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Many homeowners are looking for the best Weed Eater Head to replace their current string trimmer head – and we’re here to lend some assistance.
Fortunately, Replacement Trimmer Heads are easily interchangeable and, in many cases, a big “improvement” over the original factory-supplied trimmer head.
Today, many options exist, including an old-fashioned Bump-Feed head, the Speed Feed head manufactured for specific brands, and the Universal speed feed head, which fits most top-rated string trimmers.
Let’s find an improvement over your current trimmer head, something you can rely on, and a weed eater replacement head that works with your equipment.
Today the list of weed eater heads – including speed-feed trimmer heads is extremely popular and still growing.
New designs and engineering in replacement trimmer heads have changed this product from “the king of frustration” – To as simple to change as a lightbulb.
Today we’ll show you the 8 Best “Universal” trimmer head replacement products. These trimmer replacement heads are the best on the market and will fit almost any weed eater.
And if you don’t find the exact trimmer head you want or don’t want to take a chance on ordering the wrong head, see the end of our article, where we link to the Best “Brand Specific” string trimmer replacement head models.
These trimmer heads or Trimmer Line “Spools” replace trimmer heads on specific string trimmer brands.
The Best Weed Eater Replacement Heads generally fall into Three Different Categories: Which are “Fixed-line,” “Bump-feed,” and the most popular, “Automatic (or Speed-feed)” trimmer head. Here are the Three Basic Types of Trimmer replacement heads.
(3) Types of “String Trimmer Replacement Heads”
1). “Speed-Feed”(Automatic) Trimmer Head:
Our Favorite Choice By Far…Sometimes referred to as an Automatic head – Speed-feed heads are usually the most expensive replacement heads. And for a good reason.
They hold a good amount of heavyweight .095 trimmer line, and you can change a trimmer head in about 30 seconds.
Be sure to see the (Editor’s Choice Below) and ECHO/Shindaiwa Trimmer Head Video– you will be amazed at how quick and easy it is to change the trimmer line.
A speed-feed head includes a built-in winding mechanism – that makes very quick work of weed eater change-outs.
With a speed-feed head, users automatically feed the line into the trimmer as it winds onto the spool without taking the trimmer head apart. Watch the video to see how fast and easy re-spooling is.
Speed-feed heads tend to offer the best combination of speed and convenience and are, for this reason, most often used by landscape maintenance crews.
2) “Fixed-line” Trimmer Head:
This replacement head uses pre-cut lengths of trimmer line held in place by a locking mechanism. This head design does not require manually winding the trimmer line onto a spool.
3) “Bump-Feed” Trimmer Head:
Even the best bump-feed trimmer head, requires winding of the trimmer line, but it allows you to go much longer between string changes because of the larger capacity of the trimmer line on each spool.
However, because of the extensive line volume used in a bump head, the trimmer line for bump head trimmers is usually a .065 lightweight trimmer line vs. the heavyweight .80 or .95 trimmer line.
In our opinion, bump-feed heads are the least reliable and often fail to deliver trimmer line consistency.
“Optional” String Trimmer Heads:
Steel Blade Design
Certain companies offer a replacement trimmer head with “Steel blades” instead of a string trimmer line. A steel blade replacement head is generally used for trimming thicker weeds or brushes. See the Options below.
Plastic Blade Design
Alternatively, some replacement heads offer “Plastic blades.”While not offering steel blades, these heads offer a heavier-duty application to cut thicker grass or weeds than traditional trimmer lines. See the options below.
Best “Universal” Trimmer Head Replacement
The following list includes The Best Weed Eater Replacement Head options to buy, most of which are compatible with every String Trimmer brand.
We always recommend consulting your brand’s specifications to ensure the replacement head will fit your weed eater model.
Editors Pick: Shindaiwa- “Universal” Speed-Feed
The Echo/Shindaiwa Speed Feed 400 – Bump-To-Advance Replacement head is designed to fit Echo curved and straight shaft trimmers.
It is also compatible with many other weed eaters, including Stihl, Ryobi, Black & Decker, and Husqvarna, to name a few.
