Gas string trimmer aka weed eater recommendations wanted

[5030]

You claim to know Dewalt and HF's Bauer brands buy the same model cells from the same source?

There is a huge discrepancy in the durability of lithium-ion battery cells. Can't and won't claim Dewalt is buying the good stuff. And certainly will never say anything foolish like, "you get what you pay for." I'd just like to see evidence.

Much to my surprise after 6 years I am still using the same EGo 7.5Ah battery to mow my lawn.

And my 9+ year old Tesla still has 94% of it's original capacity. I'd really like to have a pile of Tesla 18650 cells to build power lawn tool batteries out of.

Back on topic: 15" EGo string trimmer is as powerful as my Husqvarna 124 (or 324?) gas. And about as heavy. Great for cutting trail or clearing fence rows. But around the home I have an old almost immediately discontinued Worx 40V which is much lighter yet gets the job done. It too is on the original battery, older than the Tesla.

Oh and the electrics tend to be straight shaft because the motor is on the cutting head.

You all seem to forget where the juice comes from.. Need a reminder? Keep your Tesla junk on the Tesla thread.

I watch Torque Test Channel on YT and they dissect everything from batteries to cordless tools every week. Why I know the DeWalt and the Bauer packs use the same cells. TTC took each of them apart.

I wouldn't have a EGO anything, all made in China and I like to avoid that stuff.

Echo is made in Japan and here, Stihl is made here and Germany. No Chinese rice er roni junk on this farm if I can help it.

 

[Grumpycat]

I have the electric version. It is a beast and doesn't have the noise or engine issues of the gas model. 58v power.

A caution about battery electric power tools: marketing would like you to focus on voltage. There is a difference between 12V and 20V but not really that big. 56v vs 80v? Nah.

The important thing to do for comparison is multiply voltage times amp-hours to get the Watt-hours the battery actually holds. Watt-hours do the work. Think of it as the size of the gas tank. The motor can be more powerful or less, but that is not indicated by voltage.

I use a 56v 7.5Ah battery in EGo mower. Dealer loaned me a Bad Boy (think this is a rebranded Greenworks, not yet sure) with 80V 4Ah battery. 80V * 4Ah = 400 Wh, 56V * 7.5Ah = 420 Wh. Essentially the same. Don't have enough grass yet this year to develop a preference but neither has great vacuum lifting.

 

[5030]

Well regardless the OP wants a gas trimmer, not an electric one anyway so lets get back on thread, ok?

 

[scootr]

Thank you all for your reviews, input, and ideas.
I'll go to HD online and order a new trimmer now.
Happy weeding.

 

[jyoutz]

I have the electric version. It is a beast and doesn't have the noise or engine issues of the gas model. 58v power.

I especially like the string head. The only unit I’ve ever had that improved on the typical “bang and jamb” technology for string trimmers. No more jambs or reloading frustration. I’ve also noticed that landscapers often use echo trimmers.

 

[jyoutz]

You all seem to forget where the juice comes from.. Need a reminder? Keep your Tesla junk on the Tesla thread.

I watch Torque Test Channel on YT and they dissect everything from batteries to cordless tools every week. Why I know the DeWalt and the Bauer packs use the same cells. TTC took each of them apart.

I wouldn't have a EGO anything, all made in China and I like to avoid that stuff.

Echo is made in Japan and here, Stihl is made here and Germany. No Chinese rice er roni junk on this farm if I can help it.

I also have a heavy duty echo brand wheeled string trimmer. It’s made in North Dakota.

 

[rolamy]

Straight shaft for your height, echo, gas. Peace of mind and comfort.

 

[Grumpycat]

You all seem to forget where the juice comes from.. Need a reminder? Keep your Tesla junk on the Tesla thread.

I love good old American coal. Proud to drive a coal-fired automobile. Sometimes it is nuclear!

I watch Torque Test Channel on YT and they dissect everything from batteries to cordless tools every week. Why I know the DeWalt and the Bauer packs use the same cells. TTC took each of them apart.

Citation required.

An 18650 has hundreds of manufacturers. No two are alike.

 

[Diggin It]

OP specified gas, so I didn't go into battery at first, but since others have ....

My Ryobi 40V seems fine for my light and seasonal stuff. Batteries don't last real long, but I keep a spare or two handy and they'll outlast my arms.

