Looking for a string trimmer. Any opinions?

[Gary Fowler]

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

Those are ok for trimming around the house but not much else. I have a 20 V (given to me) that with 2 batteries will just barely make it around my house and side walks. I have over 1300 linear feet of ditch, pond bank and fence line to trim not to mention the house, sidewalk and over 100 trees which I don't do every time I mow thankfully. It takes me at least 3 full tanks of gas to weed eat all the ditches and trees with my Stihl FS 56 RC. I like it a lot, it has plenty of power and is quite easy on fuel. I go thru a full spool of line and then some doing all the work I have to do. I also like the square line, it cuts better and doesn't wear as fast as the round stuff.

 

[two_bit_score]

I'm looking for a straight shaft string trimmer. I'm a little overwhelmed by the number of options from each manufacturer, so I thought I'd see if I could get some help.

My budget is $250, I'd like something that can run a blade, so I think that means it needs a solid shaft instead of a cable. I won't use the blade much, maybe a few hours/year, just trimming some fence lines and thinning small maple saplings.

I'll probably use the trimmer for a total of 20-30 hours/year around the farm, so I don't need anything super heavy duty, and I'd prefer something light weight. I'll use this for a little bit of edging, and occasionally for trimming in between the garden beds, so I don't want one with the bicycle handles.

I'm not picky on brand. I don't think stihl has anything line what I want in my budget. I've heard good stuff about the Echo trimmers, I have a good Dolmar dealer, there's definitely Husqvarna dealers around also.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Since you ruled out Stihl is would recommend Tanaka. I have had one from over 25 years and it's near bullet proof.

Grass Trimmers

Look for a dealer near you and check them out.


TBS

 

[Industrial Toys]

Last year I bought a 40 Volt Oregon. And whereas it does not replace the gas unit, it can do a lot of the weekly trimming. As much as I like to do in one go, anyway. It's light and so far always starts.

I just bought the chain saw for that system. Got sold on the self sharpening feature.

 

[motownbrowne]

Well, thanks everyone!!

I ordered the Hitachi version of the new model Tanaka trimmer that Carl recommended. I ordered on Amazon, because I still couldn't get that link to work and although it was $20 more, Amazon had free shipping and I know that if I have any problems with it(at least right away), they'll cover it.

I would have liked it to say Tanaka instead of Hitachi, but the Tanaka would have taken almost a week longer to arrive, and I'm pretty excited to start using it.

I'll be sure to update this thread after it arrives, but the quick rundown: 21.1cc, 11lbs without fuel, straight shaft with a solid driveshaft. Paid $211 after tax.

 

[teejk]

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

My wife loves that insert thing! It came with some but the dealer sold us a spool and she simply cuts her own.

 

[joefromga]

If you're replacing string you're hitting immovable objects.

A skilled operator can do a whole yard without any string replacement.

 

[hawkeye08]

You want to be the one to tell my wife she is not skilled? I just keep my mouth shut and put more string on when she wants me to. Sometimes there is still some left that I have to fish out. She took over weed eating when I starting having back problems on top of my allergies. I was having trouble getting the old McCullough trimmer to start. She bought a Ryobi battery operated and never looked back.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Well, thanks everyone!!

I ordered the Hitachi version of the new model Tanaka trimmer that Carl recommended. I ordered on Amazon, because I still couldn't get that link to work and although it was $20 more, Amazon had free shipping and I know that if I have any problems with it(at least right away), they'll cover it.

I would have liked it to say Tanaka instead of Hitachi, but the Tanaka would have taken almost a week longer to arrive, and I'm pretty excited to start using it.

I'll be sure to update this thread after it arrives, but the quick rundown: 21.1cc, 11lbs without fuel, straight shaft with a solid driveshaft. Paid $211 after tax.

I bought that model in 2010 and I've been very happy with it. It gets a lot of use in heavy vegetation.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

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

I have a similar head from Tanaka which allows me to use much thicker string than a standard head. I use Oregon 0.155 string. Anything it won't cut requires loppers.

 

[dickfoster]

I'm looking for a straight shaft string trimmer. I'm a little overwhelmed by the number of options from each manufacturer, so I thought I'd see if I could get some help.

My budget is $250, I'd like something that can run a blade, so I think that means it needs a solid shaft instead of a cable. I won't use the blade much, maybe a few hours/year, just trimming some fence lines and thinning small maple saplings.

