String Trimmer?

[Tarhead]

I swore last fall I would replace my 10y/o Ryobi 2 cycle string trimmer but didn't find the Rountuit before they put them up for the winter.
Any strong opinions on what's available on the market, best value, etc? I would like to stay with a straight shaft and have it compatible with the EZ Link attachments (blower). 4 cycle would be nice also.
Thanks!

[Travis Porter]

I have a 2 cycle Echo with straight shaft that I have had for 10 years. The only thing I have had to do to it is replace the spark plug and line spool as both were shot. Both were readily available at the BORG.

[sediener]

I just got the troybuilt 4-cycle 29cc straight shaft trimmer from lowes a few weeks ago. Works much better than the old sears/poulan model I had. I took down a patch of sunflower stalks with it a week or two ago. It has a variety of attachments available but I haven't got any of those yet.

http://www.troybilt.com/webapp/wcs/s...2359_18652_-1#


Unfortunately fire ants don't like the commotion it makes and their bites kinda feel like you are hitting yourself with rocks from the trimmer. After about 50 bites, I realized what was going on. Thankfully the neighbor's kids weren't outside, else they would have learned a few new words.

- Steve

[Canuck]

Hi there Mark,

I was in the same dilemma this past spring. Also posted here and got plenty of positive Stihl recommendations...

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/s...ighlight=stihl

As it turned out, I did go with the Stihl, Model FS 55R. It has been an excellent trimmer for me. I too can attest to the excellent little engine that is really quick and easy to start. The only thing that really surprised me was the level of noise it generates. Full throttle sounds like I am cutting down trees! Hearing protection sure wouldn't hurt when running it wide open!

Think that I paid around $200 in March of this year.

Wayne

[mike_wood]

I have had an Echo trimmer for ~7 years and it has worked flawlessly the whole time. Still starts right up and runs all day. I have Stihl and Husky chain saws so I am familiar with their quality but with due respect to both of them the Echo is right there in performance.

[Travis Porter]

To the contrary, I have a Stihl chainsaw and it is a BEAST and I would not trade it for anything. In almost 15 years I have never had to do a thing to it and it always cranks on the 2nd pull.

One question though Mike. How is it weight wise compared to others? I know their backpack blowers are awesome (my BIL has 2 of them), but I had for some reason thought the trimmers were on the heavy side.

[TV]

I have a John Deere (made by Echo), 2 cycle, straight shaft, model 260g that I have had for 17 years. Used it commercially for 4-5 years and is still running strong. Has a bit of a personality, but it really does run like clockwork. If Echo still makes them as like mine then I would highly recommend Echo.

tv

[DaveO]

Most professional landscapers use Stihl, they take a lickin' and keep on tickin'

Dave

[Tarhead]

Thanks everyone!
I'll have to check out the Stihls. The place where I bought my mower is a dealer. Maybe they have some end of the season deals since everything is brown and dusty. Come on rain!!!!