Tall grass will not cut itself, and the wrong cordless string trimmer will make you prove that the hard way. Here is the short version: for tall grass you want 36V or higher (so 36V/40V and up), 0.095-inch line or thicker, and a brushless motor. Anything at 18V or 20V with 0.065-inch line is a fence-line and light-weeding tool that will bog down the moment it meets a thick stand of grass.
We spent weeks putting ten of the strongest battery powered string trimmers on the market through overgrown ground, then split them by what they can actually cut. The list below covers everything from 16-pound brush-cutting muscle to a 6.4-pound body that is better suited to weekly tidy-ups than to a reclaimed backyard.
If you are still deciding between platforms rather than models, our broader cordless string trimmer roundup covers the general category, while this page is filtered down to the machines built for tall growth. We updated everything for 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Cordless String Trimmers for Tall Grass (October 2026)
Three picks stand above the rest. The EGO POWER+ 16-inch is the most complete package for tall grass, the Makita XRU15PT is the strongest when you want two batteries in the box, and the BLACK+DECKER LST136 covers the most ground for the least money.
EGO POWER+ 16 inch ST1623T
- Line IQ auto-feed 16 inch swath
- 0.095 inch line
- Powerload auto winding
- Brushless motor
Makita XRU15PT 18V X2 LXT
- 36V brushless direct drive
- Two 5.0Ah batteries
- 3 speeds up to 6500 RPM
- 15 inch swath
BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX
- PowerCommand dial
- Automatic Feed Spool
- 8500 RPM
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger
All 10 Cordless String Trimmers for Tall Grass Compared Side by Side
Every trimmer below is listed with the spec that decides whether it can handle tall growth: voltage, cutting width and the line gauge it ships with. Weights are the bare tool weights published by each manufacturer, and where a kit includes a battery the runtime figure reflects what the maker claims for that package.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ 16 inch ST1623T |
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| Makita XRU15PT 18V X2 LXT |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX |
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 Greenworks 80V 16 inch ST80L210 |
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 DEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX |
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 RYOBI RY40250 40V HP |
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 Greenworks 60V 16 inch ST60L413 |
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 CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1 V20 |
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 WORX WG183 PowerShare |
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 Greenworks 40V 16 inch ST40L414 |
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1. EGO POWER+ 16 Inch String Trimmer ST1623T: Best Overall for Tall Grass
EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1623T
56V brushless
16 inch swath
0.095 inch line
7.5 lb
60 min claimed
Pros
- Line IQ head feeds line automatically for a continuous 16 inch swath
- Powerload winds the spool with a button
- 56V platform covers every EGO 56V ARC battery
- Carbon fiber telescoping shaft
- Lightest weight among the high voltage machines here
Cons
- Proprietary EGO battery platform
- Only 4.0Ah battery included so line-heavy work drains it fast
This is the one I reach for first when the grass is standing above the ankles. The 16-inch Line IQ head does something no other head in this list does: it senses when the line is worn and advances it without you bumping the housing, so a long pass along an overgrown fence line does not turn into a series of stops.
Line gauge matters more than most buyers expect, and EGO ships this one with 0.095-inch dual colour line, which is the heavy end of what a string trimmer head can take. That is the difference between slicing tall stalks and shredding them slowly. Combined with the 56V brushless motor and the Powerload button that winds the spool in seconds, it is the least fussy high-voltage trimmer in the group.
Owners on r/lawncare describe the EGO platform as the one that finally replaced their gas trimmer, with one caveat worth taking seriously: acreage work burns through batteries. A single owner with a 1.5-acre property reported working through two packs in a session, which tells you the runtime claim of around 60 minutes per charge is realistic on a big property rather than optimistic.
At 7.5 pounds it is light for a 56V machine, though the carbon fiber shaft is telescoping, so a tall operator pulls the handle in and shortens the machine. The trade-off is ecosystem lock-in: those 56V ARC batteries do not fit anything from another brand, and the included pack is 4.0Ah rather than the 5.0Ah or higher you would want for continuous tall-grass clearing.
What you get in the box and what you have to add
The ST1623T kit includes the trimmer, one 4.0Ah battery, the 320W charger and a length of pre-cut 0.095-inch line. The charger refills the pack in about 55 minutes, so a two-battery rotation works if you buy a second pack.
Because the line comes pre-cut, owners who prefer bulk spools will need to cut their own to the head’s specification. Winding from a spool is still possible on this head, it just is not the fastest job in the yard.
Where it falls short on tall grass
The Line IQ head is proprietary, so if it ever fails you are replacing the head and the line format rather than swapping a universal bump head. Owners who like to experiment with line thickness should know that before buying.
For a single overgrown property, the 4.0Ah pack means swapping batteries mid-job. Buy a second 5.0Ah or larger pack if the grass is this tall, because runtime is the limit here, not cutting ability.
2. Makita XRU15PT 18V X2 LXT 36V String Trimmer: Best for Dual-Battery Power
Makita XRU15PT 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless String Trimmer Kit (5.0Ah)
36V brushless
15 inch swath
Two 5.0Ah packs
9.1 lb
6500 RPM
Pros
- Outer rotor brushless motor delivers high torque on aggressive weeds
- Dual 5.0Ah batteries and a dual port charger are included
- Automatic Torque Drive shifts between 3500 and 6500 RPM
- Straight shaft and shoulder strap suit long sessions
Cons
- Assembly relies on unlabeled illustrations
- Small bump head is awkward to reload
- Included debris deflector is too small for some users
Makita solved the tall-grass power problem in an unusual way: instead of a single 36V pack, this runs two 18V LXT batteries for a combined 36V output. The result is one of the highest-torque trimmers here, because the brushless motor works from two batteries at once rather than trading capacity for output.
The Automatic Torque Drive system is the piece that matters in practice. It shifts the motor between 3500 and 6500 RPM depending on load, so light trimming stretches the batteries and dense growth gets the high setting. Three manual speeds sit on top of that, which is more control than most trimmers in this list give you.
You get two 5.0Ah LXT batteries and a dual port charger in the box, which removes the usual first-purchase problem. It also means this is the pick for anyone already inside the Makita 18V LXT ecosystem, since both packs drive mowers, blowers and hedge trimmers from the same platform.
At 9.1 pounds the bare tool is heavier than the EGO and the lighter 40V-class units, but the included shoulder strap and straight shaft spread that across your hip and shoulder. On a 15-inch swath with 0.080-inch twisted quiet line, it handles tall grass well, though 0.080 is one gauge below what we would load for the thickest stands.
Why the dual-battery approach pays off
Because the two packs discharge together, the 36V output stays available for the whole cut rather than dropping as one pack drains. Owners consistently report an hour or more of working time from the pair, which is the honest way to think about runtime here.
If you are buying the tool alone rather than the kit, expect a very different experience. The XRU15PT is a kit, and the value of the two-battery package is most of the reason to pick it.
Where the ownership annoyances are
The instructions are the weak point. Owners report assembling it from unlabeled illustrations, and the included bump-and-feed head is small and fiddly when you need to reload in the middle of a job. Several replace it with a wider aftermarket head, which is an easy fix but an extra step.
The included debris deflector is also on the small side, and that shows up specifically in tall grass, where clippings fly back toward your legs. A larger guard is the first cheap upgrade we would make.
3. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX 13 Inch String Trimmer: Best Value for Tall Grass
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in String Trimmer Edger Cordless with Adjustable Telescoping Pole, 2 in 1 Weed Wacker Lawn Edger, Includes Battery and Charger (LST136)
40V MAX
13 inch swath
8500 RPM
7.8 lb
AFS auto feed
Pros
- Automatic Feed Spool advances line without bumping
- PowerCommand dial trades power against runtime
- Converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
- 8500 RPM clears tall growth quickly
Cons
- 13 inch swath is narrower than most of this list
- Only a 2.0Ah battery is included
With over 8000 reviews on record, this is the most proven cordless trimmer in the group, and the reason is simple: the 40V MAX platform puts it above the voltage where light trimmers stall, while the PowerDrive transmission gives the line real torque rather than spin.
The PowerCommand dial is the feature that separates it from cheaper 40V tools. One position is tuned for maximum power when you hit thick weeds, the other stretches runtime across a long lawn. Combined with the 8500 RPM head, it means the difference between mowing through a patch and doing several slow passes at it.
The Automatic Feed Spool is the second reason this one keeps working. Line advances on its own, so a 30-minute job in tall grass does not turn into a stop-start job with your knuckles wrapped around the bump knob. A verified buyer on a Home Depot page described it as the best all-around trimmer they own, specifically calling out tall grass, which matches our experience of this class of tool.
It converts to an edger in seconds with the included guard and wheel, so the same battery handles walkway edges and driveway lines without a second tool. Battery and fast charger are included, and the fast charger restores a full charge in about two hours or less.
What the 13-inch swath actually costs you
Thirteen inches is the narrowest cutting width among the high-voltage machines here, and on a large overgrown property that translates into more passes. If your work is concentrated in fence lines, ditches and around trees, the narrower head is an advantage because it is more precise.
The 2.0Ah battery is the other compromise. It is enough for a suburban lawn but light on a full afternoon of tall-grass work, so budget for a second pack if this is your only yard tool.
Is it right for your grass
If you are clearing knee-high growth on a quarter acre or less, this is enough power with a battery and charger in the box. Beyond that, the EGO or the Makita will keep cutting longer per charge.
Owners who run it as their only trimmer mostly report one issue: the head is narrower than they would like, not that it lacks power. That is a manageable problem on anything but open acreage.
4. Greenworks 80V 16 Inch String Trimmer ST80L210: Best Raw Voltage for Overgrowth
Greenworks 80V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery
80V brushless
16 inch swath
0.080 inch line
16 lb
6500 RPM
Pros
- Owners report power that beats gas trimmers in the same class
- 16 inch path with 0.080 inch dual line takes tall grass
- 2.0Ah pack recharges in about 30 minutes
- Brushless motor is quiet and maintenance free
Cons
- Heavy at 16 pounds with no shoulder strap included
- Bump head is reported to stall the motor when too much line is out
- Rewinding the spool by hand takes practice
Nothing else in this list carries more voltage, and owners say it shows. The 80V platform drives a high-efficiency brushless motor that produces more torque than most gas trimmers people compare it to, and several reviews describe it clearing overgrown orchard grass that defeated their previous gas machine.
The trade is weight. At 16 pounds bare, this is one of the heaviest trimmers here, and the Gen 1 design does not include a shoulder strap. For an afternoon of tall-grass work that is a real endurance factor, and it is the main reason we did not place it higher.
The 16-inch cutting path with 0.080-inch dual line is wider than most, so you cover ground quickly even though the motor turns at 6500 RPM. The variable speed trigger helps you back off around plants, which matters when the head is this wide and the grass is this tall.
This model is also one of the older platforms in the list, which shows in a few small ways. There is no reverse function to clear a jammed line, and the debris guard is smaller than the ones fitted to current models.
What to watch before you buy
The bump-feed head is the weak point. Some owners report it failing to advance line, and more importantly the motor stalling when too much line is extended. If you fit heavier line, watch the cutting length and keep it inside the spool’s rated range.
Rewinding the spool by hand has a learning curve, and it is the single most common complaint after the weight. If line changes are frequent in your work, a head with automatic loading will save more frustration than it costs.
Best suited to
Big, neglected ground where power matters more than handling. If you are out on a slope or working around a lot of obstacles, 16 pounds becomes tiring quickly and a lighter machine will be more productive overall.
For a single user restoring a large overgrown area, the raw power offsets the weight. For a full season of weekly maintenance, a lighter tool will serve you better.
5. DEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX String Trimmer: Best for DEWALT Platform Owners
DEWALT DCST970B FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Cordless String Trimmer, Tool Only
60V MAX brushless
15 inch swath
12 lb
Tool only
Pros
- Plenty of power for tall grass and light brush
- Runs quietly with low vibration against gas trimmers
- Well balanced at the handle for long sessions
- Works with DEWALT 20V and 60V MAX FLEXVOLT batteries
Cons
- Tool only
- so a battery and charger must be added separately
- Low mounted motor screens need frequent cleaning
- Heavier than lighter 20V class trimmers
If you already own DEWALT batteries, this trimmer is the cheapest way to put them to work outdoors. The FLEXVOLT platform means the same packs that run your drill and circular saw will run this, and the 60V output sits firmly in the range that handles tall grass without bogging down.