With the new and improved speed-feed design from Shindaiwa – you feed 20ft. Of .095 trimmer line into the spool, pull equal 10’ lengths to either side, turn the spool cap to wind up string – and you’re done – a rapid change out.
Note: the same parent company owns the Echo and Shindaiwa brands –
The speed-feed heads are identical and are branded under the Echo & Shindaiwa names.
Echo/Shindaiwa Speed Feed (Video) – See How Fast it Loads!
Bottom line: If you have a large lot and do a ton of weed whacking – this is the replacement head you want. Assuming it is compatible with your string trimmer model, that is.
Most users claim this is a “one and done” replacement head, which is one that many professional landscapers choose to use.
All you need on hand – is an extra spool of Gator trimmer line. This link at Amazon for the Gator line includes 680 Feet of .095 trimmer line.
It’s No wonder the professionals love this speed feed trimmer head.
Echo Speed Feed Head
Runner Up: WW EZ Lock
Why We Like It
In a twist on the fixed-line concept, the WW EZ Lock trimmer head uses a loop of .095 trimmer line-oriented pieces.
These replacement trimmer line pieces are inserted or removed using the two locking levers on the trimmer head body, making for quick and easy line changes.
This model fits approximately 99 percent of gas trimmers, including straight and curved shaft models.
Our Take Away
We think it’s hard to beat the WW EZ Lock trimmer head for the money and with fantastic user reviews. WW EZ offers fixed lines that allow you to keep the replacement head and change the trimmer line pieces individually.
Because of this feature and its fantastic longevity, WW EZ is considered a good choice for professional landscapers.
WW-EZ Trimmer Head
Best Value: Pivotrim – “Maxpower”
Why We Like It
The Pivotrim Maxpower Fixed-Line head is a well-constructed weed wacker trimmer head that fits practically any modern string trimmer brand.
With its “pre-packaged” clips of powerful .095 trimmer line – and pivoting head – the Pivotrim Maxpower head reduces line breakage by flexing when lines hit a solid object.
The Pivotrim replacement head is also straightforward to install and comes with various accessories, making it suitable for almost any trimmer configuration.
Our Takeaway
Some reviews claim this head lasted them over a year. Of course, the duration will depend on your specific uses.
This Pivot trimmer head is easily one of the best replacement trimmer heads on the market for convenience and ease of use.
It is an easy load trimmer head that uses pre-cut line pieces, preventing you from dealing with the hassles of using a standard bump feed spool.
You may say “goodbye forever” to conventional “line trimmer spools” after trying this fixed-line trimmer head design.
Pivotrim Trimmer Head (Video)
Pivot-Trim
Best “Plastic Blade” – Weed Warrior Replacement Head
Why We Like It
Turning away from a fixed trimmer head, we have come to a unique replacement head with three plastic bladesinstead of a string trimmer line.
The Weed Warrior 14867B is meant to cut thick, high grass and light brush quickly and easily. While the blades on this head will wear out eventually, they can easily be changed by the push-button release found on the trimmer head.
Our research found that new blades changequicker than traditional trimmer line spools.
Our Take Away
With its unique design and great reviews, we think the Weed Warrior 14867B is a good option for homeowners who regularly deal with dense grass and light brush.
The blades are wear-resistant, making them preferable to the traditional bump-feed trimmer line design, especially for heavy work.
Weed Warrior
Best Combo Blade & Trimmer Line Combo: Pivotrim – “Rino Tuff”
Why We Like It
This head Fits most gas trimmers. This unique blade and line replacement head combination offers the best of a regular .095 fixed line head and a bladed trimmer head.
The line can efficiently work through weeds and grasses, while the blades can be attached when it’s time to get into the brush.
Each line section is mounted on a swivel to reduce breakage, and the entire assembly can be added to a trimmer without installation tools.
Our Take Away
Combining two helpful cutting systems, the Pivotrim-Rino Tuff offers versatility and robust cutting power at a price point that’s hard to beat. This is a great option if you’re looking for an excellent trimmerhead for all occasions.
If we were to recommend a “premium upgrade” in our fixed-line replacement head lineup – it might be this one.
