Best Gas Powered Weed Eater Reviews – An Ultimate Guide

Gas Powered Weed Eaters

When you need to cut through tough weeds and tall grass with ease, nothing beats the power of a gas-powered weed eater. Most lawn professionals prefer gas string trimmers for their jobs due in part by how convenient they are and for their incredible performance!

Also known as weed wackers, string trimmers, and weed whips, a gas-powered trimmer is the gold standard when you need to deal with heavy weeds.  They can also be the right choice for average homeowners – but with the best cordless trimmer having improved so much over the past few years, the decision isn’t as clear-cut as it once was.

This guide is designed to help you decide which weed eater is right for your needs.  It might be one of the best gas weed eater models – but it could be one of the top cordless models as well. Don’t worry – we’ll help you decide.

We have reviewed the top gas string trimmers to make sure there’s one at a price to fit your budget and needs.

What’s the best gas-powered string trimmer?

Our pick for the best gas-powered string trimmer is the Husqvarna 17-inch Detachable Shaft Gas String Trimmer.  It has a wide cutting width, is powerful enough to handle thick weeds, and has a large enough gas tank that you won’t be forced to stop and refuel continually.  It also works with many of the best weed eater attachments – you can buy attachments to turn it into a brushcutter, a small chainsaw/polesaw, a blower – it’s quite a versatile tool for the price.

Best Gas-Powered Weed Eaters Compared

Craftsman 30cc 4-Cycle Straight Gas String Trimmer
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Remington RM25C 25cc 2-Cycle 16-Inch Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer
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PROYAMA 42.7cc 2-cycle Gas Brush Cutter Weed Eater
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The Best Gas Weed Eater Reviews

Editors Choice/Top Pick: Husqvarna 17-inch Detachable Shaft Gas Powered Weed Eater

We like Husqvarna 17-inch Detachable Shaft Gas Powered Weed Eater

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  • Features a 28cc 2-cycle engine which powers the 17 inch (cutting width) trimmer head
  • The translucent gas tank is a nice touch – you can see exactly how much room you have left when filling the tank. Great to avoid spills!
  • It comes at a great price for all the power and expandability you get with this model.

This Husqvarna gas trimmer is a solid choice for all-around gas weed-eating needs. It ticks off most of the boxes in the feature category. To begin, the 2-cycle engine provides plenty of power to tackle the most common weeds and grass found in your yard.   At only 11 pounds, it’s light enough to get weed work done without getting tired.

While you need to use a pull cord to start – it’s not difficult to get the engine going. Just remember to prime the engine by “pumping” the button a few times if you haven’t used it in a while. (Hint: non-ethanol gas helps too). There are reports that you might need to run the string trimmer with the choke half-on during the break-in period – but we didn’t experience that issue.

We love that this model can take on many common attachments. This means you’ll likely be able to use the attachments you already have lying around with this trimmer. This straight shaft gas trimmer is expandable.

Generally, attachments by different manufacturers are made to “universal-fit” – though there is no guarantee all manufacturers follow this guideline.  Poulan Pro ones will definitely fit – since Husqvarna makes Poulan Pro products. If you don’t own any string trimmer attachments, you can buy new Husqvarna attachments to turn this tool into a pole saw hedge trimmer, edger, or other lawn tools.

Finally, the bump feed head is convenient – just tap the head on the ground (not too hard!) to move more line forward.

Best 4-Cycle Gas Powered Straight Trimmer: Craftsman 30cc 4-Cycle Straight Gas String Trimmer

We like Craftsman 30cc 4-Cycle Straight Gas String Trimmer

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  • This 4-Cycle weed trimmer is powered by a 30cc engine that delivers maximum torque for the constant power you need
  • The Straight shaft trimmer design provides users with additional reach to get under shrubs and bushes
  • You’ll be comfortable using this trimmer – the handle is adjustable.  The weed eater will change to fit your body – not the other way around.

The relative merits of 2 versus 4 cycle engines can be a bit of a religious debate. I’m not going to weigh in on that right now – they each can be the right fit for the right person. I personally hate mixing oil – yet don’t have a problem filling up an oil reservoir. I also like breathing in 2-cycle fumes even less than 4-cycle, so I tend to like 4-cycle products. Others don’t like that there are more parts to break and they are heavier at a given power vs. 2 cycle engines.

