Weed Eater trimmer line or alternatives and other experiences...

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I've got an Echo SRM-251E with the "Rapid Load" head. With that type of head, you just pre-cut your string to length and insert one piece into each of two slots on the head. I use .095" string. It works great and the line lasts a long time. I won't ever go back to a bump feed, although Echo's "Speed Feed" head does look interesting.

The brands I would trust are Stihl, Echo, Redmax, Tanaka, Shindaiwa and Husqvarna. Avoid the big box store models (regardless of brand); they are made for people who won't spend a little bit extra to get a quality product that will be satisfying to use and last a long time. My Echo trimmer is 7 years old and still starts easy and works perfectly. I've got an old Stihl blower that I've been trying to kill for 15 years, and it still works fine.

 

[downsizingnow48]

After struggling with various trimmers I bought a Husqvarna that comes with a very small Honda engine. It is quiet, light, easy to start. Gets great gas "mileage". And the line feed mechanism actually works.

 

[man114]

Well my neighbor across the street came over this morning since my son mows for him, he has the small gas lines to attempt to fix the Ryan (he fixes motorcycles and stuff). I'm not sure I want to invest in a whole new unit at the moment (unless I get a cheap one), since I got the others running again unless I can sell them. Anyone try taking a cheap route and drilling through the bump head and sticking a line through? I don't care if I ruin the bump heads I plan on replacing the bump head or trimmer regardless.

 

[Oldpath05]

Is there plastic blades for this Weed eater featherlite plus fl26 ? I have .080 string on it and it really don't like thistles or heavy weeds, it does work good on grass and small weeds, but need something for thistles and 1/4" size bushes, brushes, ishes and ushers.....

HOW TO RESTRING WEEDEATER FEATHERLITE FL 26 - YouTube

 

[ultrarunner]

Can you use a metal blade for thistles?

Seems to be the most reliable for me.

I have used the plastic blades and they cut like butter until hitting a rock... then it is toast.

 

[Oldpath05]

I have used the plastic blades and they cut like butter until hitting a rock... then it is toast.<<<I thought that was the same with metal blades and then that might require a whole different trimmer, which I might have to invest in, next year.

My land has so many rocks that hard not to hit some, then theres the rock/cement slab walls that thistles like to grow, of course the problem is now my younger son is grown up and move away couple years ago, so he's not here every week to stay on top of the weed whacking/lawn-mowing.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Walmart used to sell "Gator Blades" that are like the plastic ones but are made of steel. You can still order them online though, just Google Gator Blades. I bought 3 sets about a year ago. They will break if you hit enough rocks with them but they are tough and cut up to 1.5" tree if you just ease into it.

 

[Oldpath05]

Thanks GF, I'll check it out........

 

[lightninboy]

I am using a Grass Gator 3630 bump head with .095", and I like it. Keep the hardware so you can switch to a different trimmer if one won't run. Get an extra spool, although it isn't hard to reline.

I have been putting automatic transmission fluid in my 2- and 4-cycle trimmer fuel (10% ethanol). It's like Sea Foam or MMO, but it's cheaper and I can be more liberal.

 

[4570Man]

I have a Shindaiwa trimmer and it is hands down my favorite. I have 3 Sthil trimmers and a 4th that got some straight gas. The Shindaiwa makes them feel like boat anchors. I like the versatility of my Stihl kombi system, but the Shindaiwa is a way better dedicated trimmer. If my Shindaiwa was stolen I would go buy another one the next day. I've never liked a fixed string head or 4 stroke trimmers. I tried using steel cable as string, but it unraveled. I use a steel blade for anything I can't cut with string.