Need beastly brush cutter, Tanaka any good?

[SimS]

I have a Husqvarna 265rx clearing saw and with a carbide chisel blade it is almost a light saber when it comes to brush busting. I don't know how big the brush you are trying to clear but you might try renting or demoing some saws before buying so you won't be wanting/needing a still bigger saw after plopping down your 500 bucks. The more powerful cutters are pricey but this is one of the times where you really get what you pay for. Another thing to look at is the shoulder harness. Some are ergonomic and some are sadistic. Try out the harness to make sure it doesn't wear you out in 15 minutes or bite into your shoulders, etc. That was the first improvement I made after my purchase. Husky has a deluxe quick release harness that you can wear for a whole tank of fuel. Good luck with your research.

SimS

 

[Bigfoot62]

Buy the Stihl. You'll never regret it.

I have an older FS120. It's a beast. I have to quit before it does. Never had a breakdown, just normal maintenance. Three Stihl chainsaws too. Same thing. Good equipment. :thumbsup:

 

[JimP]

Another vote for Stihl. I have a Kombi Km130 (with four mix engine) and with a chisel blade I will give up before the saw. It is not a bicycle handle rig so I have to be more careful in cutting larger 2 inch stuff. On the other hand I can use the same powerhead with a string trimmer , pole saw or hedge trimmer as needed.

 

[amaxwell]

I have a Tanaka that is still going strong after 15+ years.I bought the polesaw attachment for it 2 years ago and now use it as a polesaw,and purchased a new Tanaka trimmer/brushcutter at that time. Still love them both.They have a trimmer head called "the brain" that is excellent if you can get one for your model.

 

[crazyal]

I've got a Honda string trimmer/ brush cutter. It doesn't have attachments like a sweeper but it did come with a string head and blade. It's a 35 cc 4 stroke and it's a beast. It cuts 2" hardwood saplings like they are grass. With the 4 stroke it's quiet, it sips gas, and has 4 stroke torque.

 

[Skyco]

I bought one of these back in the Spring for under $500 I think. Just negotiate with your dealer.

ECHO SRM-410U ECHO's Most Powerful Brushcutter - ECHO USA | ECHO USA

Same here- bought one last year. Great machine. I ordered it online at a good price, neither Echo dealer in town had one and weren't willing to match prices even if they did.
Don't know much about Tanaka....but the place I bought my Echo from also sells them. Wisesales.com

 

[Topkicker]

Another vote for Stihl. Bought a FS250 last year for just under $500. The dealer thew in a role of line and some safty glasses. The shoulder harness is very comfortable. Got the brush blade for it. 2in sapplings is no problem. This thing is a beast. Here's a link to the specs. http://www.stihlusa.com/trimmers/FS250.html
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[ASTROENG2011]

I got a Tanaka TBC430 last year and have used/abused it as much as possible. It has never let me down. Plenty of power and with the bicycle handle bars it controls much better than a standard straight shaft. However; I remember using a Hoffco "Whiz-Witch" string trimmer in high school. Had a three horse power Tecumseh 2-cycle engine and used .180 dia line. It would cut small saplings p to 1/2" with just the string. Seems like they just don't make them anymore.

 

[JohnfromPA]

Tanaka is great. I recently purchased a TCG31EBSP. It's really a solid machine and I expect it to serve me well. It gets very regular use, even though I am just a homeowner.

 

[Calvin]

I know this is an old thread, but wanted to say that I got a TBC-430PF 20 years ago (2000) and use it all the time for mowing several acres. I'd get another one in a heartbat if the big ones were still made. Tanaka leaf blower is going strong after 20 years also. Getting some new carb parts now.