String Trimmers

[LBrown59]

So I got permission to get a nice string trimmer today, and I didn't even ask!

I don't have a big yard (just under 1/3 acre), but the trimmer will back up my riding mower since I skipped getting a push mower.

Any thoughts or advice on good string trimmers? If cost were no object, I'd get a top of the line Stihl. However, cost is an object and I really won't be abusing it like a Stihl likes.

I'm thinking $150 is about as much as I can spend. Lowe's had Troy-Bilt trimmers with interchangeable heads that seemed pretty nice. Especially since I can get an edger, blower, & cultivator attachments for about $50 each. Seems like a good way to get several tools for less money than buying them all separately. Of course, my experience is a tool that does a little of everything never satisfies at anything. Would that be the case here or, since I'm a light duty user, would something like that fit the bill for me?

If these are anything like their tractors I wouldn't want one of them.

 

[slowrev]

If these are anything like their tractors I wouldn't want one of them.

As I said make sure it has adjustable jets on the carb, if not it is junk and won't run right imho.

I have used a little $70 ultralight Weed eater for 6 years for yard trimming, no problems. Worlds lightest trimmer
Makes a big difference with a bad back.

of course it is not up to big weeds and such, but great for yard trimming.

 

[Carl_NH]

A fun thread to read since I used the sythe on the farm for 10 years before roundup was used and trimmers were invented.

Got a Homelite trimmer in 84, lasted for 4 years but blisters trying to start it every spring, so got a Craftsman lasted for four years, then another one, then Ryobi quick attach with tiller, edger, brush blade then another Ryobi refurb unit to replace the head.

Finally got a Echo straight shaft unit 3 years ago - best $ ever spent - smooth, light and easy to operate and always starts. Still use the Ryobi as a "beater" for the edger and brush cutting with the blade.

At the end of the day Stihl, Echo, Shindawa are all good so its really personal preference.

Carl

 

[coasterez]

I swear by McCulloch.

I swore at my Mc Culloch trimmer and dad swore at his Mc Culloch chain saw.

I am either lucky, or you and your dad are unlucky. But, untill McCulloch fails me as it has you, I'll continue to buy them. That's if I'll ever need to buy another one. The point I was really making is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get good service from a string trimmer. (Perhaps you just have to be lucky.) Now if you don't want to tempt fate, buy that top shelf unit. It isn't that much money anyway. My Dad had an Echo. Very light, easy to start. But his was small and would stall in heavy stuff, and it had a curved shaft. I hated that curved shaft - can't get under things with it. I also second the adjustable needle suggestion.

 

[LBrown59]

1*I am either lucky, or you and your dad are unlucky.
2*The point I was really making is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get good service from a string trimmer. (Perhaps you just have to be lucky.)
3* I hated that curved shaft - can't get under things with it.
4*I also second the adjustable needle suggestion.
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1*Things don't always work out the same for everyone so I'd say you're right.
2*I think luck does enter into it sometimes.
3*I've never used a straight shaft
4*It's getting so you can't get carbs with adjustable needles in many applications.
Case in point I have a 1995 Wards PowerCraft Lawn tractor with a twin Cyl Briggs . Replaced the carb several years ago with a carb with fixed jets. could not get a carb with adjustable needles like the old carb had.The parts store said it was an EPA thing.

 

[Bird]

If you've never used a straight shaft trimmer, you don't want to ever use one either. Because if you do, you'll never be satisfied with a curved shaft again.

 

[slowrev]

If you've never used a straight shaft trimmer, you don't want to ever use one either. Because if you do, you'll never be satisfied with a curved shaft again.

Bird, I have a bad back and all the straight shaft trimmers are too heavy to suit me. My back gives out before I get done using a heavier trimmer, I can use the lighter ones longer and get more done.
Liked them fine till my back went south though.
Does anyone make an ultralight straight shaft trimmer ?

 

[drssg]

When we lived on 1/3 acre, I used an electric trimmer. It always starts, requires no maintenance, and I don't need to worry about gas sitting around too long.

 

[Bird]

When we lived on 1/3 acre, I used an electric trimmer. It always starts, requires no maintenance, and I don't need to worry about gas sitting around too long.

I've actually owned 3 electric ones myself in the past. For lawn grass instead of heavy weeds, I like them just fine except it's a nuisance dragging that cord around, unplugging it to move it to another receptacle, etc. The battery powered ones might be OK except I don't think any of them have a battery that will hold a charge long enough. And the same is true of electric lawnmowers. But if the job is small enough, I think they're a good way to go; quiet, instant on and off, no gas or oil to mess with, more environmentally friendly, etc.

 

[Tig]

Anyone have thoughts or experience on 4 stroke trimmers? Personally I hate mixing up a half litre of 32:1 fuel and would gladly carry the extra weight for the 20 mins of trimming I have to do.