String Trimmer/ Brushcutter Recommendations

[Surgeon]

I need a string trimmer / brushcutter. I would like to have a straight shaft, shoulder strap and two handle one like the one I used working for state park 15 years ago. I started looking and the choice now is daunting. If anyone has any input on choices or 2 or 4 cycle, engine size/output, string trimmer head design, safety guards, durability, cost etc. I would welcome it. (I hope this is the right place to post this.) Thanks in advance.

 

[Shimon]

Try a Stihl FS90 with the bicycle handlebars. Will run you about $330. Stihl and Echo are considered the brands to buy for quality.

Check out this thread for a lengthy discussion on this topic.

 

[the_sandman_454]

I have a Stihl FS250 with the "bike handle" type grip. It uses either a simple harness you loop over your neck, or a whole vest type harness to support it. It's very powerful, I can't recall being able to bog it down at all. It features a 2 stroke engine, a real gearbox at the end of the solid drive shaft, and a straight driveshaft. It is a bit expensive, roughly $700 I think, but it should easily be the last one you'll ever need to buy. The only downside is it wants premium fuel due to being a high compression engine to help combat detonation you might get with a lower grade of fuel. It's more important in hot weather than mild weather... It's about the only downside I could find, except being 6'5" and could use the shaft maybe a few inches longer so I can reach the ground with it easier (although it's also a problem with everything else I've looked at)...

 

[midmodan]

I bought a Stihl 12 years ago. I think it's a FS 76. All I can say is it's a workhorse and still runs great. When I moved here, there was 10' of brush around the lake on the property. With the saw blade on it, I removed it all. I have put many hours on it and have never had to take it in and have anything done to it. I think I paid almost $400, if I can remember that far back.

 

[kenmac]

Husky, many models to choose from . Great trimmer

 

[shaley]

I gotta add that the line on a trimmer makes a world of difference. The new 4 square or triangle line will cut grassy brush better than a blade. If you new to cut woody brush and saplings then a blade will be required.

 

[jbrumberg]

I really like my FS 130 (handlebar and full harness) with both an AutoCut string trimmer attachment and a chisel tooth circular saw blade. It can really take down 2" saplings with the blade as well as grass with the trimmer. Jay

 

[dmccarty]

I have an FS 80 or 85 that is about 10 years old. Its basicly retired though that this point as a brush cutter. It works but it would just wear me out. If you really are going to be doing brush cutting I would look at the higher end brushcutters. I also spent alot of money on saw blades...

I bought a DR Mower 18 months ago. IT will also wear my A...s off but I get more work done in a shorter period of time. My back is not so good anymore and the DR can really put a hurt'n on me but its light years better than the handheld brush cutter. The DR runs a generator and mows the lawn.

So if you are going to be doing lots of brush cutting you might want to consider the DR.

Later,
Dan

 

[Bird]

Of course, I'm back in town where most of my trimmer work is relatively light grass and weeds and I use my Stihl FS55RC string trimmer as an edger, also. When I lived down in the country, I had a bigger, heavier duty Stihl and had the saw blade for it. It worked quite well. But then I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and the doctor recommended avoiding things, such as string trimmers and chain saws, as much as possible. So I sold the Stihl to one of my brothers and bought the top of the line electric start DR string trimmer and their "beaver blade". Those things are expensive, but in my opinion, if you have very much to do, the DR sure made it easier. And besides that, my wife has never used a conventional string trimmer, but she would use the DR.

 

[KaiB]

Kind of on topic. I need to cut Red Cedar scrub soon (about 75 or so, all about 1 to 3" at ground level); I was going to use an old chain saw and some old chains, but now you've got me thinking. I need a stronger trimmer anyway.

Would one of the bigger Stihls with a blade cut the Cedars at ground level without buggering up the blade? Sure would be easier than bending over with the saw.

 

[Bird]

Would one of the bigger Stihls with a blade cut the Cedars at ground level without buggering up the blade? Sure would be easier than bending over with the saw.

The secret is keeping the blade at the same angle; i.e., not getting it in a bind. Even then you may only overload the engine and slow it down or kill it instead of damaging the blade.

 

[schmism]

i love my shindaiwa. Its a commercial brand your not going to find unless you hunt down a dealer.

I have a stihl stick edger that i love although it wont get much use out at the new property as i have nothing to edge

I run a 4 tiped metal blade (kinda like this except 4 blades instead of 3)

and i can take down up to 3/4" sapplings with it. 1" stuff if its not real woody.

