Video buyer's guide to string trimmers

String trimmers are ideal for dealing with grass, weeds, and brush in areas your mower or tractor can't reach, keeping your property tidy and eliminating inviting homes for insects, rodents, and other critters.

If you're in the market for a new string trimmer for next spring or for the last bit of yard work you'll do this fall, check out our free buyer's guide (ratings available to subscribers) and watch the video from our recent tests of string trimmers (right).

The video features advice from Peter Sawchuk, a senior project leader in our Tech department and our go-to guy for testing outdoor power equipment, who discusses the basic types of trimmers and the pros and cons of straight and curved shafts.

Sit down longer with Peter as I get to do, however, and you can get additional details that can make a big difference in how much time you spend on your trimming chores. Take two- and four-cycle. Four-cycle engines are touted as cleaner (less smoke) and more convenient (no need to mix of oil and gas) than two-cycle engines. But results from the four such trimmers we tested demonstrate that four-cycle technology in string trimmers isn't the panacea you might think.

Another consideration relates to the head housing the monofilament line, which does the actual trimming. Fixed-head units use two or more precut pieces of line. Bump-feed models let out line when you bump the head to the ground. And automatic models release more line by themselves when needed.

As part of our Spring 2010 report on string trimmers, we'll look at models whose very designs tend to wear out line sooner than you might expect, others whose manufacturers have learned how to keep tall growth from wrapping around the shaft, and one that couldn't seem to keep its head together.—Ed Perratore | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Check out our "Fall Lawn and Yard Checklist" for details on tending to all facets of your property, and keep your power equipment in shape with our "End-of-Season Lawn-Equipment Guide." You'll find other tips on our Fall Cleanup Guide page.

Weekend Project: The best ways to deal with leaves

Whether your yard is covered with leaves or you're still waiting for them to carpet your property, you're probably looking for the easiest, most-effective way to deal with fall cleanup. As you'll see in The Great Rake-Off: Man vs. Machine video, using a leaf blower can provide faster, more-efficient leaf-wrangling than raking.

To help you find the right leaf blower for your needs, check out our free buyer's guide and watch our new video buyer's guide to this outdoor power equipment (right), which details the pros and cons of the four major blower types and the features to look for.

Corded electric models have their upsides—they tend to be lighter and quieter than gas-powered models and don't produce emissions at the point of use their own—and the best electric blowers can rival gas machines in performance. But as Senior Ed Perratore knows all too well, the power cord can limit your mobility. Ed traded up to a handheld gas-powered model, but since he's got a bum shoulder, he's considering a backpack blower, which distributes the weight more evenly than a handheld.

No matter which kind of blower you use, nozzle type is key. Our tests have shown that a round, reduced opening is better for cleaning embedded lawn debris and that a wider, flat opening works better when moving large leaf piles.

A final tip: If you do go the raking route, follow this expert advice to avoid injury and minimize soreness.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Check out our "Fall Lawn and Yard Checklist" for details on tending to all facets of your property, and keep your power equipment in shape with our "End-of-Season Lawn-Equipment Guide." You'll find other tips on our Fall Cleanup Guide page.

Ethics schmethics. For lawn-tractor care, it's a matter of scheduling

The latest installment of Randy Cohen's The Ethicist column in The New York Times Magazine featured the following question, under the headline "Waiting for the Lawn Tractor":

"The shop that services my lawn tractor told me to expect its return in a week. I want it back sooner and am considering giving the workers an up-front cash bonus to put my tractor at the head of the line. But this feels worryingly like covert bribery. Other customers wouldn't know about it nor could they bid against me with higher bonuses. Is such a payment ethical?"
 
Cohen replied that the notion of giving a bonus is "fishy" because the shop's workers would be "cheating their boss by undermining the shop's first-come, first-served policy for their personal gain, and you'll all be cheating honest, patient customers." In the end, reported Cohen, the question asker, from Pennsylvania, didn't offer up any cash for priority service.
 
Seems like a reasonable outcome, but I'll leave it up to you to decide for yourself on the ethics of the matter. The crux of the issue seems to be scheduling. Instead of bringing your gear in for routine service during a busy season, wait until a time when the shop is more likely to be quiet. I usually bring my mower and leaf blower in for routine service in early winter when the local shop is quieter. So don't hold off until next spring to get your outdoor power equipment serviced.
 
