How to Load an EGO Weed Eater

On this page (8 sections)

1. What you need before you load an EGO weed eater
2. How do you load line into a POWERLOAD trimmer head?
3. How is loading a LINE IQ EGO trimmer different?
4. What size line does an EGO weed eater take?
5. How do you keep a loaded head from jamming?
6. Which EGO trimmer suits how you load line?
7. How should you store a loaded trimmer?
8. The short version on loading an EGO weed eater

To load an EGO weed eater with POWERLOAD, feed the line through the eyelets in the head and press the wind button to spool it in seconds. On a LINE IQ model the head then feeds the line automatically as you trim, so you rarely reload mid-job.

The steps below cover the two EGO head designs you'll meet: the POWERLOAD head on the 15-inch ST1510T, which bumps to advance line, and the LINE IQ head on the 16-inch ST1623T. Both take 0.095-inch twisted line.

What you need before you load an EGO weed eater

Have 0.095-inch trimmer line and a clean work area ready before you start. EGO's 15-inch and 16-inch string trimmers are built for 0.095-inch line, and the heads are designed for that size.

Lay the trimmer on its side with the head facing you. A flat spot in the yard or a driveway works well, so loose line and cut ends don't vanish into the grass.

Wear gloves if your hands are sensitive to vibration or sap. Trim the end of the line square with a sharp knife so it feeds cleanly through the eyelet.

Check the head for packed grass and dried clippings. A clear head spins freely and seats the line without snagging.

If you're new to trimmers and still deciding on one, our guide to how to choose a weed eater covers the basics. EGO's battery platform is one option among several cordless brands.

How do you load line into a POWERLOAD trimmer head?

Feed the line end through the eyelet and press the POWERLOAD button to wind it. The motorized head pulls the line in and seats it, so you don't wrap the spool by hand.

EGO calls this POWERLOAD technology. EGO says you feed the line through the head and push a button to wind it, then get back to work in seconds.

That's the whole process on the ST1510T.

Cut the line to the length the head expects. EGO sells pre-cut 14-foot lengths in its AL2420P pack, so you don't measure on a ladder or in the sun.

Hold the loose end so it can slide freely. Press the button once and let the head do the winding, then check that the line sits evenly around the spool.

What does the POWERLOAD button actually do?

The button runs the spool motor to wind the line in. On the ST1510T the head winds the line when you press it, which replaces the old routine of pulling the spool apart and wrapping line by hand.

Keep your fingers clear of the head while it winds. The motor spins quickly and can catch a glove or a loose sleeve.

Press in short bursts if the line binds. A steady press on a jammed head can strain the motor, so stop and clear packed grass if it stalls.

How do you advance line on a bump-feed EGO head?

Tap the head on the ground while the trimmer runs to let out more line. The ST1510T uses bump-feed line advance for its 15-inch cutting swath.

Bump on bare ground, not on gravel that can spray. A light tap near the head does it; a hard slam only wears the cap.

How is loading a LINE IQ EGO trimmer different?

LINE IQ needs almost no loading during a job because the head senses line length and feeds it automatically. The 16-inch ST1623T uses this patented technology for a continuous 16-inch cutting swath.

EGO calls LINE IQ auto-sensing trimmer line feed. It monitors the line and feeds it as you work, so there's no bump and no stopping to pull more line out.

That changes the reload routine. When the spool does run out, you still feed line through the head and use POWERLOAD to wind it.

LINE IQ takes over the feeding from there.

The 16-inch model also has a digital variable speed selector. Match the speed to light edging or thick weeds, and LINE IQ keeps the swath full without you thinking about it.

How do you reload line when LINE IQ runs out?

Treat it like a POWERLOAD reload: feed the end and press the wind button. LINE IQ handles the feeding during normal trimming, but the initial load still starts with a line end through the head.

Run the trimmer briefly on low speed to check the line seats. LINE IQ senses the length and adjusts from there.

