From string trimmers used on the grass to pole saws way up in a tree, many of the specialized power tools used to maintain a lawn and garden all feature a similar design that’s bookended by a motor and the business end. Attachment capable string trimers leverage the versatility of this design, allowing you to utilize a single motor and simply switch different heads depending on the task. That means you can start your Saturday morning edging the sidewalk before clicking on the hedge trimmer to shape boxwoods, then finishing the afternoon with tree pruning. The benefit of buying a few attachments heads over separate dedicated tools is often lower cost, less storage space, and easier maintenance.
What is an Attachment Capable String Trimmer?
An attachment capable string trimmer is a gas- or rechargeable battery-powered tool that uses a specially designed coupling on the metal shaft that opens and closes as it accepts corresponding heads. Often sold as a string trimmer, in which a motor or power head pairs with a dual line string trimmer attachment in the same box, while other attachments are sold individually.
When you need to use a different attachment, loosen the wingnut that tightens the coupling, pop on a different head, and you’re off. While the number of different attachments varies by manufacturer—and they are usually not interchangeable between brands—most makers cover the basic tasks: string trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer, and an extension pole to increase your reach with tools like a pole saw. Some systems offer ground-engaging attachments, like mini garden tillers or rotating brushes that help with clean-up.
Benefits of Attachment Capable String Trimmers
The draw of an attachment capable string trimmer is the efficiency compared to buying separate tools designed for each specific maintenance task. Purchasing an attachment, like a hedge trimmer, is often less expensive than buying a dedicated cordless or gas-powered tool. Buying three or four attachments commonly requires less storage space in a garage or shed, compared to housing dedicated tools. When it comes to a gas-powered version, you’d only have to maintain one motor instead of several.
Once you get beyond the basic heads—string trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer—an attachment capable string trimmer can be a more practical solution for infrequent garden tasks that don’t necessarily justify purchasing a dedicated machine, for instance chores like garden tilling or brush cutting. Some manufacturers offer a series of sweeping attachments, made from nylon or rubber flaps, that can make cleaning dirt, leaves, and even light snow off walkways and driveways easier.
Pros and Cons of Gas-powered Attachment Capable String Trimmers
Gas-powered attachment capable string trimmers appeal to users with larger yards where the longer runtime comes in handy. Gas units are generally less expensive to purchase initially. While a gas system has all the attachments a battery-powered tool does, manufacturers tend to offer a greater variety of ground-engaging attachments, like garden tillers and rotary brushes, that you might not find with battery-powered tools.
Along with power and runtime, a gas engine presents some maintenance issues. The engine requires regular checking and changing of the spark plugs and air filters, along with seasonal winterizing in northern climates. Manufacturers are specific about the octane of gasoline you should use and most engines are 2-cycle, meaning they require either a 50:1 or 40:1 gas-to-oil ratio. Small gas engines are notoriously finicky to start as the years roll by, plus they are noisy, which isn’t helped by the fact that depending on what task you’re using it for, the gas motor can be held somewhat close to the user’s head.
Gas-powered option: Stihl KM 56 RC-E
This 27.2 cc, 2-stroke engine has enough power to run demanding attachments like a garden cultivator with a large hoop handle that offers several different ways to grip and hold the machine. Attachments are sold separately and range from $110 to $270. $219; stihlusa.com
Pros and Cons of Battery-powered Attachment Capable String Trimmers
Gas-powered tools often have a less expensive price tag, but battery-powered tools tend to cost less in the long run given the price of electricity versus gas. Modern attachment capable string trimmers run on batteries that range from 18 to 60 volts, offering a great range of power options that correlate to price. Battery-powered tools are virtually maintenance-free, provided you keep the batteries out of freezing conditions. The attachments themselves might require some occasional maintenance, as they would with a gas system, by way of sharpening blades or lubrication joints. The benefit of a battery-powered tool is the simplicity: no engine to prime and minimal noise to deal with.
While the runtime—expressed in a battery’s amp hour rating, which varies from 4Ah to about 12Ah within a given voltage—is better now than first-generation tools, they still struggle to keep pace with the easy refueling of a gas system. For larger yards, this might mean buying two or three batteries to minimize downtime.
Battery-powered option: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Quik-Lok
Relying on the same 18-volt battery that also runs Milwaukee’s dozens of traditional power tools, the Quik-Lok has a narrower range of attachments than some gas-powered systems but still covers the basics. The kit version comes with a long-running 8-amp hour battery. Sold with the string trimmer attachment, battery, and charger; other attachments are sold separately and range from $70 to $170. $300; milwaukeetool.com
Essential Attachments
String trimmer head
Most DIYers buy into an attachment capable string trimmer system by purchasing the motor paired with the string trimmer head, since it’s one of the most widely used tools. Some manufacturers offer an à la carte system in which the motor (and possibly the battery and charger) are purchased separately from the attachments. The string trimmer heads can cut a swath from 10 to 16 inches, depending on the manufacturer.
Edger
While the string trimmer head can be used to bring a crisp line to lawns, it’s not to be confused with the spinning steel blade of an edger. A true edger digs a narrow trench, usually where the grass meets hardscape like walkways, patios, and driveways, for a defined, clean line. These edger attachments often come with a wheel that helps guide the tool along the hardscape and is adjustable to determine how deep the blade digs into the soil. Adding an edge in spring, at the start of the mowing season, and periodically throughout the summer, keeps a lawn looking tidy. For a yard bound by a lot of hardscaping, it can make sense to purchase the attachment, which is often less than a dedicated tool.
Hedge trimmer
The hedge trimmer rounds out what commonly makes up the core of the attachment capable string trimmer system. Generally dual-sided, these hedge trimmers tend to be around 20 inches long and articulate. That ability to lock in at different positions is helpful when working on taller shrubs or intricate shapes. For those with living screens, the hedge trimmer coupled with a system’s extension pole can increase your reach by about 3 feet. Hedge trimmers are frequently used tools so for homeowners who have shrubs that need shaping, it makes sense to buy a tool and the attachment can often be less expensive than a battery-powered or gas trimmer.
Upgrade Attachments
Once you advance beyond the basics of lawn care, there are a handful of specialty attachments that can be useful.
Pole saw
A pole saw’s 8- or 10-inch-long chainsaw makes short work of pruning overgrowth or damaged limbs on a small tree while your feet are on terra firma. The pole saw attachment extends your reach more than 5 feet, and if you need even more length, the extension pole can help.
Brush cutter
For weedy areas, a brush cutter hacks away thick patches of vegetation that a string trimmer would struggle with, and it can be helpful to occasionally knock down growth in the yard. A garden tiller can make short work of the routine task of turning over garden beds, though this attachment often works best when paired with a gas-powered motor.
Snow thrower
Though less common, some manufacturers offer a snow thrower attachment that, with a 12-inch clearing width up to 6 inches deep, can move snow off a covered porch or make it easier to reach your car.
How to Maintain a Gas-powered System
Gas machines benefit from using treated gasoline which is stabilized to prevent water from gumming up the motor as it sits between uses. You can expect to routinely check the spark plug and any air filters, replacing those as needed. Each winter, or before long stints of inactivity, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s directions for storage, which might include emptying all the fuel and running the machine dry or storing it with treated fuel. The attachments themselves might need easy but frequent maintenance, like replacing the string in a string trimmer or spraying the blades on a hedge trimmer with lubrication.
How to Maintain a Battery-powered System
Battery-powered systems need far less maintenance. You’ll want to keep the motor head out of any moisture, like any power tool. If you live in a climate that freezes, bring the batteries inside during the winter to prevent exposing them to extreme temperatures.