Best String Mower (2026): 5 Top Picks Compared
Five string and push mowers from 12 to 22 inches compared by cutting swath, power source, deck build, Acre Score and warranty coverage, plus who should skip each.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallYARDMAX YL22509.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Best Compact 3-in-1BLACK+DECKER BESTA5129.5/10View on Amazon - 3
Best Cordless AlternativeGreenworks MO48B019.5/10View on Amazon - 4
30 Pack Universal Walk Behind String Trimmer Mower 21.25"View on Amazon - 5
PowerSmart 18-Inch 144cc Push Gas Lawn Mower & 16-Inch 25.4ccView on Amazon
Clearing rough fence lines, overgrown ditches and thick weed patches across acreage calls for equipment that handles obstacles without ruining a steel blade. Choosing the best string mower means finding the right balance of cutting swath, engine or motor power, maneuverability and build quality. We compared five push and walk-behind mowers spanning gas, corded electric, battery and manual designs, reporting verified specifications from each listing while identifying missing data and catalog contradictions.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall YARDMAX YL2250: 170cc gas engine with a 22-inch cut, offset head and 14-inch ball-bearing wheels Check price on Amazon
- Best Compact 3-in-1 BLACK+DECKER BESTA512: 6.5-amp corded string mower and edger with a detachable deck and 2-year warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best Cordless Alternative Greenworks MO48B01: 48V battery push mower with a 17-inch poly deck, two 4.0Ah batteries and a 3-year warranty Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
YARDMAX YL2250 22 in. 170cc Gas Walk Behind String Trimmer Mower
Gas walk-behind string trimmer mower with a 170cc engine, 22-inch cutting swath, offset trimmer head and 14-inch ball-bearing wheels.
Who it's for: owners of acreage who need a heavy-duty walk-behind string trimmer for rough fence lines and field edges.
Who should skip it: anyone wanting a stated warranty term, electric push-button starting, or a lightweight mower.
Read the full review
The YARDMAX YL2250 is a walk-behind gas string trimmer mower featuring a 170cc engine and a 22-inch cutting width. Its offset head design lets operators trim straight along fence lines, barns and landscaping without having to weave in and out. The listing specifies tool-free adjustment across 5 cutting heights from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, rugged 14-inch ball bearing wheels, and an onboard cord caddy for trimmer string storage. The listing does not state machine weight, fuel tank capacity, safety certifications, or a warranty term.
Pros
- Dedicated walk-behind string trimmer mower with a wide 22-inch cutting swath
- 170cc gas engine provides power for tall weeds and brush along fence lines
- Offset head position trims flush against barns, fences and obstacles
- Rugged 14-inch ball bearing wheels and onboard cord caddy included
Cons
- No warranty term is stated on the listing
- Weight and fuel tank capacity are not stated
- No safety certifications or operator presence system stated on the listing
- Manual push only with no self-propelled drive option listed
BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 12-Inch 6.5 Amp 3-in-1 Electric String Mower
Corded 3-in-1 string mower combo with a 6.5 amp motor, 12-inch cutting swath, detachable MTD100 deck and automatic spool feed.
Who it's for: suburban and small-property owners wanting a light string trimmer that doubles as a wheeled mower.
Who should skip it: anyone needing to clear rough brush, mow far from an electrical outlet, or cut a wide swath.
Read the full review
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM combines a 6.5 amp corded string trimmer with the MTD100 detachable wheeled mower deck and an AF-100 spool. It operates at speeds up to 8000 RPM with POWERDRIVE transmission, an Automatic Feed Spool system, an auxiliary handle, a guard, and a cord retention system. Weight is listed at 9.9 pounds. There is a listing contradiction: the bullets state a 1.6-inch cutting height, whereas the specs table lists 12 positions while repeating 1.6 inches as both minimum and maximum height. A 2-year limited warranty is stated in both bullets and specs.
Pros
- 3-in-1 design switches between string mowing, trimming and wheeled edging
- Weighs only 9.9 lb with the detachable MTD100 mower deck attached
- Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) feeds string without bump adjustments
- Backed by a stated 2-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Corded electric design requires an extension cord and limits working range
- Narrow 12-inch cut swath is designed for compact yards rather than open acreage
- Listing contradicts itself by listing 12 height positions but a fixed 1.6-inch height
- No UL, ETL or CSA electrical safety certification is stated on the listing
Greenworks 48V 17-Inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower with Two 4.0Ah Batteries
Cordless 48V push lawn mower with two 4.0Ah batteries, dual-port rapid charger, 17-inch poly deck and 5-position single-lever height adjustment.
Who it's for: property owners who want a quiet, cordless walk-behind mower for clean turf and yards up to 1/4 acre.
Who should skip it: anyone clearing rocky fence lines or thick woody weeds where string mowers excel.
