String Trimmers

[Bentrim]

I see a lot of recommendations to use premium grade gasoline. why? Premium gasoline still contains ethanol the only sure way to get NO ethanol in gasoline is to buy non-ethanol or to use canned fuel. Check the pump before you buy it is supposed to be labeled as to the percent of ethanol it contains. As for the proper grade to use read the operators manual or consult your dealer. No need to pay that extra for the octane and detergents if you don't need it and still get ethanol.

 

[Septemberwheat]

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’ve chosen to continue to deal with these small engines (weed wackers & chain saws), I’m just not sold on the power/battery life of the rechargeable units. Plus, batteries are expensive, I’d like to see a ROI on battery vs fuel.

 

[beowulf]

I’ve chosen to continue to deal with these small engines (weed wackers & chain saws), I’m just not sold on the power/battery life of the rechargeable units. Plus, batteries are expensive, I’d like to see a ROI on battery vs fuel.

Battery life will always be an issue - but we have two batteries for our units and for the amount of time we need them, things work out well. I am guessing there is a sweet-spot somewhere for the battery powered units. I was a no-battery kind of guy for a long time but now my battery powered trimmer, pole saw and chain saw are my go-to tools - and preferred. But, as you say, there is a downside at times.

 

[lpakiz]

Ben trim,
In our area of Wisconsin, I’ve always seen premium gas labeled as , “ CONTAINS NO ETHANOL” posted right on the pump. Every station around here has that. I doubt I can even buy 93 Premium WITH ethanol anywhere around here.
There are usually 2 lower octane grades (87 and 89) in the same cabinet that say, “contains up to 10% ethanol”.
We also have some pumps which have “ non-ethanol regular“ (87) but they are few and far between. I have to drive thru several small towns and their stations to get to a station that sells “non ethanol“ regular gas, which I do, to get gas for the mowers, chainsaws, etc. I’ve heard that referred to as recreational gas.
The price for non-ethanol regular is about 40 cents more than regular 10% ethanol gas.

 

[jsconner1]

I have a similar size yard as you, but I also have a Christmas tree farm. I probably do about 30 hours a season of weedeating (it would be more if I did it as often as I should). I picked up a Craftsman weed eater 3 years ago and I love it. It runs like a champ, and it's probably cheaper to buy a new Craftsman that to get your Husqvarna serviced. It's easy to switch between a blade and string too. My only complaint is the gas tank is a little small. I have to fill up about every 20 minutes. I like it so much, I went out and bought the chain saw too, it starts second pull everytime.

 

[ArlyA]

I see a lot of recommendations to use premium grade gasoline. why? Premium gasoline still contains ethanol the only sure way to get NO ethanol in gasoline is to buy non-ethanol or to use canned fuel. Check the pump before you buy it is supposed to be labeled as to the percent of ethanol it contains. As for the proper grade to use read the operators manual or consult your dealer. No need to pay that extra for the octane and detergents if you don't need it and still get ethanol.

Our premium has no ethanol in it. I was told to use premium because its a high compression/output engine.

 

[two_bit_score]

Ben trim,
In our area of Wisconsin, I’ve always seen premium gas labeled as , “ CONTAINS NO ETHANOL” posted right on the pump. Every station around here has that. I doubt I can even buy 93 Premium WITH ethanol anywhere around here.
There are usually 2 lower octane grades (87 and 89) in the same cabinet that say, “contains up to 10% ethanol”.
We also have some pumps which have “ non-ethanol regular“ (87) but they are few and far between. I have to drive thru several small towns and their stations to get to a station that sells “non ethanol“ regular gas, which I do, to get gas for the mowers, chainsaws, etc. I’ve heard that referred to as recreational gas.
The price for non-ethanol regular is about 40 cents more than regular 10% ethanol gas.

Ethanol-Free gasoline can be hard to find. In one county where I operate there is only one station I can find that sells ethanol-free Pur gas and it is only 87 octane.

Lucky for me that most Buckee’s now sell ethanol-free gas. I usually pass one or more wherever I go. But it’s not always convenient to stop or I may not have a gas can with me.

In other counties the ethanol-free pure gas is available and in premium grade but we still need more stations to start dedicating at least one pump to pure gas.

I bought a new Honda walk behind mower a couple weeks ago and the shop offered to put a full tank of Gas in it. Since they did not have ethanol-free gas I declined. I will not use any ethanol gas in the mower.

 

[two_bit_score]

Our premium has no ethanol in it. I was told to use premium because its a high compression/output engine.

I use the Tru-Fuel or the Stihl canned fuel only in my Chain saws, trimmers, pole saw, etc. No problems and no guessing if the can I’m getting gas from has the right mix.

 

[Tony H]

Can't imagine you ate having such issues on a low hour Husky 2 cycle. You run it dry when not using for several weeks, yes? These carbs hate Ethanol gas

 

[deserteagle71]

Ethanol-Free gasoline can be hard to find. In one county where I operate there is only one station I can find that sells ethanol-free Pur gas and it is only 87 octane.

Lucky for me that most Buckee’s now sell ethanol-free gas. I usually pass one or more wherever I go. But it’s not always convenient to stop or I may not have a gas can with me.

In other counties the ethanol-free pure gas is available and in premium grade but we still need more stations to start dedicating at least one pump to pure gas.

I bought a new Honda walk behind mower a couple weeks ago and the shop offered to put a full tank of Gas in it. Since they did not have ethanol-free gas I declined. I will not use any ethanol gas in the mower.

I bought a new Honda mower with the hydrostatic drive a year ago. Love that thing...depending on what I'm mowing I can set it to just barely creep along or go so fast I darn near have to trot to keep up with it. The owner's manual for mine specifically recommends NOT using any gas with ethanol in it.

It just amazes me, the difference in types of gas depending on which part of the country we live in. Some places ethanol-free is widely available but in others, like where I live, there is only one station that sells ethanol-free. It is only 87 octane - and the price is 50 cents a gallon more than the 15% ethanol blend. You'd think there would be some national standards the refiners and retailers had to adhere to.