"Tom Miller" wrote in message :

| First of all - next time you by a trimmer, stay away from the cheapos
like
| Homelite, Weed Eater, etc. Don't buy one with a curved shaft.
|
| Reason: On the cheapos, the engine is a piece of junk. Actually the
crank
| shaft has a bearing on only one end. The engines rarely last even
the
| 200 hours for which they are rated.

[snip]

Although I generally agree with you about cheap tools, my Homelite
trimmer is nearly 20 years old. Other than an occasional change of
spark plug, I have had no problems with it whatsoever. Today I started
it for the first time this season and it started on the second pull,
as usual. But the string does break frequently. I also had a small
Homelite chainsaw that lasted more than 20 years, although I did not
use it frequently.


Right, Nothing wrong with Homelite if you have a small yard and use it
lightly. Just not well designed - poorly constructed - and not made for
real work.

Another thing: On the curved shaft model, notice that the starter pull
rope is below the engine. Not an easy job to replace the rope etc.
Usually runs $30.00 plus parts (that's what I charge).

Now look at the starter pull rope on an Echo or other mid-range trimmer.
Notice it is above the engine on the back. Notice that is is fastened on
with four screws. Most home owners can change this themselves in a few
minutes.

I mention starter pull ropes because that is a common problem.. However,
look at other parts on both types trimmers and imagine how hard or easy it
would be to replace them.

Bob