Posted: 6/30/2012 3:29:59 PM EDT
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Ok, I'm done. I had an electric POS. Changing string all the time. Then I bought a mid range Troy Bilt last summer (about $200). Still changing string all the time. So I bought a head for it that you just threaded the string through. Still changing string (.95) all the time but at least it was easier, but string got stuck inside it after one season and I can't get it out. Plus the string was getting harder and harder to put into it. Just bought an Aero Flex head today and went through 2 sets of those plastic blades and didn't even finish my yard. I don't give a shit if I spend $400. I want a trimmer that will keep the fucking string on at least for 2 yard wackings. Fuck it. $500 if the fuckers will last 3 weeks. |
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Quoted: I am not sure what you are cutting, but maybe you need one of these  . I cut through small trees with it.Pretty much this. If you are going through string and plastic blades that quick you're using the wrong tool for the job. |
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It's got to be your technique or improper use of the tool.
I'll run about 10 houses on a spool; and it's the shitty new echo head that only holds about 3 armlengths of .095. The only thing that absolutley destroys line is chain link; spray is the way to go. Keep it out of the dirt and away from hard stuff. String trimmers are for grass. Put on a steel blade if you're cutting brush. |
| Sherrick, I am in kind of the same boat. I had two of the mid range Troy Builts and tore them up. Broke the drive shaft in the first one using the tiller attachment and the second started leaking oil, getting hard to start, not running right, etc. Just crap. I followed the Arfcom advise and went and bought a Stihl 110 with the combi attachments. It was not cheap, but has lots of versatility. I have 690 feet of fence in the back and lots of trees to edge around. I still have plenty of line in the spool that came on it. Here is the part I cannot put a price on: time. It was SO MUCH FASTER than the Troy Built. It just hauled ass and I walked around quickly with it. Cut my time in half and cut down a lot of stiff with ease. Thick grass, vines, etc. I have never been happier to spend some cash on a piece on yard equipment. |
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Quoted:
I want a trimmer that will keep the fucking string on at least for 2 yard wackings. part A: Stihl FS55R straight shaft http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/homeowner-trimmers/fs55r/ part B: tanaka green monster line (or alt oregon gator line) http://www.amazon.com/Tanaka-Monster-Professional-095-Inch-746590/dp/B0015YZ0TQ/ref=pd_sbs_lg_4 i use both of the above produces, the only time i mess with the head is about once a year to spool some new line on. i have ~2 acres and never have a problem feeding from the spool while walking around. ar-jedi |
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Quoted: It's got to be your technique or improper use of the tool. I'll run about 10 houses on a spool; and it's the shitty new echo head that only holds about 3 armlengths of .095. The only thing that absolutley destroys line is chain link; spray is the way to go. Keep it out of the dirt and away from hard stuff. String trimmers are for grass. Put on a steel blade if you're cutting brush. I'm sure I suck at using it. This is just normal suburban edging and fence line stuff. But I'd rather get something that can stand up to the driveway and curb edges than try to perfect my technique. I hate yard work and want to get it over with as soon as possible. Hiring someone is not an option. I don't want a bunch of illegals around my house. |
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Stihl straight shaft trimmers. get the 25-2 C auto cut head.. The 'C' head is the one that you dont have to disassmble the head to restring.. Brian That must be what I have––poke two pieces of line in, wind the thing up and it sucks it in. When it won't turn any more stop, cut it off, and go trim. OP, the single biggest factor is to remember the string is invisible when it's turning and STOP LOOKING AT THE FOOKING PLASTIC PART. You destroy your string by bashing it into concrete and chain link fence. Keep the visible part of the head back about 6-8" and your string will last MUCH longer. 
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Quoted:
Just use Round Up around the house and fences(if any). Cuts weed eating time to almost nothing. That's what we do. There is a definite learning curve involved, so be careful when you start, as the slightest mist will kill everything it touches. ONLY do this near dark when there is NO wind, and use a shield to make a nice line. A piece of cardboard will work, or plywood, etc. You can edge around trees this way and avoid damaging the bark with your mower, which is highly detrimental. We end up with very little actual trimming being needed. |
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I love Round-Up...well, the co-op version called Honcho.
I've had outstanding service from my Echo SRM 230. It's used on about 5 acres total...chain link, t-post, privacy fence, you name it. It'll knock down 6 foot Johnson grass without hesitation. But Round-up is a hell of a lot easier
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Just use Round Up around the house and fences(if any). Cuts weed eating time to almost nothing. That's what we do. There is a definite learning curve involved, so be careful when you start, as the slightest mist will kill everything it touches. ONLY do this near dark when there is NO wind, and use a shield to make a nice line. A piece of cardboard will work, or plywood, etc. You can edge around trees this way and avoid damaging the bark with your mower, which is highly detrimental. We end up with very little actual trimming being needed. One of the biggest things to control overspray/drift is to keep the pressure low. Most people pump 'em up tight and make a mist that's hard to see, and is subject to wind. Corse spray and lower pressure FTW. For in between small plants and really tight places, there's a cone that can go over the nozzle and fully contains the pattern. Quoted:
I've had outstanding service from my Echo SRM 230. Best value in trimmers IMHO. Quoted:
I'm sure I suck at using it. This is just normal suburban edging and fence line stuff. But I'd rather get something that can stand up to the driveway and curb edges than try to perfect my technique. I hate yard work and want to get it over with as soon as possible. Hiring someone is not an option. I don't want a bunch of illegals around my house. Youre looking at it all wrong. If you can walk quickly with a trimmer and maintain a +- 1/8" trajectory, that's got to be building some rifle skills somewhere. |
| Tired of engines that are hard to start, batteries that wont hold a charge, not enough power and mucking around with line, winding spools and 'hit to feed' nonsense I bought a $50 Black & Decker Grass Hog Electric Trimmer/Edger (GH710). It works like a champ on GRASS, not cement, not poles, not trees, not sod, not rocks... it works great on GRASS - The wire guide is gooooood. The line feeds flawlessly.... Other than the damn cord, it's perfect. |
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Quoted:
This is just normal suburban edging and fence line stuff. But I'd rather get something that can stand up to the driveway and curb edges than try to perfect my technique. I hate yard work and want to get it over with as soon as possible. this is exactly what i use my Stihl FS55 for. btw, you can also check in with the pros at the ARFCOM of landscaper folks: http://www.lawnsite.com/ e.g. THIS IS THE THREAD YOU ARE LOOKING FOR: Need Tips For Edging With String Trimmer http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=380722&highlight=trimmer also see http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=379930&highlight=trimmer and http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=381329&highlight=trimmer and http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=379255 ar-jedi 
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