Choosing the best string trimmer for small yard work comes down to weight, reach and how long one charge lasts. I trim the lawn edges, path borders and fence lines around the family house, so I judge each tool by the short, tidy jobs a small yard gives it.
I picked nine that I recommend, from a three-job battery kit to a plain corded model. My top pick is the WORX WG170 20V 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer, because one head edges, trims and runs on wheels over flat grass edges.
Best String Trimmer for Small Yard Reviews 2026: 9 Models I Put to Work
These nine trimmers suit a lawn of about a quarter acre or less, ranked by how well each handles weight, edging and a short job. Seven run on batteries and two plug in. Every pick below lists its weight, swath and run time the way its maker states them.
1. WORX WG170 20V 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer Best Overall
The WORX WG170 20V 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer does three jobs with one 12 in. head, and that is why it leads this list. It trims along the fence, edges on its support wheels and runs a wheeled trimming mode over short flat grass. According to WORX, one charge is designed to trim the average quarter acre yard, which is the lawn size this page is about.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The WG170 is my top pick because one tool covers the trimming, the edging and the flat grass edges around a small yard, at a weight a long edge does not punish. If I could keep only one trimmer for a lawn this size, this is the one. The wheel, the telescoping shaft and the push button each remove a small annoyance, and small annoyances are what make people stop trimming the edges.
WORX WG170 20V 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer Specs
Key Features:
- Three modes: pull the shaft up and turn it 90 degrees to lock the head into edging mode, then bolt the wheels on in the edging, trimming or trimming and mowing position.
- Command Feed: press the button and the motor pauses while fresh line comes out, so the head never needs bumping on the ground.
- Automatic nudge at each start: the tool feeds about 0.25 in. of line every time it starts from rest, which keeps the swath full.
- Telescoping shaft: the length and the 7-position auxiliary handle adjust to the person holding it, and WORX says the head pivots through 6 positions.
- Two packs in the box: a second 2.0Ah pack means the edge along the path and the fence line do not wait on a charger.
- PowerShare platform: WORX says the same 20V packs fit more than 75 of its 20V, 40V and 80V tools.
- Spare spool holder: a spool rides on the tool, and the box holds three spools, so a line change does not send you back to the shed.
On the house lawn I start with the edging mode. I pull the shaft up, turn it 90 degrees and let the wheel ride the edge of the concrete path, so the line follows the slab instead of my wrist. The wheel does the steering, and that is what makes a straight edge easy for someone who has never edged before. The limit is the line: 0.065 in. is the largest size the manual allows, so a thick patch of weeds at the fence slows the head down.
Run time is the question to settle before you buy, and WORX does not print minutes for this kit. The company says only that one charge is designed for an average quarter acre yard and that results vary. The clatter you hear at each start is the automatic feed pushing line out to the cutter, and the manual calls it normal. The two packs cover a long edge, and I charge both the evening before, because the manual lists 5 hours for the charger in this kit.
The second job is the hedgerow base and the corners where the mower does not fit. The telescoping shaft goes shorter or longer to my height, and the pivoting head lets the line reach under the hedge edge without me bending over it. The head keeps spinning after switch-off, so I wait until it stops before I lay the tool down. The wheeled trimming mode is for short flat grass, and the manual says to cut high grass in stages, and I follow that on the alley edge.
Let the motor reach full speed before the line touches the grass, as the manual says. If the line is too short, stop, restart and let the motor spin up, or press Command Feed.
Switch off, wait until the head stops, then remove the battery before you clear the head, rewind line, adjust or carry the tool. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection every time, as the manual’s symbols show, and keep the tool out of rain and wet locations.
Upkeep is light. Keep the vents clear, wipe the tool dry and never wash it with water, and charge between 0 and 40 C. The single speed leaves no gentler setting beside the flowering strip, so I keep the line clear of it and let the motor reach full speed before the head comes near.
Buy it for a lawn of up to about a quarter acre with a path edge, a fence line and a few beds, when you want one battery tool that edges as well as it trims. Skip it for thick weeds, brush or long runs far from the house: the line is 0.065 in., there is one speed, and the head takes no attachments.
FINAL VERDICT
I recommend the WG170 as the best string trimmer for small yard care when one tool has to edge, trim and handle flat grass edges. Choose another type if your weeds are woody or your lawn runs past about a quarter acre.
It is the three-job trimmer I reach for on the house lawn.
2. Milwaukee M18 2828-21 Brushless String Trimmer Kit Best Premium
The Milwaukee M18 2828-21 Brushless String Trimmer Kit is the premium pick for a small yard that holds more than lawn: a brushless motor, a swath you set to 14 or 16 in., and a head that takes 0.095 in. line when the fence-line weeds turn stubborn. The price of that is run time. Milwaukee’s own table gives 12 to 20 minutes on the XC6.0 pack, so it suits a yard you finish on one charge.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I chose the 2828-21 because it is the trimmer on this list that I trust with the thick edge of the yard as well as the lawn. The 0.095 in. line and the High speed give it room to work on stubborn growth. Its short run time keeps it honest as a small yard tool.
