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Team Williams Gear Picks: 3 Cordless String Trimmers That Make Edging Easy
Late August and early September are when the small details start to show. Grass creeps over the sidewalk, weeds pop up along the fence, and the edges around mulch beds lose their clean line.
A good cordless string trimmer makes those touch-ups much easier. There is no gas to mix, no extension cord to drag around the yard, and no reason to pull out a larger mower for a job that takes a few minutes.
For Twin Cities homeowners, the right trimmer depends on the size of your property, how tough the grass and weeds are, and whether you already own batteries from a particular tool platform. Here are three practical options worth considering.
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What to look for in a trimmer for edging
Before choosing a model, pay attention to a few basics:
Cutting width: A wider cutting path covers more ground, while a narrower path gives you more control around plants and tight corners.
Battery setup: A tool-only trimmer may look less expensive, but you will need a compatible battery and charger.
Line-feed system: Automatic or bump-feed systems can save time when you need more line.
Adjustability: A telescoping shaft and adjustable handle make a difference when you are working around beds, steps, and uneven ground.
Weight and balance: A powerful trimmer is not helpful if it becomes uncomfortable halfway through the job.
For clean edging, technique matters just as much as the tool. Keep the trimmer head steady, avoid digging into the soil, and slow down near hard surfaces. Concrete and fence posts can wear down line quickly.
1. EGO Power+ 56V 16-Inch Carbon Fiber String Trimmer
Best for: Medium to large yards, heavier grass, and homeowners who want a premium cordless setup.
The EGO Power+ ST1623T is the most capable option in this group. It uses EGO’s 56V battery platform and has a 16-inch cutting width, which is helpful when you are trimming a larger property or dealing with grass that has gotten ahead of you.
The carbon fiber telescoping shaft is one of the more practical features. You can adjust the length to fit your height instead of bending forward through the entire job. That matters when you are making several passes along a sidewalk or trimming around a long fence line.
This model also includes EGO’s LINE IQ auto-sensing line feed and POWERLOAD head. The listing states that LINE IQ maintains the cutting swath without requiring a traditional bump, while POWERLOAD helps wind new line into the head. Those features can reduce interruptions when you are trying to finish a late-summer cleanup.
The included kit has a 4.0Ah battery and charger. EGO lists up to 60 minutes of runtime, but actual runtime will depend on the grass, line size, speed setting, and how aggressively you work. Thick weeds and tall grass will use more battery than light edging around a flower bed.
The main drawback is simple: this is a larger, more powerful tool than many homeowners need for a small townhome lot. It also makes the most sense if you plan to stay with the EGO 56V system for other equipment such as a mower or blower.
Our practical take: Choose this one if you want one trimmer that can handle regular edging plus tougher overgrowth. Use the lower speed around beds and fences, and save the higher setting for open grass and heavier weeds.
2. Litheli 2x20V 14-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer
Best for: Small to medium yards that need more power than a basic 20V trimmer.
This Litheli uses two 20V batteries together for a 40V-class setup. It has a 14-inch cutting path, a brushless motor, dual-line bump feed, and two speed settings listed at 5,000 and 6,000 RPM.
That combination puts it between a lightweight homeowner trimmer and a larger 56V model. It should be a good fit for a typical suburban yard where you are trimming around the driveway, sidewalk, garden beds, and fence but may also need to handle taller grass from time to time.
The 14-inch width is a useful middle ground. It is wide enough to cover ground efficiently, but not so large that it becomes awkward in tight landscaping. The two-battery design adds power, though it also means you are carrying two battery packs instead of one.
The listing identifies two 2.5Ah batteries as included. Before ordering, check the selected package carefully to confirm whether a charging adapter or charger is included. Battery bundles and product versions can change, and Litheli’s U20 materials note that some kits do not include a charging adapter.
The brushless motor is another reason to consider this model. It is designed for improved efficiency compared with a brushed motor, but that does not make it a commercial brush cutter. This is still a homeowner string trimmer. It is not the tool we would reach for to clear woody brush, thick stalks, or a badly neglected area.
Our practical take: This is the value-oriented choice for a homeowner who wants a little more muscle without jumping all the way to a premium 56V platform. It is especially useful when your yard has a mix of normal grass, fence-line weeds, and occasional heavier growth.
3. Litheli 20V Cordless Trimmer With Battery and Charger
Best for: Small yards, townhomes, light trimming, and homeowners who want a complete kit.
The single-battery Litheli is the light-duty option of the three. The Amazon listing identifies it as a 20V, 12-inch trimmer and wheeled edger with a 2.0Ah battery and charger included.
At 4.5 pounds, it is easier to carry and maneuver than larger trimmers. The telescoping pole adjusts from 36 to 47 inches, and the head has multiple angle settings for slopes, tight spaces, and areas near raised beds. It also uses an automatic line-feed system.
That makes it a reasonable match for a smaller property where the main job is keeping grass off the sidewalk and cleaning up around a few beds or fence posts. The included battery and charger also mean you can use it right out of the box without buying into a larger tool platform.
The trade-off is power. A 20V trimmer with a 12-inch cutting path is not designed for long stretches of thick weeds or tall, wet grass. The smaller line also makes it better suited to grass and light weeds than dense brush. If your trimming normally takes only 10 or 15 minutes, that may not be a problem. If you maintain a large corner lot, you will likely want a larger battery system.
Our practical take: This is the sensible starter kit for a small yard. Keep expectations realistic, clear heavy growth with hand tools first, and use the trimmer for regular maintenance rather than major overgrowth.
How to edge cleanly without damaging the lawn
Even the best trimmer can make a mess if you rush. Use this simple process:
Mow first. Trimming after mowing lets you see exactly where the grass is sticking over the sidewalk or bed.
Remove toys, hoses, and loose items. The line can throw small stones and debris farther than expected.
Wear eye protection and gloves. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Start with a light pass. Do not try to create a deep trench in one go.
Keep the head level around beds. Avoid slicing into mulch or exposed soil.
Rotate the head only when the tool is designed for edging. If the model has a wheel or edging mode, use it for straighter borders.
Blow or sweep the surface when finished. Grass clippings left on sidewalks can stain and make the job look unfinished.
Around fences, take extra care near posts and wire. Hard surfaces can wear down line quickly, and hidden objects near the fence can become projectiles.
Which cordless trimmer should you buy?
Choose the EGO Power+ 56V if you have a medium or large yard, want the most power, or plan to use other EGO 56V tools.
Choose the Litheli 2x20V if you want a middle-ground option for normal grass, moderate weeds, and regular suburban maintenance.
Choose the Litheli 20V kit if you have a small property and want a lightweight trimmer with the battery and charger included.
A few minutes of edging every week or two can keep a Twin Cities property looking sharp through the end of summer and into fall. For larger cleanup work, see our guide to essential fall cleanup gear. If you would rather have the mowing and trimming handled for you, Team Williams Lawn & Snow Services offers monthly lawn care packages for residential and commercial properties across the Twin Cities area.
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