Pivot-Trim
Best Steel Blade for Brush: Grass Gator 4680
Why We Like It
The 4680 Grass Gator trimmer head fits almost any gas trimmer and includes a steel-bladed head for tackling heavy weeds and brush. When mounted, this head can make short work of dense weed cover.
It is also among the most substantial and durable replacement heads on the market at just over one pound in overall weight.
Our Take Away
The Grass Gator 4680 is an excellent tool for going through unruly weeds, even on huge properties. One thing to note, though, is that it should be mounted on a reasonably powerful string trimmer for optimal results.
The manufacturer also recommends using this steel blade head – for gas trimmers 25cc or higher.
Gator Head
Best Wire Trimmer Blade: IRmm Wire Replacement Head
Why We Like It
This 8″ Diameter trimmer head with Unbreakable Wire cutting is perfect for heavy-duty weed and brush trimming.
Our Take Away
While innovative and more unique than the Gator model on this list, the IRmm wire weed trimmer head is an incredible option for your next replacement trimmer head with even more capability than either traditional trimmer line or plastic blade options.
We’ve found that this trimmer head is durable, easy to use, and very suitable for the homeowner who frequently trims heavy brush and grass. Use caution when making sure it is compatible with your trimmer.
“Great user reviews” for trimming heavy weeds or brush, but many for everyday grass or light weeds; we recommend a conventional trimmer head instead.
IRmm Wire Trimmer Head
Best “Branded” Trimmer Heads and Spools
The following Replacement Heads or Spools – Are Made for Specific String Trimmer Brands:
Oregon Gator SpeedLoad: For Stihl and Husqvarna Brand Trimmers
Why We Like It
Another variant of a fixed-line head is the Oregon Gator SpeedLoad, which uses a “pre-coiled” disk with a .095 upgraded trimmer line. The spool, which can be loaded in 20 seconds – is done with No Tools and No Winding, making this patented system “frustration-free.”
Like other universal trimmer head replacements, the Oregon Gator SpeedLoad is also highly versatile and is said to fit about 95 percent of gas string trimmers on the market.
It should be noted that this model does not work as an electric string trimmer replacement head.
Our Take Away
Given its unique and innovative solution to the problem of winding a line onto a spool, the Oregon Gator SpeedLoad stands out. We believe that this model dramatically improves the trimming capabilities of most machines and will help you make easy work of lawn weeds.
While the manufacturer claims it fits 95% of Weed Eaters manufactured, the specs only indicate the Big 3 and a few others. Contact Oregon Mfg. to confirm your size – if you have questions.
OREGON TRIMMER HEAD
DeWalt Trimmer Head – The “Quickfeed” by DeWalt
Why We Like It
DeWalt should include their Quickfeed trimmer head when selling their new string trimmers.
While this replacement head is Not considered a Speed-Feed Head, it does fit all DeWalt trimmers and is a vast improvement over the bump-feed heads their weed eaters are shipped with.
Holding a massive 20 Feet of .080 Line, the Dewalt trimmer head will carry you a long way in meeting your trimming requirements.
DeWalt Quickfeed Trimmer Head (Video)
Our Take Away
Ok, Sparky called it a Quickload in the video – It is a Quickfeed head, but I will give him a pass :)
And while we prefer the Echo and Universal speed-feed head method far better than the manual ratcheting method of the DeWalt Quickfeed head, the Quickfeed is easy once you’ve done it several times.
DeWalt – Quick Feed TRIMMER HEAD
EGO Trimmer Head – AH1300 for a 15″ String Trimmer.
Why We Like It
This replacement head for EGO’s 56-volt battery-powered trimmers is a bump feed model already wound with 15 feet of .095 string trimmer line.
This replacement head is designed to fit the EGO ST-1501S and ST-1500S models and the Power+ AH1300 model string trimmers.
This EGO factory replacement head features an Easy-load trimmer head system. When you run low, you can buy an additional trimmer line spool only- and be ready to replace this one without hassle.
Our Take Away
The AH1300 trimmer head is made with EGO’s inherent quality, and we found this head does a great job under almost any conditions.