 

[RjCorazza]

1. Where do you all stand on the straight or curved shaft question?
2. Is 21 cc big enough for the tall thick stuff along the fence lines? Would 25cc be better there?

My older Sthil is 28cc, and the newer Kombi 131 is 36cc.
I can work faster through brush with the larger engine, and it drives other more power hungry attachments better, like the 24" hedge trimmer. Definitely get a straight shaft trimmer.
Someone mentioned Echo's Speed Feed string head... I use them on both of my Sthil trimmers. They are the best string head I have ever used!

 

[jjeff]

My two pennies, I'm 5'11 any cheap or even expensive curved shaft trimmer is to small always bending over when I was using them. Stay away from the cheap craftsman and poulan's unless you enjoy a pre-work out trying to get the pos started. When I lived in the city bought a poulon "pro" had interchangeable attachments. In order to get it to run halfway decent ground off and slotted the carb adjustment screws and housing around them. Eventually worked for trimming around my exes flowers and in the end did a great job on the actual flowers themselves. Lol.

 

[DHD]

Highly recommend Echo PAS 2620.
We have an older Echo PAS 266 and a Echo
PAS-2620 they both have been super reliable units.
We love the versatility of switching attachments.
Also have an Echo CS-400 chainsaw that has also been
super reliable.

 

[Spike56]

I'm looking for a recommendation on a brand or even a model you think is better than the rest.
My use is semi-light and seasonal. And speaking of light - Light and powerful would be good. Also I'm 6ft tall if that weighs into the ergonomics.
Thanks for any suggestions.

FWIW, I have had a Stihl Kombi system for many years. I have limited use also, but it starts when I want it to start. Hanging in the shop after months, it runs. My applications probably differ, at times I need a brush knife other times a weed eater. Light weight depends on your definition. I have a shoulder strap, so the load doesn't weigh on my arms. Parts and service, if needed are available here locally. A big reason I went with Stihl.

 

[bmg88201]

I won’t own anything but Echo trimmers. My last one lasted for 15 years under heavy use. I just bought two new Echos, a SRM 225 which their lighter smaller trimmer but will still clear briars from a ditch and I bought a SRM 2620 which is an absolute beast. Stihl ain’t all that. Echo equipment is as good as it gets IMO.

 

[yubh8tn]

Highly recommend Echo PAS 2620.
We have an older Echo PAS 266 and a Echo
PAS-2620 they both have been super reliable units.
We love the versatility of switching attachments.
Also have an Echo CS-400 chainsaw that has also been
super reliable.

I concur. I have an Echo that I bought in 1999 and I literally have not done anything to it except add more fuel and trimmer string for the 24 years I have owned it. Heavy use every year also with a bush blade and it fires up every time and runs great.

I probably should have maintained it better but its not noticed my lack of care.

 

[jjeff]

Husqvarna makes decent lightweight wackers at a 2-300 dollar price point had this 322L straight shaft for over 5 years always starts (has a primer bulb), lightweight wife's a weed whacking mama with it which I'm happy cause I don't have to do it lol.

 

[Diggin It]

I've got two Husqy 28s hanging on the wall. Since neither start or run, that's where they'll stay reminding me not to buy any more Husqys.

 

[ArlyA]

I concur. I have an Echo that I bought in 1999 and I literally have not done anything to it except add more fuel and trimmer string for the 24 years I have owned it. Heavy use every year also with a bush blade and it fires up every time and runs great.

I probably should have maintained it better but its not noticed my lack of care.

Echo are fine, but we have failed some and they are not perfect. We are swtiching to Stihl which are good as well.

 

[jjeff]

I've got two Husqy 28s hanging on the wall. Since neither start or run, that's where they'll stay reminding me not to buy any more Husqys.

Until my Husqvarna collection starts failing me I'll say good things about them, however next round will probably be Echo.

 

[NoTrespassing]

As an aside, for extreme cutting, including trees up to 3" in diameter, I run a two stroke 52cc Chinese brush cutter. The only repair since I bought it in 2018 has been replacing a gas line I assume from ethanol damage. I think I paid about $150 and they're up to $197.00 now.

https://www.amazon.com/2-Cycle-Straight-Multi-Tool-Trimmer-Shoulder/dp/B07Z8MPH96/ref=sr_1_5?crid=86AWY7OLE8U8&keywords=brush+cutter+china&qid=1678714437&sprefix=brush+cutter+china%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-5&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0