Best Auto-Feed Trimmer Heads for Your Weed Eater
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A Stihl weed eater auto feed head is the part that releases more line as the trimmer runs, so you spend less time stopping to reload. For a Stihl weed eater, the head has to match the shaft, the gear case and the line size, so the first step is checking fit before anything else. The four options below cover a Stihl-compatible dual-line bump-feed head, a bump-feed head for a different brand of shaft, and two cordless trimmers that use bump auto feed. Each entry uses only what its own product listing says, and where a listing does not state a fact, this guide says so.
Quick answer
- For a Stihl gas trimmer, the C26-2 dual-line bump-feed head lists Stihl models by name, including the FS55, FS56, FS70, FS80 and FS90 series.
- Bump-feed heads release line when you tap the head against the ground, which is the auto feed behavior most people mean by an auto-feed head.
- Cordless trimmers with a bump auto feed are a different tool, not a replacement head, so check whether you need a head or a whole trimmer.
- Match the head to your shaft and line diameter before you buy. A head that fits the wrong shaft will not work.
What an auto-feed head does
An auto-feed or bump-feed head has a spool inside that feeds fresh line out through the eyelets when you tap the cutting head against the ground while the trimmer is running. The line is released a short length at a time, so the cut stays at a usable length without you stopping to pull line by hand. Fixed-line heads work differently. They do not release new line on a tap, so they need a manual reload. The difference matters most in heavy use, where reloads take up time.
The listings in this roundup describe the feed in different ways. Some say the head feeds the line automatically when tapped, some describe a dual-line design, and some describe a bump auto feed built into a whole trimmer. These are not the same product type, so read each entry before you choose.
How to choose by fit first
Fit is the most important check, and it comes before feed style. A head that does not match your shaft will not thread on, will not seat properly, or will spin off during use. Before you order, look at four things on your own trimmer.
- Brand and model. Find the model number on your trimmer and check it against the models named in the listing.
- Gear case and shaft type. Some listings name a straight shaft or a specific gear case diameter. Compare that with your tool.
- Power source. Gas, corded and cordless trimmers do not share heads. A listing that says “not for cordless or electric trimmers” is a gas head only.
- Line diameter. Confirm the line size your trimmer uses and make sure the head accepts it.
Compare the options
| Option | Feed type | Power source | Stihl named in listing | Notes from the listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C26-2 Dual Line Bump Feed Head (2-pack) | Dual-line bump feed | Gas trimmer or brushcutter | Yes | Lists many Stihl models; replaces OEM part 4002 710 2169 |
| VIABRICO 3-Pack Straight Shaft Head | Bump head with line storage | Straight shaft gas trimmer | No | Built for Echo and Shindaiwa shafts; no adapters included |
| DCA 14-inch Cordless Trimmer | Bump auto feed | Battery powered | No | Includes 4.0Ah battery and charger per title |
| DCK 58V 15-inch Trimmer Head System | Bump feed head | Battery powered, tool only | No | Battery and charger sold separately |
The table shows what each listing states. Where a listing does not state a value, the table leaves the cell as it is rather than filling it in.
Roundup: four auto-feed options
1. C26-2 Dual Line Bump Feed Trimmer Head (2-pack)
This is the only option in the roundup that names Stihl models in its listing, which makes it the most direct match for the keyword. The listing says it is a dual-line bump-feed head and that the nylon line feeds automatically when you tap the cutting head against the ground. It also says the head replaces OEM part number 4002 710 2169 and that it comes as a two-pack, so you have a spare.
The listed Stihl models include the FS55, FS56, FS70, FS80, FS85, FS90, FS91, FS94, FS110, FS120, FS130, FS131, FS240 and FS250 series, along with several brushcutter and gas trimmer models. The listing describes it for lawn trimming, around trees, between shrubs and along walls and fences. Loading is done by inserting line into the eyelets and twisting the knob, which the listing describes as easy. The listing gives a product weight of 2.16 pounds and dimensions of 7.5 by 4.1 by 1.31 inches.
What the listing does not state: the line diameter the head accepts, and whether it fits models not named in the list. Check your own model number against the list before ordering.
2. VIABRICO 3-Pack Straight Shaft Bump Head
This head is built for straight-shaft trimmers from Echo and Shindaiwa, not Stihl. The listing names Echo models such as the SRM-225, PAS-225 and PAS-260 series, and Shindaiwa models such as the T230 and T231. It says the head uses a bump feed and has line storage for line sizes it lists as 0.080, 0.095, 0.105 and 0.130 inches, with trimmer line included at about 6.56 feet.
The listing gives a bolt size of M10 by 1.25 millimeters and a head diameter of 3-3/4 inches, with a maximum rotation speed of 10,000 RPM. It also says the head can be reloaded without taking it apart: align the holes, feed the line through, and turn the cover clockwise to shorten the line. The listing states the head does not come with adapters, so it is only for a straight shaft that already matches its bolt size.
Because this head is not listed for Stihl, it is a close alternative for a Stihl owner only if the Stihl model number matches one the listing names. Do not assume fit from the keyword alone.
3. DCA 20V 14-inch Cordless String Trimmer with Auto Feed
This is a whole cordless trimmer, not a replacement head, and it is included here because it uses a bump auto feed. The title says it is a 3-in-1 brushless weed eater with auto feed, a two-speed design and a 4.0Ah battery and charger. The listing states two operating speeds, 4600 RPM for light trimming and edging and 6200 RPM for thick weeds, and it describes a 12 to 14 inch adjustable cutting width.
