Buying my first weed whacker, need advice

[Waldo]

Have decided I need a weed whacker, am tired of using a hand clipper. Lots of decisions. Should I get a 2 cycle or 4 cycle? I am not thrilled with having to mix gas and oil and have 2 gas cans at the house. It looks like I can get one with a spool on the end that you just bump when you need more line. But Sears sells some they call "hassle free" where you replace the line by hand each time you need too. Was also going to by an edger, but they have an attachment for the weed whacker that will do the same thing. Anybody had any experience with this? Not sure if the attachment will work or for how long. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Waldo]

Have decided I need a weed whacker, am tired of using a hand clipper. Lots of decisions. Should I get a 2 cycle or 4 cycle? I am not thrilled with having to mix gas and oil and have 2 gas cans at the house. It looks like I can get one with a spool on the end that you just bump when you need more line. But Sears sells some they call "hassle free" where you replace the line by hand each time you need too. Was also going to by an edger, but they have an attachment for the weed whacker that will do the same thing. Anybody had any experience with this? Not sure if the attachment will work or for how long. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[cass]

First choice would be ECHO, then Stihl. Stay away from Sears.

 

[opoefc]

Waldo, Check out the back issues of Consumer Reports, and similar magazines. They have done extensive surveys and testing of all types of weed whackers and reported the pluses & minuses of the different styles and concepts.

 

[HUGHP]

I've been using a Black&Decker Grasshog for over 6 years with no problems. It's plenty strong. Rechargable 18 volt Cordless electric. No gas,oil or cranking. It also edges. The new models comes with 2 batteries so it runs a good while between charges.

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0ge...spx%3fProductID=6427

 

[ditrina]

Originally posted by cass:
First choice would be ECHO, then Stihl. Stay away from Sears.

+1

 

[zercool]

Stihl makes a nice one, I ended up with a Husqvarna.

2-stroke isn't a huge deal, and a gallon of mix will last you most of a season depending on how much you trim.

The bump-advance is nice... heads can be swapped, though, so you can get the heavy-duty line that you replace by hand after the fact.

 

[bamafan1977]

Go with a Stihl or an Echo. A little more money up front, but well worth it in the long run.

I've got an Echo, and not a problem at all. Has the easy start feature, very easy to pull start. I just pulled it out of the shed from being put up for the winter. Filled with gas, and started on the second pull.

 

[truckemup97]

Don't forget to treat your gas before you store it for winter. That's probably the most important thing you can do for your power equipment. The shops are full of clogged carbs right now.

 

[Out West]

Straight shaft! Much more agile than the curved shaft models.

Out West

 

[sparky9]

Great advice here! Absolutely go with the straight shaft.
I like mine. It's a Troy-Bilt straight shaft. Not necessarily the best brand, but I got it for free so I couldn't beat the price.
There are some brands that are "bump free". The line feeds out automatically so there's no bump to feed.
Just like a mower, treat the gas and at season's end let it run completely out of gas. That will help keep your carb clear.
I know a guy that says his weed whacker is called Round Up.

 

[MADISON]

weed whacker
Troy Built is what we have.
It's high dolar but, well worth the extra money.

 

[Farmer17]

The expert law maintenance people just about all use Echos and Stihls.

 

[dkees]

Can't beat a Stihl.

But whatever you get swap out the string for easily replaceable blades. A lot tougher, don't tangle, and will cut through a 3 inch sunflower.

You can get the replacement kit about anywhere.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

Cass is right. Echo or Stihl. I am the equipment manager for a large landscape co in S. Florida and all we use.

Stihl set the standard on 4 stroke hand held machines and is ahead of all the others in meeting EPA emission standards.

Just like buying a Smith pay a little more and get a lot more

 

[Steave]

Originally posted by cass:
First choice would be ECHO, then Stihl. Stay away from Sears.

You bet, this is the only advise you need.

 

[gregintenn]

If you are going to do a lot of heavy work with it, I'd go with a straight shaft Stihl. If you are only going to use it for a little occasional trimming around the house, I'd buy the smallest, lightest curved shaft Homelite I could find. I've had one of those for 15 years now, and it still cranks on the first pull.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I've got a homelight from Lowe's and it is a POS-I seem to have really bad luck with weed wackers-I think the next time I need to buy one I'm just gonna rent a mexican.

 

[Steave]

Years ago I had a Homelite, I only use it for occasional trimming around the house, it didn't last a year. My Echo has been running like a top now for 6-7 years.

 

[MaricopaKid]

I have to agree with the Echo, straight shaft. I use a med.-end commercial, with a back brace for about 45-50 trees and 2 houses.