limitations suck. Period. It doesn’t matter if it’s a vacuum or a string trimmer, running out of cable is frustrating and plain annoying. There are many other words that fit here, but these should work fine.

5. Eco-friendly: no gas, oil, or fumes to worry about

Crap. Spilled gas again. And there goes oil in my yard where my garden plants grow. And then I eat them.

Aside from the lovely thought of never needing gas again, not having to worry about oil or getting light-headed from the fumes seems like a good trade-off.

6. Super low maintenance

Let me grab my socket wrench so I can change this spark plug.

Let’s do a quick comparison of maintenance required for both types of trimmers.

Gas-powered

  • Clean away dirt
  • Inspect for damage
  • Check and replace air filter
  • Adjust the idle speed
  • Clean or replace spark plug
  • Check and add oil
  • Change the oil

Electric

  • Clean away dirt
  • Inspect for damage
  • Follow proper battery care

Pretty clear here on the workload required. Depending on which trimmer you have, there might also be a fuel filter (for gas) to check and replace.

7. Newer electric string trimmers do not lack power

My new cordless weed eater does just fine. It can slice through dandelions and single blades of grass effortlessly. – someone in the early 2000s

There were a few issues in the past with cordless string trimmers. No power, short use time, and long charge time. When the trim work was done (normally about 15 minutes or less), it took a long time to recharge the battery. Also, if anyone wanted to cut through something thick, they didn’t even attempt it.

Our article about 5 of the best electric weed strings here >>

8. Storage is quick and painless

Hold on honey, I need to empty everything from the string trimmer for storage.

Once done using the electric trimmer, just pull out the battery and put it in the charger. Lay the trimmer anywhere you’d like. It’s that easy.

9. Lightweight: perfect for grab-n-go

Where’d that shoulder strap go?

Lighter means less strain on muscles and easier maneuvering for getting things done. I’ve never met someone who’d rather have a heavier piece of equipment — speaking in weed trimming terms of course.

10. Shared batteries with other electric equipment

Yep, I’m done with the chainsaw. Looks like there’s still some battery left.

Many manufacturers are making universal lawn equipment that share batteries. You can remove the battery from a leaf blower and go directly to your trimmer. Even some lawn mowers can share with the trimmer.

Hopefully these reasons have shed some light on moving to an electric setup. Of course, there are other reasons to consider in your personal situation.