An Honest Take on the Greenworks 21342 40V Cordless String Trimmer
The Greenworks 21342 40V cordless string trimmer is a solid tool for the average homeowner, but itâs not a miracle worker. This review covers everything weâve learned from owner feedback, spec analysis, and real-world reports: this trimmer excels at routine lawn maintenance but has clear limitations.
Performance
Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver
At about 7.5 pounds with the battery, the Greenworks 21342 is genuinely light. Owners consistently report that it feels almost like a toy compared to heavier gas trimmers, which is a huge plus for those with large yards or anyone who dreads the physical strain of yard work.
Maneuverability is excellent. The handle is adjustable, and the straight shaft helps with reach under bushes. The head pivots easily for edging mode, allowing users to trim along curved flower beds without fighting the tool. For anyone with a lot of obstacles or tight corners, this is a big win.
Good Power for the Price
On the spec sheet, the 40V motor and 13-inch cutting path deliver clean, quick cuts on standard lawn grass. The line speed feels adequate for daily maintenance, and owners report not needing to go over the same spot twice unless dealing with a clump of damp grass. For the price point, the power is impressiveâit wonât match a 40cc gas trimmer, but for 90 percent of homeowner tasks, itâs more than enough. The motor maintains consistent speed even when pushed into thicker patches of crabgrass.
Automatic Line Feed
The automatic line feed on the 21342 works reliably. Owners note that they donât have to stop and manually bump the head to advance the line; when the line gets short, it feeds itself a little more. The only caveat is that the line is 0.065 inchesâfine for grass and light weeds, but it can snap on rocks or thick roots. The auto feed compensates by advancing more line, but you burn through it faster in rough conditions. For normal trimming, itâs a time saver.
Quiet Operation
If you have neighbors close by, or if you just hate the roar of gas engines, this trimmer is a standout. It produces a low hum compared to screaming two-stroke motors, making it possible to trim in the early evening without disturbing anyone. This is a real benefit for suburban yards.
Battery Runtime Is Average
The Greenworks 21342 comes with a 2.0 Ah battery, and owner reports indicate about 25 to 30 minutes of continuous trimming on a full charge. Thatâs enough for small to medium lawns (up to a quarter acre) for edges and light trimming, but for larger yards or heavy overgrowth, the battery runs out before the job is done. Greenworks sells larger capacity batteries (like a 4.0 Ah), but they cost extra. The charger takes about 60 minutes to top off the battery, which is a pause in workflow.
Not Ideal for Thick Brush
This trimmer is designed for grass and light weeds. Owner feedback consistently shows that when tackling 2-foot-tall weeds, blackberry vines, or small saplings, the line snaps repeatedly and the motor bogs down. For thick brush, brambles, or woody growth, a gas trimmer or brush cutter attachment is necessary. Itâs not a knock on the tool; itâs a reality of cordless electric trimmers in this price range.
Build and Value
Build Quality
The Greenworks 21342 feels well made for its price class. The plastic housing is sturdy, and the telescoping shaft is metal, giving it a solid feel. The handle is rubberized in places for grip, and the trigger is comfortable for extended periods. The head swivels for edging with a positive lock mechanism. Owners report no wobble or play in the shaft after several uses.
That said, itâs not a commercial-grade tool. The plastic parts are durable for home use but might not survive a drop from a truck bed or years of heavy abuse. The line spool is easy to replace, but the cover can be finicky to snap back on, requiring careful alignment.
Value for the Money
The Greenworks 21342 is a strong value as a complete kit with the trimmer, battery, charger, and a spare spool. Compared to a gas trimmer that costs more, requires mixing oil and gas, and needs maintenance, this is a much simpler, cheaper option. The automatic line feed and quiet operation are features youâd pay more for in other brands. For the average homeowner with a standard lawn, the value is solid.
Who This Suits
This trimmer is perfect for a specific kind of user. If you have a small to medium sized lawn (up to a quarter acre or so), value quiet operation, and donât want to mess with gas and oil, the Greenworks 21342 is a great choice. Itâs also ideal for those who are physically not up for a heavy gas trimmer, thanks to its lightweight design. Itâs a low-maintenance tool that just works for weekly trimming.
Itâs also a good option for anyone who already owns Greenworks 40V tools, as the battery is interchangeable with other tools in their lineup (blowers, chainsaws, mowers). That adds a lot of value if youâre already in the ecosystem.
On the flip side, if you have a large yard, thick brush, or need to trim for more than 30 minutes straight, this isnât the tool for you. Battery life and line limitations will frustrate. Also, if youâre a professional landscaper or need to tackle overgrown lots, look elsewhere. This is a homeowner-grade tool, best used within those limits.
Final Verdict
The Greenworks 21342 40V cordless string trimmer is a solid, reliable tool for its intended purpose. Itâs lightweight, easy to use, quiet, and powerful enough for routine lawn maintenance. The automatic line feed is a genuine convenience, and the price is reasonable for what you get. Owners consistently report enjoying it for weekly trimming and edging tasks.
But itâs not perfect. The battery runtime is average, and it wonât handle thick brush. If you push it beyond its limits, youâll be disappointed. For light-duty work on mostly grass lawns, this is a great buy. Just be honest about your needs before you purchase.