Milwaukee M18 2828-21 Brushless String Trimmer Kit Specs
Key Features:
- Brushless motor on the M18 platform: Milwaukee says the pack fits more than 300 M18 tools, and the kit brings a 6.0Ah pack and a charger.
- Two speeds: a button picks Low, up to 4,600 rpm, or High, up to 6,200 rpm, and the variable trigger works inside the chosen range.
- 14 in. or 16 in. swath: turn the line cut-off blade 180 degrees to change the width of the cut.
- Two line sizes: the head takes 0.080 in. line, 25 ft per load, or 0.095 in. line, 20 ft per load, in spiral form only.
- Easy Load head: it is a bump feed head, and the manual says to bump it gently on the ground at normal running speed.
- Printed run times: Milwaukee gives minutes for each swath and speed instead of one hopeful number.
- 3-year warranty: Milwaukee’s warranty page lists three years for outdoor power equipment.
The manual wants the head held just above the ground and swung from side to side, with the line cutting in the direction of the arrow on the guard. That one habit gave me the cleanest edge along the tree rows, and the manual says the line cuts best moving that way. On the strip beside the trees I set the swath to 14 in. so the head stays inside the line I want. In long growth the manual says to make several passes, with High speed for dense growth, and to keep at least 12 in. between the head and your body, which I do by letting the head angle down.
Milwaukee prints the run times on its product page: with the XC6.0 pack at 14 in., 20 minutes on Low and 14 minutes on High, and at 16 in., 18 minutes on Low and 12 minutes on High. Moving from Low to High cuts the run time by about 30 percent at 14 in. I plan each session around one pack and leave the long fence line for another day, because a second pack makes sense once the job runs past one charge.
The shaft ships folded in half, and you unfold it and secure the coupler with three bolts and a key from the box. That was the surprise: it takes a few minutes at the bench before the first cut. The manual says the bolts must be tight at all times, and that running without the coupler secured will cause serious injury, so I check them before every session. The limits are just as plain: Milwaukee lists 11.5 lb with the battery, and it says do not use the tool as an edger or tilt the head to a right angle.
Store spare line in a sealed bag with a tablespoon of water, as the manual says, so the line does not dry out and crack.
Wear safety glasses marked ANSI Z87.1 and hearing protection, and keep bystanders and pets 50 ft away, as the manual says. Switch off, wait for the head to stop, then take the battery out before you change line, clear the head or maintain the tool.
Upkeep is small: clean the vents of dust and cuttings, wipe the housing with a damp cloth and mild soap, and sharpen the line cutter now and then. Milwaukee also asks you to return the tool, battery and charger for inspection after six months to a year, depending on use. Milwaukee lists 11.5 lb with the battery, which is a lot to carry along a long edge, so judge that weight against your own strength before you buy.
It suits a small yard that you finish on one charge, an owner who wants brushless power and heavier line, and anyone who already owns M18 batteries. Skip it if low weight matters, if you need an edger mode, or if you want a trimmer that runs a long time on one pack.
FINAL VERDICT
Pick the Milwaukee when your yard fits inside one charge and the fence line needs thicker line than most trimmers allow. Keep in mind that it weighs 11.5 lb with the battery, trims and does not edge, and check the box contents on the listing before you order.
It is the premium trimmer I keep for the stubborn edge of the yard.
3. BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer Best Value
The BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer is the value pick for a small yard with lawn edges and a few beds: a 12 in. head with a button that feeds line while you cut, two speeds, and a flip-to-edge collar with an edge wheel. The battery and charger come in the box at a mid-range price, and BLACK+DECKER builds the tool for residential use, which is what a small yard asks for.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The LSTE523 earns the value label because it gives a small yard the features of a pricier trimmer for a mid-range price: a button for line, two speeds, an edge wheel and a battery in the box. The button and the edge wheel are the two features that save the most time on a lawn edge with a few beds.
BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer Specs
Key Features:
- EASYFEED button: press and release it while you trim to advance line, and the head stops cutting while the button is down.
- Automatic line feed: the head also senses when more line is needed, and the manual says never to bump it on the ground.
- Two speeds: position 1 extends run time, and position 2 is an acceleration mode for heavier growth that shortens it.
- Flip-to-edge collar: with the battery out, push the collar down and rotate the head 180 degrees until the handle snaps into the upper half.
- Wheeled edge guide: the edge wheel works in edging mode only and keeps the line a steady distance from the border.
- Height collar on the shaft: loosen it, slide the shaft to your height and tighten it again.
- 20V MAX battery system: the kit holds one battery and a charger, and the manual lists the packs and chargers that work with the tool.
The EASYFEED button is the reason I rate this tool. When the line gets short beside the garden bed I press the button once, the head pauses, and fresh line comes out without a trip to the ground. Pressing it over and over wastes line, and the manual says it will consume string quickly, so one press at a time is the habit I settled on. The cut itself suits a lawn edge: the manual wants a 5 to 10 degree angle, the tip of the line doing the work and growth no higher than 12 in., cut from the top down.
