Best Weed Eater Attachment System Reviews 2021

Many professional lawn care crews and homeowners carry individual string trimmers, hedge trimmers, edgers, and more. For people who want to maintain fewer engines or use fewer powerheads, an attachment system can be a good solution. We’ve rounded up the best weed eater attachment system reviews to give you a good idea of what’s available and the models that we would use. Our list includes both battery-powered and gas-powered models.

We’ve actually tested all of these tools and gathered the pros and cons of each along with ideas of what you can expect if you decide to pull the trigger.

Best Weed Eater Attachment System Overall – Gas

Makita Couple Shaft System

The Makita Couple Shaft System is unique. That’s why it gets our pole position recommendation. You can get the battery-powered Makita 18V X2 Couple Shaft System or you can pick up the 4-stroke 25.4 cc gas head. You can even grab a single-battery 18V power head.

The Couple Shaft system features a deep line of available accessories and caters to Pros by supporting both the battery and 4-stroke gas power heads. Professional lawn care crews can use the power of gas they’re used to and switch to battery for early morning work or in areas that require it. It’s a win-win.

Makita runs deep in the battery OPE sector backed by decades of experience with gas equipment, so we have a lot of confidence in their designs. As an added bonus, the same batteries that power the Couple Shaft system also work on more than 250 other tools and products that use the same battery.

Key features include a Reverse direction mode, 3 speed levels, and a brushless motor.

Most recently, Makita recently added a blower to the system. They claim it has the highest CFM among any of Makita’s battery blowers.

Pros

• Full range of compatible tools on the same battery to cover your entire lawn
• Batteries are compatible with more than 250 other tools and products
• Gas and battery powerheads available
• Spline drive with quick clamp makes locking down attachments easy

Cons

• Some of our reviewers don’t care for the blister button controls

Available Attachments

• Straight string trimmer ($109)
• Curved string trimmer ($89)
• Edger ($199)
• Brushcutter ($119)
• Blower (price TBA)
• Pole saw ($199)
• Straight hedge trimmer ($199)
• Articulating hedge trimmer ($299)
• Cultivator ($239)
• Bristle brush ($329)
• Paddle sweep ($359)
• Extension ($79)

Numbers to Know

• Model: Makita XUX01Z 18V X2 powerhead ($269)
• Model: Makita EX2650LH 25.4 cc gas powerhead ($349)
• Power Source: 2 x 18V LXT batteries
• Speeds: 0–5700/8200/9700 RPM (varies by accessory)
• Powerhead weight: 10.5 pounds with string trimmer attachment
• Warranty: 3 years

Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater Attachment System Overall

Stihl 36V Battery KombiSystem

The Stihl 36V battery-powered KombiSystem felt like we using a gas-powered tool. There was zero compromise in power across the entire range of accessories and you get three speed settings for control. Having the runtime of a high-capacity backpack battery gave us the most confidence for professional use. There’s also a massive range of available accessories you can buy to go with it.

If you’re looking at this system in a professional capacity, Stihl has both gas and battery KombiSystem powerheads available. You can use whichever is most convenient for you or carry both to use gas primarily and switch to a battery in areas that require it.

Expect to pay premium prices for this kind of performance, though. Stihl’s pricing structure is higher than most. However, you get to work with Stihl’s dealer network during and after the sale. In our experience, that’s a really good thing. One last note—all these attachments also work with the Stihl Professional and Homeowner KombiMotor powerheads.

Pros

• Outstanding power level
• Battery harness design takes the weight of the battery off of the tool
• Wide range of accessories
• Full range of compatible tools on the same battery to cover your entire lawn
• Legitimate professional option with high-capacity battery options
• Gas and battery powerheads available
• Nearly 30 minutes of runtime with 6.3Ah battery (29:30)

Cons

• The safety/power cycle switch is not easy to use, especially if you have smaller hands
• More expensive than most other battery-powered options

Available Attachments

• Cultivator ($199.95)
• Blower ($129.95)
• Bed redefiner ($249.95)
• Edgers (curved and straight, $99.95 & $179.95, respectively)
• Power scythe ($239.95)
• Brushcutter ($105.95)
• String trimmers (curved and straight, $64.95 & $94.95, respectively)
• Pole saw ($224.95)
• Hedge trimmers (straight and articulating, $189.95 & $275.95, respectively)
• Bristle brush ($279.95)
• Power sweeper ($329.95)
• Extension ($69.95-$129.95)

Numbers to Know

• Model: Stihl KMA 130 R (powerhead only)
• Power Source: Stihl 36V batteries
• Speeds: 0 – 6300, 7200, 8500 RPM (varies by accessory)
• Powerhead Weight: 10.7 pounds with string trimmer attachment
• Price: $349.95 bare, $619.95 with 6.3AH battery and charger
• Warranty: 3 years residential, 2 years commercial

Best Weed Eater Attachment Systems for Larger Properties

EGO 56V Multi-Head System

The EGO 56V Multi-Head System is a great option when you want to balance legitimate performance with a more manageable price tag than Stihl. With two of the toughest tools—a cultivator and wide brush—we were impressed with how much power the system has, especially clearing off caked-down soil along our street.