 

[_RaT_]

I was at our local saw/mower shop. He carries, Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Shindawa and Honda. I told him I needed a brush trimmer for our association. Asked him what was his favorite. He did not hesitate to say hands down the new Honda 4 stroke. Much lighter then the old ones. Much quieter then any 2 stroke, no 2 stroke smell and according to him, the most power. My personal favorite string trimmer is my Shindawa. The most reliable starting 2 stroke I have ever had.

 

[KaiB]

as i have nothing to edge

QUOTE]

Now that's rural!!! Good stuff.

 

[Michael_E_Tx]

I need to cut Red Cedar scrub soon (about 75 or so, all about 1 to 3" at ground level) Would one of the bigger Stihls with a blade cut the Cedars at ground level without buggering up the blade?

Hey KaiB. I use my FS250 to cut saplings that size all the time. Ground level? I'd say I can usually go 1" to 1 1/2" above the surface. I actually cut saplings larger than 3" by doing a cut on both sides. If you should go this route, be aware that a brush blade has a kickback zone, just like a chainsaw.

Mike

 

[KaiB]

thanks all,

I'm sold. My old Echo has been great, but is tired and can now be retired gracefully to light duty use. (one of the best tools I've ever owned).

Last time I cleared (the ****) Cedar I spent a day and a half on my knees and ruined two old saw chains. The trimmer blade never crossed my mind till I saw these posts.

 

[psuedofarmer]

I have the Husqvarna model (not sure what model #); it has the bicycle handles and came with a variety of blades for cutting saplings. I specifically purchased it for this purpose - i do alot of forestry work and find that cutting saplings is simple once you have the technique and right blade.

I will not buy another Echo machine - I've had issues in the past with their string trimmers. All of my gear is Husqvarna. Yesterday the trimmer started on the first pull after sitting (with old gas) for 6 months.

I don't think you can go wrong with a Husqvarna, Stihl, or Honda (didn't realize they made one). Get the biggest unit you can afford.

pf

 

[1bush2hog]

Kind of on topic. I need to cut Red Cedar scrub soon (about 75 or so, all about 1 to 3" at ground level); I was going to use an old chain saw and some old chains, but now you've got me thinking. I need a stronger trimmer anyway.

Would one of the bigger Stihls with a blade cut the Cedars at ground level without buggering up the blade? Sure would be easier than bending over with the saw.

Too thick to BushHog?

IMO, The chain saw will be faster, although harder on the ol' back. The FS250 with a brush blade would be a good alternative if you can't hog it.

The FS250 is more of a commercial unit, but after abusing my FS85(?) was a worthwhile upgrade for me. Combine this with a chisel tooth type saw blade and let em fall where they may

 

[KaiB]

Not too thick to Bushhog...the pastures rarely get cut ('ceptin for the Bermuda, which makes hay if its not grazed out). Cheaper to spray for weeds anyway as opposed to hauling the 'hog around for three days.

I'm off next week for a big Stihl, it'll make fence line and ditch work so much better that I almost look forward to it.

Not...

 

[RobertN]

I have two... Oner is an older Husky 225R 2-stroke. It is getting worn from TONS of use. Awesome mid size machine though. I have used the string head, wet grass bade, and brush blade.

A while back I got a new Honda 31cc 4-stroke. The 4-stroke is quieter, has tons of power, and cuts like crazy. It sounds like an old Honda Trail-50 motor bike ;-) I have been really happy with it.

I use my Husky harness though. I'm only 6'2" tall, but the Honda harness appears made for someone 5'7" tall, even adjusted out. Now that my son can weedeat, I let him use it(he's 5'3").

My Husky has worked well for 10 years; I have nothing but praise for it. But, since getting the Honda, I am not looking back at 2-stroke trimmers. I still use the Husky, even well worn it still works

Other things to get are a pair of coveralls and one of the chainsaw helmets; work great when weedeating and cutting brush. I wear coveralls too, because I often get around poison oak...

I need a string trimmer / brushcutter. I would like to have a straight shaft, shoulder strap and two handle one like the one I used working for state park 15 years ago. I started looking and the choice now is daunting. If anyone has any input on choices or 2 or 4 cycle, engine size/output, string trimmer head design, safety guards, durability, cost etc. I would welcome it. (I hope this is the right place to post this.) Thanks in advance.