Time to convert from small engine to battery tools?

two_bit_score · Apr 27, 2020

Diggin It said:
Solved that problem.

My hedges had grown to a little over 6 foot tall and just about as wide. 6 foot step ladder with a 24" cutting bar and 3' extension still couldn't reach all the way across. Over this past winter, I whacked 'em all off down to about 3'. Looked like a bunch of twigs sticking up from the ground. All sprouting well now and I'll be able to neaten them up with nice flattop trims in another few weeks using a single 24" bar trimmer and no ladder at all.
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Sounds like a ladder with this capability could do the job for you 6 foot step ladder with a 24" cutting bar

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dragoneggs · Apr 27, 2020

Gave my Stihl string trimmer a good workout today. I think I can safely part with my last Stihl gasser. Going on Craigslist. Will help me pay for a new drill press I have my eyes on. I do need to get another AP300 battery though.

ultrarunner · Apr 27, 2020

Which AP300 battery are you going to get? Extended run AP300S?

dragoneggs · Apr 28, 2020

ultrarunner said:
Which AP300 battery are you going to get? Extended run AP300S?

Good question... on my research list now. I have the black AP300 but saw there is an 'S' so now I need to know the difference and pricing.

dragoneggs · Apr 28, 2020

dragoneggs said:
Good question... on my research list now. I have the black AP300 but saw there is an 'S' so now I need to know the difference and pricing.

Looks like 25% more battery life for $30 more and 0.1lb weight. Probably should fork over the additional cash and have the latest and greatest. I will forget the $30 faster than the enjoyment of a high quality battery. This way I will know which is which I guess. Orange vs. Black.

ultrarunner · Apr 28, 2020

I’ve got the orange but not the S

The orange are more moisture resistant if memory serves... early on some complaints when batteries got wet...

Which trimmer do you use?

dragoneggs · Apr 28, 2020

ultrarunner said:
I’ve got the orange but not the S

The orange are more moisture resistant if memory serves... early on some complaints when batteries got wet...

Which trimmer do you use?

FSA 130R. I really like it. No on board battery makes is easy to swing around. I have some grassy banks that require me to bend over to reach down a ways and having the battery on a hip belt works well. I went that direction because I wanted the highest power blower and that didn't have an on board battery. I was initially concerned about the cord going from the pack would be a nuisance but I don't even notice it during use of either tool.

ultrarunner · Apr 30, 2020

Do you use the Stihl Bump Head on you 130?

The reason I ask is the trimmer is well received but the Bump Head not so much.

dragoneggs · Apr 30, 2020

Yes, so far... haven't had an issue with it yet but I don't have a ton of hours banging on it either. Are you suggesting there is an aftermarket head that works better?

ultrarunner · Apr 30, 2020

No... at least not one that I know will fit on Stihl.

Hands down my Tanaka Brain is the best trimmer head I have ever used... It is fully automatic... no bumping and hands off and self feeding using centrifugal Force to regulate.

Not sure it is made anymore with changes at Tanaka.