The listing says the 4000mAh lithium-ion battery gives up to 60 minutes at low speed and 36 minutes at high speed on one charge. It describes a bump auto feed head that releases line with a tap, and it gives a weight of 7.6 pounds with the battery. The listing also says the aluminum shaft is designed to keep fatigue low during long sessions. This option suits a yard that needs a cordless tool with a bump feed rather than a gas head.
The listing does not name Stihl compatibility, and it does not name any head that could be swapped onto a gas Stihl. Choose it only as a new cordless trimmer.
4. DCK 58V 15-inch String Trimmer Head System (Tool Only)
This is a 58V cordless trimmer set that uses a bump feed head and works as the power head for other DCK attachments. The listing says it has a 15-inch cutting path, a bump auto-feed head and an integrated guard with a line-cutting blade to keep line at a useful length. It has a three-speed selector set to 4000, 5000 and 6000 RPM, and it includes a shoulder strap, a wrench and a telescopic straight shaft.
The listing says it is tool only, so the battery and charger are sold separately. It says the tool is compatible with all DCK 58V lithium-ion batteries and fast chargers, and it lists a 5-year tool warranty. The listing also says the head system can take other DCK 58V attachments such as a pole saw, hedge trimmer and lawn edger, which are sold separately.
The listing gives a product length of 72.67 inches and a width of 14.84 inches. Like the DCA option, this is a cordless tool and not a replacement head for a gas trimmer.
Who each option suits
A Stihl gas trimmer owner who needs a replacement head should start with the C26-2. It is the only option here that names Stihl models, and the two-pack gives you a spare.
A straight-shaft owner with an Echo or Shindaiwa trimmer should look at the VIABRICO head, provided the bolt size and shaft type match the listing.
A buyer who wants a new cordless trimmer with bump auto feed has two options. The DCA listing includes a battery and charger, with a 14-inch cut width and two speeds. The DCK listing is tool only but ties into a wider 58V system.
Reloading and everyday use
Bump-feed heads are easiest to use when the line is wound and seated correctly. The VIABRICO listing describes a reload process that does not require taking the head apart, which many owners find faster than a full disassembly. The C26-2 listing describes loading by inserting the line into the eyelets and twisting the knob. In both cases, check the line diameter and the line length before you start, and keep spare line on hand.
Auto-feed cordless trimmers such as the DCA and DCK options feed line in the same basic way: tap the head on the ground while the motor runs. The DCK listing says its guard includes a line-cutting blade, which keeps line from growing too long. Check the guard and the line length after each session so the feed works as intended.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a head without matching the shaft, gear case or bolt size. Fit comes first.
- Assuming a cordless listing will swap onto a gas trimmer. The DCA and DCK options are whole cordless tools.
- Choosing the wrong line diameter. Confirm the head accepts the line you plan to use.
- Expecting a fixed-line head to feed like a bump head. The Quintillus head in this family is a fixed-line and blade design, which is a different system, so it is not in this roundup.
- Overlooking the battery. The DCK listing is tool only, and battery and charger are sold separately.
FAQ
Which head fits a Stihl weed eater?
The C26-2 dual-line bump-feed head lists Stihl models by name in its listing, including many FS-series trimmers and brushcutters. Find your model number and check it against that list before ordering. The other heads in this roundup do not list Stihl models.
What is the difference between an auto-feed head and a bump-feed head?
In everyday use, the terms describe the same behavior: the head releases fresh line when you tap it on the ground. The listings in this roundup use both terms, and some call the feature auto line feed or bump auto feed. What matters is that the head feeds line on a tap.
Can I put a cordless trimmer head on a gas trimmer?
No. The DCA and DCK options are complete cordless trimmers with their own motors and shafts. A gas Stihl trimmer needs a head made for its shaft and gear case, such as the C26-2 option.
Do I need to buy a battery with the cordless trimmers?
It depends on the listing. The DCA title says it includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. The DCK listing is tool only, so the battery and charger are sold separately.
Is a straight-shaft head the same as a Stihl head?
Not always. The VIABRICO head is for straight-shaft Echo and Shindaiwa trimmers, and its listing does not name Stihl models. Check the bolt size, shaft and model before you assume a head fits your trimmer.
What line size should I use?
Use the line diameter your trimmer accepts. The VIABRICO listing gives a range of 0.080 to 0.130 inches for its line storage, and the C26-2 listing does not state a line diameter. Check your trimmer’s manual or the label before buying line.
Bottom line
If you own a Stihl gas trimmer and want an auto-feed or bump-feed head, the C26-2 is the only option in this roundup whose listing names Stihl models, so start there and confirm your model number. If you own an Echo or Shindaiwa straight-shaft trimmer, check the VIABRICO listing for an exact match. If you want a new cordless trimmer with a bump auto feed, compare the DCA listing, which includes a battery and charger, against the tool-only DCK listing.
Related reading
For a head-by-head walk-through, read How to Reload a Bump-Feed Trimmer Head. To decide between feed styles before you buy, see Bump-Feed vs Fixed-Line Trimmer Heads. For a cordless option with a different layout, read BLACK+DECKER Weed Wacker with Auto Feed, 14-Inch 2 in 1 String Trimmer Lawn Review.