Now if the question asker's tractor suffered a sudden problem and he needed it fixed ASAP even this late in the season, it's understandable that he'd want it back with little delay. But given the likelihood that the shop is crowded with ailing equipment from landscaping pros trying to finish off their fall jobs, the consumer couldn't have expected priority service, bribe or no bribe. My advice: Borrow a tractor or mower from a neighbor or rent one, or hire a local landscaper to do the work.
 
Of course, the other key piece of advice here is to keep your equipment in tiptop shape. So follow our end-of-season maintenance tips for your mower or tractor and this start-of-season help for tractors.—Steven H. Saltzman | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
 
Essential information: Make easier work of fall cleanup and read up on the latest mowers and tractors.

Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: Latest tests of string trimmers

In the market for a new string trimmer for next spring or even now? If you live in the Sun Belt, you're still likely actively tending to your property, with those of us in northern climates taking one or two last passes at overgrown areas of the property during fall cleanup. Here's what's new from our tests of more than two dozen new string trimmers.

One interesting new battery-powered model, the Black & Decker NST2036, is intended to be the first such trimmer capable of handling the tougher cutting jobs normally reserved for gasoline-powered trimmers. Powered by a very large 36-volt nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery and equipped with a dual-string head, it's capable enough to rival some of the less-powerful gas models at trimming, including on tougher tall grass and weeds. But at 14.5 pounds, the NST2036 is among the heaviest string trimmers we tested, and with a price tag of $250, it's among the most expensive. What's more, recharge time for the NiCd battery is 12 to 16 hours, and a replacement costs $100. (Visit the Call2Recycle Web site or call 877-2-RECYCLE to find a local recycler of spent rechargeable batteries.)

New this year are propane-powered string trimmers with cleaner-burning, environmentally friendly fuel. But at $210, the Lehr ST025DC (right in photo above) and $290 Craftsman 79212 (left) are among the most expensive we've tested. And at 16 and 17 pounds, respectively, these trimmers are 4 to 5 pounds heavier than most gasoline models, and that doesn't include the nearly 2-pound screw-on propane tank you have to use.

Using pressurized propane gas, which come in containers sold at hardware stores, home centers, or sporting-goods stores, you might expect near-instantaneous starting. What we experienced, however, is that these engines often required one or two more pulls of the starter cord than did most two-cycle gasoline engines we tested. Also, the hose connecting the propane tank protrudes from the trimmer and can bang or catch on anything you brush past.

An additional concern, especially if you tend to ignore instructions, is that the owner's manual for these trimmers and a sticker on each product instruct you to disconnect the fuel line from the propane tank after each use. If you don't, the trimmer might leak and create a safety hazard.

When considering string trimmers, buy a model that not only feels right in your hand but also does the best job, considering your property's needs and your budget. For the most power against the toughest growth, the Stihl HomeScaper Series FS 45, $150, and FS 45 C Easy2Start, $170 (full ratings available to subscribers) remain among our top picks.—Ed Perratore | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Check out our free buyer's guide to string trimmers and make easier work of fall cleanup and end-of-season equipment maintenance.

Getting Their Goats: Another town turns to four-legged creatures for outdoor cleanup

The Men Who Stare At Goats, the new comedy starring Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor, and George Clooney (shown below holding a cast member), is about a secret U.S. Army unit. But based on some news reports we’ve seen since spring, it could be a tale about landscapers who use goats instead of gas-powered equipment ton the job.

The latest town to go goat is Andover, Massachusetts, which has accepted one resident’s offer to use her goats to control weeds and undergrowth at a local nature preserve, according to this Boston Globe report. The six goats could handle a half-acre of grass, brush, and other growth every three days. Another benefit is that what the goats leave behind “will help the grass, as long as it doesn’t smell so bad that people won’t use it,” as one resident observed.

The news comes on the hooves, er, heels of the town of Hempstead, New York, and Google also deploying goats and some property owners in England using wallabies for landscaping work.

