Trimmer recommendation? Stihl? Echo? something else....

[DJ54]

I'm not sure of the quality of the Husqvarna trimmers anymore, but I've had the same one for 16 years. I do general trimming around things about every 3 weeks, and approx. 600' of pasture fence twice a year. I've worn out several sets of eyelets in the cutter head, and it just keeps running.

This was bought at a dealer, not a big box store. It does have the manual string release on the head. At my age anymore, I don't mind stopping to let string out, and take a break. I used the .095 string in it, unless there is a very stalky plant, it's a cutting fool.

I also run a mix of Stabil,and Seafoam in the fuel year round. Unless something is different this year, it has always started on the 3rd or 4th pull at the beginning of the season.

 

[ArlyA]

Have you, or anyone else here, loaded the 450 with the thicker string?? Seems that would be a wrestling job..... Its being so easy to replace string in cam lock heads, and when you are in some type of weeds, we've occasionally gone all afternoon with one set of .155 strings. Hummmmmmm

The 450 speed feed can use up to .130 line, and if your using .095 itll hold 25ft of it.
I also buy by the roll but most of my trimming is done on manicured lawns, however I do do some clearing with it in the woods and on the back side of a dam that gets pretty bad with vines etc. (Usually end up using a metal blade).

 

[TMGT]

I haven't but I run the .095 which is the max for my 400 and it's no problem, I carry a pre cut piece of line velcro'd to the trimmer and alot of times I dont even shut the trimmer off to put the new line in its so quick.

I do a lot of trimming along paved driveways, sidewalks and stone walls so I tend to go through line a little quicker and would probably be changing put the string in the cam lock head every day.

To change the line in the speed feed you just hold the back plate and rotate the head until the arrows align, push your pre cut line through he eyelet hole until its centered and rotate the head to wind it in.

I've noticed a lot of guys are putting the echo head on Stihls and Huskys also if that tells you anything............