Draft Shafts for Trimmers

[WillR]

What is the pros and cons for Steel torque tube drive shafts (Husqvarna 323 & 326) vs flex cable drive shafts found in most trimmers like Echo etc. I'm looking to buy a trimmer that will last me for years. I have a few acres, and I also take care a a few lawns beside mine, although I dont do lawn care professionaly. I don't care about the price, the Husqvarna 323L is what I'm thinking. Does the drive shaft on the Husqvarna give it an advantages over a flex shaft?

 

[bcjmmac]

I have a gas trimmer with a flex shaft (Kyoti I think - am on the road these days). I purchased the unit in 2006 and am still using the "trimmer" with a new engine - the original engine died last year + I had to replace the bumper head as I wore it out.

 

[JN4310]

I bought a higher end Echo with a solid shaft, which they said vibrates less than the flex shafts. I couldn't really tell the difference, but it was a nice unit. I use Stihls only now.

 

[WillR]

My beef with Stihl is they use 4 mix engines(4 stokes) now in the trimmers.

 

[GaryM]

In the past, and it may have changed, only trimmers with solid shafts were recommended for use with brush cutting or saw tooth type blades. So if you plan to use one of these blades it might make a difference.

 

[sox3]

We sold Echo for 25 years and in all that time we probably replaces 2 or 3 flex shafts. Thats why Echo gives them a
lifetime warranty. For heavy blade use, go to a soild shaft.

 

[2458n]

What is the solid shaft made of? I have the usual collection of trimmers, but am not familar. Thanks

 

[whistlepig]

I have read that the flex shafts can eat through the shaft housing with prolonged heavy use.

 

[flusher]

What is the pros and cons for Steel torque tube drive shafts (Husqvarna 323 & 326) vs flex cable drive shafts found in most trimmers like Echo etc. I'm looking to buy a trimmer that will last me for years. I have a few acres, and I also take care a a few lawns beside mine, although I dont do lawn care professionaly. I don't care about the price, the Husqvarna 323L is what I'm thinking. Does the drive shaft on the Husqvarna give it an advantages over a flex shaft?

Solid shaft is the way to go--flex cable is for the suburbanites who mow on the weekend.

I bought a professional grade Tanaka 8 years ago for about $400. I have 10 acres and 1/2 mile of fence line and ditch so I work my trimmer very hard. It finally lost compression so now I have an equivalent Red Max trimmer that is about $50 cheaper.

I got rid of the bump feeder (a PITA to load and prone to jams) and now use the clamp-type head that takes 16" long strings. I use the 0.155" size string--lasts a lot longer than 0.090" stuff that comes with most trimmers.

 

[JohnfromPA]

I bought a Tanaka with a solid-shaft. I also swapped out the bump-feed head for a quick-load head that uses .155" diameter line. It really rips through everything I've come up against. I don't have a big property, but I live in a golf course development next to a big retention basin. They don't mow/trim it as often as they should, so I keep the side near my property under control to keep the bugs and other critters at bay. I find that I spend more time running my trimmer out there than around my yard. I have a fully-fenced property and have to trim all around it at least once a week the way the grass/weeds grow here during the summer (rainy) season. I am hoping that it holds up to this much regular use.