There’s a certain point every property owner with a bit of land dreads. It’s that moment when you look out at a far corner, a steep ditch, or along a sprawling fence line and realize it’s no longer just “overgrown.” It has become a full-blown wilderness. The grass is waist-high, thorny vines are staging a coup, and mysterious, woody weeds you can’t identify have formed a small, defiant forest. Your trusty lawn mower would choke and sputter in protest. A handheld string trimmer would be a laughable, Sisyphean task, leaving your back screaming and the jungle barely touched. This was the exact situation I faced with a sloped back acre that had been neglected for a season too long. It was a tangled, ugly mess, and I knew I needed a tool with more muscle and less compromise. This is the precise problem that sends people searching for a beastly solution like the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc.
- POWERFUL - Powered by a strong, 160cc 4-Cycle Viper engine. The Earthquake Walk Behind String Mower chops down your unsightly weeds and stubborn brush with ease. The...
- DURABLE - Our one-piece steel deck provides strength and stability while reducing vibration. Super tough nylon line has a cutting swath of 22” to get the job done quickly.
- CONVENIENT- Never-go-flat wheels ensure that your equipment is ready to go when you are. An integrated clutch and hand bail system safely keeps the String Mower motor running, but disengages and...
What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind String Mower
A Walk-Behind String Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming and maintaining challenging parts of your property. Unlike a traditional lawn mower, which uses a blade and is best suited for relatively even, grassy surfaces, a walk-behind string mower uses heavy-duty nylon lines to obliterate thick weeds, tall grass, and dense brush over uneven, rough terrain. It combines the raw cutting power of a commercial-grade trimmer with the stability and ease of a walk-behind mower, saving your arms and back from hours of strain. It’s the essential bridge between landscaping and land clearing.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing unruly vegetation on properties of a half-acre or more. This includes homeowners with meadows, pastures, or sloped hillsides; farmers needing to clear fence lines and irrigation ditches; and anyone battling persistent, thick-stemmed weeds like thistle or blackberry canes that would destroy a standard mower. Conversely, this machine is likely overkill for those with small, manicured suburban lots. If your primary task is cutting a standard lawn, a traditional push or self-propelled mower would be more efficient and provide a cleaner finish. For those who prioritize a quiet, emission-free operation for smaller jobs, a powerful cordless electric mower might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Engine Power & Type: The engine is the heart of the machine. Gas-powered models, like the 160cc Viper engine on this Earthquake model, offer maximum power and untethered range, essential for tackling dense growth far from an outlet. A 4-cycle engine means you don’t have to mix oil and gas, simplifying refueling and running cleaner than 2-cycle counterparts.
- Cutting Swath & Height: The cutting diameter, or swath, determines how much you can clear in a single pass. A 22-inch swath is substantial, making quick work of large areas. Adjustable cutting height (from 1.5 to 3 inches on this model) is also critical, allowing you to scalp stubborn weeds down to the dirt or leave a bit of height in a field.
- Build Quality & Durability: Look for a machine built to withstand abuse. A one-piece steel deck, as featured on the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc, is a significant advantage. It provides superior strength, stability, and vibration reduction compared to multi-part or plastic decks, ensuring a longer lifespan under harsh conditions.
- Wheels & Maneuverability: The terrain these mowers tackle is rarely smooth. Large, 14-inch wheels are a massive benefit, allowing the mower to roll easily over ruts, rocks, and uneven ground. “Never-Go-Flat” wheels remove the frustrating possibility of a puncture halting your work day miles from the garage.
Keeping these factors in mind, the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc is an excellent choice for heavy-duty clearing, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if your needs lean more towards traditional lawn care. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to...
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE B&S ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 140cc B&S engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance, and long-term durability—ideal for tough mowing jobs.
- Powerful & Easy-Start Gas Engine: Get going quickly with the reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine on this gas lawn mower. Features a convenient primer button for simplified cold starts, delivering...
Unboxing the Beast: First Impressions and Key Features
The arrival of the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc was an event in itself. The box is substantial, and upon opening it, we were immediately struck by the solidity of the machine. As many users have confirmed, the unit was packed exceptionally well, preventing any shipping damage. What truly impressed us was the near-total lack of assembly. This isn’t a weekend-long project in a box. We simply had to unfold the handlebar, position it to a comfortable height using the tool-less adjustment knobs, and tighten them down. The entire process from unboxing to “ready-to-fuel” took less than 10 minutes. The machine feels robust; the one-piece steel deck and the oversized 14-inch wheels give it a purposeful, no-nonsense look. Weighing in at 70 pounds, it has enough heft to feel stable and planted on rough ground, yet it’s surprisingly well-balanced and easy to roll. The package includes a starter bottle of 4-cycle engine oil and some trimmer line, so you can get to work almost immediately after a quick trip for gasoline.
