String Trimmer Tricks?

[5030]

Did you learn that the hard way? I imagine that a blade like that would impart significant shock-loads to the cable as well. Makes sense
that the cable can not take it. The ring/pinion gears on a straight-shaft trimmer may not last, either.

I admit I did. Cheap trimmer, unwound the cable very nicely.....:laughing:

One thing about my Stihl FS 66 is, the lower gearbox (ring and angle pinion) run in grease and it's renewable plus they run in ball bearings. Every spring I pull the side plug and the top plug and pump in fresh grease until the fresh grease comes out the side plug. Trimmer is over 40 years old now and runs perfectly. Has lots of hours on it.

 

[5030]

Thanks for the reminder. I’ve got a Stihl that will run it. I’m interested in the blade you have and what brand it is.

Very first trimmer I bought over 30 years ago was a straight shaft. Wasn’t long until I had a saw tooth blade on it cutting saplings on a lot i was reworking for rental mobile home spaces. My brother chided me into getting this blade but I’m always looking.

Nothing left of the label on it to tell. Got it from the dealer way back when. Only reason I know it was 'made in Germany' is it's stamped into the blade itself.

 

[5030]

Just bought 100 polycut replacement blades from Flea Bay for 34 bucks delivered. Much less expensive than the dealer stuff. Look exactly the same except no Stihl logo on them. I was paying 12 bucks for 9. Fit the same as well.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I'll be watching for your report also on the chainsaw type blade. I've seen them in ads, but assumed the chain would stretch very quickly like they do on chainsaws. Please - let us know how it works out, either good or bad.

 

[ultrarunner]

Well maybe Metabo will bring the Tanaka quality back to life with wider distribution. I still use an old Tanaka that I bought over 30 years ago. It is not as strong as it was and I致e switched to Stihl now for new stuff but I have to say the Tanaka was the best.

Tanaka made a good product... My adjustable hedge trimmer has been flawless and zero done in all the years bouncing around on the landscape trailer.

I use my Tanaka harness on Echo and Stihl trimmers and it was very cheap a few years back when lots of Tanaka was closing out.

 

[two_bit_score]

I miss Tanaka!

 

[ArlyA]

We were out clearing trails this weekend and used our .170 and 155 strings. As stated earlier, we own and use steel cutting heads but we rarely use them today. Rocks get in the way and there cutting radius is to small. My photos aren't any good but ferns and tree shoots is what we are knocking down.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is a few more photos taken this weekend.

 

[5030]

Tanaka made a good product... My adjustable hedge trimmer has been flawless and zero done in all the years bouncing around on the landscape trailer.

I use my Tanaka harness on Echo and Stihl trimmers and it was very cheap a few years back when lots of Tanaka was closing out.

Actually Tanaka is an owned subsidiary of Makita. I have one of their Arborist top handle chainsaws. It's a real gem. Use it all the time. Tanaka stuff is made in China under license from Makita. I even have an ancient but perfectly operable Tanaka outboard motor hanging in the rafters of the shop I bought 40 years ago. Excellent 2 stroke air cooled motor.

 

[two_bit_score]

Nothing left of the label on it to tell. Got it from the dealer way back when. Only reason I know it was 'made in Germany' is it's stamped into the blade itself.

Thanks, I sure miss Tanaka.

 

[two_bit_score]

I'll be watching for your report also on the chainsaw type blade. I've seen them in ads, but assumed the chain would stretch very quickly like they do on chainsaws. Please - let us know how it works out, either good or bad.

It’s coming. Lots of other things getting in the way. One thing is this blade uses chain saw teeth attached to a metal disc. I’ve seen some in the past that were actual pieces of saw chain attached to the disc around the edge but that is not what this one is.

 

[two_bit_score]

Here is a few more photos taken this weekend.

Three is probably better than two. I have one that only has two strings. Works ok. But three is more so it must be better, right?

 

[ArlyA]

Three is probably better than two. I have one that only has two strings. Works ok. But three is more so it must be better, right?

Gee, I've not seen a 2 string head in many years. I assume its a dated head?? The advantage to 2 might be it takes less HP to keep it up to speed or you might be able to run a bit longer string lengths. Not sure about the 2 version but we can't run longer strings in our 3 string heads due to the wind resistance.

 

[two_bit_score]

Gee, I've not seen a 2 string head in many years. I assume its dated head?? The advantage to 2 might be it takes less HP to keep it up to speed or you might be able to run a bit longer string lengths. Not sure about the 2 version but we can't run longer strings in our 3 string heads due to the wind resistance.

Yes it's a Stihl and close to 10 years old or more.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Here is a few more photos taken this weekend.

Now... THAT'S a hoss!

 

[powersrp]

while were on the subject, i have a stihl trimmer, im 6’0 and the **** thing kills my back bending over, anybody ever fab a longer handle?

 

[ultrarunner]

There was one brand model that offered a pricey extension but this is not common...

Have the same issue on flat ground but 98% of what I do is on very steep.

 

[ArlyA]

while were on the subject, i have a stihl trimmer, im 6’0 and the **** thing kills my back bending over, anybody ever fab a longer handle?

You have extended the adjustment on the harness or shoulder strap correct? I'll 5'11 but when my 5'9 spouse has used a shoulder strap, I need to readjust it for me. Does make a BIG difference in comfort.

 

[cdaigle430]

The only thing that works for me is a double edge grass whip. Cheap and fast. I have both battery operated and gas trimmers and they are a PITA. Honestly the Whip is less work because its light and you still have to go through the same side to side motion.

 

[two_bit_score]

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