Line trimmer?

[DeathGrip]

I need to get one.I have about 400 feet of fencing and a lot of other places that the mower is rough to get to.I don't want electric so my question is two stroke or four?Also what brands are best for the money?

Thanks,

 

[Stonecove]

When I was looking for a string trimmer and blower, I just looked to see what the pros in the area are using. The local yard guys all have Stihl. One warning about them and others: the gas you use has ethynol which will eat the freeze plugs. Always use a gas conditioner to prevent this problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I learned the hard way.
I got the combo unit: it has removable heads so you can have one motor to run a trimmer and an edger: STIHL KombiSystem and KombiMotor - Professional Multi-task Tools | STIHL USA

Also instead of using the string, get the plastic flail attachment, it's called a polycut: Trimmer Blades – Trimmer Cutting Heads & Blades | STIHL
If you buy a new unit, you can get a 4 year warrenty if you use Stihl synthetic oil for your gas mix.
Good luck!
Stonecove

 

[Jellybean]

With the way tools are made now they are all probably coming off the same assembly line in China.

As to the two or four stroke...two strokes are lighter and simpler but require the gas and oil to be mixed. Four strokes are heavier and more cumbersome but the oil and gas doesn't need to be mixed. It does still need both, regardless of what some people think.

Another thing you might want to conisder is the convertable models. They can be changed to several different tools, such as weed trimmer, brush cutter, cultivator, hedge trimmer, edger, chain saw and etc. They do come in handy and with not buying a motor for each seperate tool, they can save you a lot of money.

We're on our second year with a Ryobi 4 stroke with a few adapt-it attachments. I've had a Homelite 2 stroke since 1992 that still runs pretty good, but the wife hated having to mix the fuel.

 

[Rule3]

Sthil or Echo are the only good ones. Forget the 4 stroke. Too heavy and not near the power to weight.

I have the Echo from Homer Deopt

 

[zercool]

2-stroke, and Husqvarna or Stihl. Prepare to spend about $200-250. I have a Husqy and am VERY happy with it.

 

[cass]

I'm a big fan of Echo. My first on lasted 23 years before it started giving me trouble. I have both Echo and Stihl trimmers - the Echo is the more dependable of the two. If you'll remove the spark arrester screen, it will last a lot longer.

 

[G-Mac]

I've got a Stihl with the straight shaft. Bought it because of their chainsaw quality. No disappointments.

 

[LoadedRound]

I've got a Stihl with the straight shaft. Bought it because of their chainsaw quality. No disappointments.

G-Mac does speak the truth. Go ahead and get the blower while you're there.

 

[BE Mike]

I have this one: Shop Husqvarna 2-Cycle Straight-Shaft Gas String Trimmer at Lowes.com I've been using it for 3 years or so. The only drawbacks are that it is a little PIA to fill the dual line trimmer holder, the titanium trimmer line is a little pricey and the way I hold it, the motor contacts my forearm near the elbow and it gets hot! Other than those things, it is tops. The line lasts a long time and cuts through tough stuff. It is easy to start. I use Stabil in with the gas and oil mixture.

 

[rags]

One more for Stihl.

rags

 

[DeathGrip]

Thanks again,

 

[Indiana George]

Yet another vote for Stihl.

I've got two; one loaded with 'string', the other with poly blades.

Two because my wife wanted a light weight one and later decided that it was much easier to just let ME do the trimming!!! LOL!!! As usual . . . she was right! ~Grin~

 

[G.T. Smith]

I have had a bunch of different ones and used to repair and sell them. The one I own now is the best I have ever used. It is a Sthil FS-55R. Straight shaft dual line string trimmer. I bought the brush cutting set up that comes with a steel blade of which there are several variations.
Starts and runs great. Light weight and plenty of power.
Peace,
gordon

 

[dark star]

john deere makes a great line trimmer, I have had mine for 6yrs now with zero problems...stihl and huski are also very good...pay the money and get a good one that will last and not give you any trouble

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I think if you could take a poll of the commercial lawn care people you would find that Shindaiwa trimmers would be number one. I think some of the trimmers that other people have recommended are also good but I think the Shindaiwa would be the best. Don


Trimmers | Shindaiwa-USA.com

Check the net for the best prices.

 

[DeathGrip]

You guys rock!

I've seen what the locals carry and Stihl is very popular around these parts.

I guess if I want a Stihl I'm gonna have to go to a pro-shop.My wallet hurts already.

I want quality and if I can "Made in the U.S.A."

This is gonna have to last me a long time.

 

[gamedic]

Deathgrip, I am a professional lancscaper. I use Shindaiwa and Stihl. Both are excellent, but Shindaiwa is by far my favorite. I have also tried Redmax and Husqvarna but didn't like them. Al small two stroke engines give problems these day bucause of the ethanol in the gas. You will have to put a fuel additive such as Stabil or Startron in your fuel. If your lucky enough to have a gas station near by that still sells straight gas it would be worth it to buy for your small engines. If there is a Shindaiwa dealer near by go take a look at them you wont be disappointed. If you go with Stihl buy a fs110 4 mix. The 4 mix trimmers are light and powerful. If you are going to use it a lot invest in a Speedfeed trimmer head. It is made by Shindaiwa, but they make versions to fit most all trimmers. You don't have to take it apart to load string. jusy slide a 12-15 foot piece of string though the head and wind it up. it literally takes 20 seconds to reload. There about $30 and worth it. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[ThirtyAcres]

I think if you could take a poll of the commercial lawn care people you would find that Shindaiwa trimmers would be number one.........................

I used Shindaiwa blowers-trimmers-chainsaws commercially for 21 years.

T-27 model trimmers. EB-45 backback blowers. 488 chainsaws. HT-20 hedge trimmers.

I still have one of the T-27 trimmers.......used it last week to trim a half-mile of fenceline on my farm. It is 12 years old. Still runs like a top.

I always ran 50 to 1 mix in everything with 89 octane fuel. Best thing about the commercial Shindiawa is that it has an adjustable high-speed jet on the carb.

My vote for most dependable.

 

[Armyphotog]

I hate those line trimmers but use one regularly. I cuss every time I have to redo the line. As they get older, they get more contrary. Gone to electric, though. Seems to be less trouble and certainly lasts longer.

 

[doublesharp]

Whatever you get, be sure it has a Shindy speed feed head. I've got a Husqvarna and a Kawasaki, both straight shaft 2 cycle.