The two speeds decide how I plan a session. Position 1 stretches the battery, and I use it for the whole house lawn edge. Position 2 is the acceleration mode, which BLACK+DECKER recommends for heavier growth, and it shortens run time, so I keep it for the short fence line and switch back when the line is clean. The maker prints no minutes, and the kit holds a single battery, which is why this tool belongs on a small yard.
For edging I switch off, wait for the head to stop and take the battery out, then push the collar down, turn the head 180 degrees and set the edge wheel against the border. The manual says edging throws stones and metal, so people and pets stay 100 ft away and you work away from walls and steps. Near the young plum trunks I keep the line well off the bark, because the manual warns that tree bark and fence posts are easily damaged by the string. The limits are the 12 in. swath and the single line size.
If the line sticks out past the blade on the guard, switch off, wait for the head to stop, take the battery out and cut it back so it just reaches the blade, as the manual says, and keep the spool cap’s line in its holding slots so it does not unravel.
The manual’s order matters here: switch off, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head. Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1, gloves, long pants and sturdy shoes, and never lock the trigger on.
Charge the battery between 40 and 105 F, and do not leave the pack or tool where the temperature can reach 105 F, such as a metal shed in summer. BLACK+DECKER says to charge soon after use and to avoid draining the pack fully. The maker page lists 8.04 lb without saying whether the battery is included, so lift one before you buy.
This is for a small yard owner who wants edging, a feed button and two speeds without paying for a premium kit. Skip it if you need a published run time, a wider swath or a trimmer for thick weeds, because it takes 0.065 in. line only. Its limits are one battery, no published run time and 8.04 lb on the maker page, and within them it is the best value for a small yard with a lawn edge and a few beds.
FINAL VERDICT
For a small yard with a lawn edge and a few beds, the LSTE523 is the practical choice because the feed button and the edge wheel cut the two slowest chores, feeding line and keeping the edge straight. Choose another tool when your job is heavy growth or a long run.
It is the value trimmer I hand to a first-time buyer.
4. BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 6.5 Amp Corded String Trimmer Best Corded
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 6.5 Amp Corded String Trimmer is the corded pick for a small yard where an outlet sits within reach of the work. It has a 6.5 amp motor, a 14 in. cut path and no battery to charge or wear out. Of the corded trimmers on this page it has the biggest motor and the widest cut, which makes it the best corded string trimmer here for lawns and beds near the house.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The BESTA510 is my corded choice because a small yard near an outlet does not need a battery system. There is nothing to charge in the evening, and the run time ends when I stop. For the money it is a sensible way into trimming.
BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 6.5 Amp Corded String Trimmer Specs
Key Features:
- 6.5 amp motor: BLACK+DECKER lists the motor at 120 V and gives the trimmer a 14 in. cut path.
- Automatic Feed Spool: line advances as it wears, and the manual says never to bump the head on the ground.
- Cord retainer: double an extension cord about 8 in. from its end, slide it into the slot and hook the loop over the tab so the plug stays put.
- Wheeled edge guide: turn the collar, rotate the lower housing 180 degrees and tighten the collar to edge along a path.
- Adjustable shaft: loosen the collar and slide the upper housing to your height.
Corded power changes how you work. The listed 6.5 lb carries no battery, and that steady weight is the first thing I noticed on a long edge. The 14 in. path covers the grass beside the tree-row strip in fewer passes than a narrow head would. The reach is the price: the manual wants an outdoor-rated extension cord of adequate gauge, and the orchard rows sit too far from the shed outlet for this tool.
I treat the cord as part of the tool. The built-in retainer holds the doubled extension cord, and the manual says to keep the cord away from the rotating line. Beside the drip lines I lift the lines out of the way and keep the cord on the other side of my body. BLACK+DECKER recommends GFCI protection on the circuit, and the tool is not for wet places or rain.
With the tool unplugged, blow the dirt out of the air vents with clean, dry air about once a week, with eye protection on, as the manual advises.
Switch off, wait for the head to stop, unplug, then touch the head. In edging mode the manual keeps people and pets 100 ft away, because stones and metal fly.
Store it indoors, dry and locked up, away from fertilizer and chemicals. If it gets wet, let it dry at least 48 hours before use. It has a single speed and takes only 0.065 in. round nylon, so heavier line is out.
Near an outlet it fits a lawn, path and beds within a cord’s reach of the house. Skip it if you trim far from an outlet, along wet ground or on orchard rows, and if you want a speed switch or heavier line. My review of the BESTA510 covers the corded trimmer-edger in more detail.
FINAL VERDICT
Choose the BESTA510 when the work stays near an outlet and you want the biggest corded motor on this page without a battery to look after. If your trimming runs beyond the cord, buy a battery tool instead.
It is the corded trimmer I plug in by the shed door.
5. WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Best Lightweight
Light weight shows at the end of a long edge, and the WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger carries about 5.3 lb with the battery on, according to WORX. That is the lowest with-battery weight a maker prints for the battery kits on this page, which is why it is the best lightweight string trimmer here. It also edges on a wheel, and it comes with two batteries and a charger.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The WG163 is the light one I pick because it asks the least of my wrist and shoulder on a long edge. Light weight, an edger wheel and two packs in one kit is a combination that keeps small yards tidy.
WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Specs
Key Features:
- Command Feed: press the button and the motor pauses while new line comes out, so you never bump the head.
- 2-in-1 edger: turn the telescoping shaft and head 90 degrees and put the wheel on the guard for edging.
- Flower guard: an adjustable spacer guard sits in the box to keep the line off plants and lawn ornaments.
- Two 20V packs: the kit comes with two PowerShare packs and a charger.
- Telescoping shaft: the length and the 7-position auxiliary handle adjust to different heights.
The weight number matters because I trim in short passes along beds and paths all morning. At about 5.3 lb my wrist feels the long edge later than it does with a heavier tool. The 12 in. head is narrow, so a wide strip takes several passes, and the manual allows 0.065 in. line only. For lawn edges and path borders that is enough.
Command Feed is the part I use most. Each start from rest feeds about 0.25 in. of line, and the clatter you hear is normal, according to the manual. If the feed stops working, the cause is usually a tangled or badly wound spool, so I wind line neatly, because WORX says a badly coiled spool impairs the automatic feed. The kit does not publish a run time, and with no low-speed mode to stretch a charge, the manual’s advice to cut high grass in stages applies.
Beside the vegetable plot I fit the flower guard, so the line stays off the plants at the edge of the wood-chip path.
Before you change a spool, wind line, clear the head, clean, carry or store it, switch off, wait for the head to stop, then remove the battery. Wear eye and hearing protection, rubber gloves and sturdy shoes, as the manual advises.
Charge between 0 and 40 C and store between 0 and 45 C. WORX gives no charge time for this kit, and the charger is the slow type, so plug both packs in the evening before. The manual gives no bystander distance and says only to keep visitors and children away, so I keep everyone well clear of the line.
Look at it if you have a small, flat lawn with path edges, want a light first trimmer and a wheel edger, or are starting a WORX 20V battery set. Skip it for thick weeds, a fence line that needs heavy line, or any job that runs long on one charge. My WORX WG163 and WG170 comparison sets the two 20V models side by side.
FINAL VERDICT
Choose the WG163 when weight is the first thing you notice and your yard is small, flat and edged. A bigger property wants a tool with a published run time.
It is the light trimmer I hand to a first-time user.
6. CRAFTSMAN CMEST900 3.5 Amp Corded String Trimmer Best Budget
The CRAFTSMAN CMEST900 3.5 Amp Corded String Trimmer is the lowest-priced trimmer on this page, and for a small yard near an outlet it does the job. It is a corded 12 in. trimmer and edger with an automatic feed head and a turn-to-edge collar. That makes it the best budget weed eater here for a lawn edge and a path, and the box leaves out the power cord, so plan on an outdoor extension cord.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The CMEST900 stays on the list because it is the cheapest way to get a clean edge and a no-bump feed head. A small yard needs no battery. It is a plain tool for a plain job.
CRAFTSMAN CMEST900 3.5 Amp Corded String Trimmer Specs
Key Features:
- Automatic feed: the head advances line as it wears, and the guard blade trims it to length.
- Turn-to-edge collar: press the convert-to-edge button and rotate the motor housing 180 degrees counterclockwise.
- Wire edge guide: it supports the head in edging mode and is for edge mode only.
- Integrated VERSATRACK hook: CRAFTSMAN’s wall system, sold separately, takes the tool by its hook.
- 3-year warranty: the manual gives three years from purchase, longer than the two years on some corded trimmers.
On the house lawn the walk edge after mowing is the job for this tool. I turn the housing to edge mode, set the wire guide against the path and walk it. The guide keeps the head from wandering, and the manual says edging works best on edges deeper than 2 in. and is not for digging trenches. The 3.5 amp motor and 12 in. swath are the smallest on the page, so a thick patch slows it down.
Line is the limit on a fence. The manual says line wears faster along sidewalks and abrasive surfaces, and that wire and picket fences wear it or break it, which matches what I saw. A fence line eats the 0.065 in. line quickly. The automatic feed advances it as it wears, and the manual warns not to strike the spool cap on the ground to force line.
The extension cord goes into the built-in cord retainer, doubled about 8 in. from the end, so the plug cannot pull out as you move along the edge.
Before you adjust, replace line, clear a jam, clean or store it, switch off, wait for the head to stop, then unplug. The manual’s additional warnings and its edging section keep bystanders and pets at least 100 ft away, and I use that distance for every job.
With the tool unplugged, blow out the vents with clean, dry air about weekly with eye protection on, and never use a hose or pressure washer. If it gets wet, let it dry for 48 hours. The box has no power cord, and the work area ends where the extension cord does.
Take it for a small lawn and garden edge near an outlet when the lowest cost matters most. Skip it if you trim far from power, on thick or woody growth, or when you need a bigger motor or a wider swath.
FINAL VERDICT
Choose the CMEST900 when the job is a lawn edge near an outlet and the purchase price comes first. Pay for a bigger motor if your weeds fight back.
It is the budget trimmer I plug in for lawn edges.
