Educate me on string trimmers

[jkaetz]

I currently have an old Echo 2 stroke from the 1990's era with a curved shaft. I've never had an issue with the engine but I feel like the head angle makes it difficult to get a good trim especially around my fence. Would I be better served by looking into a more modern design? Brands to look at?

 

[WhitleyStu]

Stihl with straight shaft...

 

[d.kaufman]

Not much help here. Running a Craftsman convertible setup for the last 12 years. No issues. Have trimmer, blower, and tiller attachments for it. Can also start it with a cordless drill if I'm to lazy to pull the rope

 

[Mgderf]

I bought a Royobi 4-stroke last year with the straight shaft.
I've heard several times that the curved shafts tend to wear out faster.
No idea if this is true or not, but I like the straight shaft better anyway.

The model I bought has interchangeable heads.
I bought the string trimmer head, and the hard-blade trimmer head that will chew down small saplings.

The Royobi has plenty of power for my needs.
It's easy to start and doesn't seem to use much gas.
The string change-out is also incredibly easy on this thing.

I also like the 4-stroke motor.
No more mixing gas & oil, at least for that.

 

[Mr. Habib]

I've had 2 Echos each for 20+ years without any serious issues. You will find several Stihl fans on here as well. I think you would do well with either one. IMO, straight shaft is the way to go. They tend to be more durable and can take attachments like brush cutting blades. You will probably never see a professional using a curved shaft.

 

[foszoe]

Look at the 36v Makitas power head. Then you can also buy the 4 stroke and interchange attachments

 

[Expat]

Stihl with straight shaft...

I have been running one for 6 years maybe longer. No problems at all.

 

[indyjohn]

You may already do this, but it must be pointed out that always running treated gas in your string trimmer is as important as the brand you buy, if not more so. Adding a fuel additive such as Stabil brand or similar is what I'm talking about. Doing that will have a significant impact on your trimmer's longevity.

Everybody in the room knows I'm a Stihl fanboy, but for some reason I've always gone cheap on my string trimmers. I just don't have a lot of edging to do so I've had trouble spending more money on a orange one. My last two have been Lowes (now Home Depot) Troy Bilt 2-stroke straight shaft. I put good gas in it, it starts on a couple pulls and runs strong. I had to adjust the idle down a bit when I got the current one broken in. I have the sidewalk edger attachment that does what it's supposed to. The trimmer sits in the garage year round and I have found it will start next spring (because of the gas I run in it). I got 4 or 5 years out of the last one, $150.

YMMV.

 

[texas123]

Stihl straight shaft. I live out in the country and use it to trim fence rows and and ditch next to the road. No problems in 5 years of hard use. I believe it is a FS91R.

 

[sparky32]

I run the S*** out of my Stihl. I start it and pretty much run it wide open on the tree lines and fence rows for 5 minutes at a time. 6 years with this one and im not easy on tools.... Im that guy that if it can be broken im pretty rough on stuff.

 

[Bugzilla]

Have a Stihl with a straight shaft for about 15 years for the heavy work. The better half uses a Worx battery operated for around the house for the last 2 years. We have 7 acres and woods. Very impressed with the Worx. Stihl is very good. I have some Echo products that I would rate right up there with Stihl.

 

[tetter]

We got a Milwaukee 18V battery string trimmer this year. I've had a number of gas-powered trimmers, most recently a Stihl, and I'm a huge fan of the new Milwaukee so far. No mixing gas, pulling starter ropes, or tinkering with small engines.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer with QUIK-LOK Attachment Capability and 8.0 Ah Battery 2825-21ST - The Home Depot

The MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL String Trimmer kit w/ QUIK-LOK provides you with the power to clear thick brush, reaches full throttle in under 1 second, and features a balanced design. The split boom cordless

www.homedepot.com

 

[BE Mike]

I have a buddy that has a Christmas tree farm. He has always used Echo. I inherited an Echo and it is superior to the Husqvarna I used to have. I say "stay with the one what's brung ya".

 

[jd4320t]

First, definitely get a straight shaft. It’s so much better.

How much do you trim?

 

[d.kaufman]

You may already do this, but it must be pointed out that always running treated gas in your string trimmer is as important as the brand you buy, if not more so. Adding a fuel additive such as Stabil brand or similar is what I'm talking about. Doing that will have a significant impact on your trimmer's longevity.

I've never added any additives to my craftsman. Good ol 87 octane and 2 stroke oil. Always run it out of fuel before winter, but that is it for me.

 

[Brandon]

Stihl with straight shaft...

This.

 

[shadow64]

I have echo straight shaft for a few years and no problems . Stihl is also a good option a lot of landscaping companies use them.

 

[indyjohn]

I've never added any additives to my craftsman. Good ol 87 octane and 2 stroke oil. Always run it out of fuel before winter, but that is it for me.

You're a unicorn. Congrats.

 

[Super Bee]

I have had a 40V Kobalt for probably eight years, no issues either. The wife does all the trimming. It is light weight and runs every single time.

 

[dmarsh8]

Stihl with straight shaft...

This