String Trimmer Recommendations??

String Trimmer Recommendations?? · 06-25-2009, 05:13 PM

I currently have a Yardman (made by MTD) gas string trimmer. Supposedly it was easy to start (NEW assisted start tech) and a two year warranty. Purchased last May and is currently in the shop for the third time for warranty repairs (edit - not just because it won't start, but the starting gear/recoil mechanism has broken three times). Never started easily, I expend more effort starting it than I do using it on the entire yard.

What gas trimmer is consistently easy to start (3-4 pulls) today, start of the season, end of the season and the start of next season? Don't care if it is 2 or 4 stroke, shouldn't be too heavy (don't need professional grade). Whichever one I decide to look at I will look more carefully than I did last time at the total length. I have to hunch over to use the Yardman, it is about 8" too short for me to stand upright and use it. Would like to look in the $120-$160 range but might consider a little more if I can start the thing.

I've seen the 4-stroke with the separate electric start unit (separate little box) at the big box but the reviews on them are not real good.

If I can't find one I might have to look at cordless but then they have less power and there is cost of batteries. But at least when you go to use them, you don't have to fight starting them.

Stihl, Husky, Echo ?????? Model number?????

George

ashley_phil · 06-25-2009, 05:23 PM

i fought this battle for years with "weedeater" brands from wal mart.

funny the year after i left home my mom bought a husqvarna when she had to start cranking the blame thing.

guess what 15 years later it still cranks up on the 3rd pull!

i'd go that route or echo

Bas · 06-25-2009, 06:12 PM

I have a B& cordless one. It has very little power, but it's perfect for edging the lawn. Quick, easy, no fuss. They use 18V batteries that are compatible with their cordless tools, so it's easy to pick them up on a sale now and then. But they don't last more than 3-4 years.

I also have a more powerful gasoline one, el cheapo from Home Depot. It works OK, starts without issues, but it's not very easy to use. But it whacks down the bushes.

If I had to buy a new one, I'd probably buy one from Husqvarna. Have not used one, but they feel comfortable, and if the performance is anything like their backpack blowers, it's a winner.

CarpenterDad · 06-25-2009, 06:17 PM

I bought a Toro from Home Depot in 2005 and it has always been easy to start. I haven't always taken the best care of it

but it has always run strong and served me well. I just follow the directions and it fires right up.

DaveO · 06-25-2009, 06:23 PM

Stihl is the most chosen brand by professional landscape maintenance companies. You'll get what you pay for. I'm most partial to the FS90R it has good power to weight ratio and can accept brush blades and hedge trimmer attachments.

Dave

froglips · 06-25-2009, 06:23 PM

I went from years of poor working cheap models to a new Stihl. Never been happier.

Jim

RandyJ · 06-25-2009, 06:32 PM

I have had an Echo GT200CE for more years than I can remember! Maybe 15yrs?? Starts on the 3rd pull EVERY time.
I purchased a John Deere c1200 from Home Depot about 3 years ago because it had the changeable tiller, edger, trimmer attachments. It starts on the 3rd pull EVERY time.
I know, why buy the Deere if the Echo worked? 'Cause it's another TOOL!!

Consumer Reports highly rates the Stihl FS45 and it gets consistently good reviews. You probably can't go wrong with any of these or the Husky...

The key for me is to use the proper starting procedure.

Good luck in your search

ErnieM · 06-25-2009, 06:50 PM

I can't believe I'm saying this but I've had a Sears 2 stroke string trimmer for the past 12 years. It starts everytime on the 1st or 2nd pull. I've never even changed the original spark plug. I use the thing at least 1 1/2 hours a week and it never lets me down. That said, when and if it finally goes to the big grass patch in the sky, I won't buy another one. Too much plastic in the new ones. I have a Husqvarna backpack blower, as does Bas, and it's so good I would look at anything they make.

Ernie

Mike Davis · 06-25-2009, 06:52 PM

I currently own three Stihls and a Stihl chainsaw. The oldest one is almost ten years old, has cleared (and kept clear) over two acres of tough briar and rose thicket and finally got to where it would not run at full power. This is the first time it has ever been in a shop.

I'm over six feet tall and it is plenty long for me. The FS90 with the handlebar grips and shoulder strap will cost a bit more but is much easier to use and won't break your back like a single grip model.

For normal yard use it will last twenty years easily, thus being far less expensive than any of the big box brands.

Vetteman9956 · 06-25-2009, 07:12 PM

As I posted in an earlier post, tried the new propane fueled trimmer and returned it after 10 mins of use. So much for being green. Replaced my 10 year old John Deere with a new Stihl FS 55. Paid $199 and haven't had any regrets. Don't think you could go wrong with either a Stihl or an Echo. Echo does have a longer warranty but in 4 purchases of Stihl over the years, warranty has never been an issue as I have never had to take one back for anything. As in Woodworking, theres many mediocre products that sell for just a few buck less than the good ones. Just my 2 cents.

boxxmaker · 06-25-2009, 07:41 PM

STIHL plain an simple.you can get a home owner type Stihl for under 200.00,and you won't be sorry.

TracyP · 06-25-2009, 09:29 PM

I love my Echo. Starts on the second or third pull every time.

steviegwood · 06-25-2009, 09:50 PM

I have a Stihl FS-55 that I have had for several years now. Third crank every time; came with a circular saw type blade also and takes .095 string. That thing will eat through about anything. Straight shaft trimmers like this seem to have more power and you do not have to bend over to run them. It came with a neck/shoulder strap that I never use as it is not all that heavy. I think I paid around $200. Never been back to the shop since I bought it. Steve

Joe Lyddon · 06-25-2009, 10:35 PM

I have a Ryobi that I got from HD and LOVE it!
Model 725r

I don't remember what I paid for it a few years ago... but it was less than $100 IRC...

Strings are VERY EASY to load (and very reasonable too!).

It has never given me any major trouble... It has been VERY reliable... usually starts on the 2nd or third try... after it's warmed up, 1st try.

Canuck · 06-25-2009, 10:35 PM

+1 for the Stihl FS-55R.

Have only had mine for about a year and a half but have had no problems starting it. It has plenty of power and will tear things up pretty well.

Only down side I have found with it is very loud!

(When I get it out the neighbors think that I have cranked up a chain saw!

I had great luck with one of their blowers and decided that my next trimmer was going to also be a Stihl.

Wayne