My Yard Machines weed eater has made yard maintenance so much easier for me, and I have my son to thank for it.
Impressed by its utility, I decided to present one to my neighbor on his birthday, who is an avid gardener like me. And when he asked me, ‘what size string for my Yard Machine weed eater would be most suitable?’ I decided to pen this guide.
Why Go For A Yard Machine Weed Eater?
You may be wondering why Yard Machines has been my go-to brand for weed eaters, so let me quickly walk you through its highlights.
Since its inception in the late 1950s, the brand has dedicated its operation to manufacturing outdoor power tools and equipment that can be used by practically anyone. Not only are most of its weed eaters fairly easy to use by novices, but they also come in different price ranges, meaning there’s something for everyone.
What Size String Trimmer Should You Use?
When choosing a string for your Yard Machines weed eater, you need to consider some factors to ensure a smooth yard maintenance experience. And in the following sections, I will list just those to help you out.
1. Diameter
The diameter essentially determines the thickness of a string trimmer line. Hence, you should opt for a bigger diameter to get rid of stubborn or thick weeds. In this regard, there are three diameter ranges, which include:
A. 0.065 To 0.080-Inch
These string lines are mostly suitable for trimming young or “fragile” weeds around the house, driveway, and walkway. You can also employ them for lightweight cutting jobs in compact areas that can’t fit thicker strings.
B. 0.065 To 0.080-Inch
Apart from coming in handy for light to medium-duty residential weed trimming jobs for removing weeds with thick stems, these string lines can be used for some commercial applications. This range is perfect for maintaining my medium-size lawn, especially when it sees an increase in thick-stemmed weeds.
C. 0.110-Inch And Above
As you may have understood by now, these bigger string lines deal with large lawns and heavy-duty weed trimming in residential and commercial spaces. Not only can they handle overgrown weed stems, but they can also effectively remove thick grass and shrubs.
2. Length Of The String
There’s no rocket science here- the longer the trimmer string line, the more trimming you can accomplish without replacement. So, choose a longer string (irrespective of its diameter) if you want to whack out more weeds in one go.
However, the maximum string length compatible with the tool depends on the size of the spool on the weed eater. On the other hand, some weed eaters may come without a spool, in which case you may need to replace the string more frequently. This is because such models make it difficult to understand the ideal string length for the trimming job.
The good news is that many spool-integrated weed trimmers allow you to change the spool heads. Hence, you can use a bigger attachment to be able to use a longer string line.
What Else Determines The Cutting Efficiency Of The String?
Although you may think that only the diameter and length of the string dictate its trimming efficiency, there’s another aspect you should consider- its shape.
Generally, string trimmer lines are available in three shapes, viz., round, twisted, and star or square. Among these, round-shaped strings are commonly used by home gardeners like me as they can rip out the weed roots without requiring much physical effort. I have used them for some time now, and I am happy with how they pull out the roots from the soil.
But if you want something sharper, you may consider the twisted line strings, as they have a more serrated edge than the round ones. Likewise, the star or square-shaped lines will appeal to gardeners who want sharp edges that can cut through the roots in a swift motion instead of pulling or tearing them.
Another option that can deliver razor-sharp cuts is the serrated string lines, with a “cutting jaw” similar to knives. These can cut through thick, stubborn weed roots like a saw, so they are your best bet if you don’t want to employ much force on the trimmer.
Final Words
On that note, it’s time for me to wrap up today’s proceedings.
As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended to use the thickest (largest diameter) and sharpest (shape-wise) string that your Yard Machines weed eater is compatible with. Generally, weed eaters with higher voltage employ thick strings, while those with low voltage capacity use medium or thin lines.
But always refer to the instructions manual to see the string lines the tool can handle effectively. Goodbye and take care!