VABlue
Platinum Member
My 10yo Ryobi finally stopped starting, so I'm back in the market... I did some prelim research and bought a Stihl FS55, used it twice and took it back because it wouldn't restart after refueling. (The dealer said it was probably a broken wire in the safety switch, but needing shop work after two starts doesn't ring confidence...) One thing I learned about the Stihl is that I don't like the side exhaust! My right arm pretty much rests on the muffler shield, and while not 'burning', it got pretty hot and uncomfortable. The Ryobi had rear exhaust and never bothered me. So I'd like something with rear exhaust. Now for the intended use...
I have 5 acres, mostly wooded, and will run the trimmer for 1-2 hrs (generally once/week) to finish the job. I'll be trimming everything from light grass around mulch beds to heavy weeds along ditch rows. The most cumbersome part, though, is trimming grass along a fence line with rabbit fencing on it and growing between bricks on backyard paths. (So string is necessary, rather than a brush cutter head.) Don't really care about a detachable shaft, the Ryobi had it and I really never used the blower and cultivator I had for it (replaced the blower with a Husqvarna backpack, and the tiller couldn't cut through VA clay...). Straight or curved? Don't know... I like the power from a straight shaft, but really don't know the difference since I've never used a curved shaft. I am only 5'5" tall, so if that makes a difference... I think I'd like to stay with a 2-stroke engine since the backpack blower is 2-stroke, as is my chainsaw. (Better opportunity to keep the gas fresh.)
I know this is a long post, but more info means better help, and I know you guys will come through! TIA...
I have 5 acres, mostly wooded, and will run the trimmer for 1-2 hrs (generally once/week) to finish the job. I'll be trimming everything from light grass around mulch beds to heavy weeds along ditch rows. The most cumbersome part, though, is trimming grass along a fence line with rabbit fencing on it and growing between bricks on backyard paths. (So string is necessary, rather than a brush cutter head.) Don't really care about a detachable shaft, the Ryobi had it and I really never used the blower and cultivator I had for it (replaced the blower with a Husqvarna backpack, and the tiller couldn't cut through VA clay...). Straight or curved? Don't know... I like the power from a straight shaft, but really don't know the difference since I've never used a curved shaft. I am only 5'5" tall, so if that makes a difference... I think I'd like to stay with a 2-stroke engine since the backpack blower is 2-stroke, as is my chainsaw. (Better opportunity to keep the gas fresh.)
I know this is a long post, but more info means better help, and I know you guys will come through! TIA...