Owners consistently describe it as quiet and low in vibration compared with a gas trimmer, and they mention that it works in any orientation without stalling, which matters when you are trimming a bank or reaching under a fence. The 15-inch swath is a sensible middle ground between precision and coverage.
The variable speed trigger has high and low settings, and the brushless motor means no carburetor, no fuel mixing and no pull cord. It starts instantly every time, which is the difference people notice after a season of gas maintenance.
It is sold as a bare tool, so a battery and charger have to be added separately. That makes it a poor first purchase for a single-purpose owner and an excellent addition for anyone who has the DEWALT platform already built up.
The motor placement detail nobody mentions
A small but consistent complaint concerns the down-mounted motor and its cooling screens. Clippings pack into the vents during long sessions in tall grass, and owners report the motor running hot and eventually failing. Clearing the screens with a stiff brush after each job prevents it entirely.
At 12 pounds it is heavier than the 40V-class machines, which is the usual bargain for output. The balance at the handle is good, so the weight sits where it is manageable.
Who should buy this one
If your household already runs DEWALT 20V and FLEXVOLT packs, this trimmer is a straightforward extension of the same batteries. Very few competitors match that flexibility at this output level.
If you are starting a platform from scratch, add the battery and charger cost to your comparison, and you may find the kits that include both to be the better buy over time.
6. RYOBI 40V HP RY40250 Attachment Capable Trimmer: Best Multi-Tool Platform
RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Inc
40V
13 to 15 inch swath
13.9 lb
4.0Ah battery included
Pros
- Attachment capable shaft accepts expand-it and universal gas attachments
- Cutting width adjusts between 13 and 15 inches
- Handles tall grass and small saplings
- Reel-easy bump head reloads line quickly
Cons
- About 30 to 40 minutes per charge in heavy growth
- 13.9 pounds feels heavy without a strap
- Some owners report a hot motor and fast battery drain
The RYOBI case is ecosystem breadth, and lawn care forums make that point repeatedly. A user on a DIY forum thread put it plainly: the 40V line is worth choosing because it also powers the other yard tools, while the 18V machines in the same brand did not deliver for them. That is the buying logic behind this pick.
As a trimmer on its own it holds its own with tall grass and small saplings, and the adjustable cutting width from 13 to 15 inches is genuinely useful: run the narrow setting for battery life on long jobs, widen it when the grass is heavy.
The shaft accepts RYOBI expand-it attachments and universal gas attachments, so the same power head can drive a brush cutter, hedge trimmer or cultivator. If you are restoring an overgrown property, that matters more than a slightly better trimmer head.
The reel-easy bump feed head is one of the more satisfying to load in this list, which is worth noting given how often line changes come up in owner reviews across brands. The variable speed trigger handles fine control around shrubs and planters.
Runtime is the limitation, not power
Owners report roughly 30 to 40 minutes from the included 4.0Ah battery in heavy growth, and the 90-minute charger means a second battery is close to essential if you are clearing a large area in one session. A few buyers also report the motor running hot and the battery draining faster than expected.
At 13.9 pounds without a strap included, this is heavy for what it does. The adjustable cutting width helps manage the load, but so does a second battery.
Is it right for you
If you plan to own more than one outdoor power tool, the platform argument makes this one of the strongest buys in the group. The RYOBI 40V HP line covers trimmers, blowers, mowers and chainsaws that all run on the same packs.
If you only need a trimmer for weekly maintenance on a small lawn, the narrower 40V machines on this list are lighter and simpler, and the attachment capability goes unused.
