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Best picks

Best Lightweight String Trimmers for Comfortable Yard Work (2026)

For the lowest published bare-tool weight here, consider the Makita XRU12Z. The ECHO DSRM-2100 is a lighter battery-powered alternative; choose by the stated configuration as well as the number on the spec sheet.

GGearjury editorial team · Updated October 23, 2026· 8 min

Quick answer

The Makita XRU12Z is the lightest listed bare tool in this selection at 7.2 lb, though Makita has discontinued it. For an electric option, ECHO lists the DSRM-2100 at 7.4 lb without battery; the RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP PBLST01B offers a battery platform alternative, while the Husqvarna 122L is a gas pick at 10.14 lb excluding cutting equipment.

Makita XRU12Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer: Best for the lightest listed bare tool
ECHO DSRM-2100: Best for a light battery-powered setup
RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 15 in. Attachment Capable String Trimmer PBLST01B: Best for an 18V attachment-capable tool
Husqvarna 122L: Best lightweight gas option
ECHO SRM-225: Best for a light gas trimmer with a wide cut

Makita XRU12Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer

Official manufacturer image

Best for the lightest listed bare tool

Makita XRU12Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer

Makita's product flyer lists 7.2 lb without battery.
The 18V LXT platform can suit existing Makita battery owners.
The brushless model includes three speed settings per its product documentation.

Drawback: Makita marks this model discontinued and points buyers to the XRU23Z.

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Official manufacturer image

Best for a light battery-powered setup

ECHO DSRM-2100

ECHO lists 7.4 lb without battery.
It is a battery string trimmer, so there is no gas engine to maintain.
The published figure lets owners compare bare-tool mass before choosing a battery.

Drawback: The stated tool weight excludes the battery, which adds to the working weight.

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RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 15 in. Attachment Capable String Trimmer PBLST01B

Official manufacturer image

Best for an 18V attachment-capable tool

RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 15 in. Attachment Capable String Trimmer PBLST01B

RYOBI lists the PBLST01B as a brushless 18V tool-only model.
It has a 15-inch cutting swath and is attachment capable.
The platform suits users already invested in RYOBI ONE+ batteries.

Drawback: RYOBI's product collection does not show a verified weight for this model.

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Official manufacturer image

Best lightweight gas option

Husqvarna 122L

Husqvarna lists a 10.14 lb weight excluding cutting equipment.
A 17-inch cutting width covers a broad line per pass.
Smart Start and air purge are specified on the product page.

Drawback: The stated weight omits cutting equipment, so the complete setup weighs more.

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Official manufacturer image

Best for a light gas trimmer with a wide cut

ECHO SRM-225

ECHO lists a 10.4 lb dry weight without cutter head.
Its 17-inch cutting swath is specified in ECHO product literature.
The 21.2 cc engine is documented by the manufacturer.

Drawback: The dry-weight figure excludes the cutter head and is heavier than the bare-tool electric models above.

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Compare them side by side

	Official manufacturer imageMakita XRU12Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer	Official manufacturer imageECHO DSRM-2100	Official manufacturer imageRYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 15 in. Attachment Capable String Trimmer PBLST01B	Official manufacturer imageHusqvarna 122L	Official manufacturer imageECHO SRM-225
Published weight	7.2 lb without battery	7.4 lb without battery	—	10.14 lb excl. cutting equipment	10.4 lb dry, no cutter head
Power type	Battery	Battery	Battery	Gas	Gas
Cutting width	12 in	—	15 in	17 in	17 in
Motor	Brushless	—	Brushless	Two-stroke	Two-stroke
Status or platform	Discontinued; 18V LXT	Battery; platform details —	18V ONE+	Gas	Gas
	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon

Common questions

Questions before you buy

What is a good weight for a string trimmer?

There is no single cutoff because battery, fuel and cutting equipment affect the number. Compare complete working weights when available, and read whether the listed figure is bare tool or dry weight.

Are battery string trimmers lighter than gas models?

Some bare battery tools weigh less than gas models, but the battery adds mass. Compare the finished setup with a fair figure for the gas model, including what each manufacturer excludes.

Which lightweight string trimmer is easiest to carry between jobs?

A compact battery model can avoid carrying fuel and may be convenient between nearby areas. For the lowest listed tool-only weight here, Makita gives 7.2 lb for the XRU12Z, excluding battery.

Does a lightweight trimmer have enough cutting width for a large yard?

Weight and cutting width are separate trade-offs. A wider swath can reduce passes in open areas, while a narrower head can feel easier to steer around beds and edging.

Sources and how we chose

Makita XRU12Z product page · 2026-10-23
Makita XRU12SM1 product flyer (XRU12Z specifications) · 2026-10-23
ECHO DSRM-2100 product page · 2026-10-23
RYOBI Expand-It trimmers collection · 2026-10-23
Husqvarna 122L product page · 2026-10-23
ECHO SRM-225 specifications · 2026-10-23

Compare them side by side

Questions before you buy

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