If your lawn requires professional-level power and efficiency, you'll definitely want to consider the top-drawer Shindaiwa T2510 gas-powered string trimmer -- as long as you can afford it. The nearly-$370 price tag is going to make this model a bit rich for many homeowners' blood, but if you're looking for a tool to tackle any trimming task, this is it.

As the price might suggest, the Shindaiwa T2510 trimmer is designed to stand up to the arduous demands of commercial lawn-care services, and has several features that cater to the professionals. The Speed-Feed head, for instance, can be reloaded in less than 30 seconds, which is a great feature for time-starved pros and homeowners alike. Unlike many other trimmers, you don't need to take the time to snap open a cover or use a screwdriver to reload. All you do is thread new line through the eyelets and load it into the head by turning a dial -- a very simple task, and a welcome advancement in string trimmer technology.

Its most shining characteristic, though, no matter if you're a professional or a consumer, is the engine. Shindaiwa's C4 Technology combines the top features from both two- and four-cycle engines. It's a growing trend among power equipment manufacturers, and Shindaiwa's entry into the hybrid market succeeds because of its well-thought-out patented design. The trimmer's 24.5cc engine blends the higher fuel economy and lower emissions of four-cycle engines with the dexterous throttle response, high torque and light weight (this trimmer is only 11 pounds) familiar to two-stroke users. It operates on a two-cycle engine's standard 50-to-1 mix of gas and oil, which continuously keeps the engine lubricated. As you might expect, with Shindaiwa's professional focus, its C4 hybrid engines not only comply with the consumer emission standard, but also with the tougher commercial standard.

In addition to the phenomenal hybrid engine, this model features Shindaiwa's high-quality design and construction. The Shindaiwa T2510 trimmer is covered by a 2-year warranty for commercial applications and a 1-year warranty for home use.


Pros: Hybrid engine combines the best features from both two- and four-cycle engines
Cons: A nearly-$370 price tag