Green Machine Aluminum Shaft String Trimmer Offers Excellent Value
We’ve been exploring Green Machine’s 62V line of outdoor power equipment and so far, we’re liking what we see! Today, we’re turning our attention to the Green Machine Aluminum Shaft String Trimmer to see how it fares when the going gets tough.
Green Machine String Trimmer Performance
Cutting Performance
Green Machine uses a brushless motor to power this string trimmer. Using 0.095-inch line, it tops out at 6300 RPM on Sport mode. There’s also an Econ mode you can use for lighter trimming to conserve some runtime. 6300 RPM is excellent and paired with a premium line like Echo’s Black Diamond, this string trimmer makes quick work of thick grass and overgrowth.
As we expect, this model features a variable speed trigger so you can control the line speed if you don’t need the top RPMs in either mode. There’s a trigger safety on the left side. If you’re right-handed, it’s easy to press with your thumb and go. Lefties don’t have too much trouble, either. Even though having an option on both sides would be easier, it’s not a problem to access the safety with your index finger to get going.
Another helpful feature is that you can also adjust the cutting swath between 14 and 16 inches. The cutter on the guard comes in the 16-inch position. If you want a shorter length or to extend your runtime, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove it and flip it around. Like most string trimmers, this one also uses a dual-line bump feed head.
Runtime
Depending on which speed setting you use, Green Machine tells us to expect around 30 minutes of continuous runtime with a 2.5Ah battery. That’s plenty of trigger time to trim up most 1/2-acre lawns, even if you have detailed landscaping. Any of Green Machine’s 62V batteries work with this string trimmer, so you can always pop another battery in if you need more runtime.
Vibration
While we’ve certainly used trimmers with more vibration, there is a noticeable amount with this model. Of course, it’s still nowhere close to the vibration of a gas model, it’s just not challenging the best we’ve tested. If that’s a big deal for you, check out the carbon fiber shaft version of the Green Machine string trimmer as the carbon fiber absorbs vibration much better than aluminum.
Green Machine String Trimmer Design Notes
Size and Weight
This aluminum shaft string trimmer measures 70 inches from tip to tail and weighs 9.9 pounds with a 2.5Ah battery. Overall, this trimmer has a great balance because the brushless motor located in the head offsets the weight of the battery.
Line Changes
Any lawn care Pro or serious weekend warrior will tell you that line changes are the worst aspect of most string trimmers. However, Green Machine makes it incredibly easy. When it’s time to change the line, you just feed a section of your favorite one through the eyelets to the center and then turn the cap counterclockwise to wind it in. You don’t have to take apart the head and manually wind the line.
Green Machine String Trimmer Price
This 16-inch string trimmer kit is a Home Depot online exclusive and retails for $157. The kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and single port charger. Green Machine backs this kit with a 5-year limited tool warranty and a 3-year limited battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
Green Machine’s performance is excellent and it’s an easy string trimmer to use. What really sets it apart is its value. For less than $160 as a kit, it’s significantly less expensive than other models with similar performance. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to switch from gas or corded models but the cost makes you hesitate, we recommend giving Green Machine a shot.
Click here to see the full Green Machine lineup.
Green Machine String Trimmer Specifications
- Model: Green Machine GMST6200-A
- Power Source: Green Machine 62V battery
- No-Load Speed: 2,500 – 6,300 RPM
- Weight: 7.0 lbs (bare), 9.9 lbs (with 2.5Ah battery)
- Cutting Swath: 14 or 16 in.
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Recommended Line Size: 0.095 in.
- Length: 70 in.
- Warranty: 5-year limited (tool), 3-year limited (battery)
- Price: $157 (kit)
