Looking for a string trimmer. Any opinions?

[RalphVa]

If I was buying another, I'd probably buy the "K...." whatever with the 40v batteries. Have one of the "K...." chain saws and walk behind mowers. (They're at Lowes.)

Have been using a B&D 18v trimmer for quite a few years, but the batteries don't last long on it.

Ralph

 

[coobie]

My honda trimmer has served me well for the last 10 years.I am also a echo fan have 2 of there chainsaws which have been flawless.

 

[kenmac]

I wouldn't buy a flex cable trimmer ,if you intend to run a blade..Having said that,, You may not have an option to buy a solid shaft trimmer with a budget of $250.00..I own 2 trimmers..Had them for 15 yrs ? Both are solid shaft trimmers and will run a saw blade...I run blades like this 1" Carbide Tipped Brush Cutter Blade for Almost All Brands of Trimmers | eBay on my trimmers for brush cutting..I have friends that have broken their flex cable drive trimmers using blades like the 1 in the link

 

[teejk]

Won't be long and the 2 stroke engine will be a thing of the past. Manufacturers are figuring out how to make the 4 stroke machines lighter AND operate on an angle. For historians, I recall David Bradley marketed a 4 stroke chain saw decades ago. It weighed a ton and didn't work too well when tilted. We've already seen it on outboard motors. Lawn and garden will certainly follow.

 

[Friend Of Coal]

The 4-mix Stihls are stout! I just purchased an FS 130R for $379. Now let me tell you I wasn't looking to spend that much on a trimmer but this thing is a true machine. It sounds like a small dirt bike running. I use the brush blade and cut saplings the size of my thumb with ease.

The torque is ridiculous. You can put it in the middle of the thickest weeds around then just goose the throttle and it cuts with ease. Super good torque. The head design keeps weeds from getting wrapped and tangled up which is a major plus. It's also super easy on gas. Probably uses a third as much as my old 2 stroke. Much quieter too.

It starts with ease. It has an assist device that makes it easy enough a kid can pull it. Buy a Stihl FS 110 or 130 and I promise you won't regret it. It's a little more money but it will easily last you 20 years with some care and basic maintenance. Not that I love weed whacking or anything but this thing truly is a pleasure to run if you must trim up.

 

[Wagtail]

Won't be long and the 2 stroke engine will be a thing of the past. Manufacturers are figuring out how to make the 4 stroke machines lighter AND operate on an angle. For historians, I recall David Bradley marketed a 4 stroke chain saw decades ago. It weighed a ton and didn't work too well when tilted. We've already seen it on outboard motors. Lawn and garden will certainly follow.

Well, there you go... I've learnt something today. I never questioned why some things were 2-stroke (chainsaw, brush-cutter, blower) whilst others were 4-stroke (push-mower).

 

[kenmac]

Not knocking the 4 strokes,but some time ago my son was in the landscape business..He bought some commercial 4 stroke trimmers ,and some 2 stroke commercial trimmers..

The 4 strokes (after a little use) stayed in the shop ,as he was always having starting issues.. They would always adjust the valves, and give them back to him..They would start fine for a while,then back in the shop for valve adjustment...He finally sold the 4 strokes ,and replaced them with 2 strokes..

Maybe they are making them better now, but I'm not buying a 4 stroke until I have to

 

[westcliffe01]

I have a Stihl FS90 with the 2 line trimmer, brush blade with 4 lobes (steel) and a saw blade that you can sharpen with a chain saw file. I am very happy with my purchase.

I also have a 7' Stihl pole saw (non telescopic). The non telescoping ones are lighter than the others and at 7' working with it will sap your upper body strength already. If I need more reach height, I work off the back of a trailer towed by my UTV or the back of my pickup (think about where the trimmed branches will fall). Its a 2 person job that way but in my opinion a lot safer and more effective than the alternative. It is needed at the start of every haying season to make the edges of the fields accessible with the tractor and baler.

 

[motownbrowne]

I'd love a big powerful Stihl, but it's just not gonna happen. I feel like if i got one of those, I'd end up wishing it was lighter and more nimble 90% of the time I was using it.

The Tanaka that was mentioned sounds perfect. Relatively light, solid shaft, and under $200.

Unfortunately, the link doesn't take me to anything. I can find the newer version of that model for $199 with free shipping, or I can find the Hitachi version of the older model for the same price. Any input? Unless someone has a good reason not to, I think I'm gonna go with it. Tanaka has a good reputation in my experience, and I don't think Stihl, Husky, or Echo have anything comparable for the price.

 

[motownbrowne]

I
The Hitachi is also the same as Tanaka - heres a link $179 Tanaka TCG22EASSLP 21.1 CC 1.2HP 2 Stroke Grass Trimmer with S-Start

IMO its a very good unit for the $.

