String trimmer time

[Bird]

I bought a new Stihl saw a couple of months ago. While looking I asked the dealer about a new string trimmer as my old Weed Eater brand trimmer is on its last leg. The dealer recommended a Kawasaki. This dealer carries Husky, Stihl, and Kawasaki. I will likely be seriously looking this summer to decide what best fits my needs.

Thinking of the old Weedeater brand reminds me that my first string trimmer was an electric Weedeater. After a few years, when it wore out, I decided I wanted a gasoline powered string trimmer and went shopping. One of the first places I went sold several brands, including Weedeater, but the guy asked me to come with him into the shop to see the string trimmers waiting to be repaired. There were probably 3 times as many Weedeaters as all the other brands combined.:laughing: He said he sold'em, repaired'em, and did warranty work on'em, but wouldn't recommend one.

I eventually bought a Ryan. It was cheap, but it also said "manufactured under license to OMC" (Outboard Marine Corporation). Because of the good luck I'd had with Johnson and Evinrude outboards, that was what sold me on the Ryan. And it actually was good for 2 years, but then some sorry thief stole it out of my garage when the door was left open, so I don't know how long it would have lasted.:laughing:

 

[JDdude]

I bought one of those propane weed eaters last year and love it..Starts quick, warms up fast..Just runs awesome..Even though it is a bit heavier it is my weed eater of choice..I have 2 Echos, a 4 cycle Briggs-snapper and the Propane one is the one I prefer..

 

[buck12]

Thinking of the old Weedeater brand reminds me that my first string trimmer was an electric Weedeater. After a few years, when it wore out, I decided I wanted a gasoline powered string trimmer and went shopping. One of the first places I went sold several brands, including Weedeater, but the guy asked me to come with him into the shop to see the string trimmers waiting to be repaired. There were probably 3 times as many Weedeaters as all the other brands combined.:laughing: He said he sold'em, repaired'em, and did warranty work on'em, but wouldn't recommend one.

I eventually bought a Ryan. It was cheap, but it also said "manufactured under license to OMC" (Outboard Marine Corporation). Because of the good luck I'd had with Johnson and Evinrude outboards, that was what sold me on the Ryan. And it actually was good for 2 years, but then some sorry thief stole it out of my garage when the door was left open, so I don't know how long it would have lasted.:laughing:

I can't complain about the cheap WalMart Weed Eater. Its 12 or 13 years old and I cranked the other day with last year's gas still in it. The problem is it has almost no power anymore.

 

[whistlepig]

I have always had the best performance and life from my Stihl FS80's. I have owned a couple of Echo's and Echo would be my first choice after Stihl. It has been my experience that the Echo's don't last as long as the Stihl's.

 

[Bird]

I can't complain about the cheap WalMart Weed Eater. Its 12 or 13 years old and I cranked the other day with last year's gas still in it. The problem is it has almost no power anymore.

Buck, I should have also mentioned that it was about 25 years ago when that dealer showed me all the Weedeater brand trimmers in the shop. There's probably little similarity to the later models.

My point was that I really liked the Ryan, but apparently the company did not do well or last very long.

 

[whistlepig]

I bought one of the first Weedeater brand trimmers when they first came out. I don't remember how much it actually weighed but it felt like it weighed 50 pounds. Even at that it was easier and got more done than using a scythe.

 

[buck12]

Buck, I should have also mentioned that it was about 25 years ago when that dealer showed me all the Weedeater brand trimmers in the shop. There's probably little similarity to the later models.

My point was that I really liked the Ryan, but apparently the company did not do well or last very long.

No doubt the Weed Eater brand is a throw away brand. I plan to purchase a more robust trimmer this. I am amazed at the service I have gotten out this cheapo.

 

[2manyrocks]

Whatever you buy, try to avoid ethanol fuel. I got good service out of my Sthil FS 80 for many years, but things change so much with manufacturers that I can't say what I'd buy today.

 

[flusher]

Time to try another brand. I have an old weed eater that still runs. I find I end up using it because I can't get my Stihl started. This is the second one and neither were reliable. I have a chainsaw that is bulletproof. Husky,Echo and Shindaiwa are sold in my area. What are you guys using?

A Tanaka commercial type trimmer-on my 6th season now with this trimmer and no problems. I take care of my 10-acre place with it (landscape trimming around the house, a small almond orchard, 1/4 mile of fence line, and 1/4 mile of ditches). Cost around $400.

 

[bironacad]

I have always had the best performance and life from my Stihl FS80's. I have owned a couple of Echo's and Echo would be my first choice after Stihl. It has been my experience that the Echo's don't last as long as the Stihl's.

Pretty sure that is what I own been going easily 10+ years, hope I didn't jinx it, lol.