If you are a professional lawn care crew member or a homeowner looking to maintain fewer engines or powerheads, an attachment system can be a useful option. We have compiled a list of the best weed eater attachment systems, including both battery-powered weed eaters and gas-powered models, based on our own testing and evaluation of the pros and cons of each. This article provides an overview of the features, value, and performance of these attachment systems so you can make an informed decision on which one to purchase.
Shopping for the Best Weed Eater Attachment Systems
Our recommendations ultimately have to match up with your needs. Here’s a list of the things we look for when we consider what constitutes a best weed eater attachment system that we consider recommending.
Gas vs Battery
One thing that stands out in our list is the prevalence of battery-powered options. Based on our discussions with professionals, most lawn care companies don’t typically opt for multi-head systems. They prefer the convenience of grabbing dedicated edgers, blowers, or hedge trimmers that don’t require having to swap attachments.
Still, multi-head units can be a good fit for professionals working at universities, apartment complexes, and other locations where a fixed base of operations and cost-cutting measures make these systems appealing.
For this reason, many of our recommendations focus on battery-powered models. This offers a couple of benefits. First, they let professionals try their hand at integrating battery-powered outdoor power equipment into their workflow. Second, they cater to the majority of weed eater attachment system sales, which are to homeowners and those with properties of one acre or less.
Pricing the Best Weed Eater Attachment Systems
When shopping for a battery-powered weed wacker attachment system, it is important to consider your budget. Keep in mind that you can expect to spend at least $200 for a string trimmer starter kit and $500-$700 for a set that includes a string trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer, and pole saw. Looking for a top-of-the-line professional-level system? That could cost $1,000 or more.
While you can find less expensive powerheads and attachments, they may compromise on power or construction quality to achieve those lower price points. Many brands offer multiple starter kits, and some have more comprehensive options that can help you save money in the long run by getting everything you need in one package rather than piecing it together over time.
Weed Eater Attachment Power
Most battery-powered string trimmers on the market will effectively trim grass and weeds. Tasks such as street sweeping and cultivating require more power. Consider the power output of the motor when shopping for an attachment system you intend to use on those more difficult applications.
A good indicator of power is the gas engine equivalency rating and whether it uses a brushless motor. A powerhead with the power of at least a 25cc engine is generally sufficient for most weed eater attachments—even ones designed for tough applications. Additionally, brands like Milwaukee have demonstrated the ability to deliver impressive power from their 18V systems.
Available Accessories
The main advantage of purchasing an attachment system is to avoid the need for multiple individual tools. You still need to ensure you have all the tools and attachments you need, however. While you can build your system as you go, keep in mind that if the brand you’re considering doesn’t offer a tool you need—like a blower—you may have to purchase a standalone handheld model instead.
One exception is weed eater attachment systems that use a universal connection. This gives you compatibility with attachments from other brands. These systems don’t work with proprietary systems, so keep that in mind as you shop.
Battery Runtime and Charging Time
Pay close attention to runtime and charge times when using a battery-powered weed eater attachment system. This goes triple if you plan to use it for a full day. Some brands, like Makita, EGO, and Milwaukee Tool offer fast chargers that can get you back to work in as little as 45 minutes. Many other brands use slower chargers that can take several hours to charge a battery—not including the time it takes to cool the battery prior to charging.
If you anticipate using your attachment system for long periods of time, make sure you have enough batteries and a fast enough charger to support your needs.
On the gas side of things, your fuel tank determines your runtime. Look for a larger tank if you need to operate the tool for a longer period of time before topping it off.
Universal Powerhead Attachments
Several companies make universal powerhead attachments. These work with HART Tools, Ryobi, Toro, Weed Eater, Troy Bilt, Murray, and Poulan Pro Trimmers among others. If you want the most variety of potential attachment options, picking one of these brands gives you more options than others.
Even without universal compatibility, many major manufacturers provide plenty of options for weed eater powerhead attachments.
Available Weed Eater Attachments
One of the key benefits of an attachment system includes the ability to use one battery and charger platform, rather than managing multiple sets. This can save time and simplify your equipment management.
When shopping for an attachment system, consider your future needs and ensure that the system you choose includes all the pieces you may need down the road. This helps you get the most value out of your purchase and it minimizes the need to buy additional equipment in the future.
Vibration in Weed Eater Attachment Systems
Vibration matters and it really affects both comfort and usability of a weed eater attachment system. When performing tasks like string trimming, pole sawing, hedge trimming, and even blowing, less vibration makes the tool easier to use for longer periods of time. When a system doesn’t effectively manage vibration, it can lead to increased fatigue for the user.
We like to get a sense of how well a particular system handles vibration. If you can, try it out in at the dealer or in the store and see how it feels with no load on it. If an attachment system feels rough or unbalanced before it starts to do its work, chances are it will be even more uncomfortable when you actually put it to task.
Best Battery-Powered 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 40V Couple Shaft System or you can pick up the 4-stroke 25.4 cc gas head. You can even grab a single- or dual-battery 18V power head.
The Couple Shaft system features a deep line of available accessories and caters to Pros by supporting both 18V and 40V battery platforms alongside a 4-stroke gas power head (for now at least). 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 40V batteries that power the Couple Shaft system also work on dozens of other tools and products on the same XGT platform.
