On Sat, 15 May 2004 10:19:35 GMT, "Bob"
wrote:

===
==="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.

With all those strikes against it already why even buy or have such a
peice of poorly designed junk in the first place!
===
===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).

Just spend about double the charge for this service and buy a new one,
which is what most folks do to day anyhow, thats why I can pick up
this kind of junk from dumpsters and curbside trash just about every
day. I melt down the aluminum etc.
===
===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.

Don't find anywhere near as many Echo,.,Stilh, Husky and other top
grade stuff as I fo Poulan. McCullough, Homelite and Weedeater junk!
===
===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.

On some of those el cheapo models of trimmers and chainsaws its
virtually a real PITA to remove even a carb without 90% of everything
else also having to come apart in the process, and its in those hard
to access areas is where most of the problems occur, such as a leaking
carb mount gasket etc etc........Typical of **** poor design without
the aspect of serviceability in mind during the design, as odds are
service was never really intended due to the cheapness of these units.
===
===Bob
===

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