looking for a new weed whacker

[forgeblast]

"Stihl trimmer/brush cutter that is their largest model before getting into the dedicated brush cutters" <font color="blue"> </font>

What model is it. I am also looking for a weed trimmer, my last lowes model, rattled the power head right off of the shaft, they took it back no problem, and acted like it happens a lot.
I have about 20 acres and have tall grass, locus shoots, and other small brush spots that i am trying to contain along with the multi-flora rose.
Thanks for all the comments it really helps to narrow down a trimmer.

 

[forgeblast]

"Stihl trimmer/brush cutter that is their largest model before getting into the dedicated brush cutters" <font color="blue"> </font>

What model is it. I am also looking for a weed trimmer, my last lowes model, rattled the power head right off of the shaft, they took it back no problem, and acted like it happens a lot.
I have about 20 acres and have tall grass, locus shoots, and other small brush spots that i am trying to contain along with the multi-flora rose.
Thanks for all the comments it really helps to narrow down a trimmer.

 

[Bird]

When I was living on 10 acres, I bought one of the biggest Stihl string trimmers that also had a saw blade to cut down saplings. It was a very fine machine, but when I was having carpal tunnel problems and the doctor told me to avoid tools that vibrate as much as possible, I sold it to my brother and bought the biggest DR trimmer/mower, electric start on wheels. My wife has never used a hand held string trimmer, but she occasionally used the DR. For the bigger jobs, I think they're hard to beat, but of course, they're expensive. Now that I'm back in town, don't have as much to do, and my wrists and hands aren't hurting, I have a Stihl FS55RC. It's a fine tool for my use. I sold the DR to a neighbor before I moved back to town.

 

[Bird]

When I was living on 10 acres, I bought one of the biggest Stihl string trimmers that also had a saw blade to cut down saplings. It was a very fine machine, but when I was having carpal tunnel problems and the doctor told me to avoid tools that vibrate as much as possible, I sold it to my brother and bought the biggest DR trimmer/mower, electric start on wheels. My wife has never used a hand held string trimmer, but she occasionally used the DR. For the bigger jobs, I think they're hard to beat, but of course, they're expensive. Now that I'm back in town, don't have as much to do, and my wrists and hands aren't hurting, I have a Stihl FS55RC. It's a fine tool for my use. I sold the DR to a neighbor before I moved back to town.

 

[GaryS]

Thanks for all the info. I've order parts for my aging Ryobi and I'm going to get a good heavy duty 2 cycle trimmer. While searching, I found the Honda 4cycle trimmers and had hoped that would be my next trimmer. I knew it was more expensive but figured it was going to be a better trimmer. I don't need a heavier, weaker trimmer that is more prone to break down. Sounds like an Echo or Stihl is the way to go.

 

[GaryS]

Thanks for all the info. I've order parts for my aging Ryobi and I'm going to get a good heavy duty 2 cycle trimmer. While searching, I found the Honda 4cycle trimmers and had hoped that would be my next trimmer. I knew it was more expensive but figured it was going to be a better trimmer. I don't need a heavier, weaker trimmer that is more prone to break down. Sounds like an Echo or Stihl is the way to go.

 

[MrJimi]

We live in Florida and Echo is the way to go, they are being used by all the lawn services and road crews around here and are real good, I have a 21 CC and it takes .095 string and does well. I hope that helped ya some and they are a little over $200. with a 2 year home owner warranty
Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MrJimi]

We live in Florida and Echo is the way to go, they are being used by all the lawn services and road crews around here and are real good, I have a 21 CC and it takes .095 string and does well. I hope that helped ya some and they are a little over $200. with a 2 year home owner warranty
Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobertN]

I have the Honda 31cc 4stroke weedeater/brush cutter, the setup with the handlebars and shoulder rig. I have been very happy with it. It's quiet, and has plenty of power. I bought it to replace my 10 year old well used Husky-225R brush cutter.

The Honda is a bit heavier than the older Husky. But, with a full shoulder harness, it's not too noticable. It sure is quiet. And, it matches the power of that older 25cc 2-stroke(when the Husky was at full power; it's pretty worn now).

I have a Stihl mutli head unit too. It is a regular handle typ for the weedeater though. Ok around the yard, but not much use for hours of weedeating.

I wouldn't mind having a larger unit, but Honda does not make a bigger one. And, I can't afford the bigger Husky or Stihl units right now anyways /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I would recomend that you try a good power tool shop instead of the box store too.

 

[RobertN]

I have the Honda 31cc 4stroke weedeater/brush cutter, the setup with the handlebars and shoulder rig. I have been very happy with it. It's quiet, and has plenty of power. I bought it to replace my 10 year old well used Husky-225R brush cutter.

The Honda is a bit heavier than the older Husky. But, with a full shoulder harness, it's not too noticable. It sure is quiet. And, it matches the power of that older 25cc 2-stroke(when the Husky was at full power; it's pretty worn now).

I have a Stihl mutli head unit too. It is a regular handle typ for the weedeater though. Ok around the yard, but not much use for hours of weedeating.

I wouldn't mind having a larger unit, but Honda does not make a bigger one. And, I can't afford the bigger Husky or Stihl units right now anyways /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I would recomend that you try a good power tool shop instead of the box store too.

 

[RobertN]

Did you get it at Williams?

 

[RobertN]

Did you get it at Williams?

 

[Bird]

Robert, when I bought my current Stihl, I asked about the shoulder straps, and he gave me two of them, but for the amount of work I have to do (I use it for an edger as much as anything), I soon found it was quicker, easier, and more comfortable for me to not use them.

 

[Bird]

Robert, when I bought my current Stihl, I asked about the shoulder straps, and he gave me two of them, but for the amount of work I have to do (I use it for an edger as much as anything), I soon found it was quicker, easier, and more comfortable for me to not use them.

 

[Ray2210]

I have a Stihl Kombi system with the 4mix 4stroke power head. It's a wonderfully powerful machine and is always easy to start.

 

[Ray2210]

I have a Stihl Kombi system with the 4mix 4stroke power head. It's a wonderfully powerful machine and is always easy to start.

 

[ultrarunner]

Echo outdoor products have always performed well for me. My 300 series brush cutter is no exception, however, I learned today that Echo has stopped supplying parts for many older products including my Brush Cutter. I take care of my equipment and cannot see spending good money to buy equipment without manufacturer support.

 

[ultrarunner]

Echo outdoor products have always performed well for me. My 300 series brush cutter is no exception, however, I learned today that Echo has stopped supplying parts for many older products including my Brush Cutter. I take care of my equipment and cannot see spending good money to buy equipment without manufacturer support.

 

[RobertN]

Bird,
I do not like using the straps for a regular "O" type handle weedeater. They get in the way more than helping.

For the brush cutter mega weedeater with the big handle bars though, it is the only way to go. I have spent 6-8 hours weedeating at a time; that full shoulder harness system works nice. The harness has a hip pad, and straps/pads over both shoulders.

 

[RobertN]

Bird,
I do not like using the straps for a regular "O" type handle weedeater. They get in the way more than helping.

For the brush cutter mega weedeater with the big handle bars though, it is the only way to go. I have spent 6-8 hours weedeating at a time; that full shoulder harness system works nice. The harness has a hip pad, and straps/pads over both shoulders.