With two speed settings you can control each accessory as needed to achieve the performance and finesse you want.

EGO’s entire battery ecosystem is solid as well, making this an excellent option if you’re looking to move completely away from gas and cords for all your lawn care needs.

Pros

• Excellent power with all attachments
• Full range of compatible tools on the same battery to cover your entire lawn
• Best performance for the price

Cons

• Bigger batteries really add to the weight
• Front handle flexes noticeably with heavier attachments

Available Attachments

• String trimmer ($79.99)
• Edger ($79.99)
• Articulating hedge trimmer ($139.99)
• Pole saw ($119)
• Cultivator ($129.99)
• Bristle broom ($199)
• Rubber paddle broom ($249)
• Extension ($49.99)

Numbers to Know

• Model: EGO PH1400 (powerhead only)
• Power Source: EGO 56V batteries
• Speeds: Not listed (varies by accessory)
• Powerhead Weight: 9.6 pounds with string trimmer attachment
• Price: $109.99 bare (multiple starter kits available)
• Warranty: 5 years

Best Weed Eater Attachment Systems for Medium Properties

Greenworks Pro 60V Attachment Ready-String Trimmer

Greenworks has an attachment-ready string trimmer to go along with their excellent 60V lineup. It’s our favorite line that Greenworks makes, finding a balance between the lower weight of their 40V line and the higher power of their 80V line that’s just right.

Greenworks goes with a universal attachment system, allowing you to expand beyond their own attachment offerings. While there’s a touch more vibration through the shaft than some of the other premium options, there’s enough power to run all the attachments well.

There’s a noticeable slow start compared to some of the other systems that you want to be aware of. It doesn’t affect the top-end performance, it’s just more noticeable than the other models.

Pros

• Universal attachment system works with other brands’ universal attachments
• Full range of compatible tools on the same battery to cover your entire lawn
• Shoulder strap included

Cons

• One of the heaviest models with battery installed
• Single speed only

Available Attachments

• Edger ($69.99)
• Articulating hedge trimmer ($99.99)
• Pole saw ($109.99)
• Cultivator ($116.99)
• Blower ($69.99)
• Horizontal blower ($59.99)

Numbers to Know

• Model: Greenworks ST60L01 (powerhead and string trimmer only)
• Power Source: Greenworks 60V batteries
• Speeds: 6000 RPM (string trimmer)
• Powerhead Weight: 9.6 pounds with string trimmer attachment
• Price: $149 (powerhead and string trimmer attachment), $219.99 (string trimmer starter kit)
• Warranty: 4 years

Best Weedeater Attachment System – Fan Favorite

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Quik-Lok System

We listened to the comments, and the Milwaukee Quick-Lok system definitely captured some Pro hearts with its performance and ergonomics. We heard you—and yes, it’s pretty awesome. In fact, it won our fan-favorite pick for best weed eater attachment system. Milwaukee made some big improvements from their first-generation string trimmer to the M18 Fuel Quik-Lok system. They reduced the amount of vibration and gave their attachment system really consistent power across the entire range of tools.

Milwaukee bills their OPE equipment as a supplement a Pro crew’s gas equipment, but the performance on Quik-Lok is high enough that we’d consider it as a primary tool if you want to ditch gas completely.

The primary battery for this system is an 8.0Ah High-Output pack and you can move up to the High-Output 12.0Ah battery for more runtime. Milwaukee is another brand that goes incredibly deep with the number of compatible power tools, lighting, and other products you can run with the same batteries. The two-speed head lets you prioritize power or runtime depending on the task.

