String trimmer recommendations?

[IMCA38]

I'm thinking I need a new string trimmer to compliment my new tractor and RFM. I presently have a Weed-Eater brand that I bought at a year end sale about 9 years ago for $60-something. It works like a champ, I have never changed the plug, or even drained gas in the winter for that matter, and last night it still started on the 4th pull and ran great. My problem though is that when working on big weeds, or close to hard objects, the line will break off and go back inside the spool. This necessitates shutting the motor off, removing the cover off the spool, and re-threading the line out the hole in the side of the spool. This is annoying when it happens four or five times. The only way to combat this is to continually release more line as you cut, but then a spool of line will hardly make it once around the yard.
I notice that a lot of new trimmers have two lines coming out of the spool whereas mine only has one. Is this better, worse, or no different? How hard is it to re-string a two line spool as opposed to a single line spool? Does anyone have any recommendations as far as brands to look for or to avoid? What about the metal "ninja" brush cutter blades, is it desirable to get a trimmer with this option?
Any responses are appreciated!
Todd

 

[slowrev]

I have the same or similiar trimmer as you, at least 12 years old and works like a champ. If you use the star shaped line the breakage problem is much less, and it cuts better too. Also check for any rough spots or burrs in the metal guide where the string comes out of the spool, had that once and it would really break line off bad. Polished it up and all was well again. I am currently using Grass terminator brand of star type line. just about out and not sure if any more is out there. Have to try another brand I guess.

good luck

 

[Bird]

Todd, I've owned two electric and two gas string trimmers (in addition to the DR trimmer/mower) and I've used several others. There may be a better one out there, but the Stihl was the best I've used. I've noticed that lots of the commercial operators use Echo, and I understand they're really good, too. Of course you'll pay more for a Stihl or Echo but probably be glad you did. The two strings do work better than the single string, and it's really no harder to restring them. I assume you also know that the string comes in a variety of sizes (thicknesses) and the bigger stronger machines also use the heavier string.

 

[Will_C]

Todd, I just picked up a Stihl FS 85 a couple of weeks ago. It will handle normal trimming faster than I can walk! It also has done a great job reclaiming the back corners of my property from some heavy growth. The double line tap system that it has on it is a bit more complicated to string than a manual feed head (my favorite) but not unbearably so. I also have a lighter weight Husky trimmer than have used for 10 years.

 

[Timex]

I bought a top end Stihl several years ago which accepted the plastic blades. I got tired or replacing those everytime I caught a rock, so I made some quite effective blades out of 1/8" steel strap. Each of the three blades is about 4 inches long and 5/8" wide. That was 6 years ago. I have not had a problem with the blades - I DO have problems when I catch a piece of wire fence at 8,000 RPMs! I just had to learn to be careful. Those blades will girdle a tree in a heartbeat. I can go through a 1" weed tree if need be. Timex

 

[kubotasaurus]

I have an Echo 260 - works great with it's "Crossfire" line. For big weeds I just spin the engine up to maximum revs and it cuts them down. On my last go around the yard there was only one weed that it wouldn't take down in a neglected corner - had a very thick, fibrous stalk (prob 1/2"). I took many others down this size, but this seemed to be a mutant.

I am looking into the plastic blades to replace the "string" when I exhaust the current supply of string (still have over 200' on the spare spool). Really nice machine though - this is my second season and it always starts easy and has low vibration.

Has a good muffler guard too - have never had a burn. Spool head is easy to remove / tinker with and put back on. You will have to occasionally do that as no-one has designed a foolproof way to get line on the spool perfectly. It's a commercial grade trimmer though - and is reflected in the cost of around $300.

 

[gsganzer]

Buy a Husqavarna or a Stihl. I bought a Husky about 6 years ago and love it. Husky has one out now, that has interchangeable heads. You can swap between a string head, blade, edger, hedge trimmer etc. I saw it at NH Tool. I don't know how much weed wacking you have, but the ones with a harness and the handlebar configuration are a lot less tiring and more comfortable to use.

 

[rback33]

I just bought a new Toro trimmer at Home Depot. For $200, I got a the trimmer and blade and all necessary tools. It can also accept an edger, a pole saw and small tiller. It always starts right up if you follow the instructions. ( couldn't get it to start one day and figured out I did everything backwards, fixed it and it fired right up) Has more power than I could have imagined, especially since I had been using a Weedeater Featherlite. How did I ever survive?

 

[Docsknotinn]

I now use a Stihl FS85. Its amazeing, saves time and line. It can also use the steel blades for brush cutting, has sort of take down feature, I have the edger attachment as well. I had Ryobi in the past and killed two. Then a echo, a nice machine but it ate line like crazy. I had to replace the line every other week. The still takes heavier lines and I only have to change it a few times per season but I expect thats all relative to what you do with them and how much you use them. Dave

 

[gotrocks]

Hi Todd,
If you haven't already purchased a new trimmer. Consider the route I took.
Bought a new "cutter head", with a spool of extra heavy line.
When the lines wear out or snap off just stick a new cut section into the hole provided that has a "one way" hold. Takes just a moment and keep on trimming.
The kit I found also had a metal 4 tooth blade for real heavy blackberry stalks and the like.

Since you say you old trimmer is still running like a champ this would be something to consider.

 

[IMCA38]

Thanks. That is something I have considered.
I did buy some of the "star" shaped line for my weed-eater. it does cut better, but still had some trouble with it breaking. The thing I noticed with this stuff, is that the star shape makes it easier to get caught underneath itself on the spool, then it won't unwind.
I'll probably hold out until they start puting this stuff on end of season clearance.

 

[trkbldr]

I also have a Stihl FS85 with bike handles and I love it. I have the brush cutter blade which I have been using to clear areas that have never been mowed so I can uncover any hazards before I use the tractor and bush hog. I had an old single line trimmer and the double line is much better ( maybe even twice as good /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) No problems with rewinding, it is just as easy as the single line. Mine was about $375 with brush blade, extra line, and a six pack. NO, a six pack of 2 cycle oil /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. Get a good brand and one that feels comfortable to you.

 

[rtimgray]

Can't dispute that Stihl, Echo and Husqvarna are great brands, but if you want to explore the other end of the spectrum you might check out Homelite. I've had a $60 Homelite gas trimmer for about 6 years and it finally died, so I bought another one (it was $60 at Home Depot). I don't know if I'll get another six years out of it but I'm willing to try. The only thing that I did to mine was replace the plug a couple of times and I did replace the curved shaft with a straight shaft that I bought off of eBay for $15 - I like the straight shaft better. I think the straight shaft will work on my new one, with a little modification to the handle. I also have two Homelite chainsaws that start and run great (one for seven years, the other for two) and have had only normal maintenance work done on them - I'm not a professional woodcutter, but do a fair amount of chainsawing in the winter. Again, I don't think that Homelite is quite on par with the big name brands, but for the money, they have been good cheap tools for me.

 

[fivestring]

That's what I'm wanting. Does Wallyworld have them?

 

[jdcook00]

Stihl, echo, husky's are all nice units. I have a shindawa. They make a homeowners unit for about $200. I've had 2 ryobi's and both were junk. Mine starts on first pull every time, and doesn't cut off until I want it to!! It has plenty of power, dual line (easy to refill) and runs on 50:1 mix (same as my husky saw). Just my opinion, but research all you can and ask some local guys that do it (cut grass etc.) for a living and see what holds up best. You'll get what you pay for. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Alan L.]

I'll chime in here as a very satisfied Stihl FS85 owner. I use a metal "saw blade" on brush and the regular head for weeds. It does eat line pretty quick, but it could be the tough jobs I use it for. There is NO comparison between this fine piece of equipment and the Ryobi and Weedeaters I had in the past.

 

[Slamfire]

When my Sears burned up this week I bought a Stihl FS 45 for $139.95. Haven't bought any of the super blades yet! But did spring for a spool of Shakespeare titanium string. Don't seem to last any longer. I've got some of the 5 sided line here but it is the wrong size. I guess that Stihl has about 2000 rpm more'n my old trimmer.

 

[jwstewar]

I'm going to go against the grain here and recommend the Ryobi. I've had mine since '97 and it has been used hard since '99. I have about 650' of front roadside ditch that I have to weed as well as a drainage ditch that run diagonally through the property that is about 500' as well. I usually use it every week around the house, sheds, and flower gardens. I then try to do the front road ditch every other week. I then do the drainage ditch 3 or 4 times a year with the steel blade. It is the 4 cycle version. I have the blower/vac attachment that I use periodically. I also have the cultivator attachment that I have used the crap out of. Also have the tree pruner attachment that I've used a few times as well as the hedge trimmer attachment that I've used quite a bit. When we first bought the property I mowed down about an acre of soy beans with it. I usually change the oil once maybe twice a year. I cleaned the air cleaner for the first time this year. Felt guilty and bought a spark plug for it. Finally stuck it in last week. I usually go through 3 tanks of gas (about 3 hours worth of weedeating) when I give up. The trimming isn't finished and neither is the weedeater - but I am. The only thing I found was once I quit buying the Ryobi prewound string and start rewinding them myself I quit breaking the string off in the head.

P.S. Did I mention that I just bought my tractor this year and I've used the snowblower attachment on it as well to keep our 150' driveway clear? BTW, yes I'll buy another Ryobi - I don't care that it is an MTD and not a Stihl or Huskee. Mine runs great and not a single problem with it.

 

[chrisjbell]

<font color="blue"> I'm going to go against the grain here and recommend the Ryobi. </font>

I went through two of the Ryobis - they just died on me. I love the attachments, though, and use them lots. I have the tiller, tree saw, blower, hedge trimmer, and of course trimmer heads. They're great and I'm still using the Ryobi attachments.

But now I use 'em with a JD motor - it accepts the same type of "Quic Link" connectors. It is also a two stroke, which provides more torque than the 4 stroke Ryobis did and is a bit lighter to boot.

I'm not trying to trash Ryobi, though, so don't get me wrong there. I have a drill / driver from them that has served me well for quite a few years and shows no sign of quitting. I kept both of the Ryobi motors - one of these days I may try to take parts from the two of 'em to create a single, running unit. Unfortunately, the motors are slightly different sizes so that may never happen.

Maybe I didn't change the oil often enough or something...

 

[jwstewar]

The Ryobi drills aren't made by MTD - which makes the Ryobi lawn equipment. There is no Ryobi company in the US. Just the name licensed out. The quick attachments will fit between Ryobi, Troy-bilt, and Craftsman because they are all made by MTD. I won't swear to this, maybe I'm confusing it with something/someone else, but I thought I remember reading that the JD string trimmers were contracted out to MTD as well - at least the ones designed for consumer use vs. commerical.. That wouldn't surprise me one bit. I also wouldn't be surprised if these all had the exact same motor with different color plastics.