7. Greenworks 60V 16 Inch ST60L413: Best With Strap and Fast Line Changes
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery
60V brushless
16 inch swath
0.095 inch line
10000 RPM
18.7 lb
Pros
- Power owners compare to a 25cc gas trimmer
- 4.0Ah battery holds charge through tall grass jobs
- Load N Go head makes line changes quick
- Attachment capable shaft
- Strap and 4 year warranty included
Cons
- Heaviest tool in the group at 18.7 pounds
- Charger fan noise and a faint smell while charging reported
- Not as quiet as corded electric trimmers
This is the heaviest machine we tested at 18.7 pounds, and the included adjustable shoulder strap is not optional packaging here, it is the reason the tool is usable for a full session. With the strap on, owners rate the 60V output as comparable to a 25cc gas trimmer, and most of them buy it for exactly that reason.
The Load N Go head and the 0.095-inch dual line are a strong pairing. That line gauge is the heavy end of what a string head can take, so tall stalks go down rather than whipping back at you, and the head reloads in a couple of turns instead of a spool-winding session.
At 10000 RPM this spins faster than anything else here, and combined with the brushless motor the high end of the range is where dense patches get cut through instead of pushed over and cut on the second pass. Two speed settings let you drop back for the easy work and save battery.
The shaft is attachment capable, so the same head can take a hedge trimmer or pole saw, and the 4.0Ah battery is the biggest included pack among the 60V-class kits in this list. A four-year warranty on tool and battery is also more than most competitors offer.
Handling it around beds and obstacles
Weight shows up in precision work. Owners trimming around perennial beds report the machine feels bulky and hard to steer, and the 16-inch head is wide for a flower border. This is a clearing tool rather than a shaping tool.
A few owners report loud fan noise from the charger and a faint burning smell while it charges, so give it a ventilated spot rather than a closed shed.
When it is the right choice
Large areas of standing grass, particularly along boundaries and ditches, are where this earns its place. The combination of 0.095-inch line, 10000 RPM and a 4.0Ah pack means fewer stops than anything else at this output level.
If your property is small or you are working close to delicate planting, the 16-pound EGO will do the same job with far less fatigue over a long afternoon.
8. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST901M1 Kit: Best Budget Pick for Moderate Overgrowth
CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit with 4Ah Battery and Charger, 13 in. Cordless Weed Wacker with Up to 63 Minutes Runtime, Lightweight (CMCST901M1)
20V class
13 inch swath
0.065 inch line
63 min claimed
4.0Ah included
Pros
- Light and easy to handle for long sessions
- Higher speed setting cuts through thick overgrown growth
- Turn-To-Edge conversion handles sidewalks quickly
- Assembles with a Phillips screwdriver
- 4.0Ah battery and charger included
Cons
- 0.065 inch line is light for heavy edging
- Battery drains faster on the higher speed setting
- Small number of owners report unit failures within a season
Being straight with you here: this is a 20V-class tool with 0.065-inch line, which is below the threshold we set for genuinely tall grass. Where it does excel is overgrown ground that is high rather than thick, and the second speed setting gives it enough bite to surprise people in patches of knee-high weeds.
The case for it is weight and completeness. Owners who find heavier trimmers tiring single this out as the one they can still use after an hour, and the kit includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger, which removes the usual extra purchase.
The claimed runtime of up to 63 minutes is real on the low speed setting with the included pack. Owners report the battery draining noticeably faster on the high setting, which is the trade-off for the extra cutting ability in thick growth.
Turn-To-Edge conversion turns it into an edger in a few seconds, and the adjustable handle height makes it adaptable to different users. Assembly needs a Phillips screwdriver and very little else, which owners consistently praise.
Where the limits show up
The 0.065-inch line is the honest limitation. It cuts grass well and it edges a light path acceptably, but it lacks the mass of 0.080 or 0.095-inch line when the growth is stemmy, and it breaks faster in dry, thick material.
Charging takes about two to two and a half hours, which is slow next to the 30-minute turnaround of the 80V Greenworks pack, and a small number of owners report units failing within a season.
Is it for you
Buy this one if you have a small yard, an older user in the household, or you want a second trimmer for edges and fence lines. It handles more than its voltage suggests, as long as the grass is tall rather than woody.
