String trimmers

[Gem99ultra]

Anyone use the wheeled string trimmers? Sure seem like they would be less work than the hand units.

I have a Husqvarna wheeled string trimmer; BS engine. On flat ground it is a big time saver. Great around curbs, along straight line fences; especially good along chain link fences.

NOT so good on slopes, over rocky uneven ground, around bull weeds, or wisteria vines. Around vines, they'll jam and the vines will wrap around the head and shaft. Then it's a 10+ minute job just to clear them out. Hand held string trimmers are much faster in those conditions.

So, wheel trimmers have their place as do hand trimmers. No cure-all exists, as far as I've found.

 

[NoTrespassing]

OK, I'm looking at string trimmer/brush cutters also. I don't want to spend over $500 and I want to be able to put a blade on it to cut multiflora rose and pencil sized sapplings. I'm looking at the Makita 25.4 cc MM4® 4‑Stroke Engine Brush Cutter. It seems they can be had for under $400. Does anyone have good or bad experience with them?

Makita USA - Product Details -EM265UH

I have a Husqvarna string trimmer but it won't take a blade.

Kevin

 

[Buggs67]

I replaced my old Homelite with a Stihl. I've had Stihl chainsaws and they run and last. It's not a pro model but it's enough for my needs and it was only about $150ish. I already mix fuel/oil for my leaf blower (Stihl) and two Chainsaws. Good 2 stroke oil already has stabilizers in it. I use Startron to improve the fuel because of the ethanol (murder on small engines). And I use high test and only mix 1 gallon at a time (but I have two container to not run out).

Cordless is nice but over $70 more.

 

[crazyal]

About a decade ago I bought a Honda. At the time most companies only sold 2 stroke trimmers. I wanted a 4 stroke and Honda makes some of the best small 4 strokes today. It doesn't have all the attachments that other brands have (just the trimmer and a saw blade). The trimmer head was pretty basic so i replaced it with a nicer one. I see that most brands sell a 4 stroke model. I've never had an issue with it. It'll start on the second pull as long as the gas isn't garbage from sitting. Unless I needed a specific attachment not sold for it I would buy the Honda again (not that it's close to needing replacing) today.

 

[ArlyA]

I assume you mean the gear drive on the head?? As far as we've seen, they all need to be greased. We do ours yearly.

Bar oil for the chainsaw.

My 2 stroke Stihl brush cutters require grease on the cutting end, don't know about the battery operated trimmers.

 

[kenmac]

I have a Husqvarna string trimmer but it won't take a blade.

Kevin

Most likely because it doesn't have a solid steel shaft. At one time, no trimmer recommended putting a brush cutter on a flex cable trimmer

 

[bmg88201]

My Echo SRM 230 trimmer finally gave me some grief after 12 years, the carb was bad, I ordered a new carb off Amazon for $20, put it on in 15 minutes and it started right up. $20 vs $350 for a new trimmer, hummm, let me think. If and when my Echo trimmer gives up the ghost for good, I'll by another one hands down. My neighbor has owned three different Stihl trimmers and spends most of his time going back and forth to the repair shop. As far as Husky trimmers is concerned, I'd be better off getting a couple of goats.

 

[ultrarunner]

The SRM from the 1980's is battle scarred but still going strong... the problem is parts needed no longer available so I had to get creative with finding a substitute fuel tank...

My Dealer did an eye roll saying I had modified it and should anything happen Echo would not be in the picture...

I would be shocked if any manufacturer would be in the picture 36+ years later...

 

[Evets Tsorf]

I gave up on gas trimmers, they get occasional use and the carbs gum up I spent to much time pulling the cord and swearing at them.
Purchased a Echo 58 volt battery powered one, had to look for one with the higher capacity battery, it goes for over an hour and charges in less, with two batteries you can go all day if you want. Way quieter, always goes when you pull the trigger, plenty of power, easy string reload and you will never burn your arm on the exhaust.

 

[Doofy]

My Homelite gas trimmer is still going strong after 30+ years. Add mixed gas, wind on some fresh string, push the primer bulb a couple of times and it fires right up. Best $79 ever spent.