So you’re looking for the best 4 cycle weed trimmer available? We spent hours doing the research and we’d like to share with you what we’ve found.We chose the Husqvarna 324L as the best 4 Cycle Trimmer because it not only functions extremely well, giving you commercial grade performance at a residential equipment price, but it also consistently gets great user ratings. The Husqvarna company has a solid history of quality products and good customer service. Plus it comes with a generous 2 year product warranty.
Here are some of the reasons that we like the
Powerful engine really cuts it
The substantial 25cc 4-stroke engine on this thing has a 1.07HP output that will get through your toughest weeds without bogging down. It has an air purge to prime the engine for easiest starting. Husqvarna’s patented Smart Start feature is designed to allow the user to start the engine easily with the minimum of effort. Most of the time it will start with one or two pulls of the starter cord.
And of course, there is no mixing oil and gas, so just fill it up with unleaded gas and get started trimming!
Straight shaft lets your reach more weeds
The straight shaft design transfers power down the cable to the trimmer head efficiently and effectively. And you can get under the bushes and other obstacles more easily than with a curved shaft.
Adjustable handle for added user comfort
The padded loop handle adjusts along the shaft to fit your arm length and height. The adjustment is within a limited range that is marked on the shaft but this should work for most people. The comfortable grip minimizes discomfort from vibration for a less jarring trimming experience.
The shaft is also fitted with a vibration damping system to further reduce user discomfort.
Quick and easy line feed
Husqvarna 324L trimmer uses the Tap ‘n’ Go bump feed feature so all you do is tap the trimmer head against the ground while it is spinning and a fresh supply of line with spin out with the centrifugal force. Tap and keep on trimming!
So, that’s what’s great about the Husqvarna 324L, but are there any downsides? Well, that depends on how you look at it.
Not attachment capable
It’s a solid product with largely positive user feedback and a lot of happy customers. But it is a dedicated string trimmer, though, and it doesn’t allow for rigid brush cutter attachments, so don’t plan on using it for heavy brush and small sapling removal.
It also does not have a split shaft that would allow more sophisticated attachments like pole saws, blowers and edgers. If you are interested in a Husqvarna trimmer that could do this, please see our review of the Husqvarna 128LD 2-stroke model.
If you want to stick with a 4-stroke trimmer, we’ve reviewed several others that have attachment capabilities including the Poulan Pro PP428S and the Troy Bilt TB575EC.
If you want a high-torque trimmer for commercial or heavy residential use, you might like the Makita EM2652LHN.
Doesn’t come with a harness
This trimmer doesn’t come with a harness or strap to support it with your shoulders. It is not the heaviest of trimmers, at 13.1 lbs, but a strap would have been a nice feature. It is possible to add one, but it isn’t readily designed to accept one, so you may have to do some creative rigging.
Straight shaft best for taller users
This all depends on personal preference, of course, but shorter people, particularly petite women, may find using a straight shaft trimmer causes more strain on the body than a curved shaft trimmer. This is true across the board and doesn’t apply only to the Husqvarna 324L.
So should you invest in the
We really like the Husqvarna 324L and we think you will too. If you want a top quality dedicated string trimmer that is dependable, starts easily and provides commercial grade operating power, this might just be the best choice for you.
At an MSRP of $340, it is not the cheapest machine in its class, but you get the satisfaction of owning a high quality product that is going to last and give you dependable service.
If you are looking for a more all-in-one trimmer, you might want to opt for a Poulan Pro PP428S or the Troy-Bilt TB575EC. Just click on those names for our review of those trimmers.
Strengths
- Powerful engine really cuts it
- Straight shaft lets your reach more weeds
- Adjustable handle for added user comfort
- Quick and easy line feed
Weaknesses
- Not attachment capable
- Doesn’t come with a harness
- Straight shaft best for taller users
FAQs:
What size of line will this trimmer handle?
The T35 Tap ‘n’ Go bump feed trimmer head comes with .095-inch trimmer line. It can be replaced with the same line or up to 0.0105 string line. It is easy to reload the trim line or you can purchase pre-filled heads.
What kind of fuel does this trimmer need?
It is recommended that you use 90 octane unleaded fuel, but no less tan 87 octane.
Depending on your usage, it will run about an hour on one tank of gas.
Will this work in any position?
Yes, the Husqvarna engine will continue to operate fine if the trimmer is rotated to do edging or raised to trim slopes.
What kind of maintenance will the trimmer require?
This trimmer comes with a maintenance schedule in the Owner’s Manual. A summary of required maintenance is here:
- Check engine oil regularly with the tiny dipstick attached to the oil plug. A small bottle of Husqvarna engine oil comes with your trimmer.
- Clean filter with soap and water regularly. If using it in a dusty environment, you will need to oil it with special Husqvarna filter oil.
- Check and clean or change the spark plugs if they are fouled.
- Adjust the idle as necessary.
- Empty fuel from engine when storing for an extended period of time.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes. Husqvarna offers a generous 2 year warranty on defects in materials and workmanship.
Are spare parts available?
Yes. A majority of the parts can be replaced and are available from Husqvarna dealers in your area. You can find the part numbers here.
8 thoughts on “Overall Best 4 Cycle Trimmer – Husqvarna 324L (Ultimate Review)”
Nice piece of equipment Willow, I’d wished I had found this 4 cycle trimmer before buying a 2 cycle.
What about the noise level?
I like the settings of your page, by the way.
Cheers,
Fred
Thanks Fred. You really should try a 4 stroke trimmer. You’ll never go back. The Husqvarna 324L emits sound at an avg of 93 dB. Like any trimmer, it’s not exactly quiet. I recommend hearing protection. Husqvarna has a comfortable model here.
As for the settings, thanks. I get by with a little help from my friends. 😎
Great Review! The 4-stroke engine makes this an extremely reliable and easy to use trimmer. I have one for home use and it’s so much nicer than our old 2-stroke. Don’t have to worry about mixing gas and it always starts on the first pull after a few pumps of the air purge bulb. It would be nice to have a shoulder strap though. I’m 5’5 and it can be tiring after awhile holding the straight shaft instead of the curved options.
I agree, Kathleen. I’m on the shorter side and I don’t do as well with the straight shaft, so it’s certainly a trade-off. I’m just glad there are choices in trimmers. Thanks for commenting!
I didn’t know much about trimmers before, but you’ve clarified some of the key features for me, thanks!
Glad we could help, Lorraine! Cheers!
Fantastic review Willow. Husqvarna is a brand I have used many times before. I might be getting this strimmer going on your review. Thanks.
Hi Martin, It’s definitely a top pick. Good luck!