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View Full Version : String Trimmers...What Mfgr is Good?


cebeu
03-24-2011, 13:53
Need one, must be gas powered 2-cycle (no 4-cycle or propane) and targeted life-span is ~5 years. I'm researching all the "feature shit" so I'm good there but...you guys have any specific manufacturer recomendations to both "look for and to run away from?" I have some serious fibrous stuff to beat down repetitively so I want something that can take heavy-use.
patrick0685
03-24-2011, 14:09
when i lived in TN i work for landscaping companies...my favorite is ECHO brand (Home Depot now sells them) we used the crap out of them, the other brand i would suggest is shindaiwa although they are normally heavier...also straight shaft all the way
Busta Prima
03-24-2011, 14:29
Stihl makes good ones. I've had one for years.

I beleive my neighbor swears by his Toro and he's a pro landscaper.
Mazin
03-24-2011, 14:52
I have a craftsman convertable model, it has attachments that you can get for tree trimming, leaf blowing and edging. Love it so far, bought it last summer and no issues.
BPTactical
03-24-2011, 14:57
Stihl makes good ones. I've had one for years.

+1 on the Stihl's . When I was in the field they were the only ones that lasted. We have tried Toro, Shindaiwa and RedMax. We were doing good to get 2 summers out of those. The Stihls were still going strong after 5+ years.
JohnTRourke
03-24-2011, 15:12
Stihl
don't fuck around
pay once, cry once, be done forever.
Hoosier
03-24-2011, 15:23
Another up-boat for Stihl

H.
Bailey Guns
03-24-2011, 15:26
I've never used a Stihl...but I won't buy any other chainsaw.

I do have a DR Trimmer/Mower. It's a string trimmer on steroids, for sure. It's on wheels but can go almost anywhere a handheld can. I've had mine for almost 15 years. The damn thing finally wouldn't start last summer. I started tinkering with it and decided the gas smelled funny...a lot like diesel fuel.

After I drained the tank and put new GAS in it, it fired right up and ran like a scalded cat again. It'll cut down saplings up to about 2" thick with the right line, too.

After the diesel incident just on a hunch I checked a few other pieces of equipment. Pressure washer...diesel. Generator...diesel. What a PITA to fix.

I hate it when my wife does stupid shit. :rolleyes: (Well...that might actually have been me)
newracer
03-24-2011, 15:51
I bought an Echo a few years ago, it is awesome!
SideShow Bob
03-24-2011, 17:43
I have got an older ryobi you can have if want to come get it, needs a minor tune up, but otherwise in good shape.
patrick0685
03-24-2011, 17:49
I have heard good things about Stihl but honestly ive had Echos for years that have run for longer than i worked there...the Echo that i used when i worked for him was 7+ years old ran almost everyday in the summer and then when winter rolled around we didnt do a thing to them but hang them up and they always worked next summer
BPTactical
03-24-2011, 18:09
Just an addendum to my earlier post.
Understand that these machines were not treated kindly. They are used daily during the season trimming highway right of way. Imagine all of the neat stuff they encountered, bottles, scrap metal, concrete, guardrail etc. We actually would mount circular saw blades to them to cut heavy growth like Acocia plants (tumbleweeds) and sucker growth.
The Stihls were the only ones that would last, even the string heads would last a year at least. The Redmax and Shindaiwa ones would explode if you hit concrete or a bottle.
Not the Stihl.
cebeu
03-24-2011, 19:14
wow...Excellent input fellas, thank you greatly.

SS Bob - Thank you for the kind offer, very cool. I've resigned myself to NIB on this thing though.
Byte Stryke
03-24-2011, 19:20
I have a craftsman convertable model, it has attachments that you can get for tree trimming, leaf blowing and edging. Love it so far, bought it last summer and no issues.


Leaf Blowing....





http://joe-ks.com/archives_jan2004/LeafBlower.jpg


[ROFL1]
cebeu
03-24-2011, 19:55
Leaf Blowing....


Brother, I told you yesterday I was "concerned." Now, I'm just flat freaked-out!







[LOL]
Byte Stryke
03-24-2011, 19:57
Brother, I told you yesterday I was "concerned." Now, I'm just flat freaked-out!







[LOL]


my work here is complete.

[ROFL1]
BlasterBob
03-24-2011, 20:01
Stihl is what I have and I like it just fine.
SideShow Bob
03-24-2011, 20:19
I've resigned myself to NIB on this thing though.

That's Allright, just be sure to inspect it closely first to to make sure it hasn't been fired before. [LOL]

I have gotten a PM for wanting sloppy seconds if you didn't want it.
gnihcraes
03-24-2011, 20:48
A neighbor does small engine work for a living, the RedMax are good and he suggests buying from these folks:

S & N Lawnmower
303-422-2646
7711 Grandview Ave
Arvada, CO 80002