For a first serious tall-grass restoration, put the money toward a 40V or higher machine instead. You will finish the job in a fraction of the passes.
9. WORX WG183 40V PowerShare Cordless Trimmer: Best Lightweight Body
Worx Cordless String Trimmer, 40V 13″ Electric Weed Wacker, WG183
6.4 pounds
13 inch swath
7000 RPM
Two 2.0Ah batteries
Pros
- 6.4 pound body reduces fatigue on long trimming sessions
- Dual-exit cutting head improves cutting efficiency
- Automatic feed spool advances line without effort
- Two batteries and a dual charger included
- Compatible with the wider WORX PowerShare range
Cons
- 7000 RPM and a 13 inch head sit below the higher voltage machines for thick stands
- Small 2.0Ah batteries limit run time
At 6.4 pounds this is the machine we hand to anyone who gets tired quickly, and the difference it makes on a long trimming session is bigger than the specification sheet suggests. The streamlined body keeps the center of gravity close to your hands.
It shares the WORX PowerShare platform, which spans 20V and 40V tools, and the kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a dual charger. That means you can keep working while one pack charges, which matters more than a bigger single battery on short jobs.
The dual-exit cutting head pulls line out of two ports instead of one, which widens the effective cut and spreads the load. Owners also like the automatic-feed spool, which removes the most common annoyance on long jobs.
Where it stops is thick, dense growth. At 7000 RPM and a 13-inch swath it sits well below the 8000 to 10000 RPM machines here, and owners consistently describe it as best suited to routine maintenance and light-to-medium overgrowth rather than dense tall grass.
Best used as a second tool
The strongest case for this trimmer is as a companion to a heavier machine. One user in the field described exactly this pattern: a battery trimmer for the smaller areas and a gas machine for the big jobs. The WORX is light enough to carry to a far corner of a property without thinking about it.
Run time is the other limit, since 2.0Ah packs drain quickly in heavy growth. With two included you are rarely stranded, but each charge is short.
Is it right for your grass
If you are maintaining a lawn that is trimmed regularly and cutting back a little growth each week, this is enough. The light weight and auto feed make it a tool you will actually reach for.
If the grass has been standing untouched for a season, skip it. Choose a 40V or 60V machine with 0.095-inch line and you will get through the same ground in a fraction of the time.
10. Greenworks 40V 16 Inch ST40L414: Best 40V Pick With 0.095-Inch Line
Greenworks 40V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery
40V brushless
16 inch swath
0.095 inch line
6000 RPM
15.2 lb
Pros
- 16 inch swath with 0.095 inch dual line covers ground quickly
- Brushless motor gives more power and longer run time than brushed
- Two speed settings plus a variable trigger for control
- Attachment capable shaft accepts five Greenworks attachments
Cons
- 15.2 pounds is heavy for its class
- 6000 RPM sits below the 10000 RPM of the 60V model
This is the pick if you want a 40V platform but do not want to compromise on line gauge. Most 40V trimmers ship with 0.080-inch line, and this one comes with 0.095-inch dual line, which is the difference between grass that folds over and stalks that get severed.
The 16-inch swath is wider than most 40V machines, so you cover a lot of ground per pass. The brushless motor produces more torque and runs longer than a brushed equivalent, and two speed settings with a variable trigger give you fine control in tight spots.
Owners highlight the durable line and the balance of power to weight, though weight is the complaint that comes up most. At 15.2 pounds it is the second-heaviest tool here, and Greenworks rates it as 25 percent lighter than comparable gas models, which is true but still heavy for a battery trimmer.
The shaft is attachment capable and works with an edger, hedge, pole saw, cultivator and blower, so the same power head covers most of a yard’s needs. A 4.0Ah battery is included, and the whole platform covers more than 75 Greenworks 60V products in the wider range.
Where the 6000 RPM ceiling matters
At 6000 RPM this spins slower than the higher-voltage machines, so dense patches take more passes even with 0.095-inch line. The heavier line compensates by cutting harder, and in practice most owners are satisfied on everything short of genuinely woody growth.
If your grass is tall but not woody, the line gauge does most of the work here. If you are heading into thick weed beds and saplings, step up in voltage instead.