The natural feed feature is a particular time-saver. This head features the convenience of utilizing a pre-loaded bump feed spool.
NOTE: EGO now manufactures an Upgraded String Trimmer with a “Rapid Re-Load” speed feed head. This is the Trimmer I use, and I love it. I can re-load 16 ft of trimmer line in about 2 minutes. You cut a 16 ft piece of trimmer line, insert it into one side of the trimmer head, push a button, and it automatically loads. Done.
Check out the Ego String Trimmer with Rapid Re-Load to see a fantastic string trimmer.
EGO TRIMMER HEAD Replacement (Bump feed)
Black & Decker Trimmer Heads
Why We Like It
This “8-Pack” automatic feed replacement spool makes it easy to change nearly the entire Black & Decker trimmers lineup.
These spools come with a whopping 30 ft. of .065 trimmer line that can be installed simply by removing the trimmer cap, removing the old spool, and inserting the new one. No hand winding is required. Swap it – And Go.
Our Take Away
The Black & Decker Eventronic replacement trimmer line head is a significant convenience for Black & Decker electric trimmer owners.
We think this spool replacement system is one of the standout replacement heads for electric trimmer models and Black & Decker.
BLACK & DECKER TRIMMER HEAD
Greenworks Replacement Trimmer Head (3-Pack)
Why We Like It
Like the previously listed EGO model, the Greenworks (3-Pack) replacement heads are easily changeable spools that come pre-loaded with trimmer lines for user convenience.
These spools are compatible with the Greenworks 2101602 and 2101602A models and come loaded with a 0.065-inch trimmer line.
Our Take Away
The Greenworks replacement spools are a fast and easy way to keep your Greenworks trimmer working without the hassle of winding a new line onto empty spools.
Instead of tediously putting a line onto a spool, you can spend more time accomplishing practical yard tasks.
GREENWORKS TRIMMER HEAD
Craftsman Trimmer Head – Replacement Trimmer “Spools”
Why We Like It
Craftsman’s replacement spools are made to fit the company’s top line of electric weed trimmers. As such, they are made well and come loaded with 30 ft of .065 quality trimmer line that stands up to hard use for tall grass and weeds.
Our Take Away
We strongly recommend this three-pack of pre-loaded spools if you own a Craftsman electric trimmer. Having an extra spool or two on hand is always wise, and using pre-wound replacement spools helps ensure that you are up and running again quickly.
See the model compatibility to confirm these replacement spools will fit your string trimmer.
CRAFTSMAN TRIMMER HEAD
WORX Trimmer Head: 6-pack Replacement “Spools”
Why We Like It
This 6-pack of WORX replacement spools shows the brand’s attention to convenience and quality. Each spool comes loaded with a DNA2 Double-Helix .065 cutting line rated at a tensile strength of 100 pounds.
WORX trimmer line strength allows it to be used on thick grass and weeds without undue line breakage.
The WORX specially designed trimmer line is designed to give way when you hit a solid object – making it less likely to snap your line when working around trees, wood fences, or rocks.
Our Take Away
WORX electric trimmer owners will do well to pick up one of the 6-pack replacement spool packages. Given the quality and general durability of WORX products, we find that such a large number of spools can keep you supplied for quite a while.
We also find that these spools are loaded with some of the best string trimmer lines available for any electric trimmer.
WORX TRIMMER HEAD
“Weed Eater Trimmer Head” – Replacement Spools (6-Pack)
Why We Like It
Last on our list of the best weed eater replacement head options is the replacement spool for the Weed Eater brand itself. This spool, loaded with a generous 30 feet of 0.065 line, has a built-in trimmer cap, extra retainer, and spring.
The sturdy ABS construction of the spool body makes it suitable for extended use, even under challenging conditions.
Our Take Away
As the brand that first introduced string trimmers to the broader consumer market, Weed Eater has always maintained a high product quality.
In our opinion, these replacement spools live up to that reputation and will do an excellent job of cutting through grass and weeds in most contexts.
