String trimmers

[Cougsfan]

I am on my second Echo GT225 trimmer. The first one I had for several years. I loaned it to a friend and they ran a couple of tanks of straight gas through it (even though I left them a can of 2 stroke gas)!!! :irked: Never ran good after that. That was 5 years ago. I really liked the string setup (no un-winder spool, you just put heavy duty straight 8" pieces of string in) so I bought another Echo GT225. Kept the first one for parts (haven't used any yet). It gets a LOT of use and has always ran flawlessly, always starts easy, even after setting all winter. I think the secret to keeping the carbs clean is to; 1) only use non-ethanol fuel (if you can find it). 2) Always add fuel stabilizer to the fuel, and 3) don't put too much oil in the gas (40 to 1 is borderline too much, 50 to 1 is better). I always store it with a full tank of gas.

For the really heavy stuff I have a Husqvarna HU625HWT wheeled trimmer. It will cut through anything but I don't particularly like to use it because it is too hard to push, and it covers itself and me with weed-slime. It is a 4 stroke, and it generally harder to start than is the 2 stroke Echo.

 

[ultrarunner]

The premium 2-stroke mix like Stihl are suppose to have fuel additives like stabilizers or so I was told.

When I bought the warranty was doubled if I bought Stihl mix and I did.

Don't use a lot as much is seasonally used... but, in season, I go through about 20 gallons of mixed fuel and it is the only time I mix large amounts... rest of the year it is gallon size mix.

 

[DieselBound]

I've got nearly 10 years on my Stihl FS130 and I've done NOTHING to it but add fuel. Yeah, still on original plug! I just got done whacking about 2,000 linear feet of fence line: I can only get so close with the tractor. Blackberries around here are "The Enemy," and they are heck to cut, but the Husky Titanium line holds up extremely well (best stuff I've found yet).

I don't like gas engines, but kinda stuck when it comes to small engines. But I am only using ethanol-free gas. Never have had a gummed up carb; and, I'm not all that religious about draining fuel (generally don't). I will add some Stabil here and there, if I remember to.

 

[ultrarunner]

Thanks for the tip on the titanium line...

 

[DieselBound]

Welcome!

I am trying to recall whether I'd read any reviews before buying (available at my local Lowe's). But I was curious just now and looked on Amazon and see it has 421 reviews and is rated near 5 stars. I only read one comment and it's all one really needs as I think it speaks enough:

Best String out there, I have used every brand made and not one come close to the Titanium string, I work for the National Park Service and we cut miles of campgrounds, roadsides, and unbelievably rough country, get this if you want the best.

Careful, though, as this stuff is strong and will easily trash stuff. AND, of course, use good face protection!

 

[searcyfarms]

fs-40 stihl, bought it in 90 - been thru one auto head bought a dual line tapper to replace it, havent even put a plug in it, just prime, choke, start and go i also have a ms260 saw bought it prob 15 yrs ago, nothing but gas in it and a muffler mod, lots of chains and a couple bars. i cut about 6 to 8 chord of wood a year with the saw. I love the stihl stuff. Got a stihl pole saw too, it was spending but worth every penny from what i have used it. It uses premix fuel but sounds different than a regular 2 stroke

 

[Spiros]

DeWalt makes a wicked battery string trimmer.

 

[Bird]

DeWalt makes a wicked battery string trimmer.

Never used, or seen, the Dewalt, but I sure do like my EGO battery powered string trimmer. I think more and more of the manufacturers are now selling battery powered ones.

 

[Bute56]

Ego 56v

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have an 80 volt blower. It will peel paint. Batteries have come a long way.