These trimmers represent the range of choices for homeowners with average to large suburban or rural properties to maintain. All feature 20- to 30-cc engines so share roughly equivalent capacity. All but the Honda and the Ryobi 975r are two-stroke. Prices range from $70 to $373.

Echo (800) 432-3246

Model GT-2000; $160

9.3 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 21.2 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.080 in.

Model SRM-2100; $220

11.4 lb.; straight-shaft, cable drive. Engine 21.2 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Model SRM2400SB;$330

12.4 lb.; split-shaft, cable drive. Engine 23.6 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Efco/Olympyk (800) 447-1152

Model 8726TA; $280

12.6 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 25.4 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in.

Model 8725LAV; $290

10.9 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 25.4 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Green Machine (704) 588-3200

Model GT25; $309

11.5 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 24.5 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Homelite (800) 725-9500

Model TrimLite; $70

9.3 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 25 cc; no clutch. Line diameter 0.080 in.

Model db825sd; $155

11.7 lb.; straight-shaft, cable drive. Engine 30 cc; no clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in.

Honda (800) 426-7701

Model UMK431LNA; $349

14.8 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 31 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Husqvarna (800) 487-5962

Model 225RJ; $360

12.1 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 25 cc two-stroke; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Jonsered (800) 447-1152

Model GT26L; $220

11.5 lb.; straight-shaft, cable drive. Engine 24 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.080 in.

Makita (800) 462-5482

Model RBC251; $373

9.1 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 24.5 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in.

Maruyama (425) 885-0611

Model BCL2250; $250

10.3 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 22.5 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in.

Model MC2300; $360

10.6 lb.; split-shaft, solid drive. Engine 22.5 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

McCulloch (800) 421-9917

Model Mac1385J; $160

11.8 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 32 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Model Mac3227; $200

14 lb.; straight-shaft, cable drive. Engine 32 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

RedMax (800) 291-8251

Model BC2300DL; $370

10.2 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 22.5 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Ryobi (800) 345-8746

Model 725r; $119

10 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 31 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.080 in.

Model 975r Trimmer Plus; $209

13.8 lb.; split-shaft, cable drive. Engine 26 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.080 in.

Shindaiwa (800) 791-8647

Model 22F; $160

9.3 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 21.1 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.080 in.

Model T230; $248

9.7 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 22.5 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in.

Stihl (800) 467-8445

Model FS36; $140

10.8 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 30.2 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.080 in.

Model FS80; $330

11 lb.; straight-shaft, cable drive. Engine 25.4 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

Tanaka (253) 395-3900

Model TBC2510; $300

11.8 lb.; straight-shaft, solid drive. Engine 24 cc; clutch. Line diameter 0.095 in. Blade capable.

WeedEater (800) 554-6723

Model Twist n' Edge; $100

10 lb.; curved-shaft, cable drive. Engine 21 cc; no clutch. Line diameter 0.065 in.

Model FeatherLite SST; $100

8.3 lb.; straight-shaft, cable drive. Engine 21 cc; no clutch. Line diameter 0.065 in.

Ken Morrison is a garden power equipment specialist living in Anacortes, Washington.