Regardless, either variety can be the best gas string trimmer for the right person.

If you are like me and want a 4-cycle weed eater, this Craftsman model is one to check out.  Craftsman is a brand that’s been around for generations, and it’s associated with quality tools at a reasonable price.  The Craftsman CMXGTAMD30SA model continues that tradition.

The multi-position adjustable handle is extremely easy to adjust to whatever level your body requires.  Just unlock, move to your desired spot and lock it in place.  When combined with the optional shoulder strap, using this gas string trimmer is really comfortable. It’s one of the reasons why it’s high on the list of the best gas weed eaters.

The Craftsman 30cc 4-cycle straight string trimmer is a great tool for easily clearing away weeds and other debris from your yard. It has a 17-in cutting width to take care of wide spaces in little time.  This trimmer is able to use a number of attachments, so it can easily transition from trimming to edging or blowing leaves. The oil reservoir is easy to fill, and the engine runs quieter than most 4 cycle engines.

Best Budget Gas Weed Eater Under $100: Remington RM25C 25cc 2-Cycle 16-Inch Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer

We like Remington RM25C 25cc 2-Cycle 16-Inch Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer

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 Not everyone has an unlimited budget for their gas string trimmer.  If you have a small or medium-sized yard, you likely don’t need all the features a multi-hundred dollar trimmer provides.  Luckily, there are great choices that normally cost less than $100.  

The Remington RM25C is a 25cc gas trimmer that you can use for both small and large areas. It has a 16-inch cutting swath that lets you cut grass and weeds quickly and efficiently. In addition, this model comes with a dual-line bump head which allows you to conveniently feed the string when the weed eater runs out of line.

As you might expect for the price, this gas string trimmer is a smaller-sized device. The engine size is among the smallest we looked at in this review.  Don’t expect this trimmer to double as a brush cutter – but why would you?  And while you might expect a smaller engine to be quieter, we didn’t find that to be the case.  Make sure to have hearing protection on hand.

It’s also physically smaller than most other models we looked at. This might be an issue for you if you are over 6 feet tall.  On the other hand, it is a great fit for people who are smaller in stature. The curved shaft only adds to the comfort and control you’ll find from this member of our best gas weed eaters list.

The Remington RM25C comes with a 2-year limited warranty. It’s a great, inexpensive gas string trimmer.

Best Gas Brush Cutter – Weed Eater Combo: PROYAMA 42.7cc 2-cycle Gas Brush Cutter – Weed Eater

We like PROYAMA 42.7cc 2-cycle Gas Brush Cutter  Weed Eater

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I’ll admit, I hadn’t heard of PROYAMA before beginning this review.  But if you decide to buy their 42.7cc model gas weed eater, you might be convinced to recommend it to one of your friends. It is a powerful gas weed eater. This straight shaft trimmer model packs an impressive amount of power under the hood. The 42.7cc 2-cycle powerful engine is responsible for providing plenty of power. This weed eater can even be used as a brush cutter, so long as you attach a more durable cutting blade.

The amazing thing is, this weed trimmer package comes with a wide range of optional attachments and accessories –  almost everything you need to tackle tall weeds and heavy vegetation.  You get a 9 inch brush cutter blade which will allow you to get through some heavy brush.  The bundle also includes ear protection, a harness, extra .095 inch line, eye protection, gloves, a tank for mixing of gas and oil, a trimmer head and two separate grass cutting blades for heavy weeds.  

It’s one of the most powerful weed wackers I’ve seen.  It’s a reasonable price for this gas-powered model.  You’re also protected by a one-year warranty.

Top Gas Powered Weed Wacker For Wide Cutting Width: Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18″ Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer

PRODIMG

Some yards just beg for a WIDE cutting path.  If this describes your situation, check out the Husqvarna 324L.

With an 18“ cutting path, this weed cutter is the best in class allowing you to quickly complete larger trimming projects. Only grass shears can cut a wider swath quicker! A translucent fuel tank not only allows for spill-free refueling but also helps you keep track of the remaining gasoline in the tank. That’ll help you avoid running out of gas far away from the house or shed.

