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Best picks

Best Lightweight Gas String Trimmers for Easier Yard Work (2026)

The Husqvarna 122L is a straightforward lightweight pick, while the ECHO SRM-225 suits buyers who value a larger listed cutting width. Choose by dry weight, shaft style and starting features.

Quick answer

The Husqvarna 122L is a good starting point if low listed dry weight is your priority: its maker lists 10.14 lb excluding cutting equipment. The ECHO SRM-225 and SRM-225i offer a 21.2 cc engine and 17-inch cutting width; compare their different weights and starting systems before choosing.

01Husqvarna 122LOfficial manufacturer image

Best for a light straight-shaft option

Husqvarna 122L

  • Husqvarna lists a 10.14 lb weight excluding cutting equipment.
  • Its product page specifies a 17-inch cutting width and Smart Start with air purge.
  • A T25 Tap 'n' Go head is included.

Drawback: The listed weight excludes the cutting equipment, so it is not directly comparable with complete-tool weights.

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02ECHO SRM-225Official manufacturer image

Best for a wider listed cut

ECHO SRM-225

  • ECHO lists a 17-inch cutting swath.
  • Its official specifications give a 10.4 lb dry weight without the cutter head.
  • The model uses a 21.2 cc two-stroke engine.

Drawback: The published dry weight excludes the cutter head, so account for the working setup when comparing loads.

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03Husqvarna 122LKOfficial manufacturer image

Best for a detachable shaft

Husqvarna 122LK

  • Husqvarna lists the detachable shaft as a feature.
  • Its published weight is 10.58 lb excluding cutting equipment.
  • It has a 17-inch cutting width and a T25 trimmer head.

Drawback: It weighs more on paper than the 122L and still excludes cutting equipment in the listed figure.

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04

Best for reduced-effort starting

ECHO SRM-225i

  • ECHO describes an i-75 starting system intended to reduce starting effort.
  • The official specifications list a 21.2 cc engine and 17-inch swath.
  • Its straight shaft reaches under shrubs and along borders.

Drawback: At 12.1 lb dry without the cutter head, it is heavier than the SRM-225 listing.

05

Best for a loop-handle configuration

STIHL FS 56 R

  • STIHL lists the FS 56 R at 10.4 lb dry without cutting attachment and deflector.
  • The R version has a loop handle for close control around obstacles.
  • Its 27.2 cc two-stroke engine is documented in the manual.

Drawback: The published weight omits the cutting attachment and deflector, and the manual is not a current product listing.

Compare them side by side

Husqvarna 122LOfficial manufacturer imageHusqvarna 122LECHO SRM-225Official manufacturer imageECHO SRM-225Husqvarna 122LKOfficial manufacturer imageHusqvarna 122LKECHO SRM-225iSTIHL FS 56 R
Husqvarna 122L10.14 lb dry; 17 in cut————
ECHO SRM-225—10.4 lb dry; 17 in cut———
Husqvarna 122LK——10.58 lb dry; detachable shaft——
ECHO SRM-225i———12.1 lb dry; i-75 starting—
STIHL FS 56 R————10.4 lb dry; loop handle
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Common questions

Questions before you buy

What makes a gas string trimmer lightweight?

Compare the published dry weight and check exactly what it includes. Some manufacturers exclude the cutter head, deflector or other equipment, so the numbers are not always like-for-like.

Is a straight-shaft gas trimmer heavier than a curved-shaft model?

Not in every product range. Shaft shape affects reach and handling, but compare the specific model's weight and balance because manufacturers do not use one universal configuration.

Which lightweight gas trimmer has the easiest starting features?

The Husqvarna 122L lists Smart Start and air purge, while ECHO describes the SRM-225i's i-75 system as reducing starting effort. These are manufacturer descriptions; personal starting experience can vary.

Does a wider cutting swath make trimming faster?

A wider swath can cover more ground per pass in open areas, but it may be less convenient around tight edges. The Husqvarna 122L and ECHO SRM-225 are both listed with a 17-inch cut.

Sources and how we chose