New String Trimmer?

[coobie]

My old Echo string trimmer has pooped out on me; was in the shop last year, and the guy said this model had carb problems and a new carb was expensive enough that a new trimmer was really the way to go. My question is: Can anyone recommend a trimmer in the $200-$250 range? I want one that (1) STARTS EASY; (2) is light and easy to carry, and (3) has the string head where you individually insert the two pieces of string. My research so far, has little if anything to say about the Echo; seems that he Cub Cadet and the Huskvarna are right up there. Any testimonials to share...anyone?

Thanks in advance;

Dennis

I just bought a new Dolmar straight shaft trimmer Model CS 246.4 c,works great.I also have a Honda brand trimmer that has served me well.

 

[Jim Nelson]

If you don't have a lot of heavy cutting to do the new cordless electrics are great. I have an old Echo that's 30 yrs. old now and still runs fine but I can't handle it any more so ran into a deal on a 20 volt DeWalt and it works fine for around the lawn etc.,my wife even uses it where she wouldn't even consider a gas unit.
The problem, as I see it, with these light units is they use the small .080 line and it just doesn't "cut" it in the heavier weeds.

 

[TractorGuy]

If you don't have a lot of heavy cutting to do the new cordless electrics are great. I have an old Echo that's 30 yrs. old now and still runs fine but I can't handle it any more so ran into a deal on a 20 volt DeWalt and it works fine for around the lawn etc.,my wife even uses it where she wouldn't even consider a gas unit.
The problem, as I see it, with these light units is they use the small .080 line and it just doesn't "cut" it in the heavier weeds.

I have a push model with a 6HP Briggs for that. .130 spiral line does a number on thick grass and light brush. It's much easier on the body than handling a hand held trimmer.

 

[TomSeller]

Whatever one you wind up with, do yourself a favor and try one of these - Trimmer Shoulder Strap Harness Net Bag For STIHL HUSQVARNA ECHO #41197191 | eBay

There's many other similar ones available including Stihl and Husky-branded ones for 3 times as much. The important things are the full harness and the "hip pad".

If you use a trimmer for more than just a few minutes, your back and shoulders will REALLY thank you.

That looked so much better than my stock harness, I ordered one. Thank you for the lead.

 

[lexluther]

I got sick of string trimmers dying because I didn't run them often enough. So I spent more money on the stihl kombi and several attachments. (Blower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, pole saw) I don't think I would buy the largest power head if there ever is a next time... so far, about 6 years in and starts easy every time..

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Trust me. Built for at least 500 hours of service.

Amazon.com : Tanaka TCG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer : Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[thatguy]

I have a Stihl FS 90 (straight shaft), its 6 yrs old - always used non-ethanol gas, used the synthetic Stihl oil mix, and added a splash of Seafoam to every tank of gas.. Never emptied the tank of the winter or let it run try..

it will fire on by the 3rd or 4th pull - every time..

tip - instead of the shoulder sling - get a full harness - its makes it much easier on your back/shoulders.'

brian

 

[skipmarcy]

I just bought my second Maruyama year before last, the BT23L I believe is the model number. It's their smallest straight shaft model. My first one lasted me 19 years of real weedeating, not this light trimming stuff. I went thru probably a dozen bump feed heads on it strictly from wearing them out. I paid right at $220 for it 19 years ago and that's exactly the same I paid for the new one. This new one has the speedfeed bump head and I really like it. I use it to keep my 6 acre yard up, usually about 10-15 hours a month of solid use. Lightweight, less vibration than a Husky or Ryobi and tons of torque for such a small engine.

 

[gsganzer]

One thing for sure is I have a 20 year old Husky 225 (I think) brush cutter and runs better than anything I've bought since. All the newer engines (chainsaws, string trimmers, backpack blowers etc.) all seem to have a lot less guts and are finicky as heck. Today I was using my Stihl Kombi 130 with the chainsaw-on-a-stick and had it flood out when starting.

I think a huge issue is fuel consistency. The new engines are meant to be real efficient with low emissions, the trade-off is they're less forgiving when conditions change (fuel quality, ambient conditions, filter cleanliness etc.) There's been a thread about buying the canned pre-mix fuel. I keep swapping back and forth, but I'm beginning to realize I have a lot less issues when using the pre-mix.

 

[kenmac]

One thing for sure is I have a 20 year old Husky 225 (I think) brush cutter and runs better than anything I've bought since.

I too own a 20+ yr old husky. 326lx I believe is the mod. Run brush cutter on it as well. It has solid steel shaft. If it died tomorrow I couldn't complain