The T25 cutting head comes with an easy-to-use bump feeder.  That’s handy to keep you weed wacking as long as possible.  When you eventually do run out of trimmer string, you’ll find it’s really fast to reload the string and get back on with your day.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 4 cycle 25cc engine producing up to 0.9 horsepower.  Say goodbye to worrying about the right oil mixture – there’s a separate oil reservoir built-in separate from the fuel system.  This powerful trimmer comes with a Honda gas engine – so you should get the fuel efficiency you’ve come to expect from Honda.

The Husqvarna 324L comes with a Two-Year warranty. Since the Husqvarna group has been in business for over a century, you can be confident they will be around to honor that warranty.

Gas Weed Eater Buying Guide – What MUST You look For

As we said before, you need to look at your individual yard needs before you rush out and buy a weed trimmer. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long process, but there are some decisions you need to make so you can be sure you’ll be happy with your purchase. Let’s go through the questions you need to ask yourself in order to pick out the right power tool for your situation.

Why Are You Buying This – What Are Your Specific Needs

The first step in choosing the right weed eater for this year and beyond is to determine what situations it will be used in. Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at weed trimmers:

How big is your yard?

Do you have thick weeds?

Do your neighbors live close by?

Can you handle a heavier, powerful weed eater? You really like owning power tools with 4-stroke engines?

In addition, you need to decide for yourself just how much you want to spend – how many hours a year will you be using this tool? For some people, a little inconvenient with a cheaper model is worth it. For others who might spend 8 or more hours of their free time using the weed wacker, saving some time with a more powerful model is worth the extra cost. Like most things in life, there are trade-offs between money and time spent.

If you live in an area where the gasoline is reformulated with ethanol, please be careful not to leave the gas in the weed wacker for weeks at a time. Doing so can damage the engine – particularly the carburetor and fuel system. Some have had success using a stabilizer (FOAM is a brand name used a marine engines that seems to work). Ideally, you’ll be able to find gasoline for marine engines that doesn’t have ethanol in it to use in your gas weed wacker.

Oil is important as well. I once read an article in Loggers World magazine (yes, there is such a thing). An “engine insider” whose job it was to keep track of why small engines were returned to the manufacturer discussed the importance of using the right oil: gas mix and manufacturer brand for 2-cycle engine oil. The manufacturer-recommended oil is made for the engine type. Other, cheaper brand oil might not be. It’s not worth the hassle of having to buy a new engine just to save a few dollars in my opinion.

Engine Size and Type

When it comes to gas weed eaters, the engine is often what differentiates one model from another. Some models offer two-cycle engines while others have four-cycle varieties that provide varying amounts of power. You’ll want to make sure your weed whacker is powerful enough to handle your task at hand – whether this means trimming overgrown grass or cutting through the heavy brush!

What type of engine design is a matter of personal choice.  Generally speaking, the 2-cycle engine is more common and typically found in cheaper-priced units. They also require mixing gas and oil before pouring into the gas trimmer.

On the other hand, the 4-cycle engine can be more powerful or fuel-efficient. They also tend to be the heaviest weed eaters due to larger engine sizes. Which model is best for you really depends on your needs.

Fuel Tank Capacity and Fuel Efficiency

Gas-powered weed eaters are popular today because they rely on gas as their fuel source, unlike battery-powered models. There are a wide range of different trimmers.  Some have large fuel tank capacities; heavier tanks provide longer trimming sessions without interruptions. These are great if you have a large yard or many acres of grass to work.

Smaller capacity tanks aren’t a negative for everyone.  Less grass equals lugging around less weight.  If you have a smaller yard, there’s not necessarily a reason to make your weed eater heavier just to have extra fuel onboard.    

Judging fuel efficiency is a little more difficult.  There’s no central “gas efficiency” clearinghouse, so it’s more through intuition. 

Usually, you’ll want to look at the user reviews for a model to see how quickly it uses its fuel in practice.  You can also rely on these rules of thumb – 4 cycle engines usually are more gas efficient, and larger engines can do the same work more efficiently.  Keep in mind – these are just guidelines and there will be exceptions to the rule.