Read the full review
The Greenworks MO48B01 is a battery-powered push lawn mower powered by two 24V 4.0Ah batteries delivering 48V power and up to 45 minutes of run time. It features a push-button start, a rust-resistant poly deck, 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging, single-lever 5-position height adjustment from 1-3/8 to 3-3/4 inches, and compatibility with 200-plus Greenworks 24V tools. Two listing contradictions stand out: cutting width is listed as 17 inches in title and bullets but 16.14 inches in the specs table, and warranty is stated as a 3-year limited tool and battery warranty in bullets but 2 years in the specs table.
Pros
- Cordless 48V system includes two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger
- Lightweight 17-inch rust-resistant poly deck weighs 42.5 lb
- Single-lever height adjustment provides 5 positions from 1-3/8 in. to 3-3/4 in.
- Backed by a stated 3-year limited tool and battery warranty in bullets
Cons
- Uses a rotary steel blade rather than trimmer string, unsuitable for rocky terrain
- Listing contradicts cutting width with 17 inches in text and 16.14 inches in specs table
- Warranty term contradicts between 3 years in bullets and 2 years in the specs table
- No UL, ETL or CSA safety listing is stated on the listing
LawnMaster LMRM1801 18-Inch 5-Blade Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower
Manual push reel lawn mower with an 18-inch cut width, 5 steel blades, 10-inch front wheels and included grass collection bag.
Who it's for: homeowners with small, smooth turf areas who want a quiet, zero-emission manual scissor cut.
Who should skip it: anyone facing tall pasture grass, rough terrain, woody brush, or thick weeds.
Read the full review
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is a manual push reel mower featuring an 18-inch cutting width, five steel blades, 10-inch front wheels, and an included collection bag. It requires no fuel or batteries, operating entirely on human push power. Cutting heights contradict between sections: the listing bullets claim 9 cutting positions from 1.1 to 2.5 inches, while the specs table states a minimum of 0.75 inches and a maximum of 2 inches. The specs table records weight at 12.94 kg (Cleva manufacturer). The listing does not state a warranty term.
Pros
- Motorless design requires no gasoline, oil, electrical cords or battery charging
- 5 durable steel blades deliver a clean scissor-like cut on lawn grasses
- 18-inch cutting deck with 10-inch front wheels for smooth rolling
- Includes a grass collection bag for catching clippings
Cons
- No warranty term is stated on the listing
- Manual push power cannot cut heavy weeds, brush or tall overgrown field edges
- Listing contradicts height range: 1.1 to 2.5 in. in text versus 0.75 to 2 in. in specs
- No safety certifications are stated on the listing
BLACK+DECKER MTD100 Removable Lawn Mower Deck for String Trimmer
Detachable 12-inch wheeled mower deck accessory that converts compatible BLACK+DECKER string trimmers into a push mower.
Who it's for: owners of compatible BLACK+DECKER string trimmers who want to convert their existing handheld tool into a wheeled string mower.
Who should skip it: anyone needing a complete standalone mower or cutting tool.
Read the full review
The BLACK+DECKER MTD100 is a detachable 12-inch mower deck accessory designed to convert compatible string trimmers into a push mower. The listing states compatibility with models NST2118, LST220, LST300, LST400, LST522, LSTE522, LSTE523, and LSTE525. It weighs 5.8 pounds, offers a wall hanging storage feature, and provides 2 height adjustment positions. In the specs table, cutting height is listed contradictorily as 2 centimeters for both minimum and maximum height. A 2-year limited manufacturer warranty is stated in the specs table. The string trimmer itself is not included.
Pros
- Converts existing 12-inch BLACK+DECKER string trimmers into a wheeled push mower
- Lightweight 5.8 lb frame with convenient wall-hanging storage option
- 2 adjustable deck height positions for trimming consistency
- Backed by a stated 2-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Deck accessory only: string trimmer motor, line spool and battery are not included
- Compatible only with select BLACK+DECKER string trimmer models
- Specs table lists minimum and maximum heights identically at 2 centimeters
- No safety certifications are stated on the listing
Other machines to compare
30 Pack Universal Walk Behind String Trimmer Mower 21.25"Check price on Amazon
PowerSmart 18-Inch 144cc Push Gas Lawn Mower & 16-Inch 25.4ccCheck price on Amazon
Side-by-side specs
| Model | Acre Score | Power Type | Cut Width | Engine / Motor | Cut Heights | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YARDMAX YL2250 | 9.6/10 | Gas string mower | 22 in. | 170cc gas | 5 positions (1.5 to 3.5 in.) | Not stated | Not stated |
| BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM | 9.5/10 | Corded electric 3-in-1 | 12 in. | 6.5 Amp | 1.6 in. | 9.9 lb | 2-year limited |
| Greenworks MO48B01 | 9.5/10 | Battery push mower | 17 in. (text) / 16.14 in. (table) | 48V (2x24V, 4.0Ah) | 5 positions (1-3/8 to 3-3/4 in.) | 42.5 lb | 3-year (text) / 2-year (table) |
| LawnMaster LMRM1801 | 9.4/10 | Manual push reel | 18 in. | Motorless | 9 positions (1.1 to 2.5 in.) | 12.94 kg | Not stated |
| BLACK+DECKER MTD100 | 9.4/10 | Deck accessory | 12 in. | None (deck only) | 2 positions | 5.8 lb | 2-year limited |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 8 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
YARDMAX YL2250
BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM
Greenworks MO48B01
LawnMaster LMRM1801
BLACK+DECKER MTD100
Buying guide: choosing the best string mower for acreage
Engine displacement and power source
Walk-behind string mowers tackle rough weed growth that stalls standard lawn equipment. The YARDMAX YL2250 relies on a 170cc gas engine for continuous cutting power along remote pastures and fences where electrical cords cannot reach. The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM uses a 6.5 amp corded electric motor operating up to 8000 RPM, offering steady power without fuel storage but limited by cord reach. The Greenworks MO48B01 supplies 48V cordless operation using two 24V 4.0Ah batteries for up to 45 minutes of run time across areas up to 1/4 acre. The LawnMaster LMRM1801 requires no motor, relying strictly on manual push power.
