I Tested Dozens of Lawn Tools-This Is the String Trimmer I Reach For Every Time
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You can let your yard control you, or you can control your yard. To keep it in check, you need the best lawn and gardening tools, and the Toro 60V MAX 17-Inch Telescoping Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer is a must. Whether you have weeds to whack or lawn edges to trim, this tool will make the job easier. Here's why it won the title of best electric trimmer for the Men's Journal Tool Awards.
Why Toro 60V Max 17-Inch Telescoping Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer Is the Best Electric Trimmer of 2026
If you're not on the battery bandwagon yet for lawn and garden tools, Toro 60V MAX 17-Inch Telescoping Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer will convince you. It's lighter, quieter, and easier to maintain.
It's impressive right out of the box, featuring a telescoping carbon-fiber shaft; cast aluminum motor head; comfortable, adjustable grip; and wide 17-inch cutting width (a 15-inch is also available). It's nimble and maneuverable with the rear-mounted battery providing a solid counterbalance to the cutting head once you dial in your fit by adjusting the handle and shaft with quick-release tabs. It has a variable speed trigger that works with little to no lag, fine-tuning the head speed to take on light to heavy jobs with finesse. A high/low switch also gives a bit more control over how fast the head spins.
The best part of the trimmer, which is available on most new models, regardless of power source, is the easy-to-feed head that eliminates the pain of popping off the cover and winding string back on to get it right before clunkily reassembling it. All you have to do is pull out the leftover line, stick the new line in the eyelet and out the other, then turn the head until it's all loaded up. (Bonus: It holds twice the line of older models.) It comes with a powerful 60-volt battery (and charger) that lasts up to 45 minutes.
Related: The Biggest Weed Killer Mistakes Homeowners Make Every Spring
Toro 60V Max 17-Inch Telescoping Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer Specs
Battery & Runtime
- Battery Included: Yes
- Battery: 60V Max L135 Lithium-Ion
- Battery Capacity: 2.5 Ah
- Battery Energy: 135 Wh
- Runtime: Up to 45 minutes
- Charger Included: Yes
- Compatible with all Toro 60V Flex-Force batteries
Cutting Performance
- Cutting Swath: Adjustable 15–17 inches (38.1–43.2 cm)
- Line Diameter: 0.095 in (2.41 mm)
- Line Feed System: Bump Feed
- Line Capacity: 24 ft (7.3 m)
- Twist-to-Load Speed Feed Head
- High-capacity spool holds up to 2x more line than Toro model 51830
Shaft & Ergonomics
- Shaft Material: Carbon Fiber
- Shaft Type: Telescoping
- Telescoping Adjustment Range: Up to 6 inches
- Collapsible Shaft for Storage
- Ergonomic Handle with Textured Grip
- Balanced Weight Distribution
Controls
- Variable-Speed Trigger
- High/Low Speed Selector
- RunSmart Electronic Power Management Technology
Durability Features
- Cast-Aluminum Motor Head
- Designed for Wear and Impact Resistance
- Carbon Fiber Shaft for Reduced Fatigue and Improved Durability
Storage & Portability
- Collapsible Design
- Compact Storage Capability
- Portable Transport-Friendly Design
Connectivity
- Compatible with the MyToro app for:
Manuals Maintenance reminders Parts lookup How-to videos Weather updates
Warranty
- 3-Year Tool Warranty
- 3-Year Battery Warranty
Package Includes
- Toro 51838 String Trimmer
- 60V Max 2.5Ah Battery
- Battery Charger
Key Features
- Brushless motor
- Lightweight carbon fiber shaft
- Adjustable telescoping shaft
- 15" or 17" cutting width
- Twist-to-load bump head
- Up to 45 minutes runtime
- Variable-speed control
- Cast-aluminum motor housing
- Part of Toro's 75+ tool Flex-Force battery platform
Why You Should Trust Me
I've been writing and reviewing landscaping tools for over five years. I have a one-acre property that includes a variety of trees, bushes, and flowers that I take care of-and yes, even vines and weeds I work hard to remove throughout the year. I have firsthand experience using and owning a wide range of lawn and garden tools, including most of the ones mentioned above that I put to work every week throughout the spring, summer, and fall to keep my yard in good shape, so I know they do the job.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Home Living section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 1:17 PM.