Goats might not be for you, but if you’re hoping to minimize your involvement in yard work, note that our tests have shown that some robotic mowers aren’t good performers. And if you’d like to go greener when tending to your property, keep in mind that some reel lawn mowers have not shined in our tests, though the top-performing electric lawn mowers and string trimmers  can rival some gasoline-powered models in performance and also produce no exhaust emissions. If you’d like to replace your gas-powered mower with an electric model, take advantage of a mower-exchange program.

At this time, we have no plans to test goats or other herbivores for next May’s report on lawn mowers and tractors.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Tap into the yard-care tips in our Fall Cleanup Guide.

Fall weather brings fallen trees

The high winds whipping across parts of the Midwest and Northeast in recent days caused major damage to trees in some areas, including a few at my Connecticut home.

Shortly after lunch yesterday, a loud crack and crash signaled that an irresistible force had bested a hitherto immovable object. It turns out a 35-foot white oak had toppled onto my stone fence (shown), which so far this year has been struck by lightning and undermined by moles. Using a neighbor's bow saw and my chain saw, I was able to cut the tree into movable sections and get it off the road.

While fall is a better time to plant rather than prune trees, the high winds also pointed out the need to trim any diseased or overhanging tree branches. The fallen oak missed my power lines, so I didn't have to use a backup generator to provide electricity to my home.

I'm checking my homeowners insurance policy to make sure my coverage is adequate, important given that some companies are limiting coverage and raising premiums.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Learn how to safely use a chain saw (video) and ladder. Our Fall Cleanup Guide has more advice on projects to do around the home, and our Storm & Emergency Guide will help you prepare for weather-related events at any time of year. Ratings of chain saws and backup generators are available to subscribers.

Tip of the Day: Drain the carburetor bowl on your lawn mower to protect the engine

As we covered in "Is Fuel With an Increased Level of Ethanol a Problem for Small Gas Engines?" there's growing concern over the effects that gasoline-ethanol blends like E10—that's 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol—might have on small, nonroad engines on lawn mowers and tractors and other outdoor power equipment.

If you're concerned about the possible effects ethanol might have on your gas-powered mower or other equipment that will sit for long periods in storage—including a string trimmer or leaf blower—remove the remaining fuel from the tank and then empty the carburetor bowl before you stow gear for the winter. The simple project will help keep your gear in good working condition.

Even if you've run your equipment dry as part of your usual end-of-season maintenance steps, some fuel can remain in the bowl of the carburetor. If you don't drain the bowl, you might see some of the telltale white residue and related corrosion associated with ethanol blends. Four-cycle engines in particular seem prone to the buildup, although two-cycle engines can also suffer from the problem.

To empty the carburetor bowl in your mower:
• Run the engine dry, then let the machine fully cool.
• Locate the carburetor bowl. It's a cylindrically shaped device with one or two bolts on the bottom (shown). If there are two bolts, the off-center one is a drain, which you can use to get rid of any fuel without removing the bowl; place a container beneath the carburetor and remove the bolt. Any fuel present should trickle out.
• On some engines, such as the Tecumseh carburetor shown, the single bolt is for removing the carburetor bowl itself. Also while holding a container beneath, remove the bolt, pull off the bowl, and drain it. Wipe out the inside of the bowl.
• Whether or not you need to remove the bowl, it's a simple task to drain it and tighten everything back up.—Ed Perratore | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: If you're in the market for a new snow blower, read our latest report on single- and two-stage gas and electric models and updated free buyer's guide and ratings (available to subscribers).

Weekend Project: Overseed now for a lush lawn in spring

After dealing with insects, weeds, fungi, and the coming deluge of leaves, you're probably looking forward to a break from yard work. But there's another important project to do this fall if you haven't already. Called overseeding, this simple addition of grass seed to an established lawn will help your yard look its best next spring. Note that if you live in a northern state, hold off on overseeding until next year, but if you're in the Sun Belt, follow these steps:

Time it right. Before you overseed, remove leaves from the yard with a rake or leaf blower or mulch them with your mower or tractor.

Prepare the yard. Pros recommend a good dethatching and aeration during the fall, but if your lawn is in good shape, you can get away with a thorough raking. Give one last mow, with the blade set at a lower setting than you used in midsummer. It also helps to give bare spots individual attention with a hand rake before seeding.