WEEDEATER TRIMMER HEAD
ECHO Trimmer HEAD – “Universal” Speed Feed 400 – Replacement Head
Note: This model is also our Featured “Editors Pick” but is also a genuine Echo OEM part and will fit specific Echo Trimmer models: PAS-225, GT-2200, SRM-225, SRM-280
The Echo Speed Feed 400 (99944200907) – Bump-To-Advance Replacement head is designed for Echo curved and straight shaft trimmers and is also compatible with many other weed types eaters, including Stihl& Husqvarna to name a few.
Editor’s Note: Echo and Shindaiwa are owned by the same parent company – and their products are the same or similar, branded under the Echo & Shindaiwa names.
With the speed-feed design from Echo – you feed 20ft. Of .095 trimmer line into the spool, pull equal 10’ lengths to either side, turn the spool cap to “wind” the trimmer line onto the spool – and you’ve done – a super quick trimmer line change out!
Bottom line: If you have a large lot and do a ton of weed whacking – this is one of the best weed eater heads you can buy. That is, assuming it’s compatible with your string trimmer model.
Most users claim this is the “one and done” replacement head you can buy – it is also the one most professional landscapers use.
ECHO “SPEED-FEED” TRIMMER HEAD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Best Head for a String Trimmer?
These are the 5 Best String Trimmer Heads to Buy:
- 1) Echo(Shindaiwa) SPEED-FEED Head
- 2) WW EZ-Lock Head
- 3). PivotTrim Head
- 4). DeWalt “QuickFeed” Head
- 5). EGO “Rapid Load” Head
What is a “Speed-Feed” Trimmer Head?
A Speed-Feed or Easy-Load trimmer head, such as the Universal Echo Speed-Feed Head, is a revolutionary trimmer head that allows you to load a new trimmer line in less than 30 seconds.
Cut the 20-foot string trimmer line, insert one end into the Easy-Load head, and pull both 10-foot ends taunt. Lastly, turn the ratcheted head clockwise to load the trimmer head. That’s It!
What Trimmer Line Do the Pros Use?
Most professional lawn care companies use a .095 gauge trimmer line. .095 is stronger than the .080 trimmer line that most weed eaters come with out of the factory.
For pros who do a lot of trimming in rural locations or yards with heavy weeds or tall grass, a “Twisted trimmer line” is often the line of choice, the most robust trimmer line to buy.
Why Does Trimmer Line Run Out So Fast?
The trimmer line will Run out much Faster if you Constantly “Bump” the trimmer head. This is usually done as a habit, without waiting for the trimmer line to be extended with a bump. Get into the habit of only bumping the trimmer head when needed.
Can a String Timmer Be Used to Cut Tall Weeds?
Yes, a strong-performing string trimmer is capable of trimming tall weeds. Weed eaters are the number one choice for pros to use for cutting down weeds.
The only thing string trimmers cannot cut are small branches or tree saplings. For this application, we recommend using a brush cutter.
Conclusion:
You’ll find added function and convenience regardless of the string trimmer replacement head in this list.
We recommend you always check string trimmer compatibility – before buying a trimmer replacement head.
A few things are worse than working on your lawn and purchasing a new trimmer head only to discover that it doesn’t fit your string trimmer correctly. You’re stuck.
We’ve listed a few more popular brand-specific heads that should only be used on those factories’ specific models to assist with that.
The best replacement weed eater head will give your string trimmer better capabilities, and with an easy-load weed eater trimmer head, you will make faster trimmer line changes than you thought possible.
While the “Universal” trimmer head models typically indicate the specific brand of equipment they will fit – we also suggest you still make sure that the replacement trimmer head will fit your weed eater before buying it.
When in doubt – you should always contact the supplier.
Also, remember that instructions on replacing the string trimmer head will vary, so be sure to read all directions before installing your new replacement head.
Thanks for visiting – and don’t forget to check our other valuable guides at BestHomeGear.Com!
References & Additional Reading:
- How to Safely Use a LawnmowerAround Children
- How to sharpen mower blade with Illustrations from WikiHow
- Have you wondered – Can you cut wet grass with anelectric mower?
- Check this article to see theBest Pressure WashersUnder $300.
