Pull the cord and start trimming. This is what we expect out of a string trimmer, right?! Actually, if we dig a little deeper, there are more features and qualities that set apart the true professional trimmers. Proving it belongs in the Pro category, the Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer is lightweight and delivers plenty of power for the job. Even from the first cut, the 525LS levels any grass or weeds in its way. As the first tank of fuel subsides, the power seems to increase as the engine continues to run and break-in.
Husqvarna continues to expand its line of outdoor power equipment, and not only in the gas market. Along with 4-stroke and 2-stroke lawn power tools, Husqvarna is also a major competitor in the cordless world. As noise ordinances and workplace safety standards continue to press on the industry, Pros are starting to look for alternatives. One example can be seen here in our Husqvarna 36V Hedge Trimmer Review.
Husqvarna 525LS String Trimmer Features
Weighing in at just over ten (10) pounds, the 1.34 horsepower from the 25.4cc motor gives you the feeling of just gliding through the grass. Make no mistake, the cut is clean and the cutter-head speed hardly changes as it engages the enemy at wide-open-throttle (WOT). In addition to delivering power with less weight, the Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer does so with very little vibration. Built into the chassis of the 525LS are vibration dampeners that successfully eliminate most of the 2-cycle engine harmonic feedback. This is one feature that the user will notice more and more, the longer the trimmer runs. Even more noticeable once you use another trimmer again.
Being a pro model, the 525LS includes a straight shaft, made from aluminum, as well as a heavy-duty bevel gear on the trimmer head. The guard on the “business-end” of the trimmer is not too big, so the user can easily see the work being done. This comes in handy when doing things like edging with a string trimmer.
Using the 525LS Trimmer
After a quick fuel mixing with the Husqvarna 50:1 pre-mix oil, I fuel up the tank and prepare for first ignition. Following directions on the trimmer, I prime the fuel bulb 10x, engage the choke, and pull the starter cord a few times. On the 3rd pull, the engine fires briefly, so I turn off the choke and pull the starter again. This time, the RPMs rev higher as I feather the throttle. After a few seconds of run time, take it to wide-open-throttle and mow down some grass.
Our Testing Grounds
Let me give a brief explanation of our proving grounds for the Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer. Nestled in sunny Central Florida, OPE headquarters has three acres of bahia grass, as well as two more acres of a pseudo-forest. This forest consists of oaks, citrus and palm trees leading down to a creek that is normally about ten feet wide. With our tropical climate and regular afternoon thunderstorms, the grass, weeds and vines grow constantly. If you know anything about bahia, you understand that it’s about as tough as a yellow toenail. In short, even without leaving the office/shop, we have plenty to test and keep a string trimmer busy for days.
“Central Florida?” You say, “isn’t that where…” Yep, we just got punched in the face by Hurricane Irma. Many trees and powerlines down, along with some damaged roofs. Aside from that, we count our blessings that our community had no fatalaties from the storm. The hurricane did manage to bring plenty of rain, aiding again in growing our grass and weeds.
Husqvarna String Trimmer Features Cont’d
With the auto return stop switch on this Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer, there is no need to “turn it on”. The trimmer is always ready to start, hence the “Stop” switch is only used when you want to turn off the trimmer. Before throttle can be applied, the safety paddle must first be depressed on the top of the handle. This will typically be depressed by the user’s hand as they hold the handle and reach for the throttle. Furthermore, a metal skid plate protects the bottom of the motor and fuel tank of the 525LS trimmer from drops, scrapes and flying debris.
Husqvarna includes the tap ‘n go twin line cutting system on the 525LS, along with their .095 titanium line. We made use of the included .095 line for our review. The auto-feed bump-head performs very well during testing, and we have yet to encounter any malfunctions. We did pull the head apart and restring the line, which is quick and easy.
525LS String Trimmer Performance
As mentioned earlier, the first thing to really stand out with the 525LS is the power-to-weight ratio. This trimmer feels very light and balanced, almost as if you’re holding a consumer model. A few of us, in-house use it, as well as one of our landscape professionals. The feeling is the same across the board. First, “this is really lightwieght”, followed by “I wonder if it can do the work of a pro”? Then, as the engine revs and the trimmer starts cutting, those concerns quickly subside. Through thick bahia and tall weeds, this 525LS impresses us all. We can make it bog in heavy grass, but you have to be pretty intentional to do so. The tyipcal lawn maintenance and trimming is a perfect fit for this machine.
Ergonomics and Vibration
If you took a look at our star ratings under Ergonomics, you notice that it’s not perfect…but wait! This is a bit sad, because with a single change, the Husqvarna 525LS could get 5 stars in this category. Vibration control is excellent, however the drawback is the handle/s. Both handles are just plastic, with no cushion added or rubber overmold. With bare hands, this can be noticeable, especially over time. If you like to wear gloves on the job, this may not even be a concern for you. While the handles are not exactly uncomfortable, we do think it’s worth mentioning.
On a very positive note, Husqvarna does a tremendous job at reducing vibration. You know what it’s like after holding a string trimmer for hours, especially at WOT. You get back in the truck with your hands tingling, feeling as though you’re still trimming. This is NOT the case with the Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer. Rubber isolators keep the engine harmonics at bay, so they don’t run through the shaft, handles, and into your hands. Holding the throttle handle while twisting the engine, you can see how these rubber dampeners work. Your hands and your employees may love you more for this single feature.
Our Thoughts
Professionals should take note. This Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer is the real deal. It will handle the majority of work for most lawn pros, while removing some weight and vibrations from their hands. A pound or two may not seem like much, but it’s very noticeable after hours of constant use. This is not the most powerful trimmer on the market, nor is it even the most powerful in the Husqvarna arsenal. If you do a lot of brushcutting and edging with your string trimmer, you may want to look to a different model for this. However, if you are looking for a great all-around trimmer at a good price, we can definitely recommend the Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer.
You can purchase the Husqvarna 525LS string trimmer for about $319, and Husqvarna includes a 2-year warranty (consumer or professional). To find out more information about the 525LS, click here .
Husqvarna 525LS String Trimmer Specifications
- Weight (excl. cutting equipment): 10.14 lbs
- Tube length: 58.39 in
- Tube diameter: 0.94 in
- Cylinder displacement: 25.4 cm³
- Power output: 1.34 hp
- Maximum power speed: 8500 rpm
- Fuel tank volume: 17.25 fl oz
- Fuel consumption: 600 g/kWh
- Torque, max. at rpm: 6000 rpm
- Torque, max.: 1.2 Nm
- Clutch engagement speed (±120): 4000 rpm
- Maximum rpm output shaft: 6500 rpm
- Equivalent vibration level (ahv, eq) left handle: 3 m/s²
- Equivalent vibration level (ahv, eq) right handle: 2.8 m/s²
- Gear ratio: 19
- Drive gear angle: 30 °
- Sound pressure level at operators ear: 98 dB(A)
- Sound power level, guaranteed (LWA): 107 dB(A)
