Why Lightweight Trimmers Matter More Than You Think
I did not think trimmer weight mattered until I hurt my shoulder. I was using a 12-pound gas trimmer for an hour every weekend. One Saturday I could not lift my arm above my chest. My doctor said it was rotator cuff strain from holding a heavy tool at an awkward angle for too long.
A lightweight trimmer saves your arms, shoulders, and back. It also lets you work longer without breaks. If you have a big yard or you are older, this matters even more. Every pound you shave off makes a real difference after 30 minutes of trimming.
Comparison Table: 7 Best Lightweight String Trimmers Under 8 lbs
| Trimmer | Price | Weight | Power Source | Cutting Width | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worx WG170.9 | $69.00 | 4.6 lbs | Battery 20V | 12 in | 4.5 / 5 |
| Worx WG163.9 | $74.99 | 4.6 lbs | Battery 20V | 12 in | 4.5 / 5 |
| Black+Decker BESTA510 | $59.00 | 5.3 lbs | Corded 6.5-Amp | 14 in | 4.4 / 5 |
| EGO ST1510T | $159.00 | 7.0 lbs | Battery 56V | 15 in | 4.4 / 5 |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V P20014 | $98.00 | 5.5 lbs | Battery 18V | 13 in | 4.3 / 5 |
| Greenworks 24V 12 in | $116.09 | 5.3 lbs | Battery 24V | 12 in | 5.0 / 5 |
| Black+Decker LSTE525 | $149.00 | 5.7 lbs | Battery 20V | 12 in | 4.3 / 5 |
1. Worx WG170.9 — Lightest and Most Versatile
At just 4.6 pounds, the Worx WG170.9 is the lightest trimmer on this list. But do not let the weight fool you. This 3-in-1 tool works as a string trimmer, a lawn edger, and a mini mower. You twist the head 90 degrees to switch between modes.
The Command Feed system lets you push a button to feed more line. No bumping needed. The 12-inch cutting width is fine for small and medium yards. It uses Worx 20V batteries. This is my top pick for seniors or anyone who wants the lightest possible tool that still gets the job done.
2. Worx WG163.9 — Simple, Light, and Reliable
The Worx WG163.9 is similar to the WG170.9 but focuses on trimming and edging only. No mower mode. You still get the same 4.6-pound weight and Command Feed system. The 12-inch cutting path handles most yard trimming jobs.
This is a bare tool, so you need a Worx 20V battery. If you already own Worx tools, this is a cheap way to add a trimmer. The telescopic shaft adjusts to your height. The adjustable head tilts for edging along driveways and sidewalks.
3. Black+Decker BESTA510 — Best Corded Lightweight Trimmer
The BESTA510 is a corded trimmer that weighs just 5.3 pounds. Because it plugs into a wall outlet, you never run out of power. The 6.5-amp motor spins the 14-inch dual line at high speed. It cuts through thick grass without slowing down.
The auto-feed system advances line automatically. You do not bump or push buttons. Just trim and the line feeds itself. At $59, this is also the most affordable trimmer on this list. The tradeoff is the cord. You need an extension cord and you are limited by how far it reaches.
4. EGO ST1510T — Lightest High-Power Trimmer
At 7 pounds, the EGO ST1510T is light for a 56V trimmer. Most gas trimmers in this power class weigh 10 to 13 pounds. You get gas-like cutting power in a package that is almost half the weight. The aluminum shaft keeps the weight down while staying strong.
The POWERLOAD system is the easiest line reload I have used. Feed the line through the head, press a button, and the trimmer winds it for you. If you want cordless power without the heavy feel of a gas trimmer, this is your best bet under $200.
5. Ryobi ONE+ 18V P20014 — Best Budget Cordless
The Ryobi P20014 weighs 5.5 pounds and costs under $100 as a bare tool. It runs on the Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery system. That is the same battery used in over 200 Ryobi tools. If you own any Ryobi 18V tools, you already have the battery.
The 13-inch cutting path is good for a trimmer this light. It converts to an edger by rotating the shaft. The auto-feed head keeps line flowing. At this price and weight, it is hard to beat for small to medium yards.
6. Greenworks 24V 12-inch Brushless Trimmer
The Greenworks 24V brushless trimmer weighs just 5.3 pounds. It has a 2-in-1 design that converts to an edger. The brushless motor runs longer per charge than brushed motors. The adjustable shaft and handle let you dial in a comfortable fit.
This trimmer also comes with 10 plastic blades. Plastic blades last longer than string in light trimming. The 3-year warranty from Greenworks covers defects. The 12-inch cutting width is on the smaller side, but it fits the lightweight design.
7. Black+Decker LSTE525 — Easy Feed, No Bump
The LSTE525 is Black+Decker’s 20V cordless trimmer and edger combo. It weighs 5.7 pounds with the battery attached. The standout feature is the Easy Feed system. You press a button on the handle and the line advances. No bumping the head on the ground.
The 12-inch cutting path is standard for lightweight trimmers. The head rotates 180 degrees for edging. It uses Black+Decker 20V MAX batteries. If you have other Black+Decker 20V tools, you can share batteries.
Why Trimmer Weight Hurts More Than You Realize
Hold a 10-pound trimmer at waist height with your arm extended. Now imagine doing that for 45 minutes while walking, turning, and bending. Your shoulder, forearm, and lower back all work to keep the trimmer head level. A heavy trimmer forces you to take breaks. It makes you rush through the job. It can even cause repetitive strain injuries over time.
Every pound you drop from the trimmer weight adds about 10 minutes to how long you can work before feeling tired. A 5-pound trimmer lets the average person trim for an hour comfortably. A 10-pound trimmer wears you out in 25 minutes.
Corded vs Battery for Lightweight Trimmers
Corded trimmers are almost always lighter than battery models because they have no battery pack. The Black+Decker BESTA510 at 5.3 pounds proves this. You also get unlimited runtime. The downside is the cord. You drag it around, it gets caught on things, and you need an outlet nearby.
Battery trimmers give you freedom of movement. The tradeoff is a bit more weight and limited runtime. With a 4.0 Ah battery, most lightweight battery trimmers run 25 to 40 minutes. That is enough for most yards. For a large yard, buy a second battery or go corded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lightest string trimmer available?
The Worx WG170.9 and WG163.9 both weigh 4.6 pounds, making them the lightest full-size string trimmers on the market. The Worx GT Revolution at 3.4 pounds is lighter but has a much smaller cutting path.
Is a corded trimmer lighter than a battery trimmer?
Yes. Corded trimmers do not carry a heavy battery pack. The Black+Decker BESTA510 weighs 5.3 pounds, which is lighter than most battery trimmers with similar power.
What weight trimmer is best for seniors?
Look for a trimmer under 6 pounds with an adjustable handle. The Worx WG170.9 at 4.6 pounds and the Ryobi P20014 at 5.5 pounds are both excellent options for seniors and people with shoulder or arm problems.
How long can I use a lightweight trimmer before getting tired?
With a trimmer under 6 pounds, most people can work 45 to 60 minutes without major fatigue. With a 10-pound trimmer, fatigue sets in around 20 to 30 minutes.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect my recommendations. I only recommend products I have tested or thoroughly researched.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, grassblogger.com earns from qualifying purchases. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
