Propane String Trimmer

[Glennbear]

Sears recently announced a new line of propane bottle string trimmers. It seems to be a pretty good idea but being a new product still a little pricey. I find the idea of instant starts and not messing with liquid fuel pretty appealing. The fact that I will finally have a use for the propane bottles leftover from my camping days is also a plus. Most propane is produced in the USA and burns cleaner than gas which are also good things. DOT regulations prohibit interstate transportation of refilled small bottles but there are kits available to refill the small bottles for home use thus reducing fuel costs.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...criptionAnchor

[ScottM]

The other plus is you can use them inside the house.... Just think of it. Open the window. Fire up the propane blower and no more vacuming or dusting needed.

[Tar Heel]

That seems to be a good idea Glenn. Tholse 2 cycle engines are very tempermental. I switched to an electric trimmer because of that.

[WoodWrangler]

That is a GREAT idea. Personally, I can't stand anything that requires an oil/gas mixture ... plus the smell. I hope they offer more products in the same idea!

[RandyJ]

Propane fueled products are cleaner and more economical to operate. They typically are a little heavier than their gas/oil counterparts but usually no more than a couple of pounds. If the additional weight isn't an issue for you, GO FOR IT!

We all love new TOYLS!

Be sure to post pics of your new weed whacker when you get it
In fact, bring it by my house and give it a test drive

Thanks for sharing

[russellellis]

Thats been in the works for a while now. When i was working there, it was always supposed to hit the shelves next week. Then next week, and the next. It never showed up.
Its in response to 2 cycle engines are supposed to be be discontinued in a few years.
Id really be interested in seeing one in action myself. Ive rebuilt my 5 year old 2 cycle twice. It gets old.

[Mike Davis]

I have a 10 year old Stihl that runs great!

I had to replace the solid shaft because I abuse the heck out of it, besides that nothing but fill it up and cut everything in its path.

[lottathought]

Has anybody looked at increase in fuel cost across the life of this?
I would be curious to know how long a bottle last and if you are putting a new one in at every cutting.

[Ken Massingale]

Home depot carries them also, under the manuf. name.

http://www.golehr.com/

[DavidF]

Looks great, but probably still too heavy for Carol to use. Not to hijack the thread, but has anybody used one of the cordless models? are they powerful enough/ last long enough (30 mins max). She really wants to be able to wack the weeds, but our gas one is way too heavy.

[bpeck]

Dan Neil of the LA Times (former infamous car columnist of the N&O) has a good review of these.

[Mike Davis]

David,

My MIL has a string trimmer on wheels, she loves it. She trims all around her flowers and garden and it is easier than using a lawn mower.

I think she got it at Sears.

[Tarhead]

The Sears model gets ~2 hrs/tank. Thats about how long a pint tank of fuel mix lasts on my 2 cycle Echo. If you refill your small tanks off of a 20 lb grill tank 1lb would cost $.85 ($17/20lb tank). If you add half of a $1.00 bottle of 2 Cycle oil to your gallon of gas and gas is $2.50/gal it would cost $3.00 for a gallon of mix. A pint of mix would cost ~$.38. (8 pints in a $3.00 gallon) So it's much less to stay w/gas mix. I imagine the costs of these will drop as the make up their R&D costs and get some competition. I don't see LP prices falling. I had to go by Sears this afternoon and checked them out while in the lawn care dept. They are a lot heavier than my Echo but with the shoulder strap they balance fine. They also have the multi tool adapter so you can put an edger, tiller, blower, etc on it. Wonder if a couple of goats would be a better option?

[Gotcha6]

Gotta side track you guys a moment on the 2 cycle gas thingy. Went to rent a Quickie saw the other week from Sunbelt Rentals. They recommended a 50:1 premix they sell in cases of 6 quart cans. It is made from E85 ethanol and synthetic oil. There was no smoking & they told me the plugs didn't foul on the synthetic mix. It's a little pricey @ $3.50/quart but I'd buy it again.
I like the idea of the propane though. One thing I'm interested in is how the crankcase gets lubed & is it a 2 cycle or does it have valves? If so, is it useable in any position?

[Tarhead]

4 cycle