What We Like
- Incredibly powerful 160cc Viper 4-cycle engine that tears through thick brush.
- Virtually zero assembly required, ready to use in minutes.
- Large 14-inch never-flat wheels make it easy to maneuver on rough terrain.
- Durable one-piece steel deck for enhanced stability and longevity.
- Clutch system allows the cutting head to be disengaged without shutting off the engine.
What We Didn’t Like
- Poorly designed oil fill port is difficult to access.
- Lack of an oil drain plug requires tipping the entire machine for oil changes.
A Deep Dive into the EARTHQUAKE’s Field Performance
A machine like this is judged not on its looks, but on its ability to conquer chaos. We put the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc through its paces on the most challenging terrain we had: a steep, rutted ditch line choked with a mix of waist-high field grass, tough legumes, and the beginnings of thorny blackberry canes. This is where the machine truly comes alive and demonstrates its immense value.
The Heart of the Beast: 160cc Viper Engine & Raw Cutting Power
The 160cc 4-Cycle Viper engine is the undisputed star of the show. After adding the supplied oil and fresh, non-ethanol gasoline, the engine roared to life on the second pull. The sound is authoritative but not excessively loud for a machine of this power. We engaged the trimmer head via the hand bail on the handlebar and pushed it into the first patch of thick grass. The result was immediate and deeply satisfying. Where a handheld trimmer would bog down and wrap itself in tangles, the Earthquake simply annihilated everything in its path. The 22-inch cutting swath carved a clean, wide path, ejecting a spray of shredded vegetation out the side.
We found ourselves agreeing with one user who tackled 7-8 foot tall “stick weeds” with stems as thick as a finger, calling the machine a “godsend.” It doesn’t just cut grass; it pulverizes it. We moved from the thick grass to a patch of young blackberry canes, and while it had to “chew” for a moment on the woodiest stems, it ripped right through them. The stock line included in the box is adequate for general use, but for maximum effect, we took the advice of another owner and swapped it for a premium serrated line. The difference was remarkable. With the upgraded line, the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc transformed into an absolute monster, slicing through dense growth that would challenge a bladed brush cutter. This small upgrade unlocks the engine’s full, devastating potential.
Built for the Back Forty: Design, Durability, and Maneuverability
Power is useless if you can’t control it. Earthquake’s design choices here are smart and practical. The foundation is the one-piece steel deck. This single piece of heavy-gauge steel provides a rigid chassis that absorbs impacts and drastically reduces the vibration transferred to the operator through the handlebars. It feels solid, not tinny or flexible like some competing models. This robust construction gives you the confidence to push it into hostile environments without worrying about a stray rock or hidden stump causing damage.
The 14-inch wheels are the machine’s other great physical asset. They are the key to its all-terrain capability. We rolled it over bumpy, uneven ground, through hidden divots, and up a moderately sloped hill without any issue. The large diameter acts like a lever, making it easy to navigate obstacles that would stop a small-wheeled mower in its tracks. Being “Never-Go-Flat” is a huge relief, eliminating a common point of failure when working far from an air compressor. At 70 pounds, it’s not a featherweight, but the balance is excellent, allowing for easy pivoting and one-handed maneuvering on flat ground. As one user noted, it can become a bit heavy on slopes that are “more than mildly steep,” requiring some physical effort to control, but for most challenging landscapes, it remains impressively nimble.
From Box to Brush: The User Experience and Maintenance Quirks
The out-of-box experience is a massive win for the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc. The “virtually zero assembly” claim is accurate and a refreshing change in the world of power equipment. This ease of setup gets you working faster and removes any potential for assembly errors. In day-to-day use, the adjustable handlebars are a fantastic feature, accommodating operators of different heights for a more comfortable, ergonomic posture. Another standout feature we loved is the integrated clutch and hand bail system. Releasing the bail on the handlebar stops the trimmer head from spinning but leaves the engine running. This is incredibly useful. Need to move a fallen branch or a large rock out of your path? Just let go of the bail, clear the obstacle, and re-engage without the hassle of restarting the engine every time. It’s a simple feature that dramatically improves workflow and reduces frustration during a long clearing session.