What size line does an EGO weed eater take?

Both the 15-inch ST1510T and the 16-inch ST1623T run 0.095-inch line. That's the size EGO builds its string trimmer heads to handle.

The AL2420P pack gives you 14 feet of 0.095-inch professional-grade twisted line in each pre-cut length, sold as a 5-pack. Twisted line is built for tougher jobs and a clean, level cut, according to EGO.

The same line fits all EGO POWER+ string trimmers and the multi-head 15-inch string trimmer attachment STA1500. One pack covers a whole season for most yards.

Don't substitute a thicker line for a heavier job. A head built for 0.095-inch line can bind or slip with a bigger size, and the fit matters more than the diameter.

How do you keep a loaded head from jamming?

Keep the head clean and load the line straight to avoid the two common jams. Packed grass under the spool and a kinked line end cause most feeding problems.

Clear clippings from the head after each use, especially after trimming wet grass. A rinse and a wipe with a dry cloth keeps the eyelet clear.

Cut the line end square rather than at an angle. A frayed or angled end catches on the eyelet and winds unevenly.

Don't overfill the spool. POWERLOAD seats the line as it winds; forcing extra line in by hand can pack the head and stop the feed.

When should you replace the line instead of reloading?

Replace the line when it frays, breaks often, or stops feeding smoothly. Twisted line wears down against concrete edges and fences, and a worn line snaps more often.

Check the whole length when you reload. A line with nicks or thin spots will break under load and cost you another reload mid-job.

Which EGO trimmer suits how you load line?

Pick the 16-inch ST1623T if you want auto-feed and a wider swath, or the 15-inch ST1510T if a bump-feed head fits your budget. Both use the same POWERLOAD loading routine for the initial line.

The ST1623T adds LINE IQ, a 16-inch cutting swath, a telescopic carbon fiber shaft, and up to 60 minutes of runtime on the included 4.0Ah battery. It ships with the battery and a charger that fills it in 55 minutes.

The ST1510T is the tool-only 15-inch model. It has a telescopic aluminum shaft, a brushless motor, and up to 45 minutes of runtime on a recommended 2.5Ah battery sold separately.

It also takes all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries.

How should you store a loaded trimmer?

Wind the line in and store the trimmer dry and off the ground. A loaded head holds its line best when the trimmer hangs or stands upright, away from damp concrete.

Our guide to how to store a weed eater in the garage covers hanging and battery care. Pull the battery before long storage so it doesn't drain.

Keep spare pre-cut line nearby so a reload is a minute's work. For a wider look at cordless options, see the cordless weed eater shortlist.

If you're weighing a new trimmer against keeping this one, how long does a weed eater last helps frame the decision.

The short version on loading an EGO weed eater

Loading an EGO weed eater comes down to 0.095-inch line, an end through the head, and a press of the POWERLOAD button. The 15-inch ST1510T bumps to advance line after that; the 16-inch ST1623T uses LINE IQ to feed it automatically.

Choose the ST1623T for auto-feed and the wider swath. Choose the ST1510T if you already own EGO batteries and want the tool-only 15-inch trimmer.

Either way, keep the AL2420P pre-cut pack on hand so your next reload is quick.

Feed the line square, let the head wind it, and clear clippings after each session. That routine keeps the head feeding cleanly all season.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to bump an EGO trimmer to feed line?

The 15-inch ST1510T uses bump-feed line advance. The 16-inch ST1623T uses LINE IQ, which senses line length and feeds it automatically for a continuous cutting swath without bumping.

How long does line last on an EGO string trimmer?

That depends on how much edging and heavy weed work you do. LINE IQ feeds as needed, and a spare pre-cut pack means you always have 0.095-inch twisted line ready when the head runs out.

Can you overfill an EGO trimmer spool?

Don't force extra line in. Feed the end through the eyelet and let POWERLOAD wind until the head seats it; pushing line in by hand can jam the spool or leave it uneven.