Looking for a string trimmer. Any opinions?

[teejk]

If you're replacing string you're hitting immovable objects.

A skilled operator can do a whole yard without any string replacement.

I agree Joe. But were it not for immovable objects we would not need a string trimmer would we?

 

[joefromga]

If you can't trim weeds around a fence and post without constantly replacing string you should get another job or get someone competent enough to do it.

Same with having to replace the bump buttons on the bottom because the same people spin it on the concrete while bumping it and sand it down to nothing.

That a fireable offense after the first warning.

 

[teejk]

If you can't trim weeds around a fence and post without constantly replacing string you should get another job or get someone competent enough to do it.

Same with having to replace the bump buttons on the bottom because the same people spin it on the concrete while bumping it and sand it down to nothing.

That a fireable offense after the first warning.

What happens if you have an irregular stone border around a flower bed Joe? Or as a driveway/sidewalk border? The whole concept of the string trimmer was to let a property owner DIY. Not everybody can afford the "pros". String is cheap...the machine that makes it work best is the winner.

 

[joefromga]

It's your money and time. Do it any way you choose.

 

[s219]

Beware, Tanaka and Hitachi merged. The older Japanese-made Tanaka stuff was excellent. Post-merger, more and more of their products are Chinese made and not the same design/quality. I believe the Hitachi stuff had been Chinese made for a while before the merger. Unless you know 100% you're getting a Japanese Tanaka unit, I would not buy it. For a while you could tell based on the looks, but it's been years and I don't know anymore. I'd have to see country of manufacture to know.

 

[4570Man]

If you're replacing string you're hitting immovable objects. A skilled operator can do a whole yard without any string replacement.

I guess that depends on the size of the yard, the amount of objects, and the grade of string now doesn't it? I used to mow a cemetery. Those chipped edge granite tombstones eat string for lunch.

 

[DK35vince]

I guess that depends on the size of the yard, the amount of objects, and the grade of string now doesn't it?

I'll admit I use string.
I don't like weed wacking, so it only gets done when its really bad and totally out of control. And I try to get the trimming done to fast for the out of control conditions because is sucks.

 

[Carl_NH]

Well, thanks everyone!!

I ordered the Hitachi version of the new model Tanaka trimmer that Carl recommended. I ordered on Amazon, because I still couldn't get that link to work and although it was $20 more, Amazon had free shipping and I know that if I have any problems with it(at least right away), they'll cover it.

I would have liked it to say Tanaka instead of Hitachi, but the Tanaka would have taken almost a week longer to arrive, and I'm pretty excited to start using it.

I'll be sure to update this thread after it arrives, but the quick rundown: 21.1cc, 11lbs without fuel, straight shaft with a solid driveshaft. Paid $211 after tax.

Hi Motown,

Great! I hope you are happy with the trimmer - I am on the second year and it starts on one or two pulls every time, and cuts really well at mid throttle and is quiet too, but when you need power it is there. Also I ordered carbide blades 2pk-9"-36t -- Brush & Brambles -RENEGADE BLADE and the Tanaka brush blade kit and I use that guard all the time - with no string cutter which I prefer to have the string length not dictated by the trimmer guard.

Also another easy modification, there is a 6MM screw in the trimmer end that had gotten lost on mine and spun out the grease I surmise as it got warm when doing some heavy cutting, so I replaced it with a grease zerk fitting and now all is good.

Carl

 

[4570Man]

I'll admit I use string. I don't like weed wacking, so it only gets done when its really bad and totally out of control. And I try to get the trimming done to fast for the out of control conditions because is sucks.

18" high grass and small saplings eats string pretty fast.

 

[DK35vince]

18" high grass and small saplings eats string pretty fast.

Exactly, and mine doesn't get done till its at that point