Pros

• Excellent power level with all accessories
• Batteries are compatible with a deep line of other tools and products
• Ramps up to full speed in less than a second
• Includes string trimmer attachment with Easy Load head

Cons

• Shallower accessory line than other competitors
• No mower on this battery platform (yet)
• Lowest string trimmer runtime in our tests (15:20)

Available Attachments

• String trimmer ($119)
• Edger ($119)
• Articulating hedge trimmer ($179)
• Pole saw ($179)
• Extension ($59)

Numbers to Know

• Model: Milwaukee 2825-21ST (powerhead and string trimmer starter kit)
• Power Source: Milwaukee M18 RedLithium batteries
• Speeds: 0 – 4900, 6200 RPM with string trimmer (varies by accessory)
• Powerhead Weight: 10.0 pounds with string trimmer attachment
• Price:$229 bare, $299 string trimmer starter kit with 8.0Ah High-Output battery and charger (multiple starter kits available)
• Warranty: 5 years

Best Weed Wacker Attachment System for Small Yards

Hart 40V PowerFit Brushless Attachment System

Hart’s 40V brushless string trimmer comes attachment-ready and is on our shortlist of options that use a universal connection. That’s an important distinction that allows you to use attachments you may already own or add ones later on that Hart might not make.

The power of the brushless motor and the performance of the attachments are a great fit for homeowners looking for in an all-in-one solution for their smaller yards. It’s tempting to look at lower power options, but we think you’ll be much more satisfied with higher-voltage options like this.

With two speed levels, you can easily switch between trimming, edging, blowing, hedge trimming, and more. The many available attachments coupled with Hart’s mower line give you lots of options to use the same 40V battery. Plus, you can get what you need at your local Wal-Mart.

Pros

• Attachment system works with other universal attachment connections, even if they aren’t made by Hart
• Better power than many residential options
• Shoulder strap point (strap not included)
• Full range of compatible tools on the same battery to cover your entire lawn
• High runtime with string trimmer (30:08)

Cons

• Runs a little rougher than premium options
• Slow charging compared to other options
• Steel shaft is heavier than aluminum

Available Attachments

• String trimmer (included)
• Edger ($67)
• Hedge trimmer ($68)
• Blower ($60)
• Brushcutter ($68)
• Cultivator ($108)
• Pole saw (TBA)

Numbers to Know

• Model: Hart HLST031 (powerhead and string trimmer starter kit)
• Power Source: Hart 40V  batteries
• Speeds: 0–5600 RPM with string trimmer (varies by accessory)
• Powerhead Weight: 8.7 pounds with string trimmer attachment
• Price:$194 string trimmer starter kit with 4.0Ah battery and charger
• Warranty: 5 years

Best Weed Eater Attachment System for the Money

Ryobi 40V Expand-It System

The Ryobi Expand-It system has been around for a while, but they’re taking performance higher with the latest 40V attachment-ready string trimmer. Where the last version we tested was merely competent in terms of performance, the new powerhead clearly takes things up a notch.

Ryobi’s available accessories run pretty deep and use universal connections. On the chance Ryobi isn’t making an accessory you’re looking for, you can use any universal connection accessory with it.

Like a couple of the premium options, there are both gas and battery powerheads available. It also has two speed modes for going between high-speed trimming and other tasks that require more torque. And if you’re going to stick on the less power-hungry side of the system, there’s even an 18V model that works with the same batteries as all of the Ryobi’s One+ power tools.

Even better? You can pick up the entire system with all attachments for just $399.

Pros

• Attachment system works with other universal attachment connections, even if they aren’t made by RYOBI
• Better power than many residential options
• Power boost over the previous brushless model
• Includes string trimmer attachment with Reel-Easy quick loading head
• Full range of compatible tools on the same battery to cover your entire lawn
• Gas and battery powerheads available
• Only system in our review with a snow thrower attachment
• Highest string trimmer run time in our tests (31:11)

Cons

• Runs a little rougher than premium options
• Handle angle isn’t as friendly for left-handed users
• Steel shaft is heavier than aluminum
• Slow charging compared to other options

Available Attachments

• String trimmers ($69)
• Blower ($74.97)
• Hedge trimmers (straight and articulating) ($74.97 & $108, respectively)
• Pole saw ($109)
• Brushcutter ($79)
• Cultivator ($89.97)
• Bristle brush (smaller width than others) ($145)
• Snow thrower ($107)

Numbers to Know

• Model: Ryobi RY40270 (powerhead and string trimmer starter kit)
• Power Source: Ryobi 40V batteries
• Speeds: 0 – 5600 RPM with string trimmer (varies by accessory)
• Powerhead Weight: 8.5 pounds with string trimmer attachment
• Price:$199 string trimmer starter kit with 4.0Ah battery and charger (multiple starter kits available)
• Warranty: 5 years

Other Considerations

Our promise to you is that we’re not going to recommend a weed eater attachment system unless we’ve actually tested it and would use it ourselves. However, there are a couple of models we haven’t tested from brands we trust that we think you should keep your eyes on. As soon as we can put them to use, we’ll update this article, assuming we can recommend them, and get to work on the individual reviews.