This is the link that doesn't work for me. Can anyone else see it?

Also, Carl, thanks for the recommendation, this is exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[smstonypoint]

This is the link that doesn't work for me. Can anyone else see it?

It worked for me, but I had to tell NoScript to "allow the page" in order to do so.

Steve

 

[kenmac]

It worked for me, but I had to tell NoScript to "allow the page" in order to do so.

Steve

worked for me as well

I'm impressed ! a solid steel shaft trimmer for under $200.00 !

 

[coobie]

Not knocking the 4 strokes,but some time ago my son was in the landscape business..He bought some commercial 4 stroke trimmers ,and some 2 stroke commercial trimmers..

The 4 strokes (after a little use) stayed in the shop ,as he was always having starting issues.. They would always adjust the valves, and give them back to him..They would start fine for a while,then back in the shop for valve adjustment...He finally sold the 4 strokes ,and replaced them with 2 strokes..

Maybe they are making them better now, but I'm not buying a 4 stroke until I have to

I have had great luck with the Honda 4 strokes but I use marine grade stabile year around.

 

[JerryK]

I have an old flex shaft Weed Eater [Poulan, etc] cheepo string trimmer that I have used for many, many years. Starts and runs great, but has a lot of hard hours on it. Even take it out in the woods and trim small trees with it. Bought a new Toro straight shaft trimmer about a year ago. The old trimmer rotated clockwise, and got used to running the trigger with the right hand, meaning the krap coming off the trimmer was flying away from me most of the time. The Toro rotates CCW [ since it has a gear in the head ], meaning all that stuff is flying right at me. Plus the Toro is longer and heavier... I am going to be looking for another cheapo one and hang the Toro on the wall to collect dust...

 

[kenmac]

I have had great luck with the Honda 4 strokes but I use marine grade stabile year around.

I use nothing but synthetic 2 cycle oil, with pure gasoline (non ethanol)..With the saw blade on my trimmer,,,,I have cut down some 4'' trees

 

[TractorGuy]

I don't know anything about the new stuff. I'm still using my 28 year old Homelite st175 straight shaft trimmer. Replaced the fuel lines and primer bulb a couple of times and got a good used string head from a friend to replace the original I wore out.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The best trimmer I have ever owned is a Homelite, home owner model, I got at the Restore. I don't baby it, don't drain the gas, and it starts in spring with a few pulls.

The rest was all varying grades of Stihl, brand new and I would not give you a nickle for all of them! Mostly for hard starting issues, and the inability to throw them far enough when they don't!

 

[2LaneCruzer]

The 4-mix Stihls are stout! I just purchased an FS 130R for $379. Now let me tell you I wasn't looking to spend that much on a trimmer but this thing is a true machine. It sounds like a small dirt bike running. I use the brush blade and cut saplings the size of my thumb with ease.

The torque is ridiculous. You can put it in the middle of the thickest weeds around then just goose the throttle and it cuts with ease. Super good torque. The head design keeps weeds from getting wrapped and tangled up which is a major plus. It's also super easy on gas. Probably uses a third as much as my old 2 stroke. Much quieter too.

It starts with ease. It has an assist device that makes it easy enough a kid can pull it.

Buy a Stihl FS 110 or 130 and I promise you won't regret it. It's a little more money but it will easily last you 20 years with some care and basic maintenance. Not that I love weed whacking or anything but this thing truly is a pleasure to run if you must trim up.

I have a Stihl chain saw with the easy-start feature and I love it.

 

[Spindifferent]

Depending on your needs, you may want to consider something like this string trimmer mower:

Trimmer Mower: 6.75 Briggs & Stratton (string trimmer) | DR Power Equipment

I have one, and it prevents hand/arm/back fatigue that often comes with the traditional string trimmer. This unit has tons of cutting power and has an optional blade kit.

 

[TMR]

I have an Echo that does not use the reel of string; it uses two pieces of string that have to be inserted every time you trim. I love that feature, because it eliminates the pain of messing with the reel, but it does require that you insert new pieces at least once, at least in my yard. I also love it's light weight, although I do get the "String Trimmer Shakes" occasionally. It normally starts really well, but have taken it in for service after about 4 years. Apparently the carburetor on this model is not up to snuff; man said it would just about as cheap to buy a new one than it would be to replace the carburetor.

I have an Echo as described above. I love the two piece inserted method head. VERY easy once you get the hang of it. Just cut a few pieces, put them in your pocket and replace as needed. I find using the line a little thicker and with the rougher surface makes each piece last quite a while...and I do some rough cutting with mine. I have two as I just moved my old (6-8 year old) one to our cabin as I got tired of taking one with each time needed. TMR BTW...really easy start