Cutting Width Is Important

The size of your yard and the kind of foliage that needs whacking can influence the cutting width of your ideal string trimmer. A 10-14 inch cutting diameter is the best choice for a small yard. In larger gardens with thick weeds and dense foliage, the 15-18 inch cutting diameters work better.

Bump vs Automatic vs Fixed String Feed

The bump-string feed is the most common feed system. You tap the cutting head of the string trimmer on the ground for the string to feed out.

The fixed or manual string feed requires you to switch the weed whacker off when you notice your string is too short. You then must to manually unwind or pull the string out.

With the automatic string feed, the string feeds out automatically when it becomes too short. Usually you just start and stop the weed eater a few times to let out some line from the head.

String Sizes

Most trimmer line is made of polymer or nylon string. Standard-grade weed eater strings are economical and used in small yards for low-intensity weed whacking. The commercial-grade line is used for thick and tough weeds.

Most gas trimmers usually (but not always, check the product description) can handle only one string size.

• 0.065-0.080 inches for light weed whacking in residential lawns.

• 0.085-0.100 inches for bigger gardens and tougher weeds.

• 0.110+ inches for open fields, large commercial and industrial landscaped gardens, and the toughest weeds and foliage.

Remember – the bigger the diameter of the string, the heavier the spools become.  You’ll also find you won’t be able to load quite as much trimmer line on a larger diameter head.

Curved Shaft Weed Eater Vs. Straight Shaft Design

The curved shaft works best where a lot of maneuverability is necessary. The shorter shaft string trimmer maneuvers easier around flower beds, narrow lawns, and tiny yards. It’s usually one of the best gas string trimmers for beginners.  It’s also has a more balanced weight distribution which can make a heavier weed eater feel lighter than it is.  

A straight shaft has a longer reach and works ideally in large gardens. These weed eaters are more heavy-duty for weed whacking than the lighter curved shaft. Straight shaft weed eaters are often used on commercial properties.

Ease of Use

A good gas string trimmer will feel good in your hands. Before you purchase a weed eater, test for overall weight balance.  Lift the gas weed eater by the handle and feel the balance of the weed whacker. The best gas string trimmer for you will feel like an extension of your arm. If you are buying it online, look at the reviews or open the box right away so you can return it if it doesn’t feel right.

After you’ve adjusted the handle so that you don’t reach too forward lift it again. Hold the weed whacker as if you’re trimming your lawn. Does it feel balanced? The weight may be heavier at the top, but the trimmer should be overall balanced when holding onto the handle with both hands.

Notice the position of the controls. Is it easy to reach and comfortable to operate? The ones on the best gas string trimmers are easy to find.

Weed eaters with the motors mounted at the top close to the handle generally feel better balanced than the ones with the motor at the bottom.

Noise Levels

String trimmers are noisy. Electric trimmers are quieter than gas ones with volume sometimes coming under 75 decibels. Wear ear protection to safeguard your ears while trimming your yard. It’s recommended that bystanders should protect their ears too.

Gas weed whackers are the noisiest trimmers; the 4-cycle engine is generally quieter than the 2-cycle of the same size.

The spiral-shaped string reduces the noise level and is often used in commercial areas with noise restrictions. A lower noise trimmer is a great way to future-proof your investment.

Variable Speed Control

Weed eaters aren’t permanently set to run at only one speed. If you use the speed trigger you can adjust the speed to accommodate the job you’re doing.  It’s usually found just above the handle of the weed wacker. I wish most power tools had this feature!

When trimming around fixtures, the slower you go with your trimmer the better. This will give more precision and control so that any things being worked on don’t get damaged! You’ll also save on wear and tear of the string head and get better fuel consumption.

You’ll want to increase the speed when you are cutting thick grass or beefier weeds.  A gas string trimmer works by spinning the trimmer line thousands of times per minute.  The more times the head spins, the more cuts the trimmer line can make.  Use this to your advantage!

Warranty Coverage and Overall Price

While it should go without saying that price is an important part of the buying decision, it shouldn’t be the only factor.  A high-quality powerful trimmer might cost a little more upfront but can save you pain and money a few months or years down the line.  

