String Trimmer Tricks?

[Gem99ultra]

Based on the above suggestions, I did attempt to ease into the larger string group. I ordered the smallest size package of Grass Gater 0.105 twisted string. Sadly, the 0.105 I received actually measure 0.097 max; nominally 0.093. Totally misleading stats.

I'll skip the 0.105 next time and go straight to some 0.130 MAJOR brand string. If that doesn't work, I'll try the 0.155, although I'm pretty sure that'll bog the little Husqvarna 128LD down. I'm determined to beat this nagging problem.

I did mount my 32T x 8" carbide tipped blade last week to chop out some small 3/4" Sweetgum trees. It was tough, but I did knock 'em out. Chainsaw would have been faster and easier.

 

[ArlyA]

Maybe you know this but the larger string is not reel loaded. Its to stiff for that and requires a cam-lock head that holds onto individual pieces of string. There are other heads that aren't cam-lock but we found them to be worthless.

Based on the above suggestions, I did attempt to ease into the larger string group. I ordered the smallest size package of Grass Gater 0.105 twisted string. Sadly, the 0.105 I received actually measure 0.097 max; nominally 0.093. Totally misleading stats.
I'll skip the 0.105 next time and go straight to some 0.130 MAJOR brand string. If that doesn't work, I'll try the 0.155, although I'm pretty sure that'll bog the little Husqvarna 128LD down. I'm determined to beat this nagging problem..

 

[5030]

I find string trimmers to be tedious at best. I much prefer the Stihl Polycut head on my Stihl brush cutter. I can trim tall grass and weeds for hours and never fiddle with string at all. Not for woody stemmed junk. For that I install the metal saw blade.

Have a 105 string head for it, I've never used.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Maybe you know this but the larger string is not reel loaded. Its to stiff for that and requires a cam-lock head that holds onto individual pieces of string. There are other heads that aren't cam-lock but we found them to be worthless.

Ooopps! I sure didn't know that a cam-lock head was required. I doubt that'll be available for the little Husqvarna 128LD, but I'll check. If not available, it's probably for a good reason. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[ArlyA]

Ooopps! I sure didn't know that a cam-lock head was required. I doubt that'll be available for the little Husqvarna 128LD, but I'll check. If not available, it's probably for a good reason. Thanks for the heads-up.

The cam-lock heads used to be made by Oregon and came with universal parts to supposedly fit anything. They might still make them today. The good thing about these heads is you cut your string as long as you like. But the longer they are, they'll slow down your head speed and not cut worth a hoot. There used to be 2 string versions but I'm not sure if they are available more.

Today Stihl and Echo make a version of cam-lock heads but I'd guess that other manufacturers are offering them.

 

[JasperFrank]

First thing I do when ever i get a new trimmer, is swap out the bump feed head for a fixed line head. Much more versatile. For light duty, you can put in long thin line. For thick areas you can put in shorter thick line or even line with a wire center. The tall grass wrapping issue, as other's have mentioned, is really a matter of technique. Start at the top and work down. For the grass to wrap, it needs to be at least 7 inches. So make each sweep 6 inches from the top so that no strand is long enough to wrap. For truly difficult patches, such as Blackberry, I have found no commercially available blades or heads that work, so I created my own design, which I will not share here, since its somewhat unsafe unless you're wearing heavy duty protective gear and can guarantee no other people are around. As to the fixed line heads, I'm liking this design.

 

[two_bit_score]

I plan to try this out real soon.





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[5030]

I plan to try this out real soon.


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Got one with my Stihl new and it wasn't made in China either. German manufacture. I used it a couple times to remove saplings. Thats it. Just remember, they don't work with anything but a straight, solid drive shaft trimmer. One of those trimmers with the wire driveshaft will unwind inside. Cannot take the torque load.

 

[two_bit_score]

Got one with my Stihl new and it wasn't made in China either. German manufacture. I used it a couple times to remove saplings. Thats it. Just remember, they don't work with anything but a straight, solid drive shaft trimmer. One of those trimmers with the wire driveshaft will unwind inside. Cannot take the torque load.

Thanks for the reminder. I’ve got a Stihl that will run it. I’m interested in the blade you have and what brand it is.

Very first trimmer I bought over 30 years ago was a straight shaft. Wasn’t long until I had a saw tooth blade on it cutting saplings on a lot i was reworking for rental mobile home spaces. My brother chided me into getting this blade but I’m always looking.

 

[dfkrug]

One of those trimmers with the wire driveshaft will unwind inside. Cannot take the torque load.

Did you learn that the hard way? I imagine that a blade like that would impart significant shock-loads to the cable as well. Makes sense
that the cable can not take it. The ring/pinion gears on a straight-shaft trimmer may not last, either.