Need beastly brush cutter, Tanaka any good?

[cstamm81]

I am in the market for a powerful bicycle handle brush cutter. I have large areas of very thick grass, weeds, small trees and my 21cc Echo trimmer isn't cutting it. I really like Husky products but ran into the Tanaka for what I consider a very good price: Upstate Power Power Equipment | TANAKA TBC-430PF DUAL HANDLE BRUSHCUTTER

I can't find much info on Tanaka, does anyone have any input or know of another sub $500 high performance brush cutter?

 

[smstonypoint]

I can't find much info on Tanaka, does anyone have any input or know of another sub $500 high performance brush cutter?

I can't provide any info on the Tanaka, but I do own a Husqvarna 235FR: HUSQVARNA 235FR - Brushcutters. According to the specs, the Tanaka develops more HP (2.2 versus 1.8) with a smaller displacement (40 cc versus 40.2 cc). The 235FR has a MSRP of $480, but I think I paid considerably less than that when I purchased mine in late 2009/early 2010.

I have been happy with the 235FR so far, but most of my use has been cutting small saplings (mostly less than 1" in diameter) with a brush blade. I have used it less often to cut larger saplings (2"+) with a chisel-tooth blade. I would suggest buying a more powerful cutter if you are going to be clearing larger saplings, brush, etc.

Steve

 

[two_bit_score]

I am in the market for a powerful bicycle handle brush cutter. I have large areas of very thick grass, weeds, small trees and my 21cc Echo trimmer isn't cutting it. I really like Husky products but ran into the Tanaka for what I consider a very good price: Upstate Power Power Equipment | TANAKA TBC-430PF DUAL HANDLE BRUSHCUTTER

I can't find much info on Tanaka, does anyone have any input or know of another sub $500 high performance brush cutter?

I abused a Tanaka for about 20 years. Can't say it's still going strong but it is a pretty good backup string trimmer now.

Parts are hard to get in Texas for them.

 

[2manyrocks]

I bought one of these back in the Spring for under $500 I think. Just negotiate with your dealer.

ECHO SRM-410U ECHO's Most Powerful Brushcutter - ECHO USA | ECHO USA

 

[ultrarunner]

I've been very impressed with Tanaka...

That said, my Dealer told my the company was acquired this year and changes may be coming to parts availability, price and product line.

 

[Furu]

Look at a Stihl FS 250 quite capable unit think you would like it. I have heard the FS130 4 cycle is nice as well. Brush blade or chisel blade for sapling greater than 2 inches. Should be able to find for right at 500. The FS 450 is fantastic but more than 500 dollars.

 

[cstamm81]

Thanks for the info, I will check out that Stihl and the big Echo, there is a small dealer local to me.

 

[Will_C]

I don't have experience with the others, but I bought a Stihl FS 250 last summer, and I have been impressed. Used it with a chisel blade (the one you can sharpen with a chainsaw file) and knocked down 100 or so 2-3" saplings, cut overgrown briars, burdocks, etc. with the 3 blade poly cut head, and trim large areas of ditch and fenceline with the string head as fast as I can walk.

Will

 

[XSKIER]

I have the fs450, km130, and a 20 yr old fs66 (20 cc). All have chisel blades, which is the only way to fly for brush. The '66 can cut 1" dia. The '130 can cut 2" dia. The '450 can cut 3" dia. These are not threshold numbers, but continual duty numbers. The greatest thing about Stihl equipment is that cutting attachments are interchangeable between the different models, and the dealers are everywhere. I've never even seen a tanaka in SE Mich...

 

[ike]

I have a Tanaka string trimmer, brush cutter, back pack blower and edger. I think Tanaka makes great stuff! I actually drove over my trimmer and it still works perfect. All of my stuff has been abused and about ten years old. I would not buy any other brand. I do however like echo stuff also.