Husqvarna 325iLK 36V Attachment-Ready String Trimmer

This is Husqvarna’s first attachment-ready string trimmer on their 36V platform. We really like the performance and designs of the other models we’ve tested, so we expect this one to meet the same expectations for Pros and homeowners that are used to Husqvarna’s quality.

Learn more here.

DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Universal Attachment System

In 2021, the DeWalt Universal Attachment System launched into its growing line of cordless OPE tools. The new power head system operates on the DeWalt 60V platform so it should have plenty of power. Presently, they have string trimmer, pole saw, articulating hedge trimmer, axial blower, brush cutter, and edger attachments for the system. You can pick up the kit with a string trimmer or edger for around $299. Attachments vary between $99 and $149 each.

Shopping for the Best Weed Eater Attachment Systems

Of course, we think our recommendations are great, but we also know there are other options out there you might want to consider. We’ve come up with a list of the things we look for when we’re considering what to recommend.

Gas vs Battery

One thing that jumps out in our list are the number of battery-powered options we recommend. In speaking with Professionals, most companies working on neighborhood lawns don’t really opt for multi-head systems. They prefer the speed of grabbing an edger or blower, or hedge trimmer without having to swap attachments.

Multi-head units do find a home with professionals working at universities, apartment complexes, and other places where a fixed home base and desire to cut costs makes these an attractive option.

Because of this, most of our recommendations favor battery-powered models which accomplish two goals. First, they allow Pros to get their toes wet in the world of battery-powered OPE. Second, they favor the majority of weed eater attachment system sales which go to homeowners and those who live on 1-acre or smaller lots.

If you disagree with our assessment—please leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

Price

Chances are, you have a budget you’re shooting to stay under as you look for the best battery-powered weed wacker attachment system. Plan on spending at least $200 for a string trimmer starter kit and $500 – $700 to pull together a string trimmer/edger/hedge trimmer/pole saw set. If you’re shooting for the top end of the spectrum, that number can be $1000 or more.

You can find less expensive systems, but they tend to sacrifice power or build quality to hit the lower price points. Most brands offer multiple starter kits and some have more comprehensive kits. You can save some money by going ahead and getting a comprehensive kit rather than piecing it together over time.

Power

There are a ton of battery-powered string trimmers available and nearly all of them can whip trimmer line around effectively. However, street sweeping and cultivating are different animals. You need legitimate power to keep those accessories going and buying an underpowered setup is disappointing.

Voltage isn’t everything, though. Milwaukee continues to prove that they can get incredible power out of their 18V system. Look for a gas engine equivalency rating and a brushless motor. If the motor has the power of at least a 25cc engine, it’s a good bet there’s enough power.

Available Accessories

The entire purpose of buying an attachment system is to eliminate the need for a bunch of individual tools. Make sure the system you’re buying into has everything you need. It’s okay to buy a piece at a time as you need them. However, if you really want a blower and the brand you’re working with doesn’t make one, you’re stuck buying a handheld model instead.

The exceptions are systems that use a universal connection. Those are interchangeable with anyone else’s universal attachments, giving you a lot of freedom. They aren’t compatible with proprietary systems, though, so “universal” is a bit of a misnomer.

Runtime and Charging Time

Keep an eye on your runtime and charge times. When you’re running through trimming, edging, hedge trimming, pole sawing, and blowing on a Saturday, that’s going to take some time. Makita has a dual-port fast charger that gets you back in the game in 45 minutes. It’s quick enough that you can cycle two sets of batteries pretty much all day.

Most brands don’t pack that quick of a charger and some take several hours to charge. And that’s after the battery cools down. If you’re expecting long days of lawn care, make sure you have enough batteries to make it happen with the charger(s) you have available.

Compatible Tools

You get the most value out of a system when you can use one battery and charger platform rather than managing several. Even if you’re not making the full transition to battery power yet, make sure the system you’re buying into has all the pieces you’ll need down the road.

Vibration

Vibration makes itself known in some attachments more than others. Your fatigue level can really increase when you’re string trimming, pole sawing, hedge trimming, or blowing with a system that doesn’t manage vibration well.

See if you can try the system you’re considering in the store and check how rough it feels with no load on it. If it’s rough in the store for a few seconds, imagine how that’s going to feel as you’re taming your entire yard.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

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We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

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The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.