String trimmers

[ericm979]

Most of those have four stroke engines with spash lubrication. Those don't deal with slopes well. It's the steel slopes where I can't run the tractor that gets most of the string trimmer time.

 

[Doofy]

Maybe less work on hard, flat ground. More work on my hills and soft ground. Haven't used it for a couple of years. Echo is easier.

Bruce

Makes sense. Father-in-Law and I purchased a DR Field and Brush Mower and it will flat wear you out! My biggest problem is trying to walk on the rough ground.

 

[Doofy]

Most of those have four stroke engines with spash lubrication. Those don't deal with slopes well. It's the steel slopes where I can't run the tractor that gets most of the string trimmer time.

That never crossed my feeble mind either. Thanks.

 

[Bigfoot62]

All of my trimmers, saws, and blowers are Stihl. Orange and white for me!
BTW, the oldest saw is over 30 years old, and I used it today. (024)

 

[kenmac]

I own one husky trimmer and one maruyama trimmer. Both are 20+ years old. Last yr, I had to put a kit in the carbs . Both are commercial trimmers with solid steel shafts. No way I would own a flex shaft trimmer

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Bought a cheap 29V Black & Decker battery string trimmer a few years ago, just for quickie trims around the house, as a throwaway. Surprised at how powerful it was and it does the whole yard; still works fine BTW. Now I'm into 60-80V and have replaced all my gas equipment with battery. New 60V string trimmer kicks my $400 Stihl's butt and no yankin' on that cord (Stihl used to be a lot better IMO. Wish I still had mine from 15 years ago.) On 15 acres we wore out before the battery quit. Two batteries doubles your work time. Actually bought the durn battery-powered chainsaw, and holy cow, it did ALL the branches from the last storm and battery is still good to go. Don't know what I like best about it, but probably everything--you make your quick cut, then release the trigger and it shuts off and you can lay it down. Release the trigger and it stops. So much safer. No fuel mix, heck no fuel. Keeping the Farmall for that big 30" maple that fell in the last storm, but everything else.....

Is there even any maintenance on these things?

+1 for battery operated, no gas, no oily mess, no fumes, can store it in the basement. No string-pulls, no "will it start?"

:2cents:

 

[goeduck]

Makes sense. Father-in-Law and I purchased a DR Field and Brush Mower and it will flat wear you out! My biggest problem is trying to walk on the rough ground.

I have one and it can be a beast but I like it. The Kawasaki twin engine is sweet, very smooth.

 

[Bird]

Anyone use the wheeled string trimmers? Sure seem like they would be less work than the hand units.

I don't have one now, or need it, in town. But when we were living in the country on 10 acres, I bought the electric start DR trimmer/mower. It was great, and was the only mower my wife would use.

 

[TheMan419]

I have an echo trimmer. Bought at big box store. One of the features I like it is has "electric" start. It has an attachment you can buy for your drill which hooks up to the trimmer. Pull the drill trigger and trimmer starts. I have not bought it yet as the thing starts VERY easily on the first or second pull.

If/when it wears out I will likely replace with whatever the newest and greatest battery powered unit is.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
Is there even any maintenance on these things?
<snip>

Bar oil for the chainsaw.

My 2 stroke Stihl brush cutters require grease on the cutting end, don't know about the battery operated trimmers.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Anyone use the wheeled string trimmers? Sure seem like they would be less work than the hand units.

I have a Husqvarna wheeled string trimmer; BS engine. On flat ground it is a big time saver. Great around curbs, along straight line fences; especially good along chain link fences.

NOT so good on slopes, over rocky uneven ground, around bull weeds, or wisteria vines. Around vines, they'll jam and the vines will wrap around the head and shaft. Then it's a 10+ minute job just to clear them out. Hand held string trimmers are much faster in those conditions.

So, wheel trimmers have their place as do hand trimmers. No cure-all exists, as far as I've found.

 

[NoTrespassing]

OK, I'm looking at string trimmer/brush cutters also. I don't want to spend over $500 and I want to be able to put a blade on it to cut multiflora rose and pencil sized sapplings. I'm looking at the Makita 25.4 cc MM4® 4‑Stroke Engine Brush Cutter. It seems they can be had for under $400. Does anyone have good or bad experience with them?

Makita USA - Product Details -EM265UH

I have a Husqvarna string trimmer but it won't take a blade.

Kevin

 

[Buggs67]

I replaced my old Homelite with a Stihl. I've had Stihl chainsaws and they run and last. It's not a pro model but it's enough for my needs and it was only about $150ish. I already mix fuel/oil for my leaf blower (Stihl) and two Chainsaws. Good 2 stroke oil already has stabilizers in it. I use Startron to improve the fuel because of the ethanol (murder on small engines). And I use high test and only mix 1 gallon at a time (but I have two container to not run out).

Cordless is nice but over $70 more.

 

[crazyal]

About a decade ago I bought a Honda. At the time most companies only sold 2 stroke trimmers. I wanted a 4 stroke and Honda makes some of the best small 4 strokes today. It doesn't have all the attachments that other brands have (just the trimmer and a saw blade). The trimmer head was pretty basic so i replaced it with a nicer one. I see that most brands sell a 4 stroke model. I've never had an issue with it. It'll start on the second pull as long as the gas isn't garbage from sitting. Unless I needed a specific attachment not sold for it I would buy the Honda again (not that it's close to needing replacing) today.

 

[ArlyA]

I assume you mean the gear drive on the head?? As far as we've seen, they all need to be greased. We do ours yearly.

Bar oil for the chainsaw.

My 2 stroke Stihl brush cutters require grease on the cutting end, don't know about the battery operated trimmers.

 

[kenmac]

I have a Husqvarna string trimmer but it won't take a blade.

Kevin

Most likely because it doesn't have a solid steel shaft. At one time, no trimmer recommended putting a brush cutter on a flex cable trimmer

 

[bmg88201]

My Echo SRM 230 trimmer finally gave me some grief after 12 years, the carb was bad, I ordered a new carb off Amazon for $20, put it on in 15 minutes and it started right up. $20 vs $350 for a new trimmer, hummm, let me think. If and when my Echo trimmer gives up the ghost for good, I'll by another one hands down. My neighbor has owned three different Stihl trimmers and spends most of his time going back and forth to the repair shop. As far as Husky trimmers is concerned, I'd be better off getting a couple of goats.

 

[ultrarunner]

The SRM from the 1980's is battle scarred but still going strong... the problem is parts needed no longer available so I had to get creative with finding a substitute fuel tank...

My Dealer did an eye roll saying I had modified it and should anything happen Echo would not be in the picture...

I would be shocked if any manufacturer would be in the picture 36+ years later...

 

[Evets Tsorf]

I gave up on gas trimmers, they get occasional use and the carbs gum up I spent to much time pulling the cord and swearing at them.
Purchased a Echo 58 volt battery powered one, had to look for one with the higher capacity battery, it goes for over an hour and charges in less, with two batteries you can go all day if you want. Way quieter, always goes when you pull the trigger, plenty of power, easy string reload and you will never burn your arm on the exhaust.

 

[Doofy]

My Homelite gas trimmer is still going strong after 30+ years. Add mixed gas, wind on some fresh string, push the primer bulb a couple of times and it fires right up. Best $79 ever spent.