However, the user experience isn’t flawless, and the main point of contention, which we can wholeheartedly confirm from our own testing, is the oil maintenance. The oil fill port is tucked away in an awkward position, making it difficult to pour oil without a long, flexible funnel. Spills are almost guaranteed without one. Even more frustrating is the lack of a simple oil drain plug. As outlined by the manufacturer and lamented by users, changing the oil requires you to remove the fill cap and physically tip the entire 70-pound machine on its side to drain the old oil out of the fill hole. It’s a messy, cumbersome, and frankly baffling design choice on an otherwise well-engineered machine. It’s a significant annoyance that turns a simple 5-minute maintenance task into a 15-minute cleanup operation. If you can look past this one major design flaw, the rest of the experience is superb. You can see for yourself if this trade-off is worth it for the incredible power.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the machine’s raw power is widely shared among other users. One owner called it “by far probably the best piece of lawn equipment I ever bought” after it demolished an overgrown slope in just 20 minutes. Another, who uses it for fence lines and irrigation ditches, was “seriously impressed” by how it handled waist-high hay and legumes that would choke a typical weed eater. The ease of setup is another common point of praise, with many noting they were mowing less than an hour after unboxing.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent, primarily focusing on two areas. The awkward oil fill and drain process is the most frequently cited “con,” with users universally recommending the use of a funnel and expressing frustration over the lack of a drain plug. The second area of concern involves shipping and initial quality control. Several users reported receiving units that were damaged in transit, with broken wheels or bent frames. While these instances appear to be the minority, they are significant. It’s worth noting one extreme case where a user’s machine caught fire; however, the company’s customer service was lauded for promptly sending a replacement and investigating the cause, showcasing a commitment to resolving serious issues.
How Does the Earthquake Compare to the Alternatives?
The EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc is a specialist for untamed terrain. But what if your needs are different? Its main alternatives are traditional mowers, especially electric models, which cater to a completely different type of lawn care.
1. CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
- 13 Amp Motor with 20 inches Deck - Power through tall grass
- 3-in-1 Capacity - Rear Bagging, Mulching and Side Discharge
- Winged Blade - Improved Cutting Performance
The CRAFTSMAN corded mower is a reliable choice for small-to-medium sized, well-maintained lawns. Its 13-Amp motor provides ample power for regular grass cutting, and the 20-inch deck is efficient for its class. The key difference is the power source and application. Being corded, its range is limited by the length of your extension cord, making it unsuitable for large properties or remote areas where the Earthquake excels. However, it is significantly lighter, quieter, and requires virtually no maintenance beyond cleaning. Someone with a quarter-acre suburban lot who values quiet operation and simplicity would prefer the CRAFTSMAN.
2. WORX Nitro 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- AERODECK TECHNOLOGY: Vented design boosts air volume in the cutting deck to prevent clogs and clumping, enhance cut quality, and optimize efficiency for less repetitive mowing. This tech also...
- MADE STRONGER, LASTS LONGER: Brushless motor 2.0 delivers 40% more power and 10% longer runtime than first-gen brushless motors. Ideal for lawns up to 1/2 acre or less, powered by the included (2) 20V...
- SELF-PROPELLED WITH VARIABLE SPEED: This walk-behind self-propelled mower does the hard work for you. Simply set your preferred speed (up to 3.7 MPH) and guide it over the grass at a comfortable pace.
The WORX Nitro represents the peak of modern cordless convenience. It offers the untethered freedom of a gas mower but with the benefits of battery power: it’s quiet, emission-free, and has lower maintenance. The self-propelled feature reduces user fatigue, a significant advantage over the manual-push Earthquake. While powerful for a battery mower, it is designed for cutting lawns, not obliterating 4-foot-tall weeds and brush. A homeowner with a half-acre lawn who wants a premium, eco-friendly mowing experience without the noise and maintenance of gas would choose the WORX. It cannot, however, perform the heavy-duty clearing tasks the Earthquake was built for.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR – 13 Amp motor supplies ample power for cutting through thick grass and overgrowth.
- TOOL-FREE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – A single lever adjusts the mower deck’s 7-setting cutting height between 1-1/2 in. to 4 in.
Similar to the CRAFTSMAN, the BLACK+DECKER MM2000 is a corded electric mower aimed at homeowners with smaller, established lawns. It is a budget-friendly, straightforward tool for weekly grass maintenance. Its primary advantages over the Earthquake are its low cost of entry, light weight for easy storage and handling, and zero-emissions operation. It is a simple tool for a simple job. Anyone who needs a basic mower for a small yard and is limited by a budget would find this to be a great value. It is fundamentally a different category of tool from the land-clearing powerhouse that is the Earthquake string mower.
The Final Verdict: A Powerful Solution for a Tough Problem
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc is a phenomenal piece of equipment for its intended purpose. It is not a lawn mower; it is a land tamer. For anyone battling overgrown fields, neglected property lines, or steep ditches that are impossible to maintain with conventional tools, this machine is a game-changer. Its powerful Viper engine, rugged steel construction, and all-terrain wheels provide the performance and durability needed to reclaim your property from the wilderness.
The clumsy oil-change procedure is a notable and frustrating design flaw, and there is a small risk of shipping damage. However, these drawbacks are overshadowed by its sheer, unadulterated clearing power. If you have the right kind of problem—thick, tall, and gnarly—this machine is unequivocally the right kind of solution. We highly recommend it to anyone who has ever looked at a patch of their property and thought, “I’m going to need something bigger.”
If you’ve decided the EARTHQUAKE 22” Walk Behind String Mower 160cc is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API