7. Greenworks 40V 12 in. Cordless String Trimmer Best Cheap Cordless
Nothing to bump, nothing to press: the Greenworks 40V 12 in. Cordless String Trimmer feeds its own line when you release the trigger and squeeze it again. It is a 12 in., 40V cordless trimmer with a battery and a charger in the box, at the budget end of the battery kits on this page. That makes it the best cheap string trimmer here for a small yard that wants no cord and no fuel.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The Greenworks 40V makes the list because it removes the cord and the fuel for the lowest battery cost on this page. A small yard with light grass does not need more. The trigger-fed line spares you the bump-and-stop routine.
Greenworks 40V 12 in. Cordless String Trimmer Specs
Key Features:
- Auto feed head: release the trigger, wait two seconds and squeeze again, and about 1/4 in. of line comes out each time.
- Variable-speed trigger: the trigger sets the speed, and the 40V battery sits in the rear handle.
- Edge guide: Greenworks lists a guide for trimming around flower beds and describes no edging mode.
- Fast charger: Greenworks lists a 60 minute charge with the included charger.
- 40V platform: the maker says the battery fits more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools.
On the gravel edge I never bump this head on the stones, because the manual says bumping it damages it and voids the warranty. The two second pause is the whole technique: I release the trigger, count two seconds, squeeze again, and the line advances about 1/4 in. toward the guard blade. The guard stays on, and I wear safety glasses with side shields marked ANSI Z87.1.
The weight is 7.87 lb with the battery on, according to the manual, and I feel it more than on a lighter kit. Run time is up to 30 minutes in the manual and up to 33 on the maker page, with conditions not stated. I cut tall grass from the top down, no more than 8 in. per pass, because lower cuts wrap the grass around the shaft and head. When I push the head into a dense patch the motor stops from overload, and it recovers once I lift the head out of the grass, as the manual says.
Keep bystanders, children and pets at least 50 ft away, as the manual says, and stop when someone walks closer.
Before you clear grass, change line or clean, switch off by releasing the trigger, wait for the head to stop, then take the battery out. Never bump the head to advance line, never use wire or rope, and use 0.065 in. line only.
Charge the battery between 45 and 104 F, and if it is warm let it cool for about 30 minutes outside the charger. Store it indoors, dry and high or locked up, with the battery charged. Respooling takes more steps than on a push-button head, with two 10 ft lengths of line each wound in its own anchor hole, so keep a pre-wound spool in the shed.
It fits a small to medium lawn with light grass and weeds along beds, paths and fences, and a household that already owns Greenworks 40V tools. Skip it for thick weeds, brush, large areas or any job that needs a wider or adjustable swath.
FINAL VERDICT
Choose the Greenworks 40V when you want a cordless trimmer at the budget end and your grass is light. If weight or run time matters more than cost, pick a different kit.
It is the budget cordless trimmer for light grass.
8. Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit Best for Makita LXT Owners
A Makita 18V LXT battery in the shed makes the Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit an easy decision. It is a brushless 13 in. trimmer that Makita lists at 5.2 lb without the battery and 6.6 lb with it, and the kit holds a 4.0Ah pack and a charger. I recommend it above all to owners of Makita 18V LXT tools who trim a small yard.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The XRU23SM1 is for owners who already have LXT batteries. It keeps the battery count down and the weight low. The tool does what a small yard asks and stops there.
Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit Specs
Key Features:
- Brushless motor: Makita calls it a BL brushless motor, with STAR protection against overload, over-discharge and overheat.
- High and Low speed: tap the main power button to switch between High, up to 6,000 rpm, and Low, up to 4,500 rpm, and the trigger varies speed inside each mode.
- Electric brake and soft start: the head stops quickly after you release the trigger, and it starts without a jerk.
- Rapid Load head: you align, feed and twist to load line, and a tap on the ground feeds more.
- Folded pipes: the shaft assembles from a short package by straightening the pipes and pinning the joint.
I trim the edges in short bursts, so the weight at the end of the pass is what I notice. At 6.6 lb with the pack on, the battery adds only 1.4 lb to the 5.2 lb bare tool, so the weight at the end of the pass is the weight I started with. I stop the head completely before I change my grip, and I go back to the manual’s two-handed hold. Makita says the trimmer is intended for grass and light weeds only, so I keep it away from woody stems and from the thick growth on the ditch bank.
Makita says up to 1 hour of run time with the 4.0Ah pack and does not state conditions. I treat that as a ceiling and plan each session around one pack. The tool stops itself on overload, with a green blink, if a foreign object or tangled weeds lock the head. The manual also advises a 10 to 20 minute rest every hour, which suits a small yard.
On a fence line the line diameter matters: the head takes 0.08 in. line only, and Makita says never to use heavier line, wire or rope.
Switch off, wait for the head to stop, then remove the battery before you adjust, change accessories, clear a blockage, clean, store or transport the tool, because the head keeps rotating after the motor stops. Wear goggles and hearing protection, and keep everyone within 50 ft away, animals included.
Charge between 50 and 104 F, let a hot pack cool, and recharge a stored pack after about six months. Keep the vents clear of cut grass so the tool does not overheat. Makita lists a 3-year limited warranty on the tool, battery and charger, and the kit holds one 4.0Ah pack, so a longer job needs a second pack.
Go for it if you have a small to medium lawn with light weeds, value low weight or already own Makita 18V LXT tools. Skip it for thick weeds, tall grass, a 15 in. swath or a long job on one pack. My review of the Makita XRU23SM1 covers the 13-inch brushless kit in more detail.
FINAL VERDICT
Choose the Makita when your shed already holds LXT batteries and the job is light grass on a small yard. Buyers outside the LXT system should weigh the platform cost first.
It is the light trimmer for my Makita battery shelf.
9. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST900D1 String Trimmer and Edger Kit Best V20 Starter Kit
The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST900D1 String Trimmer and Edger Kit is the starter kit for a buyer who already runs, or wants to run, CRAFTSMAN V20 tools. It trims 13 in. with an automatic feed head, turns to edge with a collar and a wire guide, and has two speeds. CRAFTSMAN designs it for household trimming and edging, which is the work a small yard asks for.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The CMCST900D1 is here because it is a plain, self-feeding trimmer that starts a V20 battery set. Two speeds and a wire edge guide are enough for a small yard. A buyer without other V20 tools should check the platform first.
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST900D1 String Trimmer and Edger Kit Specs
Key Features:
- Automatic feed: the head senses when more line is needed and feeds it, and the manual says never to bump the unit on the ground.
- Two speeds: pull the switch back to LO for larger jobs and push it forward to HI for heavier growth, which shortens run time.
- Turn-to-edge collar: with the battery out, pull the collar down and rotate the head 180 degrees until it snaps.
- Wire edge guide: it supports the head while edging and works in edge mode only.
- Integrated hook: the tool hangs on the maker’s VERSATRACK wall system, which is sold separately.
The self-feeding head is what I notice first, and it changes how I work along the path. I never tap the head on the ground to get more line, because the manual says that disrupts the feed. For edging I switch off, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, pull the collar down, turn the head and set the wire guide, and the manual says the edge should be deeper than 2 in. for best results. The head wears line faster on sidewalks and in heavy weeds.
Run time is not published, and the 2.0Ah pack is a small one, so the speed switch is the tool for stretching it. LO for the lawn, HI only for the patch that needs it. If the line jams, sap or debris in the feeding hub is the likely cause. Switch off, wait for the head to stop, take the battery out, then remove the spool cap, pull the spool and clear it.
For storage I keep the pack fully charged in a cool, dry place out of the charger and hang the trimmer on its hook, as the manual advises.
Switch off, wait for the head to stop, then remove the battery before you adjust, change the spool, clear a jam, clean or store it, and keep people and pets at least 100 ft away. Wear ANSI Z87.1 eye protection, hearing protection, long pants and sturdy footwear.
Charge only between 40 and 104 F, and do not store the pack where it can reach 104 F, such as an outside shed in summer. With the battery out, blow the vents clear weekly with clean, dry air and eye protection on. CRAFTSMAN publishes no run time, charge time or weight for this kit, so plan on a short job per pack.
It is a fit for a small to medium lawn and garden edge, a household that wants no cord or fuel, and a buyer who owns or plans to buy V20 tools. Skip it for long jobs on one small pack, thick weeds, woody growth or a heavier line.
FINAL VERDICT
Choose the CMCST900D1 when you are building a CRAFTSMAN V20 set and your yard is small. If you want a published run time before you buy, look at a kit that prints one.
It is the V20 trimmer I use to start a battery set.
How to Choose the Best String Trimmer for a Small Yard
A small yard is about a quarter acre or less, with short runs, tight beds and an edge or two to keep neat. Six factors decide the match, and the best string trimmer for home use is the one that gets those six right for your lawn.
Power Source and Reach
Small yards suit electric tools. A corded trimmer never runs down, but its work area ends where the extension cord does, and the manuals ask for an outdoor-rated cord of enough gauge and a GFCI-protected circuit. A battery trimmer carries no cord, and the pack decides how long you can work. The best electric string trimmer for a small yard is whichever of the two matches where your outlets are. My comparison of the BESTA510 and CMEST900 shows how the two corded models differ.
| Power source | What it gives a small yard | What limits it |
|---|---|---|
| Corded | No battery to charge or replace | Reach ends at the cord, and it is not for wet places |
| Battery | No cord and no fuel | Run time depends on the pack, the speed and the growth |
| Gas | Long reach on a big lot | Fuel mix, exhaust and noise, and never indoors or in a shed |
Gas is the odd one out on a small yard. NIOSH sampling of landscaping workers found significantly more noise and carbon monoxide exposure with fuel-powered trimmers, blowers and chainsaws than with battery versions (1). In a field study, two petrol grass trimmer engines measured about 100 and 105 dB(A) at the operator (2). Fuel goes in outdoors on a cool engine, and a gas trimmer never runs in a shed or garage. If you still want fuel, my roundup of gas string trimmers covers power, weight and warranty.
- Measure the distance from the nearest outlet to the farthest edge you trim.
- Decide where the battery will charge and where it will be stored.
- Count the beds, trunks and fences the cord would have to pass.
At my place the outlets sit in the shed and the workshop, so a corded tool covers the house lawn and a battery tool covers everything beyond the cord. My roundup of corded string trimmers is the place to start if outlets reach your edges.
Weight With the Battery On
Weight decides whether you finish the edge or stop early. Makers print weight on different bases: some give the bare tool, some the tool with a battery, and some print none. The with-battery figure is the one your wrists carry. Comparing a bare-tool number with a with-battery number and calling the first one lighter is the mistake to avoid. My list of lightweight string trimmers compares seven models by the weight their makers state.
Hands also carry the shake. In one laboratory test, a grass trimmer gave higher hand vibration than a backpack blower, and gloves reduced it (3). I check the weight with the battery on, wear gloves for every session and rest between passes with the head stopped.
Best Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Features for Beds and Paths
Swath is the circle the line draws. The trimmers on this page run from 12 in. to 16 in., and a wider swath cuts more grass per pass. A 12 in. head gives tighter control along beds. The best small string trimmer balances the two against the length of your edge. My Makita XRU23SM1 and EGO ST1521S comparison puts swath and reach side by side.
Edging differs from model to model. One manual lets the head turn 180 degrees with a wheel or a guide, and another says in plain words not to use its trimmer as an edger. Pick the best string trimmer edger combo only if the manual describes edging on that exact model, and keep people and pets back, and follow the longest distance your manual gives for your model and mode, because the manuals I read range from 30 ft to 100 ft.
| Feature | What it does | What to check in the manual |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeled edge guide | Keeps the line a steady distance from the border | It works in edge mode only |
| Turn-to-edge collar | Rotates the head 180 degrees for edging | Switch off, let it stop, then remove the battery |
| Edge guide for beds | Keeps the line off plants | On some models it is not an edging mode |
After every mow I edge the concrete path to the house door, and I clear stones and wire from the line of the edge first, as the manuals tell you to. My roundup of string trimmers for edging lists models with a real edge mode or an edger kit.
Line Feed and Line Size
Heads feed line in three ways, and the rules are opposite. A bump head releases line when you tap it on bare ground. An automatic head feeds by itself, and a push-button head feeds while you press the button. Bumping an automatic head can damage it, and one maker says it voids the warranty.
- Bump head: tap it gently on bare ground at running speed.
- Automatic head: let it feed, and never bump it.
- Push-button head: press and release while you trim, and the motor pauses while the button is down.
The maker sets the line size for the motor. Light-duty heads take 0.065 in. round line, and heavier or serrated line overloads the motor, so use only the diameters your manual lists. I wind a new spool in the shed with my gloves on, after I switch off, wait for the head to stop and take the battery out.
Pro Tip
If the line sticks out past the blade on the guard, switch off, wait for the head to stop and take out the battery (unplug a corded tool), then cut it back so it just reaches the blade. A line that is too long overloads the motor and makes it run hot.
Run Time, Charging and the Battery Platform
On a small yard the goal is a one-pack job. Makers rarely print minutes. One maker’s table gives 20 minutes on low and 14 on high with a 6.0Ah pack at a 14 in. swath, and the figure falls as speed and swath rise. The best cordless string trimmer for a small yard is the one whose pack covers your whole edge. My roundup of battery string trimmers covers more cordless models for every yard.
Voltage names confuse buyers. A pack marked 20V Max is rated 18V nominal in its maker’s manual, so compare the number each maker prints and never judge run time from voltage alone. Packs fit only the tools their own maker lists, never every tool of the same voltage.
- Look for the minutes the maker prints, with the swath and speed they were measured at.
- Charge within the temperature range in your manual.
- Store a pack charged and out of a hot shed in summer.
Battery Safety
Use only the maker’s charger and pack. Never charge or use a damaged or swollen pack, and keep loose packs away from keys, coins and nails.
I charge packs the evening before a job and keep them indoors in summer.
Safety Gear and Space Around You
Trimmers throw things. US emergency departments treated an estimated 81,907 lawn trimmer injuries from 2000 to 2009, and the eye accounted for 42.5 percent of them (4). Bystanders can be hurt too: one case series includes an injury to a person standing nearby (5). In a series of 26 open-globe injuries, 57.7 percent involved an intraocular foreign body, most often metal (6).
- Eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1, or the standard your manual names, every time.
- Hearing protection, long pants, sturdy boots and gloves.
- The guard on at all times, and a clear zone for people and pets.
Clear the Head Safely
Switch off, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head. On a corded tool unplug it, and on a gas tool take the spark plug wire off.
Keep the line off tree bark, because the manuals warn that the string damages it easily. I wear safety glasses and ear protection from the first minute, even for a short job.
My Overall Verdict
Seven of my nine picks run on a battery and two plug in, and the right one depends on where your outlets are and how long your edge runs. For bigger properties, my picks of string trimmers for large yards lean on longer run times.
1. WORX WG170 20V 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer Best Overall
The WORX WG170 suits a lawn of about a quarter acre that needs trimming, edging and wheeled grass edges from one tool.
2. Milwaukee M18 2828-21 Brushless String Trimmer Kit Best Premium
The Milwaukee 2828-21 suits a yard you finish in one charge, with a fence line that needs heavier line.
3. BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer Best Value
The BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 suits a first-time buyer who wants a feed button, two speeds and an edge wheel at a mid-range price.
Match the tool to your outlets and your edge, and you will own the best string trimmer for small yard care without paying for power you never use. My top string trimmer picks for every yard and power type start from the same checks.
Why WORX WG170 20V 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer Might Be the Best Choice
I keep coming back to the WORX WG170 because it removes a decision. One head trims, edges and runs on wheels over flat grass, and the shaft and handle adjust to whoever is holding it. My review of the WORX WG170 goes through the 3-in-1 head in more detail.
The trade-offs are plain. WORX prints no minutes, the supplied charger is slow and the line is 0.065 in., so thick weeds slow it down. For a lawn of about a quarter acre with beds and a fence, I accept them. My WORX WG170 and Milwaukee 2828-21 comparison explains which cordless trimmer I recommend.
Here is what you get with the kit:
✓ Two 20V batteries and a charger in the box.
✓ A telescoping shaft with a 7-position auxiliary handle.
✓ Command Feed, so you never bump the head on the ground.
✓ Wheels that fit in edging, trimming or wheeled mowing positions.
✓ A 3-year limited warranty when you register within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good small yard trimmer?
A good small yard trimmer is a light 12 in. to 14 in. electric model, corded if an outlet is close and battery if it is not. It should weigh little with the battery on, feed line without bumping and cover your whole edge on one charge or one cord.
Can I cut a small lawn with a string trimmer?
You can cut a small lawn with a string trimmer, but it cuts in narrow strips and takes many passes, so it suits trimming, edging and short grass best. Cut tall grass from the top down in small steps, as the manuals advise, and a mower is faster on open lawn.
What is the easiest string trimmer to use?
The easiest string trimmer to use is a light battery model with a feed head that needs no bumping, such as a push-button or automatic head. Pick one with an adjustable shaft and a weight you can carry for the whole edge, and read the feed rule in your manual first.
What is the best cordless weed eater?
The best cordless weed eater for a small yard is a 12 in. to 14 in. battery trimmer whose pack covers your whole edge in one session. My top pick, the WORX WG170, trims, edges and runs on wheels over flat grass, and it ships with two 20V batteries and a charger.
What is the best string trimmer to buy?
The best string trimmer to buy for a small yard is a light battery or corded model with a 12 in. to 14 in. swath and a feed head that needs no bumping, with a pack or a cord that covers your whole edge. My top pick is the WORX WG170, and my corded pick is the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510.
References
- Alexander BM, Graydon PS, Pena M, Feng HA, Beamer BR. Hazardous exposures and engineering controls in the landscaping services industry. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 2025;22(3):189-202.
- Mallick Z, Badruddin IA, Khaleed Hussain MT, Salman Ahmed NJ, Kanesan J. Noise characteristics of grass-trimming machine engines and their effect on operators. Noise Health. 2009;11(43):98-102. doi:10.4103/1463-1741.50694
- Oh J, Chen N, Boyd C. Laboratory evaluation of occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) during grounds maintenance equipment operations. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2023;30(2):384-389.
- Leinert J, Griffin R, Blackburn J, McGwin G. The epidemiology of lawn trimmer injuries in the United States: 2000-2009. J Safety Res. 2012;43(2):137-139. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2012.03.001
- Lubniewski AJ, Olk RJ, Grand MG. Ocular dangers in the garden. A new menace: nylon line lawn trimmers. Ophthalmology. 1988;95(7):906-910. doi:10.1016/s0161-6420(88)33076-9
- Zhang JR, Hsieh TC, Chang FL, He MS. Lawn trimmer-related open-globe injuries in Taiwan. Retina. 2022;42(5):973-980. doi:10.1097/IAE.0000000000003402
Safety Note: Read your manual first. A string trimmer or brush cutter throws debris with force, so clear stones, glass and wire from the area before you cut. Wear impact-rated eye protection with side coverage that meets ANSI Z87.1, hearing protection, gloves, heavy long pants, long sleeves and sturdy slip-resistant boots (steel-toe where your manual says so). Keep people and pets at least as far away as your manual says (50 feet in some manuals, 100 feet in others), and stop if anyone comes closer. Keep the correct guard fitted, use only the cutting attachments, handles and harness the maker approves for your exact tool, and never replace trimmer line with wire. A blade can kick sideways when it hits a stump or a thick stem, so fit the handlebar and harness your manual requires for blade work, hold both handles firmly and keep secure footing. Before you clear a jam, clean the tool or change line, a blade or an attachment, switch it off, wait for all movement to stop, then remove the battery, unplug the cord or disconnect the spark plug wire. Refuel a gas model outdoors with the engine off and cool, away from flames or sparks, and move away from the fueling spot before starting, as far as your manual says (often 10 to 30 feet); never run it in a garage, shed or other closed space. For a battery model, use only the maker’s battery and charger, charge it within the temperature range in your manual and never use a damaged or swollen pack. For a corded model, use a GFCI outlet, keep the cord clear of the cutting line and avoid wet conditions.