String Trimmer Recommendations??

[gator]

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

[gator]

Originally Posted by Mike Davis

Did you decide yet George?

Want to try my Stihl?

I think that I am going to visit the Stihl dealer and the Echo dealer when the time comes. Had a sit-down with the wife-mate this weekend and for the next 6-8 weeks the checkbook is not looking all that great so I guess that for a few weeks I'll have to limp along with the YardMan (when it gets out of the shop next week).

Thanks for the offer but I think I could trim with scissors in the time it would take me to get to your place and back with your's.

George

[Mike Davis]

Oh, I meant try it out here, NO WAY i would let it leave the farm! I'd be back in a jungle in no time. Can't let the snakes get established again.

[Don Sorensen]

I also have a Ryobi gas powered string trimmer. No idea what model it is, but it used to feed two strings at a time, rather than the one. Still holds the same amount of string as a single line.

Starts and runs great, but as I said - "it used to feed two strings"...the bump "cap" also housed the bolt that holds the trimmer line spool in the machine. Only took a year to wear out the plastic that retained the bolt in place. After a couple of search and rescues finding the bolt (after feeding more string manually) I used some clear silicon to at least cap-off the bolt retaining area.
I left room for the bolt to move (part of the feeding mechanix) but apparently, not enough.

If I could have my Ryobi with the bump-feed mechanism from Dad's Weadeater - I'd be set!

So, Alan, if you happen across a way to change out those bump feeders, please let me know. I'll be sure and keep an eye out, too.

[Alan in Little Washington]

Originally Posted by Mike Davis

Oh, I meant try it out here, NO WAY i would let it leave the farm! I'd be back in a jungle in no time. Can't let the snakes get established again.

Your last pic looks like you are cutting some "special" weed. Don't inhale the smoke when you burn it.

[Alan in Little Washington]

Originally Posted by Don Sorensen

So, Alan, if you happen across a way to change out those bump feeders, please let me know. I'll be sure and keep an eye out, too.

I kept wearing out the dome and losing the spring etc. Within the last few years I replaced the whole string head, but I don't know where I got it. I believe it just screws off and the new one just screws on.

[Mike Davis]

Hmmm, no I don't think so. I should get some close ups and see if Dave can tell me what it is though.

I think I know the answer.

It's just a weed.

Wish i could get rid of it, but we don't use chemicals on the land.