Key features include a Reverse direction mode, three 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
- 40V XGT batteries are compatible with dozens of other tools and products
- Gas and 18V/40V 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
- Makita Corporation announced it would discontinue the production of engine products on March 31, 2022.
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 Weed Eater Attachment System Overall
Stihl 36V Battery KombiSystem
During testing, we found that the Stihl 36V battery-powered KombiSystem offered the performance of a gas-powered tool without any compromise in power across all of its accessories. It also features three speed settings for added control, and the high-capacity backpack battery provides ample runtime for professional use. In addition, there is a wide range of available accessories that can be purchased to complement this system. Overall, it is a reliable and versatile option for those in the professional lawn care industry.
If you are considering the Stihl KombiSystem for professional use, you have the option of choosing either a gas-powered or battery-powered powerhead. This lets you use the power source most convenient for your needs. Of course, you can also carry both to use gas in most situations and switch to a battery in areas where it is required.
Keep in mind that the Stihl KombiSystem has a premium price point, as the brand generally has higher pricing than many other manufacturers. This price comes with the benefit of providing access to the Stihl’s dealer network for support both during and after the sale—a valuable resource.
It’s also worth noting that all of the weed eater powerhead attachments for the KombiSystem are also compatible 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 a 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 good choice for those who want powerful performance at a more reasonable price point than some other options, like the Stihl KombiSystem. During testing, the power of this system impressed us, particularly when using the cultivator. We also had great success using the wide brush attachments to clear caked-down soil along the street.
EGO’s 56V weed eater attachment system also offers two speed settings, which lets you customize the performance and use of each accessory as needed. Overall, it’s a versatile and effective choice for a wide range of lawn care tasks.
EGO’s entire 56V 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. In fact, the brand consistently ranks very high in our best battery-powered lawn mower articles.
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 offers an attachment-ready string trimmer that is compatible with their excellent 60V lineup of outdoor power equipment. This line strikes a balance between the lower weight of the 40V line and the higher power of the 80V line, making it a favorite among our testers. It provides a good combination of power and ease of use.
Going with a universal attachment system, Greenworks lets you easily expand beyond its own weed eater attachment offerings. We did notice a little additional vibration through the shaft than some other premium options, but it also supplied plenty of power to run all available attachments authoritatively.
This system has a noticeably slow start-up due to the tuning of the powerhead’s brushless motor. It doesn’t diminish the excellent performance of this tool—but we found it noticeable enough to call it out.
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 a 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 Battery-Powered Weed Eater Attachment System – Fan Favorite
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Quik-Lok System
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Quik-Lok system received positive feedback from professionals, who appreciated its performance and ergonomics. In fact, it was chosen as the fan-favorite pick for the best weed eater attachment system. Milwaukee has made significant improvements to this system, particularly in reducing vibration and ensuring consistent power across all tools, compared to their first-generation string trimmer.
According to Milwaukee, their OPE equipment is designed to complement a professional crew’s gas-powered tools, but the performance of the Quik-Lok system is so impressive that it could potentially be used as a primary tool for those looking to switch from gas to battery-powered equipment.
The primary battery for this system is an 8.0Ah High-Output pack, while the High-Output 12.0Ah battery offers you longer runtime. Milwaukee offers a wide range of compatible power tools, lighting products, and other items that can be powered by the same batteries. The two-speed head on the Quik-Lok system lets users adjust the speed for power or runtime depending on their needs.
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 Eater Attachment System for Small Yards
Hart 40V PowerFit Brushless Attachment System
The HART Tools 40V brushless string trimmer is designed for compatibility with universal attachments. This feature lets you use attachments you already own or add new ones made by manufacturers other than HART. This versatility can be helpful for those who have a range of attachments and want to use them with a single trimmer.
The brushless motor on this trimmer provides strong power, and the attachments offer excellent performance, making it a great choice for homeowners with smaller yards who want an all-in-one solution.
Higher-voltage options like the 40V model tend to satisfy power needs better than the lower-power option—something worth considering. The two different speeds provide better control over trimming, edging, blowing, and hedge trimming tasks.
In addition, the many available attachments, combined with Hart’s mower line, provide a wide range of options that you can power with the same 40V battery. You can buy this trimmer at your local Walmart store.
Pros
- Attachment system works with other universal attachments, even those not made by HART Tools
- 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
- Long runtime with string trimmer attachment (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 on the market for some time, but the latest version of their 40V attachment-ready string trimmer has significantly improved performance. The previous version we tested was satisfactory in terms of performance, but the new powerhead clearly performs at a higher level.
Ryobi offers a wide range of accessories that use universal connections, so even if Ryobi doesn’t make a specific accessory you’re looking for, you can use any universal connection accessory with this trimmer.
You also have the option of both Ryobi gas and battery powerheads for this system, as well as two speed modes for switching between high-speed trimming and tasks that require more torque. For those who want a lower-power option, there is also an 18V model that works with the same batteries as all of Ryobi’s One+ power tools.
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 for Weed Eater Attachment Systems
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 the first Husqvarna 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 we got the DeWalt Universal Attachment System to 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.
Why You Can Trust OPE 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 2016 covering outdoor power equipment, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the landscaping, heavy equipment, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers have lots of experience in these fields as well as the skills and experience to know whether these products can perform well on the job.
Each year, our team reviews and gets their hands on hundreds of additional landscaping tools and equipment at our shop and at media events and trade shows.
We work with dozens of professionals around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.
