Need advice on push string trimmer

Freds · May 8, 2008

Hi all. I need some input from the TBN brain trust.

Recently I got rid of my piece of crap (as some older members will know) Kubota G2160 in favor of a ZD26. Sweet ride. Knocked about 45 minutes off my mowing time. Problem is, it has such a much larger footprint than the G2160 it is now a PITA to ride while I mow the little patch of lawn around my house, which is in the middle of a circular driveway. I dug out the push mower that I haven't used in 3 years only to find the deck rotted away. I guess they don't last forever. I purchased that Ariens back in '87, so I guess I got my money's worth

So only wanting a basic mower (not self-propelled, no bag), but a quality one, I am out of luck. I don't like Lawnboys with their offset front wheels (tried one yesterday and could barely push it with its little wheels) and Snapper is way to overpriced for their push mower, but it does push easier. Then I spotted one of those DR string trimmers......

Now I know it won't replace a lawn mower for actually mowing side-by-side paths, but I could use it to get into some of the nooks that my ZD is just out of control in. And of course I have a lot of other areas it could come in handy; along split rail, under lilac bushes....

But, and here's my basic question in all of this, does it replace a handheld weedwhacker? I mean, you can't turn it on edge to run close to something on an angle. You are always committed to a 16" path..... and beating the heck out of anything you run it alongside, like the wood skirting around the bottom of my front deck.
I'm torn between, why spend $300 for a lawn mower that I was doing without before, instead of spending an extra 200 on one of these walk behind weedwhackers? But I am seeing shortfalls with it.

Any input? You know, if you could angle the things, I think I would be all set.

coveredbridge · May 8, 2008

Good news! You can angle the DR Trimmer. At least I can angle mine, which I bought about 5 yrs ago. Pull the lever and tilt the handle either way and it locks in place at an angle. Perfect for getting close to buildings, fences, etc.

Link to DR site showing "frame pivot"

DRｮ Power Equipment - Light and Easy to Push

Freds · May 8, 2008

Hey, that is good news coveredbridge. I thought it only moved the whole unit over, not angled it slightly.
I tried one out today and maybe because the grass was higher (6 inches or so) it was cutting a wide path even with it angled over. I'll have to take a look at that again.
Of course, if I go back I'll probably just end up buying it

Flatheadyoungin · May 8, 2008

I have the Troybilt version of the DR. It has it's place. I don't like it on hills. It's good for grass/heavy grass but not briars. I still like my lawnboy and string trimmer for my trim work. Everyone's different, however.

They're stout and can can really cut things but they also like to eat a lot of things they shouldn't. I guess it just depends on HOW your yard is layed out......

Buy used and own both!

Bird · May 8, 2008

It was almost exactly 10 years ago (May, 1998) when I bought my DR trimmer/mower. I'm not sure how much has changed in 10 years. I did later upgrade mine to the newer head with the different way of putting the string in it when they came out with that. I thought they were over priced, but I bought their top of the line, or biggest, electric start model, and my wife would even use it. Angled and tilted, it worked great around and under fences, both the yard and the pasture, running level it did the mowing in a pen at the barn with a gate that wasn't big enough to get in with the tractor and finish mower, and with the Beaver blade, it cleared out some brush along the back pasture fence. At least back then, they were fine machines.

JDGREEN4ME · May 9, 2008

I recently bought a DR Trimmer/Mower and am very happy with it so far.

Freds · May 9, 2008

I called up the dealer and told them to get it ready. I appreciate the input.
I did without a pushmower for three years, no need to get one now. I think this will be more handy for me in the long run.

Thanks

Oh, and I saw a vid of that beaver blade. That would work really well in a ditch area I have for cutting down the sumac that keeps growing up. Seems safer that trying to chainsaw them at ground level.

Charlesaf3 · May 9, 2008

why not get a husqy or stilhl backback trimmer? Same price - $500 or so, and much more flexibility - string or brushcutter blade.

CJ4 · May 10, 2008

I have a DR and it's great.....You'll find you can practically mow even alot with it.....just not as pretty finish as a mower.

Freds · May 10, 2008

Yeah, it seems pretty nice. My grass wasn't high enough to try trimming/mowing in the areas I don't want to take my ztr into, but I was able to clean up under my lilac bushes and around some pine trees with exposed roots like nothing.
I was a little disappointed in the orange string that was in it and changed it to the green (medium) for next time. Aside from some 1/2" new lilac growth, I wasn't really beating the string with anything, but that managed to wear it down. Not like a regular string trimmer, but still..... And I need to replace a broken part on it already. I called the dealer and he had one there, so they must have run into this before. The outside plastic piece with the teeth that locks the handle is cracked through. I saw it when I unloaded the trimmer and flipped the handle up. Oh well, it still works until I get back into town.
They had a beaver blade in stock and I am looking forward to giving that a try next.

Now if this dang grass would just hurry up and grow