Looking for a string trimmer. Any opinions?

[RalphVa]

If I was buying another, I'd probably buy the "K...." whatever with the 40v batteries. Have one of the "K...." chain saws and walk behind mowers. (They're at Lowes.)

Have been using a B&D 18v trimmer for quite a few years, but the batteries don't last long on it.

Ralph

 

[coobie]

My honda trimmer has served me well for the last 10 years.I am also a echo fan have 2 of there chainsaws which have been flawless.

 

[kenmac]

I wouldn't buy a flex cable trimmer ,if you intend to run a blade..Having said that,, You may not have an option to buy a solid shaft trimmer with a budget of $250.00..I own 2 trimmers..Had them for 15 yrs ? Both are solid shaft trimmers and will run a saw blade...I run blades like this 1" Carbide Tipped Brush Cutter Blade for Almost All Brands of Trimmers | eBay on my trimmers for brush cutting..I have friends that have broken their flex cable drive trimmers using blades like the 1 in the link

 

[teejk]

Won't be long and the 2 stroke engine will be a thing of the past. Manufacturers are figuring out how to make the 4 stroke machines lighter AND operate on an angle. For historians, I recall David Bradley marketed a 4 stroke chain saw decades ago. It weighed a ton and didn't work too well when tilted. We've already seen it on outboard motors. Lawn and garden will certainly follow.

 

[Friend Of Coal]

The 4-mix Stihls are stout! I just purchased an FS 130R for $379. Now let me tell you I wasn't looking to spend that much on a trimmer but this thing is a true machine. It sounds like a small dirt bike running. I use the brush blade and cut saplings the size of my thumb with ease.

The torque is ridiculous. You can put it in the middle of the thickest weeds around then just goose the throttle and it cuts with ease. Super good torque. The head design keeps weeds from getting wrapped and tangled up which is a major plus. It's also super easy on gas. Probably uses a third as much as my old 2 stroke. Much quieter too.

It starts with ease. It has an assist device that makes it easy enough a kid can pull it. Buy a Stihl FS 110 or 130 and I promise you won't regret it. It's a little more money but it will easily last you 20 years with some care and basic maintenance. Not that I love weed whacking or anything but this thing truly is a pleasure to run if you must trim up.

 

[Wagtail]

Won't be long and the 2 stroke engine will be a thing of the past. Manufacturers are figuring out how to make the 4 stroke machines lighter AND operate on an angle. For historians, I recall David Bradley marketed a 4 stroke chain saw decades ago. It weighed a ton and didn't work too well when tilted. We've already seen it on outboard motors. Lawn and garden will certainly follow.

Well, there you go... I've learnt something today. I never questioned why some things were 2-stroke (chainsaw, brush-cutter, blower) whilst others were 4-stroke (push-mower).

 

[kenmac]

Not knocking the 4 strokes,but some time ago my son was in the landscape business..He bought some commercial 4 stroke trimmers ,and some 2 stroke commercial trimmers..

The 4 strokes (after a little use) stayed in the shop ,as he was always having starting issues.. They would always adjust the valves, and give them back to him..They would start fine for a while,then back in the shop for valve adjustment...He finally sold the 4 strokes ,and replaced them with 2 strokes..

Maybe they are making them better now, but I'm not buying a 4 stroke until I have to

 

[westcliffe01]

I have a Stihl FS90 with the 2 line trimmer, brush blade with 4 lobes (steel) and a saw blade that you can sharpen with a chain saw file. I am very happy with my purchase.

I also have a 7' Stihl pole saw (non telescopic). The non telescoping ones are lighter than the others and at 7' working with it will sap your upper body strength already. If I need more reach height, I work off the back of a trailer towed by my UTV or the back of my pickup (think about where the trimmed branches will fall). Its a 2 person job that way but in my opinion a lot safer and more effective than the alternative. It is needed at the start of every haying season to make the edges of the fields accessible with the tractor and baler.

 

[motownbrowne]

I'd love a big powerful Stihl, but it's just not gonna happen. I feel like if i got one of those, I'd end up wishing it was lighter and more nimble 90% of the time I was using it.

The Tanaka that was mentioned sounds perfect. Relatively light, solid shaft, and under $200.

Unfortunately, the link doesn't take me to anything. I can find the newer version of that model for $199 with free shipping, or I can find the Hitachi version of the older model for the same price. Any input? Unless someone has a good reason not to, I think I'm gonna go with it. Tanaka has a good reputation in my experience, and I don't think Stihl, Husky, or Echo have anything comparable for the price.

 

[motownbrowne]

I
The Hitachi is also the same as Tanaka - heres a link $179 Tanaka TCG22EASSLP 21.1 CC 1.2HP 2 Stroke Grass Trimmer with S-Start

IMO its a very good unit for the $.

This is the link that doesn't work for me. Can anyone else see it?

Also, Carl, thanks for the recommendation, this is exactly what I'm looking for.