Greenworks 17-inch String Trimmer Emphasizes High Performance for Homeowners
Whether we’re talking about residential or professional lawn care, Greenworks knows battery-powered OPE. We’ve reviewed dozens of the brand’s tools over the years, including many of their string trimmers. One of the newest for the 60V platform is the ST60L2512. I’m walking through this Greenworks 17-inch string trimmer to help you decide if it’s worth the upgrade.
Note: Check out our favorite models in the Best Battery-Powered String Trimmers roundup!
Greenworks 60V 17-inch String Trimmer Performance
- Model: Greenworks ST60L2512
- Cutting swath: 17 in
- Power source: Greenworks 60V battery
- Gas equivalence: 28cc
- Max runtime: 45 mins
- Variable speed trigger
- 2 speed modes
- Brushless motor
The Greenworks ST60L2512 string trimmer is one of three 17-inch models on the brand’s 60V battery platform. The others include an attachment-capable model and a carbon-fiber shaft model. While both of these tools excel in their respective designs, the ST60L2512 offers a more streamlined string trimming experience at a price point that’s easier on the wallet.
Despite being more budget-friendly than Greenworks’ other 17-inch models, it has a gas equivalence of 28cc. That’s only slightly less power than the carbon fiber model’s 30cc equivalence, making it ideal for residential trimming applications.
A variable speed trigger helps you set your trimming speed to the application, and you can adjust between two speed settings to prioritize greater line speed or runtime.
Greenworks estimates up to 45 minutes of trimming time using the included 2.5Ah 60V battery. This equates to around 2 miles worth of trimming. Many manufacturers’ estimates are for the lowest power setting, so expect to see less trigger time per charge if you’re keeping it in high speed. Still, you should have plenty of runtime to cover lawns at least 1/2 an acre in size on one battery.
Greenworks 60V 17-inch String Trimmer Design
- Weight: 7.3 lbs (bare); 10.1 lbs (w/ battery)
- Black anodized aluminum shaft
- Load N’ Go trimmer head
- Bump feed
- Line size: 0.105-inch
This string trimmer’s shaft is constructed of black anodized aluminum. While not as lightweight as carbon fiber, this material does a good job of keeping the weight to a minimum while offering a reasonable amount of durability.
Residential string trimmers often utilize 0.080 line as a standard, with some stepping up to 0.095-inch. However, Greenworks can go all the way up to 0.105-inch line on this model. The thicker line handles tough overgrowth more easily, and with the 17-inch cutting swath, is excellent for clearing large areas.
It’s worth noting that you can still step down to 0.095-inch line on this head. You’ll extend your runtime, be able to load more line for fewer reloads, and be less likely to damage things like PVC fencing material that you’re trimming near.
Fortunately, it’s equipped with a Load N’ Go easy-reload head. Rather than taking out the spool to reload, you run your line to the midpoint and then turn the head to draw it in. It’s far easier and less frustrating than manual loading.
Like most trimmers, it has a bump-feed function to extend more line out.
Greenworks 60V 17-inch String Trimmer Price
This string trimmer retails as a kit for $219, and you can find it at Tractor Supply or directly through Greenworks. It includes a 60V 2.5Ah battery and charger. Greenworks backs your purchase with a 4-year warranty on the tool and the battery.
Should You Buy It?
The Greenworks 60V ST60L2512 string trimmer sets its sights on the residential market, but that doesn’t mean the design team skimped on performance. Its 17-inch cutting swath is generous, and I appreciate that it’s compatible with heavy-duty 0.105-inch line to take care of heavy growth more easily.
So who is it a good fit for?
If you’re looking for something that’s on the extreme lightweight side of the spectrum or you have only a small lawn to care for, this model is going to be overkill. However, if you have a larger lawn or you’re frequently battling overgrowth, this is just what the doctor ordered.
You still have some decisions to make, though. The Greenworks 60V system also has a powerhead with a 17-inch string trimmer attachment and offers greater versatility thanks to its ability to accept other attachments. There’s also a carbon fiber shaft version of this trimmer that reduces the weight a bit.
This model fits in as the most affordable of the 17-inch models on the 60V platform, so it’s the right call if you’re looking for the best balance price and high performance.
