I have one of the cheapo homelite string trimmers. I have had it for several
years and have no complaints. I don't do any maintenance or winterizing on
it, yet it starts perfectly every time, and gets the job done.

When I was looking at trimmers, I also looked at the multi-function units
that have different attachments. I realized that the various attachments
cost nearly as much as a brand new individual unit. For example, if I
remember correctly, the hedge trimmer attachment for the string trimmer cost
about as much as a brand new hedge trimmer all by itself.

I also have one of the cheapo homelite gas leaf blowers. It has also been
quite reliable, but since moving into a new house with a larger yard (3/4
acre) this blower is inadequate. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good,
higher powered blower? When I looked around last year, there seemed to be a
jump from consumer models in the $70 - $150 range, to more powerful
professional models in the $300 range.

While I'm at it, does anyone have any opinions on those big leaf vacuums on
wheels versus leaf blowers? The vacuum idea seems more attractive to me, but
the fact that you never see professionals using them makes me think that
they aren't as effective or efficient.

phew- a simple reply turned into a bunch of questions...!


"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 7 Jul 2003 09:23:23 -0500, "Paul R."
wrote:

My 31cc Craftsman line trimmer crapped out on me, so it looks like I'm in
the market for a new one.

Took a look at Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, and the local small engine shop.
Not in the business, so I don't need an Echo or any built for commercial
use, just a reliable quality trimmer that can be used for 20 minutes or
so
once a week.

I want a straight shaft model, and like the theory of the trimmers that
have
different attachments (edger, brush trimmer, etc), but don't know how
reliability factors into these.

I'm trying to stay near or under $150.

So far, I've looked at:

Homelite
Toro
Craftsman
Troy-Bilt

Troy-Bilt looks the best so far, but I was hoping to get some opinions.

Any input?

I've been using a "Weedeater" brand for over 10 years for a half-acre
lot. I think I paid about $60 for it. It gets used every week and it
keeps going. I like that fact that parts and accessories are readily
available, but it has not needed repair. I've tried an electric
model, but it just does not have the power.