Weed eater

[deserteagle71]

If you're going for a 4-stroke engine - Honda all the way. Read the reviews - whether you buy an ATV, lawn mower, etc. - Honda engines are the best. Last forever.

Years ago I went through several weed eaters before I noticed that all the lawn maintenance outfits were using the Hondas with 4 stroke engines. Bought mine 20+ years ago and it has been running trouble free ever since.

If you do go with a gas engine - make sure you use ethanol-free gas in it!

 

[TheMan419]

I have porter cable cordless tools that I really like. Sadly they do not appear to make a weed eater.

The one that died did have the capacity to change out the head end and be a pole saw or leaf blower etc. I had never bought any of the attachments. However it is a good idea because a pole saw would be useful for some stuff I need done.

 

[rgr33]

I bought the 20 volt Dewalt trimmer 2 years ago, and it immediately surpassed my expectations. Not long after that, I got the cordless chainsaw, which I use mostly for orchard trimming, and the blower.
Those three Dewalts are the first tools I reach for when working around the house.

I have a fairly new Stihl FS 90, but use it almost exclusively for high work with the chainsaw and hedge trimmer now. For that kind of work, the Stihl works best.

 

[bunyip]

Had a Ryobi 36v trimmer and it just didn't work like we wanted so bought a Stihl with the easy start so the wife can get it started, she has trouble pull starting but this just needs a slow pull on the cord and when it is loaded it releases and spins the engine, generally starts on about the second gentle pull.
We use the Stihl 2 stroke oil too.

 

[RalphVa]

So finally had time to dig into it. My gas powered weed eater is toast. Cylinder ring missing and piston is scored.

Are any of the battery powered ones worth while?

We have horse fence. I can mow under the fence with my ride on mower. Occasionally need to weed wack around the fence posts. Of course other weed wacking needs around the yard. Not commercial level use but more than home owner use.

If electric not up to par yet what is the best 4-stroke model?

Thanks for the collective wisdom.

I've a Kobalt one that uses the same 40v battery as the great chain saw. Someone else mentioned a B&D one. Had one, but not near as long lasting nor powerful as the Kobalt. Dropped the B&D out of the FEL and ran over it with the tractor. Haven't tried to use it since. Think it's toast.

My wife and I cleared out about a 100 yard long mess of debris that was piled up by the May, 2018 storm that overflowed the creek 12'. She wore out our older 40v Kobalt cutting up logs in the pile. Bought another brushed one because the new brushless ones use 24v batteries now. Don't need yet another charger sitting around.

She cannot start the gas engines, and I'm not allowed to use them due to an ICD in my chest. Gave away all our gas engine stuff. Frankly, I'd rather have the battery ones because the gas engines are a PITA.

Ralph

 

[dragoneggs]

If you go battery, then think about whether you are going to want to invest in other battery tools so you don't end up with different batteries/chargers. I went with Stihl (expensive but excellent) for my big lawn/garden tools. I've converted over to a battery string trimmer, hedger, blower, and a chainsaw (all Stihl) and sold my Stihl gassers for good amount to offset. Not looking back. With a fast charger, the one battery I have has been good enough although a second one would be nice to get my wife out there at the same time!

For my garage/shop I went with Dewalt 20v system years ago and have a bunch of yellow tools which have been great as well. Lots of other good brands, but I wanted to minimize the number of batteries and have several that I can use interchangeably especially if the one I'm using goes dead on the job.

 

[Grumpycat]

The first question is, "How long does it take to do the intended routine string trimming?" Battery is a natural if the task is under an hour. Some battery tools are better for an hour, others for only 15-20 minutes.

I have two. The big one is an EGo 56V 15". When Home Depot puts them on sale its about $150, or $189 outright with battery and charger. All EGo batteries are compatible, comes with 2.5AH which should last at least an hour. I trim for 20 minutes with my 2.0AH battery and charger says 3/4 is remaining. Also offers a model bundled with 5.0AH battery, but even the 2.5AH is heavy enough I prefer to use a shoulder strap (not included). Variable speed and swings (2) 0.095" heavy strings.

I also have an EGo 21" self-propelled mower. Came with a 7.5AH battery that works in the trimmer as well. Weighs too much to carry when the 2.0AH gets the job done. The 2.0AH also works about 10 minutes in the mower which is just enough to finish my lawn after the 7.5AH is done. Bought a backpack blower on closeout for less than the included 7.5AH battery alone. Considering a matching chainsaw, I certainly have enough batteries. The mower is not really the equal of the average gasoline mower, but the string trimmer is more powerful than the lesser gas trimmers.

My smaller trimmer is one of the larger Worx trimmers of recent years. Mine is 40V which was only produced for a year (before they changed to 50-something volts) and now abandoned. Is lighter than the EGo but for my use it is plenty. Variable speed and (1) 0.080" string. Watch for sales on eBay where the Worx distributor sells returns and surplus. Paid $109 for mine years ago, when battery alone was $100.

 

[goeduck]

I will probably switch to battery when I am wheelchair bound. Until then I will contribute to the green cause by recycling dinosaurs. :shocked:

 

[John White]

I have always uses gas. But about every time I use it, I have to clean out the carb, replace a fuel lines or cord brakes. Non alcohol fuel is not available in our area. Plus with a bad shoulder its harder on me. I have the Ryobi line of tools because that's what I found at flea markets. I have about 3 drills, 3 sazsalls, two circle saws 3 screw drivers wallboard saw . Then I bought a 1/2 impact wrench, and a new battery, (the largest they make) others, some had batteries and often I could pick up a used one. I bought a new hedge trimmer and shear for my wife. Then ran to a grass trimmer almost new for $20. No battery. I figured with all the other batteries I could get by. I was surprised how well it worked and how light it was. No complailnts

 

[caver]

I also picked up an EGO battery trimmer. For around the house I like it much better. I have a 4-stroke (Troy Bilt?) but as others have said just feels heavy after awhile. It developed carb issues and I got tired of wrenching on it so bought the EGO. At my property I have an old junky two-smoke with a Grass Gator permanently mounted.