Need a "weed eater "

[Yankee]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

I recently picked up a Shindaiwa multi-tool. It's absolutely top-quality. Second choice was a Stihl FS85, followed by one of several Echo trimmers. I like Shindaiwa's lock-up on the multi-tool, which is more rigid than the others. The attachments are cheaper than many of Stihl's, too. The string trimmer and edger heads, for example, were $99, where Stihl runs about $160. Next up will be one of the broom heads, which I'm told make great snow clearing devices for walkways, steps, porches, etc.

 

[Kelvin]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

I recently purchased a HONDA brand weedeater (almost bought the Shindawa brand). The HONDA advantage to me was that it was 4-cycle (NO mixing oil in the gas!!).

My manual covers the HHT22S and the HHT31S model numbers and I don't remember which one I bought.

So far I have used up the initial supply of string and haven't refilled it yet. During that period it did fine except that the string started getting knotted up in the "bump-feed" mechanism just before it ran out. The "bump-feed" automatic feed mechanism worked well during the first 80% or so of the line length.

The brief initial report to this site is here: Honda 4-cycle Weedeater

Hope this helps,
Kelvin

 

[MikePA]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

I've been looking at the Stihl FS-250. I see that yellowsocks has one (or soon will). Any other opinions?

Much of what I have to trim (in addition to the usual stuff around the house) involves fence line and along a drainage ditch that runs in front of our house and 2 pastures. The stuff that grows here is thicker and gets taller before I can get to it. My Echo SRM-1500 doesn't have a power problem cutting it, however the tall stuff wraps itself in the area right above the cutting head. So every few feet I have to stop and use my Leatherman to cut the stuff out or, take the cutting head off to do it.

Based upon the pictures at the Stihl site, it looks like the FS-250 will not have this problem?

 

[yellowsocks93]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

I LOVE the FS 250. I use it to mow underneath 600 apple trees in our orchard and before I was using the FS 75 with bike handles and I ran out of power a lot. Now I can run at half throttle and have more power than the 75 ever had. The fuel tank is bigger and I can cut 4-5 rows between fill ups. The 75 was lucky to go 2 rows. They have a steep price tag if you don't sell them so beware of sticker shock.

 

[MikePA]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

<font color="blue"> They have a steep price tag if you don't sell them so beware of sticker shock.
</font>
I know, I called a few places. $420 to $430. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Yankee]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

"The HONDA advantage to me was that it was 4-cycle (NO mixing oil in the gas!!). "

I consider a 2-stroke an advantage in most ways, especially in a trimmer. 2-strokes are lighter, more responsive, simpler, and longer-lived. Most important, they don't depend on oiling - important in a tool that's used at all kinds of odd angles and positions like a trimmer. Some 4-strokes are being promoted as accepting pre-mix to address this. That would seem to eliminate any pollution advantage, though.

 

[viking65]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

Just bought a Stihl FS 110 with the 4 Mix engine. Fantastic machine, I couldn't be happier. I also bought the 3 bladed star brushcutting blade, it does a great job on the real thick stuff.

 

[Darren]

Re: Need a \"weed eater \"

I've had a Stihl FS085 (bike handle) for three years now. I frequently cut stuff taller than my head. It's really handy on steep hillsides and along creek banks. I've found that the only thing slowing it down is me. It can cut stuff faster than I can walk and swing.

I've got four spools for the head so I don't have to stop and wind a spool during the day. I like the the heavy line it uses. Unless you're into brush, the heavy line lasts a long time. On brush I use the tri-blade.