Check to see what the manufacturer warranty life and coverage consist of for the weed eater you are researching.  Most reputable brands have at least a 2-year warranty.

Shaft

It’s important you take the gas weed eater shaft length into consideration when looking for a new tool.  There’s no one “right” length – you want to make sure it’s long enough so you don’t have to hunch over yet short enough that you can still control the cutting head.  

Can You Use Attachments?

Attachments can be a real value if you want to rely on your string trimmer taking on multiple roles.  Just as not every owner wants to use attachments, not every weed eater can use attachments. We’ve got an article on the best string trimmer attachments for you.

You’ll find detachable shafts generally accept string trimmer attachments.  Some will only take attachments made by their brand – while others will accept universal attachments as well.  Read the product description to find out what your model will accept if attachment expansion is important to you.

What Safety Features Should I Look For In The Best Gas Powered Weed Eater?

Gas-powered trimmers are generally safe if you use them correctly.  There are some safety features built into the best gas weedeaters that you should make sure your tool comes equipped with.  

First, make sure your gas weed eater has a safety guard above the trimmer head.  Also called a debris deflector, this guard will help prevent the random rock from being launched towards you if you hit it in your weed-killing duties.  

Many models come with a trigger lock which will automatically turn off the trimmer if you aren’t actively squeezing the trigger.  This will also prevent accidental starts if something hits the trigger while you are working or repairing the super lightweight gas trimmer.

Some of the best safety steps you can take are outside of the trimmer. Footwear is one. Don’t wear flip-flops – think about getting a pair of great steel toe work boots to wear instead.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Gas String Trimmers

What kind of fuel can you use in a gas weed eater?

New gas trimmers are designed to handle normal unleaded gasoline. They are theoretically designed to work with ethanol blends – though some pros like to use non-blended gasoline just to be safe.  The gas tank size is much smaller on a trimmer – that is why some gas models include a translucent fuel tank to make it easier to not spill gas when filling it up.

Remember that all two-cycle engines require you to mix the oil directly in with the gas.  The fuel oil ratio will be in your owner’s manual but usually is 50:1 gas to oil for 2-stroke cycle professional-grade weed eaters.

What Is A Fuel To Oil Ratio?

All two-cycle engine gas weed eaters do NOT operate with straight unleaded gasoline. Instead, they require a specific fuel/oil ratio that consists of a certain amount of unleaded gas mixed with a certain amount of 2-cycle oil.

The ratio is usually either 50:1 or 40:1 gas-to-oil. Your model may require a different ratio – so check the user’s manual that came with your model to see exactly what ratio is right for your gas string trimmer.

How long does gas weed eater string typically last?

Weed eater string should be replaced at least every season of use.  The string will break during normal use – the more weeds and the thicker the coverage, the faster the string will snap.  Normally you’ll go through the line in a trimmer head in a few weed-killing sessions.  If you happen to go a whole season without using up the trimmer line in a trimmer head, it’s easiest to just re-spool the next season.

How easy is it to restring a gas-powered weed whip?

Restringing your weed eater isn’t a hard job if you have the right tools and a little know-how.  We have a how-to article on restringing the weed eater that you can use as a resource.

Can a string trimmer cut weeds

Yes a string trimmer can cut weeds.  While a string trimmer can be used to cut the grass in a pinch, it’s primary use is to cut down and keep down weeds in your yard.

Should I keep fuel in my gas weed eater?

It is always best to drain out any remaining fuel/oil mixture when you plan not use your gas weed eater for an extended period of time. This will help keep the unit safe from dust and debris.  It’ll also help you avoid nasty problems with your fuel filter and fuel lines.

If you are using your yard tool regularly, it’s ok to keep gas in the tank.  Just make sure you have the gas cap closed tightly, and you store it in the proper position.  You don’t want fuel leaking out all over your garage or shed.

Conclusion

While there are many great models and brands of gas weed eaters, we think the Husqvarna 17-inch Detachable Shaft Gas Weed Eater stands out as one of the best.  It’s got a great mix of value, power and expandability.  Most people will be happy if they purchase this string trimmer.

We hope this guide to the best gas weed eaters has been helpful.  If there’s a model you think deserves to make the list, please let us know in the comments below.

