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Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

Greenworks

Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

  • 12-inch cutting swath
  • 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included
  • Dual line auto-feed
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 3-year warranty
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On this page

Is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer ranks #1 in our Best String Trimmers Under $100 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: handles moderate weeds and overgrown grass reasonably well for the price. The main caveat: 2.0Ah battery bogs down noticeably faster than 4.0Ah or larger packs in dense material.

Overview

What the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer does well

Battery and charger included, a real warranty, and enough performance for everyday yard work. 0Ah included. One caveat, 12-inch swath is on the narrower side.

0Ah included. One caveat, narrowest swath and smallest battery in this comparison.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • 12-inch cutting swath
  • 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included
  • Dual line auto-feed
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 3-year warranty
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Handles moderate weeds and overgrown grass reasonably well for the price
  • Variable speed trigger lets you dial up power only when needed, saving battery
  • 3-year warranty is longer than most trimmers at this price point

Cons

  • 2.0Ah battery bogs down noticeably faster than 4.0Ah or larger packs in dense material
  • 12-inch swath and narrower line struggle with truly woody stems
  • Not a realistic substitute for a gas trimmer on genuinely overgrown lots
Fit check

Should you buy the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer?

Buy it if you're…

  • Shopping for budgets under $100
  • Shopping for small yards
  • Shopping for edging
  • Shopping for thick weeds and overgrown lots
  • Shopping for steep hills and slopes

Think twice if this matters to you

  • 2.0Ah battery bogs down noticeably faster than 4.0Ah or larger packs in dense material
  • 12-inch swath and narrower line struggle with truly woody stems
  • Not a realistic substitute for a gas trimmer on genuinely overgrown lots
Where it ranks

Featured in 6 best-of lists

ListRank
Best String Trimmers Under $100· Best overall#1 / 4
Best String Trimmers for Small Yards#2 / 5
Best String Trimmers for Edging#3 / 5
Best String Trimmers for Thick Weeds and Overgrown Lots#3 / 6
Best String Trimmers for Steep Hills and Slopes#4 / 4
Best String Trimmers Under $200#4 / 6
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Head-to-head

Compared with

Buying advice: string trimmers

  1. Cordless suits most homes. Gas suits large or overgrown lots. Corded suits small yards.
  2. Bump feed releases line when you tap the head. Automatic feed is convenient but can waste line.
  3. Wider swaths cover more ground per pass. 13 to 16 inches suits most yards.
  4. Straight shafts reach under bushes and suit taller users. Curved shafts are lighter and easier to handle.
  5. Attachment-capable trimmers can take edgers, pole saws and cultivators.

Read the full guides

Answers

Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer: common questions

Is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer ranks #1 in our Best String Trimmers Under $100 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: handles moderate weeds and overgrown grass reasonably well for the price. The main caveat: 2.0Ah battery bogs down noticeably faster than 4.0Ah or larger packs in dense material.

Who is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer best for?

Based on our research it suits budgets under $100, small yards, edging and thick weeds and overgrown lots. It's ranked #1 of 4 in our Best String Trimmers Under $100 list.

What are the downsides of the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: 2.0Ah battery bogs down noticeably faster than 4.0Ah or larger packs in dense material; 12-inch swath and narrower line struggle with truly woody stems; not a realistic substitute for a gas trimmer on genuinely overgrown lots.

What are the key features of the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer?

12-inch cutting swath, 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included, Dual line auto-feed, Variable speed trigger and 3-year warranty.

What are the best alternatives to the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer?

Worth comparing: Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer, Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer and Greenworks 24V 12" Cordless String Trimmer/Edger (Tool Only). Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

What makes a string trimmer good for edging, versus just trimming?

A trimmer built for edging needs a head that pivots 90 degrees so the line spins vertically instead of horizontally. Look for a tool-free pivot mechanism, a guide wheel or edging guard that keeps the cutting line at a consistent depth along a walkway, and a straight or split shaft that lets you hold the head at the right angle without bending over. Models like the EGO ST1521S and Worx WG183 both include a pivoting head, which is the single biggest factor separating a trimmer that edges well from one that only cuts flat.

Can any string trimmer be used as an edger?

Most modern trimmers with a pivoting head can edge reasonably well, but a dedicated edger attachment or a wheeled edger still cuts a straighter, cleaner line for long driveway runs. A pivoting-head trimmer is the better choice for occasional edging around beds, patios, and curves where a rigid wheeled edger can't follow the contour.

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