What is a Weed Eater

So you want to know what is a weed eater and how can I learn more about it? The concept of the weed eater came from its inventor, George Ballas, who got the idea from watching the spinning bristles inside a drive through car wash. In Houston, Texas, in 1971, Ballas decided to apply his idea in such a way that it protected tree bark while he trimmed grass in the vicinity.

History

Emerson Electric later acquired George Ballas' company and joined with Poulan. Electrolux then bought Poulan/Weed Eater and in 2006 created the outdoor division as Husqvarna AB. Through the years, the weed eater evolved into its current line of products that present an assortment of models for many applications.

Choosing a weed eater

When shopping for a weed eater, base your decision on the characteristics of your lawn. For thinner grass, pick a weed eater with low horsepower. The two blade choices, plastic and nylon, both have certain disadvantages. Plastic blades are breakable and nylon cord requires frequent replacing. Both of the options are relatively economical.

Battery-powered and electric weed eaters

Currently, there are battery-powered weed eaters with a rechargeable battery pack. These let you trim your lawn free from the restrictions of an extension cord. If this is the model you select, purchase an extra supply of batteries to keep you powered up for big jobs. There are several models of electric powered weed eaters available, if you prefer not to use gasoline powered models. Buy an extension cord long enough to reach the farthest areas of your yard.

Gas and gas/oil hybrid

Gas-operated weed eaters and gas/oil weed eaters are widely available for individuals more comfortable with old-fashioned versions. Gas/oil hybrids burn less gas, although the operator must mix up the fuels as necessary.

There are several types of weed eaters available for yard maintenance. Check out the different types to see which one is best for your weed trimming needs.