How big a deal is portability when it comes to a string trimmer? That's the all-important question you will need to ask yourself if you're considering adding the Troy-Bilt TB55B 12-volt cordless trimmer to your lawn-care arsenal.

If complete portability is a priority, the cordless TB55B is definitely worth looking at instead. It features a 10-inch cutting width, though, so it's a better choice for small- to medium trimming tasks. And it's heavier than some of the other cordless trimmers on the market.

The main feature of this model is its 12-volt removable and rechargeable battery, which gives you the ability to cart the unit wherever you need to trim, without worrying about plugging into an outlet. The battery on the Troy-Bilt TB55B trimmer -- it comes with a charging station -- attaches to a top-mounted motor, a fairly uncommon design for non-gas-powered trimmers. The motor on top shifts most of the weight away from the trimming head, so the TB55B is easier to maneuver than standard models. Having the motor on top of the trimmer also keeps it away from dust and debris.

The primary handle is mounted onto the motor, so there will be a little more vibration with this design than with a bottom-mounted unit. It also comes with an adjustable D-handle, which can be shifted to accommodate left- or right-handed users of different heights. This is a straight-shafted trimmer, which tend to be more comfortable for taller people to use without bending over, and makes it easier to trim underneath decks or lawn furniture.

This trimmer uses a bump-and-feed string-release system, and a wider-than-standard .080-inch diameter line, which provides a little more cutting oomph than the more common .065-inch line. The Troy-Bilt TB55B 12-volt cordless trimmer is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.


Pros: Portable, top-mounted motor
Cons: Small cutting width, weight

Warranty
2 years, limited