String trimmers

[ArlyA]

Gee, we don't hardly run any "bump heads". For string we normally use .155 which is to large to run in them.

I’ve had Stihl, echo, Husqvarna, Redmax, Shindiawa and a few cheaper models. The Shindiawa is by far the best and the self winding bump heads on the Shindiawa and Echo trimmers makes and other head look like a 3 legged man.

 

[deserteagle71]

I too got tired of two-stroke units that only lasted a few years. Bought me a Honda 4-stroke trimmer 20 years ago and couldn't be happier. All I have to do is put gas in it, and change the oil once a year. After all these years, when I dig it out to use it for the first time in the spring all I have to do is put gas in it and on the second pull it fires up and just purrs. With the 4-stroke torque it puts out most of my cutting can be done with setting the throttle to high idle. Absolutely trouble-free all these years. One of my better investments!

 

[CMV]

So a lot of stihl or echo recommendations. But is a stihl or echo from TSC, lowes, Home Depot, etc the same as a stihl or echo from the local Kubota farm equipment dealer? Is it like the riding mowers where a jd or husqvarna from big box is a pile where one from dealer is a sturdier model and great machine or is a stihl or echo trimmer good regardless of where it comes from?

No battery for me. My remote property has no utilities and dragging out generator just to run for 45 min or so and wait for battery to charge not good for me. Gas and go.....

Oh...and sorry for all the gibberish in first post....I forget on iPad not to use apostrophe or quotation marks sometimes...

 

[Doofy]

Bought a refurbished Homelite for $79 some 30+ years ago. Never had a problem and works as good today as day one. Must be a fluke.

 

[RjCorazza]

So a lot of stihl or echo recommendations. But is a stihl or echo from TSC, lowes, Home Depot, etc the same as a stihl or echo from the local Kubota farm equipment dealer? (snip)...

Stihl products are only sold by servicing dealers.

 

[ArlyA]

They are fine units but per HP, 4 strokes weight more.

I too got tired of two-stroke units that only lasted a few years. Bought me a Honda 4-stroke trimmer 20 years ago and couldn't be happier. All I have to do is put gas in it, and change the oil once a year. After all these years, when I dig it out to use it for the first time in the spring all I have to do is put gas in it and on the second pull it fires up and just purrs. With the 4-stroke torque it puts out most of my cutting can be done with setting the throttle to high idle. Absolutely trouble-free all these years. One of my better investments!

 

[ArlyA]

Here are photos taken today of Echo's in the field and at work. (One is from last fall) In the 1st photo, one of these is my personal machine that's about 15yo. These will show .155 string, brush cutting blade and pole saws in use.

 

[jaxs]

I noticed most if not all rave reviews posted were about really old trimmers. My trouble didn't start until government decided all states needed corn squeezings in gas and California compliant engines. Since that came about,I've had carburetor problems every time I turn around. Most shops around here will not take string trimmers for repair unless they are a warranty station and it's in warranty.

 

[ArlyA]

Our Echo units range in age from 15yo to new. We have about 6 of them. We do this for work and I own some as well. They've been serviced at the same shop we purchased them at. Does that count?

 

[rekees4300]

Well, I'm in the Stihl camp on this one.

Add another vote for Stihl. Bought a FS240 3 years ago and it has never failed to start on first pull! Awesome machine with all the power you will ever need. Will cut everything from grass to 3 inch trees.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/general-lawn-garden/345050-stihl-fs240.html?highlight=stihl

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