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

[ManofMystery]

I have had a Stihl FS-85 for about three years; never done any maintenance on it and never had a problem with it. I also have a Stihl blower and chainsaw--same story.

I use Stihl two-stroke oil and always measure when I mix. I buy gasoline in small quantities so that it is never more than a month or two old.

Other than that, my experience with my Stihl equipment has been fire-and-forget.

 

[fishman]

Timb, that's pretty much how I start mine. I've never had a problem either.

I do believe some folks just aren't good at starting engines. Just about everyone has known someone like that, oftentimes it is themselves. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I am fortunate that my grandfather, a small gas engine fanatic, passed along some engine-starting genes. If it can be started without taking it apart, I'll get it running. Last time I was at my folks house, I got out their weedeater to do some trimming. What I didn't know was that it had been years since it had run. A little hard to start at first, what with the 3-year-old gas, but it actually ran o.k. after a while. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif When my Dad saw me with it, he couldn't believe I got it running.

Well, that about covers my whole list of talents. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Next? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Hondo]

I use the Echo SRM 230, just the strings. Love it! It takes a beating, starts easily, and with a sling, isn't too heavy. I put a lot of hours on it - it'll run a little ragged if you don't service it, but then what doesn't?

 

[mahlers]

I'm another one of the Ryobi (Yard-Man, Troy-Bilt) 4-stroke users. It's been quite a good trimmer, and in two years of using it the only thing that's gone wrong is the primer bulb got a hole in it. The interchangeable attachments are outstanding - I've got the tree pruner, hedge trimmer, cultivator, and both curved and straight string trimmer attachments. I'm tall, so I put one of the extension shafts on (it comes with the tree trimmer attachment) for extra reach and it works great.

These things have plenty of torque and you don't need to wind them up to 10000 RPM to have them do their job. They're definitely not pro-grade units, but for homeowner use, I'm fairly happy.

 

[Ozarker]

My 4 stroke came with the straight shaft attachment and blade and it works well. My electric came with the curved shaft attachment and the 2 string speed spool. I used it for the past 7 or 8 years but I finally wore the speed spool out to the point where it wouldn't hold string in it anymore.

I replaced it with a 4 string head I got from Walmart this past spring and soon realized that 4 strings trying to cut weeds was too much of a load. Took two out and it cuts better than it did with the original speed spool. I assume that is because the new head uses larger diameter string.

 

[Ozarker]

I don't remember what the start procedure was. That was a long time ago when I dumped the Sthil for the Ryobi electric. Sure.....dragging the cord around is a little bit of a pain but it starts every time I pull the trigger, I never have to refuel it and I never have to mix fuel again.

 

[Varmintmist]

I run a Echo 210. I have run it hard in the last 2 years. It replaced a older (20 year) Echo that had been rode hard and put away wet most of its life, thats why I got another Echo.

It came with the bump feed which I wasnt real impressed with for what I use it for, but I'm getting used to it.

One thing that might help on the hard starting problems, run the highest grade fuel in the weedwacker/chainsaw that you can get. Yes high test is a little more expensive, but you are only buying 1-5 gallons. I also run ONLY a name brand of mix oil. That might make a difference, it might not, but I run a lot of mixed fuel through in a year and have a lot of money tied up in equipment. I'd rather spend the extra .15 cents/6 pack. Same with chain oil for a saw. The Huskey is 4.60 a gallon, the generic is 4.30/gal. I'll buy OEM for that.

 

[DannyD]

Ok has anyone kept score on what is the most popular. I would be I have my braces on and I have to use my toes for over 10.

I will be looking at something more versatile in the future. right now I use a Craftsman, 12 years old, same plug (really) replaced the head with one that allows me to cut the cord to length and insert it in the head. 2 strings, works great, and has never failed to start. Straight shaft, bicycle bars and heavy.

 

[BillyP]

<font color="blue"> Ok has anyone kept score on what is the most popular </font>

I'd say Weed Eater, by far. Are they the best? Nope but I'd bet they out sell any other brand out there.

 

[r0GuE]

I have a Craftsman, and I hate it... Why?,... Because it WONT DIE. It is a little hard to start, it leaks the oil fuel mixture out very slowly when not in use, it jambs the string once in a while (2 times per session) and I want a new one.... But... It works, /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
So I just finish the job and put it away, forgetting the misery and thus NOT getting a nice new Husky or Stihl (I love my orange /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )