PROS / The Husqvarna 128DJx is easy to use and has the best power-to-weight ratio in our review.
CONS / You must mix gas and oil to use as fuel for this two-cycle gas trimmer.
VERDICT / A wide trim path and a powerful yet lightweight engine make this Husqvarna trimmer a shining star.
The Husqvarna 128DJx (as POULAN PRO POLE SAW ) is powerful enough to take on a yard full of unruly weeds with its burly two-cycle engine. It's also reliable, using tested features such as a line feed that activates when you bump the tool on the ground, comfortable trigger controls and an assortment of landscaping attachments. Despite the machine's raw power, the Husqvarna trimmer is also lighter than most gas weed whackers. In fact, its power in proportion to its weight is the most impressive in our lineup.
The straight-shaft Husqvarna is ideal for small to medium-sized yards, but you can also use this grass trimmer on larger properties as well. Its adjustable handle makes it easy to use no matter how tall you are. Husqvarna also offers decent technical support for its products.
Yard work goes much faster when you use a weed whacker with a wide cutting swath. The Husqvarna trimmer checks in at an impressive 17 inches, meaning you only have to go over the long grass and weeds around the edges of your lawn once. Its 1.1-horsepower, 28 cc engine makes it the most powerful two-cycle weed whacker in our review.
The engineers at Husqvarna decided to go with a two-cycle engine for the 128DJx trimmer, which allows its lightweight form. However, that means you must use a mixture of gas and oil in the 13.6-ounce fuel tank. The engine is also slightly noisier than its four-cycle competitors are, but a two-cycle engine is easier to repair if the need ever arises.
This gas trimmer has the full complement of the features we looked for in the best weed whackers. It starts with a head that releases trimming line in two places, making your job twice as easy. You release that nylon line by simply tapping the head on the ground, which has become second nature to landscaping professionals everywhere.
This weed whacker also features comfortable trigger controls and a wide debris shield to keep bits of weed and grass from flinging onto your face and clothes. Even with the generous shield, we recommend wearing safety glasses and steel-toed boots any time you whack weeds with a machine this powerful. You can adjust the handle height on the trimmer to create the perfect balance for your size and strength. The gas weed whacker's straight shaft is great for getting at tall grass and weeds under porches. You can extend the spinning head several inches farther with this model than you can with its curved-shaft counterparts.
If there are people who prefer weed whipping to playing on the beach or sipping ice-cold lemonade, we don't know where to find them. For the rest of us, squeezing yard work into the shortest possible time is important. This yard trimmer has both positive and negative attributes when you measure it with time in mind. You need to mix gas and oil in the fuel tank rather than just pouring the fuel and lubricant straight from a bottle. However, the weed whacker's efficient engine and pull starter are designed for speed.
Husqvarna's model is also efficient when it comes to replacing a spool. You can do the job without tools. You can also use the machine for long periods because of its anti-vibration design.
Design
The extras available with the Husqvarna trimmer line place this model securely among our top weed whackers. It offers the full range of features we looked for. First, the available shoulder strap means that you can distribute the machine's weight evenly across your back and shoulders, making the weed eater easier to use.
Next, the attachments for trimming and pruning make this weed trimmer ideal for any residential or business property. You can use hedge trimmers to complement your edge trimming, or cut away dying branches on fruit trees to guarantee a healthy harvest. Additional attachments include a brush blade and a sweeper to help you clean up your mess before the chopped weeds send their seeds all over your lawn.
String Features
The weed whacker comes with a two-year limited warranty when you purchase it from an authorized dealer. However, Husqvarna offers no additional warranty on the driveshaft, so when the limited warranty expires, you may have to replace it on your own, which can be a costly repair. You can call the manufacturer or one of its service centers for help with assembly and repairs. You can also take the weed whacker to a service center or peruse its online manual for solutions. Direct Husqvarna support is not available via email.
Summary
You can get a fresh start on your outdoor chores with a new, top-of-the-line weed whacker. The Husqvarna 128DJx trimmer is powerful enough for big yards but light enough for almost anyone to operate. With its many available attachments, this trimmer is one of the best multipurpose tools for your yard.
