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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

string trimmer recommendations

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Dave 2N

05-24-2005 11:58:01




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My 18 year old Homelite is reaching the end of the line and I'm looking for a new one. It won't be for commercial use but for residential use: a large yard with lots of trees to trim around and it will also be used by my sone at his place down the road.

I've looked a lot lately: Echo, Troy-Built, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, Ryobi, McCulloch, etc. I kind of like the straight-shaft concept.

Any recommendations or experiences?

Thanks,
Dave 2N

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D. Stanton

05-25-2005 06:47:10




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Dave 2N, 05-24-2005 11:58:01  
I'm with the Homelite boys. I have been using one for the past 15 years ( semi-comercial ) no problems at all. I think Homelite is owned by John Deere if that is a factor. My son has a trimmer ( Stihl-I think ) that has a left hand rotation. It's a good trimmer, but the LH roation just don't get it for me.



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David A. hodson

05-24-2005 19:06:09




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Dave 2N, 05-24-2005 11:58:01  
get a STIHL,their one of the best out there you can get a regular or a KOMBI (split shaft) where you only buy one eng but several attatchments, string head, blade, tiller, brush, edger, hedge trimmer, etc. You can even get the 4-mix which has more torque and power. LOL David



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dave from MN

05-24-2005 15:10:07




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Dave 2N, 05-24-2005 11:58:01  
I would by a Husqy or a stihl. They have really put some engineering into the eng and are producing a fine line of stuff. Remember there only a few companys that produce them, most are the same with different labels and brands on them. Dont pay a premiem price cause is says JD or Cub Cad. Try a few out. Make sure they fit your hieght so you are not gonnsa have to bend over all the time. If you plan on attachmentrs such as blades or brush cuters, make sure it will accept attach ments. Always get one a little stronger than you think and 2 string cuts better.

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farmweld

05-24-2005 14:18:34




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Dave 2N, 05-24-2005 11:58:01  
without a doubt, straight shaft Ecoh. run one on my mowing business, and it has run fo many many hours, with absolutly no work. there was a thread a couple weeks back about battery trimmers, but many people reccomended gas. try a search.
farmweld



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bigmike_tx

05-24-2005 14:03:47




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Dave 2N, 05-24-2005 11:58:01  
Seems to me, if I got 18 years of service from a Homelite Trimmer, I would be looking for another Homelite. Mine is about 10 years and works just about every weekend no troubles.
I have no problems with the Homelite brand, I have a 14'' homelite saw that cost about 100 bucks new that will run circles around some of the so called better ones. Its always ready to work.
just my .02



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SJ

05-24-2005 12:39:37




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Dave 2N, 05-24-2005 11:58:01  
I have a John Deere and it kicks but.



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Tim...Ok

05-24-2005 12:31:07




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Dave 2N, 05-24-2005 11:58:01  
Don"t see how you can go wrong with a Stihl,I"ve had real good luck with everything of theirs I"ve bought.. I"ve also got one of those walk behind string trimmers,21" cut,5hp motor,for any of you that haven"t used one of these,they are a beast..

Tim



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Pitch

05-24-2005 17:21:06




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Tim...Ok, 05-24-2005 12:31:07  
I have a Stihl FS110 on my third season with it. I trim around about 60 trees about 300 lineal ft of foundation and 500 ft of ditch about once a week this time of year and down to once every two weeks later in the summer. So far it has held up with no problems. The FS stands for four stroke. I was a little leary about it but seems to be fine. Has a wider power band than the 2cycles so you don't have to run it flat out all the time. It has no oil sump so you still mix oil in the fuel like you do the others. If you do get one don't let them talk you into one of their poly-blade heads, I did and I found it to be a waste of money. It is a pricey machine but I had no luck at all with the cheaper big box brands.

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MarkB_MI

05-24-2005 19:24:57




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Pitch, 05-24-2005 17:21:06  
Pitch,

Sorry to have to break the news, but your Stihl is two stroke. All of the Stihl string trimmers have "FS" in their model number. "FS" is an abbreviation for "freischneidegeräte", which (I think) roughly translates to "weedwhacker". All of the Stihl products have similar codes; for example the "MS" in chain saw model numbers stands for "motorsensen" (German for "chain saw").

By the way, I have a Stihl FS85, which has run without a hitch for about eight years now. Unfortunately, I don't think the FS85 is available any longer; you can get the FS80 which is the same thing with a flexible drive shaft. If you want a solid drive shaft like the FS85 you have to go up to the FS110.

Another brand very popular with the commercial landscapers is "Red Max".

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Rick in NB

05-24-2005 18:28:17




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Pitch, 05-24-2005 17:21:06  
Sorry to be nit-picking but how can it be a four stroke if you have to mix gas & oil. Just does not compute ;-)

By the way I have a FS 120 straight shaft trimmer and really love it. Strong enough to do most any job and not nearly as heavy or pricey a a bush saw.



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tractordave

05-25-2005 07:43:45




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 Re: string trimmer recommendations in reply to Rick in NB, 05-24-2005 18:28:17  
I LOVE my Troy Bilt trimmer. It is 4 stroke and you do not have to mix gas & oil. It has a split shaft so you can use different ends (edger, trimmer, hedge trimmer, etc) and it sounds like a Volkswagen with the muffler off.
I also agree that Stihl is a good name, I don't like Husqvarna, homelite is ok.
Dave



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