Advice on a String Timmer

[Canuck]

Wasn't sure whether to post here or not??

I am in the market for a reliable gas powered string trimmer. Had a great electric heavy duty (Craftsman) trimmer for about 10 years until it started to smoke last spring while trimming some ornamental Mondo grass in the flower gardens. Burnt it up.

I have been looking at the Stihl line of trimmers. Wanted to know what the woodworking gals and guys thoughts are regarding the Stihl or can suggest another brand that I might take a look at.

My apologies; as this is not a woodworking related question at all. (Don't plan on using it for cuttin' down red oaks! )

Thanks,

Wayne

[scsmith42]

I've used a Stihl trimmer for several years on the farm - no problems at all. I also have Stihl chainsaws that have served me well (and some old Echo's).

Re the trimmer, the main thing to do is to always use fresh fuel/oil mix (mixed less than 30 days). Anything older than that - throw it out or burn it up in your car, lawmower, etc.

Kinda similar to a 3000 mile oil change for a vehicle's engine. Some folks will go longer between changes, but just about everybody agrees that this is the least expensive way to maximize engine life (trimmer or auto).

Scott

[Nativespec]

I like the 4 Strokes that accept attachments. I bought a Troy Built at Lowes . I have a hedging and tiller attachement and it is quiet and peaceful.

[chris99z71]

I spent many an 8 hour day getting personal with an Echo trimmer during the summers when I was in college. They're bulletproof. I can't speak for the Stihls, but if they're half as good as their saws, you can't go wrong there either.

[DaveO]

We use only Stihl trimmers commercially...'nough said.
Dave

[sapwood]

Stihl Stihl Stihl!
I have a Stihl weed whacker, chainsaw, and leafblower. I've gone through several weed whackers and leafblowers . . . but the Stihl stuff has yet to fail me. Their 2-cycle engines run on 89 octane gas with a 50/1 oil mix. That is generally a positive thing, but if you have other 2-cycle stuff they may use 87 octane with a 40/1 or 25/1 mix. So don't use the wrong fuel mix

Roger

[Canuck]

Ok guys. It certainly sounds like I need to go Stihl shopping!! The only thing that I have found in the past is that most all retailers just quote the list price. (Just like shopping for Honda Accord/Civic.)

I'll get out soon and check these out - maybe before my Mondo grass takes over the whole yard!

Thanks so much to all for all of your input and direction!

Wayne

(Oh my Gosh by Golly, this is my 1000th post and I am not even talking woodworking! Shame on me!!!!!!!!)

[sapwood]

Originally Posted by Canuck

(Oh my Gosh by Golly, this is my 1000th post and I am not even talking woodworking! Shame on me!!!!!!!!)

Hey, it is was correctly posted in Other Stuff

Let me be the first to congratulate you

Roger

[Toddler]

Hi Wayne,

You won't find Stihl discounted much anywhere, but there used to be a store out off 98 in Durham, Quality Saw and Equipment or something. They had LOTS of Stihl stuff there and are worth calling for a price when you figure out what you want. I got my husky saw fixed there once, cracked fuel line. . . .
I think they may have had a few Stihl items discounted.

Todd

[Canuck]

Originally Posted by Toddler

Hi Wayne,

You won't find Stihl discounted much anywhere, but there used to be a store out off 98 in Durham, Quality Saw and Equipment or something. They had LOTS of Stihl stuff there and are worth calling for a price when you figure out what you want. I got my husky saw fixed there once, cracked fuel line. . . .
I think they may have had a few Stihl items discounted.

Todd

Thanks for the tip, Todd! I might even try a fully serviced trade-in.

I'll do some shoppin' around.

Wayne

[Toddler]

That made me curious as to what the trade in policy was. So I found the site. Didn't see anything about trades, but here:

Quality Mower & Saw Equipment - Durham Polaris - Polaris Rangers & ATV Dealer, Scag Power Equipment, E-Ton ATVs, Serving Durham, Raleigh, Wake Forest and Creedmoor

Course, Stihl is a local company, so you may find a great dealer even closer to you! The Stihl link will let you do a dealer search.

Todd

[scsmith42]

Wilson Outdoor equipment in downtown Raleigh keeps a pretty complete inventory, and they are great to deal with.

The folks at Quality Mower in Durham are also good people.

My favorite local dealer though is Bobby's Small Engine in Sanford (Jonesboro). Bobby is a super nice fellow, does all his own service work, is reasonably priced, and sometimes I just like supporting the little guy.

The only other advice that I would offer is to get the lightest trimmer that will meet your needs. Using one around the farm is a necessity, but my back sure aches after a few hours of trimming...

Scott

[DaveO]

When my wife was shopping for my Stihl 260 chainsaw, she found the best price at Hudson's Ace Hardware in Garner at Hwy. 50 & 70. She also said they were really nice to deal with, and very helpful.
My $.02, Dave

[Canuck]

Thanks for the wealth of info!

I have dealt with Cary Mower and Saw for a number of years and know that they also carry the Stihl line. I may just try them first, if for nothing else but narrow the model choices.

All of the detail provided certainly is appreciated!

Wayne

[jerrye]

Barnhill Equipment in Durham on Chapel Hill Blvd prolly has the best selection I've seen. Ask for dale.