Brush cutter, string trimmer recommendatons

[JimRB]

I like the handlebar handle and a shoulder strap. I have a Stihl FS66 with handlebar that was running great until it broke the plastic fuel inlet on the carb. The Husky I have has more power but no handlebar. If it had a handlebar I would really like it. I have a KM110 with lots of attachments and a carbide brush cutter blade. I need to get handlebars for it. When running brush blades they recommend a harness that for the most part reduces the chances of your legs getting wacked by the blade. Also a metal blade guard instead of the plastic weed wacker guard. The sound of the 4mix is too cool.

 

[CurlyDave]

I have the Stihl Kombi unit. I think 110.

String trimmer, blade trimmer, pole saw, and hedge trimmer. All work well, and only one engine means it runs more often and runs better because of that.

I have two different kinds of harness to hold it while I work, and they really add to safety of use by letting me guide the machine while the harness takes the weight.

 

[flusher]

I've managed to get along with entry level Weedeater and Ryobi branded string trimmers over the years, but I've accumulated some land, and need heavier duty equipment that will handle both light string trimmer duties around the house, but also deal with seedlings and heavy grass in the woods and fields.

The last couple of outdoor power machines I've bought have been Husqvarna (chain saw), and Hitachi (blower). Both have now seen a couple of seasons of service, and I am sold on the better quality machines. I have also been borrowing a neighbor's Honda tiller, and have been completely impressed by how good a machine it is.

So, ready to spend a bit more, I'm hoping to get some feedback on better quality, heavy duty string trimmers/brush cutters. What do you have? What do you recommend?

Any of the Tanaka professional quality trimmers will work for you. Right now I have a Red Max trimmer with the straight, solid shaft. Works as well as the Tanaka and was about $50 less expensive. I use 0.155" line and one of those heads that take individual 16" long pieces of line. I can trim 1/4 mile of fence line with one piece of that thick line and still have plenty left to continue work in the ditches along the road..

 

[8N Ren]

(Straight) Shaft driven are better machines than (curved) cable driven. I bought a Stihl FS 130 because it's light but also has the bike bars and harness. I used that thing to clear 2 or so acres for our house in 2010. I beat that cutter really hard and it's still works great.

 

[rbstern]

Thanks to all who replied. When I factored in price, it was between a Tanaka, a Hitachi, and a Husqvarna. I had coupon for Northern Tool, and they had a reconditioned model (223L) with a straight shaft on sale, so I went with it.

In a word...wow! I spent several hours today clearing heavy brush. I bought a metal cutting head, but never switched from the string head because I was wiping everything out. The machine starts easily, idles perfectly and accelerates beautifully. So much more powerful than what I am used to, and the straight shaft works better than a curved shaft.l Wish I had done this years ago and stopped messing with Ryobi.

Thanks again for all the comments. Taken me a long time to learn to by quality...it's worth it.

 

[JohnfromPA]

I just replaced my Ryobi with a Tanaka and wish I had gone that route in the first place. Best of luck with your new Husqvarna trimmer.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I've been very happy with this:
Amazon.com: Tanaka TCG22EASSLP 21.1cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer Brush Cutter (CARB Compliant): Patio, Lawn & Garden

this:
Amazon.com: Tanaka 32308 No Brainer Quick Load Cutting Head for Straight Shaft String Trimmers: Patio, Lawn & Garden

and this:
Amazon.com: Oregon 22-355 Heavy-Duty Professional Magnum Gatorline Round String Trimmer Line .155-Inch Diameter 1-Pound Donut: Patio, Lawn & Garden

All together.

 

[ssls6]

I have owned several echos (chainsaw, blower, two trimmers, hedger) and will never buy another. I think they are junk. Stihl from now on and 4stroke if possible. I currently have a 4stroke Troy built that let's you change heads from trimmer to chainsaw to edger to ....it's been great and I may actually wear it out before it rots like the echos.

 

[Soundguy]

have you looked at those walk behind string trimmers?

I looked at the swisher and crapsman.. liked the swisher MUCH better. have had mine ? 2-3 ys. works great... will cut stuff that is green and the size of your thumb. and if dry like monkey or pompus grass.. if you take it slow .. it will eat the entire clump...

 

[Bird]

I, too, have a Stihl, an FS55RC that's only a little over 8 years old. I changed the spark plug after the first year and decided that was a waste of time and money, so I haven't changed it since. I did change the air filter last year.