Choose the right seed. Be sure to use the right type of grass for your region and the same type that's in your yard. Use plenty of seed—distributed evenly with a hand-held, drop, or other spreader—and work in some compost or topsoil, especially to bare spots. Refer to our "Guide to Common Lawn Grasses" to find the best grass for your area.

Feed for the winter months. You can add some starter fertilizer, though some experts advise waiting until the seed has sprouted to fertilize. Some fertilizers include preemergent weed killers. If you prefer to go the organic route, lay down corn gluten in the spring instead of a weed killer now. Corn gluten prevents seed from sprouting, so you can't do it while overseeding, but it can fend off crabgrass next year.

If you're using a drop spreader to lay down the seed or fertilizer, calibrate this equipment so you apply the proper amount.

Add the water. Water lightly but often, even in the middle of day if the sun isn't strong. A light spray to the overseeded areas is better than a straight stream to keep from disturbing the seed. And if leaves are falling, trying blowing gently over the grass, not toward it, to disperse them until the seed has sprouted. And try to stay off the lawn during this time.—Ed Perratore | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Once you've done your last mow of the season, put your mower to bed for the season.

Weekend Project: Start your fall lawn care during the Labor Day break

Investing part of this Labor Day weekend in your yard could pay off handsomely next spring. During this “second spring,” air temperatures can be favorable, weeds are less active and more vulnerable to herbicides, and the still-warm ground gives seedlings lots of time to germinate. Here’s how to master fall lawn and yard care:

• Start with a soil test. The video (right) describes how doing so will help you amend your soil so plants will fare better and your fertilizer will work better and last longer.

• Match mowing to your grass. Cool-season grasses like fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass grow fastest in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, when they need more-frequent mowing (follow these mowing tips). If you skipped this midseason maintenance on your mower (especially these engine-killing omissions), do it now.

• Don’t put off fertilizing. September is also the best month to fertilize both cool-season grasses and warm-season varieties like Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, and zoysia grass. We recommend two applications—the first soon after Labor Day, the second around the last time you mow for the year. Fall is also a good time to reseed or use sod to replant or repair grass.

• Fix these common problems. Check out our interactive gallery of weeds, insects, and diseases and smart solutions to other pitfalls and pests like moss, dog urine, grubs, and moles. Remedies for regional problems are also on tap.

• Water with winter in mind. If rains have been sparse recently, apply plenty of water, even if temperatures are cool. Lawns that enter winter stressed from drought are likelier to be damaged by cold weather.

• Plant but don’t prune. Fall is also a good time to plant (though not prune) trees and shrubs. It’s the time to plant crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, and other spring-flowering bulbs throughout most of the country.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums

Essential information: Find answers to your specific questions in the fall yard cleanup section of our lawn & garden forum. Find ratings and maintenance advice for a wide variety of lawn and yard equipment on our main lawn and garden page. 

CPSC announces recall of Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog corded electric string trimmers/edgers—again

More than two years ago we reported on the recall of about 202,000 Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog corded electric string trimmers/edgers. The spool, spool cap, and pieces of trimmer string on the affected machines could come loose during normal use and become a laceration hazard; the GH1000 could also overheat, posing a burn risk, according to the recall notice.

As of the original July 20, 2007, recall date, Towson, Maryland-based Black & Decker had received reports of 707 incidents, with 58 serious injuries that included two people receiving cuts on their legs requiring medical attention. Among the minor injuries, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, were bruises, lacerations, and facial injuries; the manufacturer also received reports of property damage, including two broken windows.

Yesterday, the CPSC reannounced the recall of the same  Grasshogs. Check out "After More Injuries, Black & Decker Again Recalls String Trimmer," on the Consumer Reports Safety blog, for more details on why the CPSC had to reissue the recall of these corded electric string trimmers/edgers. e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: If you’re in the market for a new string trimmer, read our free buying advice and our report on this yard tool, which includes ratings of three dozen gas and electric models (available to subscribers). To stay on top of the latest recalls, see “CPSC Steps Out With Million-Consumer March” and visit the Consumer Reports Safety blog for in-depth news on important product-safety issues.