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

PineRidge · Sep 13, 2004

Several years back I purchased a commercial grade Stihl weed trimmer model FS85. It has a 5 foot reach and came equipped with a two string head. It uses a shoulder harness to take the weight off your arms and back while you are using it and a handlebar cross arm to assist you in swinging the trimmer from side to side. Over the weekend it refused to run after it was started.

So I borrowed my brother-in-laws Stihl trimmer over the weekend so I would not fall behind on the grass. His is a model FS45Z which is about half the weight of mine and he equipped the trimmer with a four string head that you may have seen advertised on TV. It has only a 3 foot reach.

Here's what I noticed: The 4 string head didn't seem to want to cut the grass. It seemed to glance off the top of the grass and when I increased the angle of attack all it wanted to do was scalp or dig in. It seemed to be impossible to get a good trim using the 4 string head. I also noticed that since the trimmer was two feet shorter that I had to twist and turn more while trimming around my pond. And because the lighter trimmer had no shoulder harness when I was finally finished my arms and back were aching from supporting the weight of the weed whacker even though it was much lighter than mine. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Smaller is not always better maybe? What do you all think of your weed trimmers and what kind of cutting heads are you all using? Are you happy with what you are using.

I'm headed off to buy some new fuel line, a new fuel pick-up, and a new spark plug to get my Stihl running again, I miss it badly already...... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

beenthere · Sep 13, 2004

On my second Stihl in 20+ years, and only upgraded to a bigger one (first one didn't give me any problems). Very happy and I don't expect them to run without some maintenace such as you plan for yours. The Stihl has been very reliable, year in and year out, and I use it to trim as well as to cut brush using the saw blade. It's the Stihl FS 120

SteveH_CT · Sep 13, 2004

Mike - I wish I could tell you specific model #'s - I'm at work and would be happy to get them later. I've got two Husky trimmers, one is a lighter commercial grade with a choice of two cutting blades. It has the handle bars - invaluable for heavy trimming - small trees up to about 2.5", saplings, and thick weeds are easy pickings for this one. My other is a residential grade Husky product, not as beefy, but it is only used for trimming weeds and grass on our landscaping. Both units have served me well - and service is at my Deere dealer - very close by. I think they are both very solid products.

dmccarty · Sep 13, 2004

PineRidge,

I have a FS80 or FS85. The only problems I have had with mine are fuel related, i.e., bad/old fuel. I do change the plugs every few years. Well, the fuel tank leaks at the seam but that is because the trimmer fell off the FEL. Can't fault Mr. Stihl for that one though. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I gave up on the strings along time ago. I bought a cutting head that uses four plastic blades. They cut real well in my yard. For property use I use one of two types of saw blades. One is for thick grass/weeds/trees and the other one is for trees.

Later,
Dan

mwechtal · Sep 13, 2004

Pineridge,
I have a 5hp DR trimmer that I am very happy with. It uses a head that you load 2 strings into, but they are attached at the center, so you are cutting with all 4 ends. The string is either .150" or .170" or a new twisted type that I've only tried once. It can accept a disk with a chainsaw chain wrapped around it, and cut about 3" thick stuff. Or even 6" thick if you want to attack it from 2 directions.

Compared to my homeowner style Stihl trimmer, it is a real beast. I have to be quite careful around trees, because it can strip bark off in an instant.

The DR has a piece of rubber sheet that hangs between the wheels, and a plexiglass shield that extends up in front of the engine. So, it doesn't throw nearly as much weed juice and gravel into your face. If the area you're trimming is fairly smooth, and not too steep, I'd certainly consider one.

Mike

timb · Sep 13, 2004

Dan,

I have an FS85 (regular, not bicycle handles) but I've only used it with the stock line head. How well do the 'blade' heads hold up against hard surfaces? Seems like 90% of the trimming I'm doing is around buildings and the concrete / stone eat up string fast even if I'm careful. First season on the Stihl though, and so far I like it a lot. Almost long enough for me to use without back pain.

MicroPilot · Sep 13, 2004

Had a Ryobi trimmer with the removable attachements. About a 25cc engine. I had this before I moved onto our farm, and destroyed it the first year. Bought a Bolens 35cc (I think) from Lowes. I chose this model because it specifically stated it could be used with a blade, and actually came with one. I've hade this trimmer for 2 years and not had any problems with it. I use the string head for lawn work, and switch to the blade to trim around the fence line and barn. The blade can handle some pretty heavy growth, but you are only cutting 5" at a time so things go slower. Less debris using the blade also.

I looked at Stihl trimmers when replacing the Ryobi, but couldn't justify the more than double price over the Bolens. If the Bolens ever breaks (knock on wood), I can just go buy another, and still be ahead $$ wise versus buying a Stihl, and have a brand new warranty to boot!

EddieWalker · Sep 13, 2004

I bought the Troy Bilt unit wiht the intechangalbe attachments. I love the chain saw one for trimming branches. I chose mine because I wanted to run regular gas and not mix. It has a four cycle engine. In two years it's started everytime and has plenty of power. No complaints other than it is fairly heavy. I use the strap for support.

LMTC · Sep 13, 2004

Been through two Stihls, no more, no thanks. Have numerous Stihl saws, mostly good, but the trimmers were both crap. LOTS and lots of starting/running problems. Did I mention they were always hard to start and difficult to keep running? Talked to two local pro groundskeeper types and bought a Tanaka 5 years ago. Now also own a Tanaka leafblower. Absolutely top shelf stuff. Does everything I want, everytime I want.

Moon · Sep 13, 2004

I use a 6' Shindaiwa w/ regular handle and shoulder strap. Works great. It can also run a 6" blade. Most of my triming is around the wifes rock that she used to outline her flower beds. The rock sure does eat up the line. If anything else would work better for triming around rock I'd sure like to know too.

Moon of Ohio