String trimmers, which do you use, are you happy?

[RichZ]

I have the Craftsman top of the line model, I don't remember the model number. Sears had one of their one day 50% off sales. I figured for 50% off, I couldn't go wrong.

WRONG!!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif The thing stinks!!! It does have plenty of power, but it's incredibly hard to start, and it stalls all of the time. I really need a good string trimmer to trim fence lines for my electric fences, but I haven't found one I really like yet. I've tried out a few commercial grade Huskys and Stihls, and they were almost as hard to start as the Craftsman, though I'd guess they wouldn't stall as much. I wish some company would make a powerful electric cordless string trimmer!!! If they can make other power tools that have good cordless versions, why not string trimmers!!!! If they made one, I'll bet it would be a great seller!!!

 

[SCB]

I have the stihl fs250. I have had no problems so far. It is one of the larger cutters that stihl makes. It does make you tired at the end of the day though. It has handlebars and shoulder strap.

 

[TOMLESCOEQUIP]

I also have the Ryobi with the interchangable attachments( 2 cycle version).........going on 7 years on the 1st one......The piston is slapping quite loudly now and I know it's only a matter of time. I just ordered 2 from harbor freight on sale for $59 each........(supposed to be factory recond units with the interchangable shafts, the old style grey color) imagine my suprise when they came today........I unpacked the boxes to find two <font color="red"> brand new </font> "new style" red and white current models in the box !! I'm set for the next 14 years now for $118 and $5.95 handling fee........ What I ordered See attached picture for what i got instead..........Tom

 

[Alan L.]

I have the Stihl FS85 I bought in '99 and have been very happy with it. I use the 2-string head and change it out for the saw blade for brush. Has always been very easy to start and runs great. Have yet to replace the plug or any other parts yet.

I also have a Troybilt 6.5 HP wheel trimmer that mostly my wife uses around the regular yard. It is much more powerful than the FS85 of course, but not as quick and mobile, and worthless on slopes and rough ground. The only thing that slows down the wheel trimmer is brush and woody weeds - it goes through tall thick weeds and grass very well, like a poor man's DR field and brush mower.

I had a "weedeater" several years ago with a curved shaft that was worth the $99 or so I paid, as i got 3 or 4 years of good service out of it. I replaced it with a $99 Ryobi which didn't last but a season or so.

There is more to the better equipment than just durability - it just feels better using something that is well designed and built.

 

[Ozarker]

I have a Ryobi Electric and a Ryobi 4 cycle. Love both of them.

I put a 4 string head on had the same problem you describe. I decided that with the 4 strings it was trying to cut more than it was designed to cut and that was preventing the engine/motor from getting up to normal operating RPM.

Took two of the strings out and it worked like a champ.

Had a Stihl FS85 once and spent more time pulling on the starter rope than actually trimming anything with it. I found that it gave me much more pleasure as a target than as a trimmer.

 

[RoyJackson]

I also have a Ryobi gas model...mine's two-stroke though.

Mine has the two string head and a friend gave me the blade head off an old Ryobi he had. That blade does a heck of a nice job on areas too tight for the rotary mower.

Had it for three years now and it's been a solid unit. Since two-strokes tend to gum up, I run it out of fuel before winter storage.

I'd buy another Ryobi.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> How well does the pole saw work? </font>
The Pole Saw is great for trimming trees. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I find that it short coming is it's not 12' long.
I very seldom use my hand pole saw any more.
After taking a large tree down I use the pole saw to trim branches off.

 

[ZJ_HR]

We had Jonsered GT32L, 32Ccc, 1.2HP, homeowner grade machine 1994-2001, when I sold it. This is very old model, probably unknown there, even it made is USA. It was running great for this period, even with original spark. Never had any problem, except when mice ate gas pipe /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now we have professional grade JonseredGR2036 . This machine is 1.8HP, 36cc with catalisator, and has antivibrations system for handles. It's more comfortable for use, as it has shoulder straps, even as it is heavier. Head is with two 3mm (0.12")lines. Knife with 3 edges is 300mm (12"). It runs strong in hard weeds and vines.
This machine is red equivalent to Husqvarna 235R .
Machine runs very good so far, but we can't forget small one /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.

 

[KENSFM]

I use an Echo SRM-230 with a 2 string head. It is a little heavy but not too bad, gives a great cut. It is very easy to start and has less vibration than other brands I have owned.
Yes I am quite happy with it.
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[timb]

How is everyone starting their Stihl? The dealer I bought mine from gave me the following instructions:

* Set the choke on full
* Set the throttle to 'start' or hold on full - doesn't matter
* Pump the bulb at LEAST six or seven times
* Pull until it tries to start (usually that's just one pull, once in 3 or 4 cold starts, it takes two - I don't think it ever took more)
* Back off the choke slightly
* Start
* Open up the choke gradually over 15-20 seconds

I thought it was a slightly odd procedure, but my FS85 has started everytime that way, just fine, with the total of 2 (occasionally 3) pulls. Hot - it starts with one pull, no choke. Has never stalled. (Even when I caught the bottom electric fence line around the garden. Not sure what RPM a trimmer runs at - but let's just say it wraps up light aluminum wire right quick! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif )