String Trimmers

[paulsharvey]

I ordered the tune and carb kit for the Husq for like $13. Even if that fixes everything, ill probably get a battery trimmer too, just for convenience. I've seen some good deals on the trimmer/blower combo from dewalt and I think Milwaukee, but we already have a Rigid blower, with a 4ah, 3ah, and 2-1.5ah batteries that match my drill/Sawzall. Got a good 18" Stihl chainsaw.

The Stihl has a labor trade. Family member needed a bunch of trees cut, and bought me the saw in trade for my labor. From the very get-go, that saw has only used canned pre-mix gas, to avoid any ethanol bs or poorly mixed gas. Also, you can keep a couple cans of it for years, and it has like 5 year shelf life.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I'm running a 2-cycle Chinese unit I bought for $150 from Amazon. I'd consider it a brush cutter/clearing saw. The engine is about 42cc, bigger than a $1,000 Stihl.

I was doing the same (Timberwolf Pro) until I left gas it over the winter and the lines all disintegrated Thing is a beast though.

 

[two_bit_score]

I have had a Stihl FS 110 for so many years I can’t even remember. It runs fine and I’ve run metal brush cutters of all kinds on it as well as string trimmer heads. Used it extensively at rent property and it’s never let me down.

But, ...... just a couple weeks ago I bought a Stihl Kombi Motor powerhead KM 131R. This is a dream machine!

I bought the Hedge trimmer and string trimmer attachments with it. It’s powerful and so versatile. I just went today and bought the straight shaft edger attachment. I have used a McLane edger for 30 years and it’s a good powerful machine but this Kombi Motor with the edger attachment is so much easier to use and transport than the McLane. I used the string trimmer on the FS110 sometimes for convenience instead of dragging out the McLane but this edger attachment is much easier to use and does a much better job than a string trimmer.

I was skeptical that the attachment would work as good as the McLane but it’s every bit as good on the drive way and sidewalk I tested it on today.

 

[Grumpycat]

I wonder if my less than stellar battery time was het related?
Do batteries have shorter life in direct sun @ 95*? They are 9AH.
I see DeWalt makes a larger 12AH battery, but they are $245!
Thats $100 more than I paid for the 60v weed wacker brand new!

I was shocked at your 60V 9Ah having such poor run time. So I looked up the Dewalt Flexvolt batteries and lost a lot of respect for Dewalt. The 9AH is in 20V mode, is 3AH in 60V. Even so you should get longer run time than cited.

I have an EGo 15" string trimmer which is comparable in size and power to the Husqvarna 128 (which I also have). Charger says there is at least 25% remaining on my 56V 2.0Ah battery after 30 minutes. Am thinking EGo is more truthful about run time and battery capacity than Dewalt?

All EGo devices use interchangeable 56V batteries. Think my 2.0Ah is discontinued in favor of 2.5Ah, but they also sell 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 now. The bare 7.5Ah is $400. Got a backpack blower on closeout for $300 which included the "$400" battery.

The bigger batteries fit and work just fine on the trimmer but the 2.0 is already heavier than I enjoy. A neck strap is a non-optional option.

 

[ArlyA]

I have had a Stihl FS 110 for so many years I can’t even remember. It runs fine and I’ve run metal brush cutters of all kinds on it as well as string trimmer heads. Used it extensively at rent property and it’s never let me down.

But, ...... just a couple weeks ago I bought a Stihl Kombi Motor powerhead KM 131R. This is a dream machine!

I bought the Hedge trimmer and string trimmer attachments with it. It’s powerful and so versatile. I just went today and bought the straight shaft edger attachment. I have used a McLane edger for 30 years and it’s a good powerful machine but this Kombi Motor with the edger attachment is so much easier to use and transport than the McLane. I used the string trimmer on the FS110 sometimes for convenience instead of dragging out the McLane but this edger attachment is much easier to use and does a much better job than a string trimmer.

I was skeptical that the attachment would work as good as the McLane but it’s every bit as good on the drive way and sidewalk I tested it on today.View attachment 705079

Two bit, please post a review in the Kombi KM 131 thread.

 

[ArlyA]

I was shocked at your 60V 9Ah having such poor run time. So I looked up the Dewalt Flexvolt batteries and lost a lot of respect for Dewalt. The 9AH is in 20V mode, is 3AH in 60V. Even so you should get longer run time than cited.

I have an EGo 15" string trimmer which is comparable in size and power to the Husqvarna 128 (which I also have). Charger says there is at least 25% remaining on my 56V 2.0Ah battery after 30 minutes. Am thinking EGo is more truthful about run time and battery capacity than Dewalt?

All EGo devices use interchangeable 56V batteries. Think my 2.0Ah is discontinued in favor of 2.5Ah, but they also sell 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 now. The bare 7.5Ah is $400. Got a backpack blower on closeout for $300 which included the "$400" battery.

The bigger batteries fit and work just fine on the trimmer but the 2.0 is already heavier than I enjoy. A neck strap is a non-optional option.

I'm a pro battery tool guy but short run time is why we have no saws or whackers that are battery or 110 volt powered.

 

[oosik]

I have a Stihl FS350. Several string trimmer heads, a saw blade, a tri-tip metal blade and a head with three free swinging nylon blades. Took a new free swinging blade to the local welding shop. Had them make two sets( six blades ) out of high carbon steel.

With the steel blades this unit will cut down just about anything. Up to and including about an inch in diameter. It's still a real workout - even when using the harness.

It's what I use to keep the Buck brush cut back. Poor mans bush hog.

 

[bmg88201]

I have 11 year old Echo commercial trimmer, Ive got 3 acres to take care of plus a widows yard to keep up. There’s no way a battery operated trimmer will do the job. If I had an urban lot where the neighbors are 20 feet away I can see it might useful. I guess I’m too old school. I am about to buy a new Echo 2620 trimmer since I am about to move to an 8 acre property.

 

[two_bit_score]

Two bit, please post a review in the Kombi KM 131 thread.

I just posted it. I had been thinking about those for years and as a result of your review thread decided to pull the trigger on one.

Anyone needing a strong String trimmer, hedge trimmer, pole saw, edger, etc should consider a KM 131R.

 

[kubota shifty]

I have a 3 year old Husqvarna 128 string trimmer that doesn't run anymore, but really doesn't have that many hours on. I replaced the primer bulb and carb a year ago, used it a few times and won't run more the minute or two now. Thinking about going with a cordless trimmer, like Kobalt 40v or Atlas 40V, or having the Husqvarna serviced. The Husq would obviously be more powerful, but the battery ones are real convenient, and kids/wife can easily start and use. Ive got two acres, about 0.75 of Yard yard, about 0.75 rough yard, some fence line, around the house ect. Anyone have thoughts on durability of the cordless or cost of deal service of Husq? My current cordless tools are Rigid, but they don't offer a weedeater. Ryobi 40V
Kobold 40V
Atlas 40V
Husqvarna 128 dealer service
other thoughts?

I had a 128 that crapped out after a couple of years. I ended up buy a 129L and it has been great. Always starts. It has a larger engine than the 128. It gets hard use. I always use premixed gas so the gas can't be blamed for the demise of the 128. I actually sold the 128 not running for a $100.