The Craftsman 79197 gas string trimmer comes with the bells and whistles you might expect from a professional-grade trimmer but at a lower price. For starters, the 29cc, 4-cycle engine has more power with fewer rotations per minute than 2-cycle trimmers. Four-cycle power means lower emissions, better performance and more torque for slicing through thick grass and overgrown weeds without bogging down; it also means that you don't have to mix gas and oil -- unleaded fuel runs this machine. The engine also produces much less noise than a 2-cycle engine. What's more, you don't need to be a pro in order to start this engine -- just prime it and pull the cord.

The unit's long shaft lets you to access difficult areas that other trimmers may be unable to reach. A convertible split boom and optional attachments allow you to convert the trimmer into an edger, a pole saw, a cultivator, a pruner, a blower, a hedge trimmer or a brush cutter. We also like Craftsman's 4-exit-line hassle-free trimmer head; when reloading this head, there's nothing to take apart and no need to wind the line -- you need only to insert a precut length of specialized line and pull to secure. You can load the trimmer with a medium line for grass and weeds, or outfit it with a large line for heavy weeds and light brush. The head is a fixed line, however, so you do need to turn the engine off in order to reload, but this can be done easily in a matter of seconds.

Professional grade power, innovative features and versatility make the Craftsman 79197 gas string trimmer a hassle-free contender worth considering.


Pros: Four-cycle engine, prime-and-pull for easy starts, long straight shaft, convertible split boom, fixed-line trimmer head can be reloaded in seconds, deluxe D-handle for right-handed or left-handed use
Cons: No shoulder harness, 14-inch cutting swath may be too narrow for some users

Warranty
2 years