Back at the end of June, we spent a few weeks testing out a whole stable of gas-powered weed eaters for our Best String Trimmer Shootout. We looked at the trimmers’ performance, efficiency, features, ergonomics, and value to see which model presented the best fit for the pro landscaper’s needs. And, while we found a few options that would make any Pro happy, we also found a few models that probably fit better into the residential/DIY sphere of the trimmer market.
With that said, today we’re looking at the TB6044 XP Troy-Bilt 4 Stroke Weed Eater. It finished in the overall last spot in our shootout. This might seem a little unflattering, but keep in mind that Troy-Bilt’s target demographic really isn’t the Pro market. The brand aims to make equipment for the do-it-yourself homeowner who’s not trying to spend an arm and a leg to take care of their lawn, but who also needs a reliable tool. All that being the case, let’s take a look at our 10th-place finisher.
Ergonomics
While not encapsulating all of what we look for in determining an ergonomics score, a tool’s weight does play an important part. Obviously, the string trimmer requires you to carry it around the yard with you for, usually, a substantial amount of time, so a lighter tool is a more comfortable tool. While the vast majority of the string trimmers we looked at weighed in somewhere around the 12-13 lb mark, the Troy-Bilt 4 stroke Weed Eater punches in at a cumbersome 14 lbs, 9 oz. Only one other model we looked at weighed more.
We also considered noise, as a quieter string trimming experience makes for a more comfortable one. Unfortunately, Troy-Bilt’s model rang out sharp and loud. At the ear, we measured this string trimmer at 102 dB(A). At 50 ft. away, it measured 77 dB(A). It didn’t shriek at us as quite as badly as the Stihl model did, but make no mistake here: the Troy-Bilt 4 Stroke weed eater is a little painful in the noise department. Ultimately, it finished ninth in our sound testing.
Also, from a purely tactile perspective, we’ve met more comfortable string trimmers before. One of the main problems we ran into with this model revolved around the throttle trigger safety, which is a little finicky. Basically, if you don’t press it down hard in certain areas, it won’t unlock the throttle.
We also thought that Troy-Bilt could have made the shaft on the TB6044 XP a bit longer. Some of us in the office stand over 6′ tall, and having to bend over to get any work done can get real painful real quick.
Fuel Efficiency
We’ve got some good news and some bad news about the TB6044 XP’s fuel efficiency. I’ll start with the bad news first: the Troy-Bilt 4 stroke weed eater will only run for just over 30 minutes on a full tank. We generally like to see a Pro-level string trimmer squeeze out at least 45 minutes on a tank, but this one finished in last place with the shortest runtime: 31:03.
However, the good news is that, despite the TB4066 XP’s short runtime, this string trimmer tied for joint-1st place for actual fuel efficiency. See, the problem is that the fuel tank on this model is only 11 oz. Most of the trimmers we tested had fuel tanks in the 20 oz region, which allowed them to run much longer on a full tank. But, if you break down the runtime on a per-ounce basis, Troy-Bilt makes a really efficient model here.
Unfortunately, to use this trimmer commercially, you will spend more time than is reasonable running back to the truck to refuel. For that reason, we can’t give the Troy-Bilt 4 stroke weed eater as stellar of a score as we’d like to.
To keep everything fair in our shootout, we used TruFuel Premix and 4-Cycle Fuel in all of our string trimmers.
Feature Set
This category presents something of a mixed bag for us. On the one hand, the Troy-Bilt 4 stroke weed eater has a good amount of features working for it, but on the other hand, most of those features aren’t really the ones we’d look for on a commercial model.
For instance, the TB6044 XP has a 4 stroke engine that doesn’t require premix. It also has a split shaft that allows the user to attach different heads. It even has JumpStart capability, which allows the user to fire up the weed eater with a separate electric start adapter.
Our problem here is that the Troy-Bilt lacks a serviceable head, auto choke, auto-on feature, and primer bulb. The line fill system is ok, but a ratcheting fill system would be better. It has a straight shaft, but it comes in two parts. We prefer a one-piece shaft for durability’s sake. It has a 3-year warranty, but not a commercial warranty.
Ultimately, the features it has, and the features it lacks, all point to the Troy-Bilt 4 stroke weed eater being geared toward the homeowner rather than the landscaping professional.
Troy-Bilt 4 Stroke Weed Eater Features
- No mixing of gas and oil
- Quick Change head and bonus Aero-Flex head with fixed line included
- SpringAssist Starting Technology
- JumpStart Capable
- Accepts TrimmerPlus Attachments
- 32cc, Full-Crank 4-Cycle Engine is easier to use and produces less noise
- 18″ Cutting width allows you to trim more grass in less time
Performance
We tested our string trimmers in a 5′ x 5′ square of both regular grass, and then again in thick, overgrown Bahia grass. To give credit where it’s due, the Troy-Bilt 4 stroke weed eater performs well with its 18″ cut swath. It didn’t win our speed tests, but it hung out right in the middle of the pack with the more Pro-level models. Its average cut time in typical grass was 8.8 seconds, and 13.6 seconds in the thicker foliage.
Unfortunately, after we finished the testing, we noticed that grease had started to leak out of the head. We realize that this might be an isolated, one-off sort of thing, but it doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence about the tool’s lifespan. We thought we ought to mention it. 
For all string trimmers in our shootout, we used .095 Echo Black Diamond Trimmer Line.
Value
The Troy-Bilt 4 stroke weed eater retails for $239. Aside from the two Ryobi models we tested, the TB6044 XP was the least expensive model we looked at. At face value, this seems like a pretty good deal. However, keep in mind that, while the TB6044 XP does come with a 3-year limited warranty, that warranty doesn’t cover commercial use.
The Bottom Line
It would be hard for us to recommend the TB6044 XP to the professional landscaper who needs to rely on his equipment day in and day out. This model lacks a lot of the features a pro would look for, and while its fuel efficiency is pretty great, it’s small fuel tank won’t allow it to run for long enough to be considered a viable option for commercial use. Plus, Troy-Bilt doesn’t warranty the product commercially. In and of itself, that fact points to an indication that Troy-Bilt has aimed this model toward the homeowner.
With that said, the Troy-Bilt 4 stroke weed eater makes some sense for the DIY market. The cut swath and performance look good, and it has attachments available that should open this tool up to a variety of applications. A grease leak gives us some concerns about the initial quality, but with that 3-year consumer warranty, this string trimmer shouldn’t be too much of a gamble.
Troy-Bilt 4 Stroke Weed Eater Specs
- Model Number: TB6044 XP
- Cutting Swath: 18″
- Line Diameter: 0.095″
- Engine/Motor: 32cc, 4-cycle gas
- Starting System: SpringAssist with JumpStart Capability
- Choke System: Prime & Go
- Line Release: Quick Change bump head
- Line Replacement System: Quick loading
- Attachment Capable: Yes
- Handle: Adjustment overmold contour handle
- Boom Type: Straight
- Weight: 18.8 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- MSRP: $239
For more information about the TB6044 XP Troy-Bilt 4 Stroke Weed Eater, check it out at Troybilt.com .
