Walk Behind String Trimmer ??

[Soundguy]

guess if you had an old push lawnmower, extra pulled and hub.. you could make one heck of one.

 

[ecbaatz]

The DR trimmer my mother has allows you to offset and lock it either right or left or lock it in the center. Really nice but you have to get use to the offset.

Eric

 

[Bluest]

I've got an older DR. I don't know the exact model but it has a 150cc Kawasaki engine. The engine is the easiest thing start and has plenty of power. It has the swinging head that works by dislocating the axle so the chassis swings to one side or the other.

It'll slash through more or less anything. Is very easy to operate and low maintenance.

The only negative for me, is it that it is very hard work on slopes or rough ground, due to it being a heavy machine, not self propelled. The wheels have a big diameter, which should help, but they are quite narrow so it tends to follow ruts and holes. Needs wider wheels like on a golf trolley or something in my opinion.

 

[Ken45101]

While I do not have a self propelled one, I certainly agree that the self propulsion is necessary. I have one that has to be pushed by hand and it's virtually worthless to me with rough ground and slight hills.

Last year I even tried creating a rig to tow it with the ATV or tractor. That didn't work either.

 

[TCowner]

I've had very good luck my DR trimmer. Mine is over ten years old and has the 6.5 hp Kawasaki ohv engine. Its unbelievably smooth and fast starting. I have the electric start model but use the recoil start from time to time. Its a first pull every time.

I think what I like the most is the trimmer head that was redesigned several years ago. Its nearly impossible to plug the head even in tall quack grass. I use the heaviest cutting cord they make and buy it by the roll. But as others have said you need eye protection as the grass and weeds being cut "explode" off the trimmer head. The trimmer mounted shield helps considerably though.

I am a big fan of the DR. Yes, they are more expensive but I believe the better designed cutter head makes it worth the money. When it is time to replace mine it will be with another DR.

 

[Retired Iron Peddler]

My father in law bought a DR trimmer in the mid-90s to use at his lake house. I used it helping him clear weeds and small brush and was impressed with everything but the price. A year or so later I bought a Cub Cadet brand that was much less expensive and was very disappointed. It was not even close in mowing ability and was a real PIA to keep the string on the hub. If I hit a post or any solid object the string would pull out and the cutting height wasn't adjustable. You get what you pay for applies....

When we moved to our new house, I bought the commercial model DR with electric start to use and have been very pleased with it. I mow tall grass, weeds, green briars, privet, and honeysuckle sprouts with ease and keep my fence rows clean and the shore around my pond trimmed. No problem with the string at all, mowing height is adjustable, and the adjustment stays set during mowing. It has been well worth the extra money. BTW, I gave the Cub Cadet trimmer away... live and learn the expensive way.

Bill

 

[Gem99ultra]

I have a Husqvarna wheel-trimmer. Performance is simply great. It uses the quick attach 0.15 string, adjustable cutting height. Super easy to start, and uses straight gasoline; no oil mix. Cost was something less than $300.

BUT - it is not self propelled. Next one I get will certainly be self propelled. Not being self propelled makes cutting on steep slopes or rocky surfaces an experience that you only need or want to have once. The nice thing is that I can run it up against a rock or fence with no string breakage.

On the other hand, I would not want the electric start due to the extra weight is would require.

 

[k0ua]

I have an old DR from the 90's and while it works very well, it is nearly worthless to me here in Branson. It was great when I lived in flatter lands, easy to push and did a great job, and of course with loads of power, it would cut through anything. But down here, it is just too steep to push up hills, and wants to pull out of your hand going down hill. I have to use a carried trimmer.

 

[coobie]

Thanks for everyones input.I ended up going to TSC (farm store) today and buying the swisher/countyline walk behind string trimmer they had on sale for $279 has the 6.75 briggs motor.I was looking for a trimmer more for weeds than brush cutting as I already have a self propelled billy goat brush cutter.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Thanks for everyones input.I ended up going to TSC (farm store) today and buying the swisher/countyline walk behind string trimmer they had on sale for $279 has the 6.75 briggs motor.I was looking for a trimmer more for weeds than brush cutting as I already have a self propelled billy goat brush cutter.

Have you had a chance to try it out?