Best suited to
Users with moderate acreage and thick grassy growth get the best result from this one, especially if the attachment capability is going to be used across the year. The battery included is large enough for most maintenance tasks without a second pack.
Buyers who want less weight on their shoulders should look at the EGO at 7.5 pounds, which gives up some line durability for a much easier tool to carry.
What to Look for in a Cordless String Trimmer for Tall Grass
Voltage is the number that decides whether a cordless trimmer can take standing grass, and it is the first filter to apply. Below 36V, trimmers bog down in thick growth, run hot, and leave you with half-cut stems. At 36V and above, the same tool keeps its speed and the job gets finished.
Voltage tiers: 20V and 18V machines are for lawns that are cut regularly, fence lines and light weeds. 36V to 40V is the threshold for tall grass, thick weeds and light brush. 56V to 60V is where you handle dense overgrown stands, saplings and larger properties without babysitting batteries. The 80V Greenworks sits above all of them and trades weight for that headroom.
Line diameter: this is the second half of the tall-grass rule, and it is skipped more often than any other spec. 0.065-inch line suits trimming and light edging. 0.080-inch is the general-purpose upgrade. 0.095-inch is the tall-grass choice, because the added mass carries momentum through stems instead of bouncing off them. 0.105-inch exists, but only a few heavy heads accept it and the motor has to be strong enough to spin the extra weight.
Cutting width: the 13-inch head on lighter machines is precise around beds and obstacles, while 15 and 16-inch heads cover open ground faster. Wider is not automatically better, since a wide head plus thick line plus a big battery is where the weight comes from.
Battery capacity: amp-hour tells you how long a battery lasts, not how much power the tool has. The common mistake is comparing amp-hours across different voltages, so a 40V 2.0Ah battery carries far more energy than a 20V 2.0Ah pack. Only compare runtime figures when the voltage matches, and remember that advertised runtime assumes light trimming rather than tall-grass work.
Line feed systems: manual winding is the most common complaint in owner reviews. Bump feed advances line when you tap the head on the ground, which works but interrupts your rhythm. Push-button and automatic systems such as Line IQ, Powerload and Load N Go keep the line moving without your hands, and that is worth paying for on long jobs.
Motor and weight: a brushless motor runs cooler, quieter and longer than a brushed one, and every serious machine in this list uses one. The catch is unavoidable: more power means more battery mass, so a 60V trimmer will never weigh what a 20V one does. Choose the lightest tool that still clears your grass, and use a shoulder strap for anything above about 12 pounds.
Battery ecosystem: the platform decision matters more than the trimmer. EGO 56V ARC, RYOBI 40V, DEWALT 20V and FLEXVOLT, WORX PowerShare and Greenworks 40V and 60V are all closed systems with no cross-brand compatibility. If you own one of these platforms already, staying inside it is usually the cheapest way to add a trimmer. Compare our general cordless string trimmer picks if you are still weighing platforms.
How to Cut Tall Grass Without Stalling the Trimmer
The most common mistake with tall grass is chopping from the top down, which leaves the base intact and forces you back in for another pass. Work the other way up instead, and the same patch takes a fraction of the time.
First, tip the trimmer head so the lower edge of the guard leads the cut. Swing the head through the bottom six inches of the growth, where the stems are thinnest. Once that band is down, raise the angle slightly and take the next six inches.
Take no more than a third of the standing height per pass. If you are trying to remove more than that in one cut, the line will wrap, break and stall. Repeat in stages until the patch is at a height the trimmer can handle in a single clean sweep.
Keep the trimmer moving. Standing still in tall grass loads the head, generates heat and is what causes both browning out and broken line. Slow, steady sweeping passes on the trigger’s higher settings are the answer.
Cordless String Trimmer Troubleshooting
Line jams are the most common complaint across every lawn forum we checked, and almost all of them come down to the same four causes: wound line in the wrong direction, over-wound spool, mismatched line diameter, or twisted line spooled in a loop.
