Who doesn’t love the sight of a manicured lawn or freshly cut grass? Hiring someone to cut it can make things easier but doing it yourself will be much more fulfilling. To keep the yard looking attractive, certain tools, like a string trimmer are must-haves. In this article, we’ll take a look at one of the most important components that may need replacing, the trimmer head, and how to find the best string head to keep the yard looking great.
Let’s start off with why a trimmer head is needed in the first place.
Best Trimmer Head Reviews: Our Top 5 Picks
MaxPower PivoTrim Universal Trimmer Head Replacement
The MaxPower PivoTrim Trimmer Head Universal Replacement fits most trimmers and accepts 0.080 inch and 0.095-inch diameter lines.
This trimmer head is easy to install and is perfect for the inexperienced home gardener. The model cuts with 6 pivoting lines which means they won’t break easily and if they do, they are easy to replace.
The model has a good rating on Amazon from around 1000 buyers.
The few but major complaints are about the fact that it doesn’t fit on their model. Otherwise, it is a great value for money, easy to install, and highly durable. In our opinion, this MaxxPower might be the one of best aftermarket weed eater heads on the market today.
It is compatible with many of the battery powered weed eaters that we have reviewed.
Pros
- Easy to add trimmer line
- Beginner-friendly
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Doesn’t support all trimmers
- Not suitable for professional use
Grass Gator 4680 Brush Cutter Extra Heavy Duty Replacement Trimmer Head
The Grass Gator 4680 Brush Cutter Extra Heavy Duty Replacement Trimmer Head is a versatile option for gas cutters with engines of 25-cc or greater and can fit the majority of models. This head is designed to work with commercial trimmers so it can withstand the wear and tear others fall victim to.
The head is made of a combination of metal and plastic which means it is able to cut through thick grass and weeds and even branches. It does, however, put a strain on the trimmer itself and can overheat, in very rare cases causing the head to weld onto the trimmer.
Pros
- Can cut branches and tough weeds
- Durable
- Good for commercial use
Cons
- Heavy
Oregon Trimmer Head Speed Feed Straight
The Oregon 55-265 Trimmer Head Speed Feed Straight features a 4 ½ inch left-hand spool with a semi-automatic head suited for medium to heavy-duty applications. It also comes with 7mm x 1.0 Left-hand, 8mm x 1.25 Left-hand, 10mm x 1.25 Left-hand adapters.
This trimmer head is built with an inner wall that helps to reduce the amount of debris that makes its way inside the head and large durable eyelets that make it more durable. Its design also features a line tension system with a split spool to reduce vibration.
When the line is finished, there is no need to disassemble the head. It takes a mere 30 seconds for the head to reload, saving a lot of time and effort.
Pros
- Easy to load lines
- Quick reload
- Can be used commercially
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all trimmers
Husqvarna T25 Tap Advance String Trimmer Head
The Husqvarna T25 Tap Advance Trimmer Sting Head was built to fit over a 10 mm straight shaft and comes with a 0.095-inch Titanium force trimmer line.
It is a genuine OEM Husqvarna part and works well with Husqvarna models 123L, 125L, 125LD, 125R, 128L, and 223L. It can replace 531300371, 531301123, and 537338304.
The model is plastic, so the bump head will wear down after a while, especially if it is bumped against concrete or any other hard surface. However, the center bump head is replaceable so the trimmer head won’t be useless if the bump head gets worn away.
Pros
- Husqvarna quality
- Easy installation and winding
- Easy to replace spool and unwind
- Good value for money
Cons
- Instructions can be confusing
- Doesn’t fit all trimmers
EGO Power+ String Trimmer Head with Pre-Wound Spool
The EGO Power+ String Trimmer Head with Pre-Wound Spool comes with a 15 ft twisted nylon line spool of 0.095 inches with an integrated bump head that takes the hassle out of reloading.
It is ideal for homeowners with little to no experience and who don’t care much about having a top of the line trimmer since it does its job for the price. It won’t fit all string trimmers but it is one of the best replacements for EGO branded ones.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Works exactly like the original unit
- Comes with a pre-wound string
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all trimmers
- Tricky installation process
Buyers Guide
Why the trimmer head is important
A trimmer is essential since it can cut grass, weeds, and undercover with ease. It is perfect for homeowners with small grass areas that don’t require a lawnmower or bush cutter. Also great for people who don’t cut grass often but still want to have handy tools around.
The trimmer head is a component of weed eaters that rotates and holds the strings in place. The trimmer head is what feeds the line and has an influence on how fast the grass gets cut.
Even the best weed eaters will need their heads replaced eventually.
Having a good quality and safely operating trimmer head is important since it ultimately determines how well a job gets done.
A top of the line motor is great, but if the trimmer head isn’t up to standard, then what’s the point?
Not all trimmer heads are designed equally, and the truth is that some models are much better at cutting and trimming than others. Here’s what should be considered when trying to find the best trimmer head for home use
Types of String Trimmer Heads
The type of string trimmer head needed ultimately depends on individual preference and the work that needs to be done. Here’s a quick rundown of the types of string trimmer heads:
Fixed Head
Fixed trimmer/ cutting heads require the user to thread the lines one at a time instead of putting an entire spool inside. This is a good weed eater replacement head used with thick, tough strings that are used primarily by commercial users.
The drawback to this type of effective string trimmer head is that the trimmer has to be stopped and individually threaded when the line needs to be replaced. But, since the lines are thick, they won’t need to be replaced as often.
Here is our guide on how to string a weed eater.
Bump Feed
Bump feed trimmer heads don’t require the user to feed more lines. Instead, a spool mechanism is used and all the user has to do is bump it or gently tap it on the ground to get more line.
These cutting heads are good for homeowners who don’t have a lot of yard space and won’t mind if a line gets broken here and there since they break more often.
Automatic Feed
Automatic feeds don’t require manual feeding. It pulls on the spool and feeds the line while the trimmer is being used in a precise and efficient way.
Automatic feed trimmer heads are way more expensive to replace than fixed head and bump feed trimmers.
Size of Trimmer Head
The size of the head is an important consideration. Small heads are better for small yards while large heads are better for large yards which require more work.
If there are large branches, fast-growing weeds, and thick grass, a small head might not do the trick even in a small yard.
Always check with the manual or string trimmer manufacturer what size fits on the tool before purchasing a replacement.
Single Line vs Dual Line Trimmer Head
While both do a similar job, one is better suited for home use and the other for commercial use.
Single line heads are better for residential use since it requires less effort to maintain a single line and they are much easier to wind.
They don’t cut as quickly or efficiently as is required for commercial use but they are great for small weeds and long grasses that grow around the yard.
Dual-line heads are more suited to commercial use since they can cut through thicker weeds, grasses, and even branches. These give a clean cut and are perfect for heavy duty jobs.
They are however harder to manage and are best left to professionals.
Compatibility
This should be a given, but just as a reminder, always check if the trimmer head is compatible with the trimmer at home. Go over all the specs, the user’s manual, or manufacturer instructions before making a purchase, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Compatibility-wise it is also important to choose the best trimmer line available for the given trimmer and task. From the light-duty 0.065 to the monster 0.155 diameter line, the selection of the right line is crucial.
Conclusion and Buyers Advice
In our opinion, the MaxxPower is the best trimmer head replacement on the market today for homeowners who want to take tending to their yard into their own hands. It is relatively inexpensive and will get the job done without a headache.
Be sure to check the reviews and seller description before buying this model, otherwise, there may be a chance that this cutting head won’t be the right fit for the trimmer.
Happy trimming!