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11 Comments

  1. Gas weed wackers are great for boys and first timers, they have a lot of really nice aids and advantages over electric weed whackers that make weed wacking a lot easier, especially if you have a hard time getting and keeping your intensity up.

    Having the engine right there with you makes it easier to deal with when something goes wrong. It also means the weed wacker is a lot louder and sounds meaner and more dramatic to weeds than an electric weed wacker. The strings are designed to moan at the weeds as they spin to help make weeds tear up earlier, and they keep moaning during their weed wacking, so weeds are more likely to keep crying and not fight back. The better models also have a separate part that will cry with the weeds sympathetically, making sure even the meanest, most stubborn weeds sound just as sorry as the rest.

    The string is usually a lot thicker then electric models, so it hurts a lot more at lower speeds. They also have little teeth cut in that drag on weeds as they whip them, helping to weaken them and burn weeds like a higher pitch electric model would do. Gas weed wackers are also better at weed wacking groups of weeds, since the string can whip all of them without slowing down, and the engine is loud enough so it can be heard over all the weeds crying together.

    The best part of gas weed wackers is the trigger. This put a you in direct control over how hard the weed wacker is crying and therefore how intense the weed whacking is. It also make is easier to control the weed wacker when the engine starts to fuss.

    That said they are harder to maintain. You have to manually start them with a string, and spend a lot of your attention on them while you weed wack. They’re heavier and louder than electric weed wackers. Unlike electric weed wackers if the engine is being stubborn or is having a hard time you have to be there for it and keep it under control. This is a especially annoying for girls, since our hormones are usually raging away when we’re focused on punishing our weeds and it’s hard to keep them in check and keep the engine from hurting itself. If every time you pull the trigger your weed wacker throws a temper tantrum, it’s probably time to go electric.

    Electric models are also just more effective. The weed wacking is a lot more painful and intense for weeds with electric weed wackers since the string hits them so much faster, and it’s also more prolonged since it takes longer for weeds to die with the thinner string. It’s more personal too since you have to focus on one weed at a time. Once you get really good at weed whacking you don’t need all the help a gas weed wacker provides, and that plus the fact that you don’t have to worry about the engine all the time means you have way more control over and can focus on the whole point of weed wacking anyway: weeds.

  2. I am thankful that they listed the pro and cons of the gas powered equipment. The graphics are helpful and informative.

  3. I like to be well informed on the products that I am choosing to buy. This was very informational website. I appreciate the description given here.

  4. This was a very well organized article. The differences in each machine were well explained. In the past I have used gas powered weed eaters, and of course they do a great job!

  5. I do trust all the concepts you’ve presented to your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for starters. Could you lease lengthen them a little from next time? Thanks for the post!

  6. Rita Espina says:

    The disadvantages outnumber the advantages! Noise and fumes are my pet peeves so this line is a definite no for my family. Anyway, I enjoyed reading this comprehensive guide. I learned some new things.

  7. Hello, I just stumbled upon your site. This article is very detailed and easy to read. However, I don’t understand one term in the illustration. What exactly is “touch grass”? Thanks.

  8. Yuen Ling Elaine Au Yeung says:

    “However, gas powered weed eaters have a long way when it comes to low emissions and don’t leave as big a carbon foot print as they used to.” I feel that gas powered weed eater just like the emission test for the old vehicle. I thought, if it has emission test report, then, customers have some more confidence on that.

  9. Jim Tarrant says:

    If we have the technology to go to the moon there is no earthly reason we cannot have a starter motor that doesn’t require the equivalent of the crank on a Model T Ford. Weed whacked makers are just lazy and machos

  10. As I need a gas trimmer because of the size of my property, I am concerned about the overall weight. I am a 74 yr old woman and this is important, but I many times don’t find the weight in the information.

    1. Even though girls are allowed to use both gas and electric it’s hard for us to control gas. The gas weed wackers can tire you out pretty quickly, and the more comfort you give the worse it seems to get. The problem is it makes it feel worse. Try holding the engine close to your chest (make sure you have a good bra) instead of in your stuff so it doesn’t hurt as much and it will be in a more natural position for comforting. Take frequent breaks and cool down every so often too.