Cutting swath and trimmer string versus rigid blades
Cutting width dictates how many passes are needed to clear an area. The YARDMAX provides a 22-inch swath using heavy trimmer line, making it suitable for field borders. The BLACK+DECKER unit cuts a 12-inch path using an Automatic Feed Spool (AF-100) system. In contrast, the Greenworks mower uses a steel blade across a 17-inch poly deck (16.14 inches in the specs table), and the LawnMaster reel mower uses 5 steel blades across an 18-inch width. Rigid steel blades provide sharp scissor or rotary cuts on clean turf, but trimmer line withstands strikes against rocks, masonry and fence wire without blade damage.
Maneuverability, wheels and deck design
Wheel dimensions determine how easily a walk-behind machine rolls over uneven soil. The YARDMAX features 14-inch ball bearing wheels and an offset head designed to track flush against fence lines and barns. The LawnMaster rolls on 10-inch front wheels, while the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM attaches its trimmer into the wheeled MTD100 deck for a total weight of 9.9 pounds. The Greenworks poly deck weighs 42.5 pounds, resisting rust while remaining lighter than steel decks.
Listing contradictions and missing information
Catalog specifications frequently contain discrepancies. The Greenworks listing specifies a 17-inch width and a 3-year warranty in its bullets, while the specs table states 16.14 inches and a 2-year warranty. The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM listing notes a 1.6-inch cutting height in bullets, yet the specs table lists 12 positions while repeating 1.6 inches as both minimum and maximum height. The LawnMaster bullets list cutting heights between 1.1 and 2.5 inches, whereas its specs table lists 0.75 to 2 inches. The YARDMAX listing omits machine weight, fuel capacity and warranty terms entirely.
Protective equipment and operating safety
Trimmer heads throw stones and wood fragments at high velocity. Operators should wear eye and hearing protection, sturdy work boots and long pants, and clear loose surface debris before mowing. None of the five models state UL, ETL or CSA safety certifications on their Amazon listings. See our Safety Disclaimer.
Wear eye and hearing protection, long pants and sturdy footwear, and keep bystanders well back while the line or blade spins. Clear stones and debris first, and stop the engine or remove the battery before clearing the head. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See OSHA landscaping safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs five factors: performance (cutting width, engine displacement, motor output and speed), build quality (deck material, wheel design and durability), value (feature set relative to capability), safety (stated certifications and operator protection features) and warranty (stated manufacturer coverage term). A factor the listing does not state scores zero.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YARDMAX YL2250 | 9.6 | 34 | 24 | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| BLACK+DECKER BESTA512 | 9.5 | 28 | 20 | 24 | 0 | 3 |
| Greenworks MO48B01 | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| LawnMaster LMRM1801 | 9.4 | 27 | 20 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| BLACK+DECKER MTD100 | 9.4 | 22 | 19 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
FAQ: mowing large lots
Can you replace the pull string on a lawn mower?
Yes. If the pull cord frays or snaps, the recoil starter housing can be removed to install a replacement rope. Match the diameter and length of the original cord so it spools cleanly within the recoil spring housing without binding.
Why is the pull string on my lawn mower stuck?
A pull string that will not budge often indicates an engaged engine blade brake, a jammed recoil pulley mechanism, or fluid inside the engine cylinder. Release the operator bail handle and inspect the starter housing before applying force.
What size string does a walk-behind string trimmer mower use?
The listings in our evaluation do not state a specific replacement line diameter, citing only spool part numbers such as the AF-100 for compact models. Refer to the manufacturer manual for the approved line gauge on your specific machine.
When should you choose a string mower over a standard lawn mower?
A string mower uses flexible monofilament line rather than a rigid steel blade. It is suited for clearing weeds along wire fences, masonry foundations, and rough terrain where a steel blade could strike rocks or posts.
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