I'll probably use the trimmer for a total of 20-30 hours/year around the farm, so I don't need anything super heavy duty, and I'd prefer something light weight. I'll use this for a little bit of edging, and occasionally for trimming in between the garden beds, so I don't want one with the bicycle handles.

I'm not picky on brand. I don't think stihl has anything line what I want in my budget. I've heard good stuff about the Echo trimmers, I have a good Dolmar dealer, there's definitely Husqvarna dealers around also.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I was going to recommend the Stihl Kombi tool like I have but then you said it couldn't cost more that $250. But it does run brush blades or string, or you can use it to do your blowing, edging, tree trimming, cultivating, etc. etc. etc.

 

[teejk]

If you're replacing string you're hitting immovable objects.

A skilled operator can do a whole yard without any string replacement.

I agree Joe. But were it not for immovable objects we would not need a string trimmer would we?

 

[joefromga]

If you can't trim weeds around a fence and post without constantly replacing string you should get another job or get someone competent enough to do it.

Same with having to replace the bump buttons on the bottom because the same people spin it on the concrete while bumping it and sand it down to nothing.

That a fireable offense after the first warning.

 

[teejk]

If you can't trim weeds around a fence and post without constantly replacing string you should get another job or get someone competent enough to do it.

Same with having to replace the bump buttons on the bottom because the same people spin it on the concrete while bumping it and sand it down to nothing.

That a fireable offense after the first warning.

What happens if you have an irregular stone border around a flower bed Joe? Or as a driveway/sidewalk border? The whole concept of the string trimmer was to let a property owner DIY. Not everybody can afford the "pros". String is cheap...the machine that makes it work best is the winner.

 

[joefromga]

It's your money and time. Do it any way you choose.

 

[s219]

Beware, Tanaka and Hitachi merged. The older Japanese-made Tanaka stuff was excellent. Post-merger, more and more of their products are Chinese made and not the same design/quality. I believe the Hitachi stuff had been Chinese made for a while before the merger. Unless you know 100% you're getting a Japanese Tanaka unit, I would not buy it. For a while you could tell based on the looks, but it's been years and I don't know anymore. I'd have to see country of manufacture to know.

 

[4570Man]

If you're replacing string you're hitting immovable objects. A skilled operator can do a whole yard without any string replacement.

I guess that depends on the size of the yard, the amount of objects, and the grade of string now doesn't it? I used to mow a cemetery. Those chipped edge granite tombstones eat string for lunch.

 

[DK35vince]

I guess that depends on the size of the yard, the amount of objects, and the grade of string now doesn't it?

I'll admit I use string.
I don't like weed wacking, so it only gets done when its really bad and totally out of control. And I try to get the trimming done to fast for the out of control conditions because is sucks.

 

[Carl_NH]

Well, thanks everyone!!

I ordered the Hitachi version of the new model Tanaka trimmer that Carl recommended. I ordered on Amazon, because I still couldn't get that link to work and although it was $20 more, Amazon had free shipping and I know that if I have any problems with it(at least right away), they'll cover it.

I would have liked it to say Tanaka instead of Hitachi, but the Tanaka would have taken almost a week longer to arrive, and I'm pretty excited to start using it.

I'll be sure to update this thread after it arrives, but the quick rundown: 21.1cc, 11lbs without fuel, straight shaft with a solid driveshaft. Paid $211 after tax.

Hi Motown,

Great! I hope you are happy with the trimmer - I am on the second year and it starts on one or two pulls every time, and cuts really well at mid throttle and is quiet too, but when you need power it is there. Also I ordered carbide blades 2pk-9"-36t -- Brush & Brambles -RENEGADE BLADE and the Tanaka brush blade kit and I use that guard all the time - with no string cutter which I prefer to have the string length not dictated by the trimmer guard.

Also another easy modification, there is a 6MM screw in the trimmer end that had gotten lost on mine and spun out the grease I surmise as it got warm when doing some heavy cutting, so I replaced it with a grease zerk fitting and now all is good.

Carl

 

[4570Man]

I'll admit I use string. I don't like weed wacking, so it only gets done when its really bad and totally out of control. And I try to get the trimming done to fast for the out of control conditions because is sucks.

18" high grass and small saplings eats string pretty fast.

 

[DK35vince]

18" high grass and small saplings eats string pretty fast.

Exactly, and mine doesn't get done till its at that point