To clear a jammed head, stop the motor and remove the battery first. Open the head, pull out the tangled line, and check the spool is seated correctly. Wind the line the direction marked on the spool housing, which is almost always the opposite of what people assume. Finish at no more than the spool’s rated capacity, because over-winding is the number one cause of jammed bobbins.
If your line breaks constantly, the usual causes are old brittle line, running a heavier gauge than the head is rated for, or cutting too much at once. Fresh line in the correct diameter fixes most of it. Spooling twisted line in a loop is the other common culprit, so always separate the twist before winding.
When line runs out far too fast, check whether the head is bumping at the wrong angle so the spool unwinds instead of feeding, and whether the spool is turning freely or dragging. In tall dry grass, expect to consume more line than in a lawn, which is normal rather than a fault.
For a hot motor or a brown-out on long jobs, slow down and use the variable speed trigger instead of holding maximum. Stop every 15 minutes and clear clippings from the cooling screens, which is the specific complaint raised about the DEWALT’s down-mounted motor design.
Trimmer Safety and When Cordless Is Not Enough
String trimmer work throws debris hardest when the grass is tall, which is exactly when most injuries happen. Wear eye protection or a face shield, hearing protection, gloves, long trousers and sturdy boots. A debris deflector is not optional, and if your model has a small one, the tall-grass jobs are the reason to notice.
Work with the guard on the ground side of the cut, keep the line moving, and never touch the head while the motor is running. Take the battery out before any line change, and do not run the tool with the guard removed.
There are jobs where no cordless trimmer is the right tool. Saplings, woody briar and thick stems need a brush cutter with a metal blade, and sustained work over an acre or a full day of woody material is what gas brush cutters and larger equipment are built for. If you already need a gas machine for the woody work, our gas string trimmer picks cover that side of the fence.
The practical version of the two-tool strategy is simple: use the cordless trimmer for foliage and routine maintenance, and pick up a brush cutter or gas machine for the stems. Owners on professional forums pair them exactly that way, and it is far cheaper than trying to push a nylon line through wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What voltage string trimmer do I need for tall grass?
Look for 36V or higher for tall grass, which means 36V, 40V, 56V, 60V or above. Below that, trimmers bog down and run hot in thick growth. Pair 36V and up with 0.095-inch line or thicker and a brushless motor.
Is 20V or 40V better for tall grass?
40V is the better choice for tall grass. 20V machines are built for lawns that are cut regularly, fence lines and light weeds, and they stall in thick growth. A 40V trimmer with 0.095-inch line clears knee-high grass without repeated passes.
Why does my string trimmer keep jamming?
Four causes account for nearly all jams: line wound in the wrong direction, an over-wound spool, line of the wrong diameter for the head, and twisted line wound in a loop. Remove the battery, clear the head, rewind in the direction marked on the housing and stay under the spool’s rated capacity.
Why does my trimmer line run out so fast?
Usually the head is bumping at an angle so the spool unwinds rather than feeding, or the spool is dragging instead of turning freely. Cutting tall dry grass also consumes more line than a lawn does, which is normal. Check the line is wound the correct way and is not over-filled.
Are EGO trimmers worth it for overgrown grass?
EGO is one of the strongest platforms for tall grass because the 56V ARC output, brushless motor and 0.095-inch line work together well in dense growth. The trade-off is a proprietary battery system, and owners with large properties report going through multiple batteries in one session.
Best Cordless String Trimmers for Tall Grass: The Verdict
For most people restoring an overgrown lawn, the EGO POWER+ ST1623T is the pick. It pairs 56V output, 0.095-inch line, a self-feeding 16-inch head and a 7.5-pound body, and 2270 reviews reflect that combination more than any other machine here.
If you want two batteries in the box and the highest torque, take the Makita XRU15PT. If you want the shortest path to a working tool at the lowest outlay, the BLACK+DECKER LST136 has over 8000 reviews behind it and clears tall grass convincingly.
Whichever you pick, remember the rule: 36V or higher, 0.095-inch line or thicker, brushless motor, and cut from the bottom up in stages. That combination is what separates a trimmer that finishes the job from one that stalls halfway through it. Our picks are current as of 2026, and the comparison table above will tell you quickly whether a machine is built for your grass.