String Trimmers

[Big Al]

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?

 

[jeffinsgf]

Don't just assume a Stihl is out of your price range.

I believe the FS-45 is well within your price range, and will still be going strong when that MTD you looked at is in the dumpster.

Been There Done That.

 

[Baucom]

A Stihl FS45 is in your price range @ $170 as is an Echo GT201 @ $150. Of course, prices could vary a bit--this is just what I found with a quick internet search. I'll second the opinion that down the road you'll be much better off making the initial investment in a top-notch (Stihl, Echo, Husqvarna, Shindaiwa, etc) trimmer than you will in a lower grade machine like the Troy-Bilt. Plus, if buying from a dealer has it's benefits if there is a problem or whenever you need service. Just because you buy from a dealer doesn't necessarily mean you'll pay more initially or for parts/accessories--the dealer I bought my Shindaiwa from actually sells Shindaiwa 2-stroke mix $.50/bottle cheaper than Lowes or HD, and the price I paid for the trimmer matched the best deal I could find online. Also, when it comes to attachments for that Troy-Bilt, some will work well, and some won't. For example, I'm sure the edger or hedge trimmer would work great, but the blower attachment will not have the power (mph & cfm) of a dedicated handheld blower.

 

[Big Al]

Actually, I expected and hoped to get advice on non-big box options. It's why I posted here. It seems as though plenty of "hard-use" consumers frequent this board, so I figured there would be a good body of experience on trimmers since they seem to go hand-in-hand with garden tractors.



I guess I was mostly wondering if that Troy-Bilt was too good to be true. Is Troy-Bilt just rebadged MTD any more? I'm guessing it probably is. It looks like Stihl makes a similar unit, although it's about twice the price.

I like Stihl, so I might just have to drop by the dealer and poke around.

 

[EddieWalker]

I got a troy built trimmer. It's heavy. It's also dead after three seasons. It had enough power, but I can't get it to start. I need to spend some time on it to find out why, but I'm seriously considering something lighter and dumping it.

Eddie

 

[Thomas]

5 years on my Stihl and I trim more than my fair share...service also a key to consider.

 

[coasterez]

I swear by McCulloch. I had a $70 unit. Used it for 8 years. Gave it to a friend. He still uses it; now going on 14 years. I bought a larger one that is now 6 years old. Always easy start even with old gas. Never any problems. I also have a Mac610 chain saw, now 23 years and still ticking.

 

[Bird]

I paid about $240 for my FS55RC two years ago. I put a new spark plug in it and checked the air filter last month is the first time anything's been done to it other than adding the gasoline/oil mixture. My next door neighbor's 4 year old $80 Craftman bit the dust. He said it would run, but he broke the starter rope and Sears said it would cost more to fix it than a new one cost. So, instead, he bought a Stihl FS45.

I'm sure there are different opinions, but having a considerable amount of experience with string trimmers; 3 brands of electric, 4 brands of gas, both straight and curved shafts, I can't imagine ever buying one again without the straight shaft. To me they're so much easier and more efficient that they're worth the cost difference. And I guess I'm not alone in that opinion since I've never seen a commercial operator use a curved shaft.

 

[hudlow]

Another vote for the Stihl. I've got a trimmer that's still going strong after 8+ years.

As was mentioned, being able to get the Stihl serviced is a big consideration.

hud

 

[Bird]

being able to get the Stihl serviced is a big consideration

It is for me, even if I never need it. And that's why I bought mine and my Toro mower from a local dealer rather than one of the big box stores. I have nothing against the big box stores and, in fact, spend a lot of money with them, but not on anything I figure I might someday want repaired.

 

[98ramtough]

Do yourself a favor and go try a shindaiwa before you buy one. I bought a new one a couple weeks ago. It has the C4 engine, its like a 4stroke. Quiet, smoothe, and no vibration to the hands. Its a beast and well balanced. think I paied about $270, but it is SWEEET.

 

[coasterez]

Straight shaft is the way to go. I hate the curved ones - always in the way. But, you don't have to spend $200+ to get a descent trimmer. I paid $130 for my McCulloch straight shaft and it included both string and brush cutter attachments. Of course, my cost was several years ago.

 

[montanaman]

Like many have said, don't assume the box stores are cheaper on products that you can compare closely. They will always have cheaper saws and trimmers than I do but if you compare their better lines with my Stihl products, my prices are right in line and often better. I sell a product that I am well educated on and authorized to repair, things the box store can't give you.


Ken

 

[nolefan]

Good advice in this thread. I buy almost all of my lawn equipment from a tractor and power equipment dealer and they are almost always the same price or less than the big box stores, and if not, all I have to do is mention it and they will usually work with me. He is both a Echo and Stihl dealer. Either one of their straight shaft trimmers would be a fine choice. I own mostly Echo equipment but recently bought a Stihl FR80 and am very happy with it. I think spending a little more up front will be money in the bank a few years from now.

 

[Bird]

don't assume the box stores are cheaper on products that you can compare closely

Very good advice. When the Cub Cadet lawn tractors first showed up in the box stores, I checked with two local Cub dealers; same price on the same models. And I just recently bought a new Toro mower; same price at the local dealer who services them no matter where you bought it. As with most things, you just need to take the time to check and compare.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I've got an Echo (can't remember the number) but it is the smallest straight shaft. I've had it for four or five years and the only thing I have done to it is add fuel and string. Every spring I pull it out and it fires off on 2nd pull. I like it because it is very well balance and light. I can hold the grip with one hand and put in straight in the air and then lay it on my shoulder and it stays balanced there even while walking. I like the lightweight because I do quite a bit of trimming around my yard and don't want to be carrying a small lawnmower around . You don't even need a neck strap with this one.

I used to mow quite a bit of grass when in school and bought several trimmers: homelite, poulan, craftsment (from Sears), and a couple off brand that I can't remember. All of them were a pain to keep running and just didn't last.

 

[Bird]

I like the lightweight

At my age, that was definitely a consideration when I was shopping. The lightest weight Echo straight shaft was 11.3 pounds and the lightest weight Stihl straight shaft was 10.6; not a lot of difference, but Stihl won out for me. Actually they were close enough that I'm sure I'd have been happy with either one.

 

[KubotaSteve]

At my age, that was definitely a consideration when I was shopping. The lightest weight Echo straight shaft was 11.3 pounds and the lightest weight Stihl straight shaft was 10.6; not a lot of difference, but Stihl won out for me. Actually they were close enough that I'm sure I'd have been happy with either one.

The Echo dealer was closer for me and was someone we dealt with quite a bit so I was in the same boat as you Bird

 

[thingy]

You can't beat an echo trimmer,those shindawas are good ones too,,sthil maybe 3rd place,maybe not even third,,,,thingy

 

[Bird]

You can't beat an echo trimmer,those shindawas are good ones too,,sthil maybe 3rd place,maybe not even third,,,,thingy

I certainly cannot say you're right or wrong, thingy, because I've never used or owned an Echo or Shindawa. I would expect the Shindawa to be a fine machine, but in this area we have lots of commercial lawn care companies, in addition to the local governments with parks and lawn care employees. It used to be that the vast majority of the workers I saw with string trimmers and edgers were using Echo. I think now I see even more Stihl than Echo, but it's always one or the other. I'm sure there has to be some exceptions, but I can't recall ever seeing a pro using anything but Stihl or Echo. So to me, Stihl and Echo are a tie. I don't know a ranking for the others.