Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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?

--


Paul R.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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?


Get the smallest Echo SRM series you can find with a straight shaft. I
don't know the current model numbers, but probably something like SRM-2100.
I have an SRM-2200 that I bought over 15 years ago and it's still going
strong. And they will take a metal weed blade if you ever need it. Should
cost you less than $200.

Best regards,
Bob

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

In article , zxcvbob
wrote:

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?


Get the smallest Echo SRM series you can find with a straight shaft. I
don't know the current model numbers, but probably something like SRM-2100.
I have an SRM-2200 that I bought over 15 years ago and it's still going
strong. And they will take a metal weed blade if you ever need it. Should
cost you less than $200.

Best regards,
Bob

Yep. I used a small Echo commercially (cutting fire breaks around homes) for
years and never had a problem with it. I've never had a bad tool built by Echo.

Jan

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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?

Whichever you get, DONT get Ryobi. I swear at mine everytime I use it.
It starts fine and runs reliably, but it absolutely wont bump feed new
trim string... I've tried everything and judging by all the comments
on google, others have this problem too.

In my opinion the replaceable attachments arent a good idea. Mine has
them and i consider it to be horribly underpowered for anything but
weed cutting... I just cant see it edging or snow-throwing without
bogging down. It also seems to introduce a mechanically unstable
connection point on the main shaft that seems to create a resonance
that sets the whole unit wobbling horribly when pressing the
throttle.

dickm

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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 a Homelite that we bought at Harbor Freight, a reconditioned
one for like $69. I've had it several years and it works great.
Son has the same model, loves it. Starts by the 4th pull everytime
I use it when cold, always the 1st pull when warm. No attachments
with it but I don't need any. Plenty of power too. 2 weeks ago I
was going along the sidewalk and found the only small rock on the
block, which of course found the side window of my little work car
known as the 'Egg' (ugly 89 Daihatsu but gets over 35mpg in town)
and shattered it into a million pieces. Cost me $55 for a new side
windowsigh. Moral of the story: Don't weed-eat near a car!

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

Mine bumps line just fine. It also has all the power I need for the
trimmer and blower. I doubt if a snow blower would work well however, I
have an good size electric model for that made by Toro.

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math


"dicko" 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?

Whichever you get, DONT get Ryobi. I swear at mine everytime I use it.
It starts fine and runs reliably, but it absolutely wont bump feed new
trim string... I've tried everything and judging by all the comments
on google, others have this problem too.

In my opinion the replaceable attachments arent a good idea. Mine has
them and i consider it to be horribly underpowered for anything but
weed cutting... I just cant see it edging or snow-throwing without
bogging down. It also seems to introduce a mechanically unstable
connection point on the main shaft that seems to create a resonance
that sets the whole unit wobbling horribly when pressing the
throttle.

dickm

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

I know you said you were looking for a gas trimmers, but here's 2 cents
about the Toro Model 51556 , 7" Cordless Trimmer.

This is the first trimmer I've owned (having graduated from my parents'
manual 'wheel on a stick' trimmer. I don't know if this trimmer maybe a
little "wuss" for your purposes (it has the small diameter string I've
seen, .050"), but it works fine for me, usually cuts everything in one
pass. The only problems I've found is the trimmer length isn't adjustable
(I'm a little too tall for it) and if you are out of shape, the battery
gets heavy.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

2 weeks ago I
was going along the sidewalk and found the only small rock on the
block, which of course found the side window of my little work car
Cost me $55 for a new side
windowsigh. Moral of the story: Don't weed-eat near a car!

I saw a friend do that to his much more expensive to replace Jensen Interceptor
windshield! Ouch!

I keep the whackers away from my old and hard to replace cars.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

On Mon, 07 Jul 2003 15:23:11 GMT, "Chuck" wrote:

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.

Don't really nkow much about the lower end trimmers - since I am in
the business of doing yards. When I first strated out I had a
craftsman, which lasted about one summer. Not really surprising, when
you stop to think about it. I probably used it as much in one month as
the typical homeowner would in a year. After it gave out I picked up
an old commercial Snapper. Still runs great after being using daily
for 4 years, but almost impossible to find parts as they quit making
it way back. That's now my backup, and I use a Maryuama. Great
machine, and I'd recommend it, but costs about twice what the original
poster said he wanted to pay.


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.

Currently using a 205mph craftsman. Plenty of power, and probably suit
your needs fine. My problem with it is, again, I use it way more than
it was designed for. It's about a year old, and last month Sears had
it more than I did, as it was in for repairs three times. If you're
looking at commercial blowers, Maryuama has one for around $200 -
starting to sound like a Maryuama salesman, but I've been thinking of
picking one up myself so know the price.

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.

Well, I have one (a craftsman), which I mainly use to blow off parking
lots. It works great as a blower, but isn't much use as a vacuum. Too
many leaves just get pushed around, wet leaves are hard to pick up and
can gum up the works. If you're thinking it will work as a household
vacuum, forget it. However, it does well to blow your leaves in a pile
to be picked up by hand - that's what I do with yards with lots of
leaves.

"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.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

dicko wrote:
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?


Whichever you get, DONT get Ryobi. I swear at mine everytime I use it.
It starts fine and runs reliably, but it absolutely wont bump feed new
trim string... I've tried everything and judging by all the comments
on google, others have this problem too.

In my opinion the replaceable attachments arent a good idea. Mine has
them and i consider it to be horribly underpowered for anything but
weed cutting... I just cant see it edging or snow-throwing without
bogging down. It also seems to introduce a mechanically unstable
connection point on the main shaft that seems to create a resonance
that sets the whole unit wobbling horribly when pressing the
throttle.

dickm

Assuming you're using the proper dia line, and that you have it
wound in the proper direction with no kinks and its not binding from
too much line, take the unit apart, clean well, spray w/ WD-40 & try
again. Run at full speed when you bump it.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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

I know you are asking for a string trimmer. But I would like to add
that I find a cordless trimmer (6.something volt with detachable long
handle bar and come with a shear attachment to trim shrubs -- from
Craftman) that works very well in my 1/4 acre property. The battery
has enough juice for me to trim my yard or trim the shrubs (not doing
both on the same day) with juice to spare.

The other good thing is that it is very quiet. I can use it early in
the morning on Saturday when I cannot start my lawn mower and I don't
have anything else to do.

Because it doesn't use gas, I think I don't need to winterize it. Even
if I need to store it in my basement in winter, it is so small that I
will not have any problem storing it.

The only down side is that the long handle bar is not long enough for
a person who is near 6 ft tall.

There is another cordless model from Black and Decker (available in
Home Depot) -- don't pick that one! That one is so under-powered that
it kept jamming when I tried to use it to trim grass. Moreover I had
to use one finger to hold down the safety switch _while_ I used
another finger to press the power switch -- and doing this
two-fingers-dance the whole time when I was using it.

After saying this, I must point out that I am only using it in my
small 1/4 acre property. I can imagine that it will still work fine in
a 1/2 acre property (buying two and using one after another). If your
property is bigger than that, I don't know whether it will work for
you or not.

Hope this helps.

Jay Chan

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

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.

I have a yard vacuum from YardMan (or MTD?). It works OK for vacuuming
leaves from my lawn/yard in fall. But its suction power is not high
enough to suck those winged seeds from the trees.

It is useful if you intend to put the leaves into your compost piles
because the machine also cuts the leaves into smaller pieces (not very
small, but small enough for me). On the other hand, if you don't
intend to put the leaves into compost piles, you may as well get the
leaf blower because it is cheaper (and you don't need to lift the
heavy bag of leaves from the machine).

I also use it to clean up the drive-way and the road-way along my yard
after I mow my lawn. But I must admit that it doesn't clean as good as
a blower-on-wheels that my neighbor uses.

If I could start it over with, I would still buy a yard vaccum. But I
would buy one with higher suction power than the one I have now (more
$$$).

Hope this helps.

Jay Chan

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

another vote for the "Echo"

"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?

--

Paul R.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

I have/had a Ryobi 775r (accepts attachments) and the thing bumped the
line fine. However, since it sat in my mom's garage for so long, the
carb leaks. But it runs with some coaxing.

I went to HD and saw the John Deere recertified trimmers they had for
$69. Looking at it, they are the same as the Homelite in looks, only
green. The JD has a 1hp engine, and the Homelite one most similar to
it was $170 and its also a straight shaft.

I looked at the JD website, and the model I got (comes with the
trimmer and the brush cutter metal blade) lists MSRP as $189. It can
accept attachments also.

Its much more powerful I think than the Ryobi, starts easily every
single time, and is quieter than the Ryobi. My neighbor went out and
bought one himself, although he didn't see the brushcutter model I had
and just got the plain trimmer model for the same price (everything
else was the same).

I've used my other neighbor's edger attachment (he has a Toro) and it
works fine, better if used walking backwards, but since I got used to
edging with the trimmer (twist the lower portion and go), I prefer the
clean cut of the trimmer string. Gives it a cleaner, more pronounced
edge to the grass.

I've known a person that uses the blower attachment (retail $45) and
likes it. I got the Wallyworld Weed Eater el cheapy for my birthday so
I'm not needing that attachment.

the .095 string is also very tough. I'm bumping it MUCH less than the
..080 of the Ryobi.

Some folks would b hesitant t get the refurbished JD, but at least i
know its working now (I could have gotten a lemon with a "new" trimmer
that wasn't refurbished) and it still has the full warranty. Came with
the sholder strap too.

all in all, if you want a nice trimmer, you might want to consider the
JD ones at Home Depot.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

Vic wrote:



Some folks would b hesitant t get the refurbished JD, but at least i
know its working now (I could have gotten a lemon with a "new" trimmer
that wasn't refurbished) and it still has the full warranty.


Refurbished is sometimes better than new. The serviceman tweaks
adjustments better than the mass produced new ones. A few years ago at
sears they had some reburbished stuff they wanted to get rid of ASAP.
Now I don't usually believe craftsman (crapsman) is the best for any
tool, but the price was right, they were outside on a rack, and each had
just enough gas for me to start them. (picture a guy with a running
chain saw in a sears parking lot!) Oh yes, it was a trimmer for $50 and
a chain saw for $50, both with full warranty. Both of them start first
or second pull, every time, hot or cold (and as for the chain saw, that
also means when it is well below freezing). The trimmer bump works
fine. Someone MUST have made it for sears and they just stick their
name on them.

Tono

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

In article , Tono wrote:

Vic wrote:



Some folks would b hesitant t get the refurbished JD, but at least i
know its working now (I could have gotten a lemon with a "new" trimmer
that wasn't refurbished) and it still has the full warranty.


Refurbished is sometimes better than new. The serviceman tweaks
adjustments better than the mass produced new ones. A few years ago at
sears they had some reburbished stuff they wanted to get rid of ASAP.
Now I don't usually believe craftsman (crapsman) is the best for any
tool, but the price was right, they were outside on a rack, and each had
just enough gas for me to start them. (picture a guy with a running
chain saw in a sears parking lot!) Oh yes, it was a trimmer for $50 and
a chain saw for $50, both with full warranty. Both of them start first
or second pull, every time, hot or cold (and as for the chain saw, that
also means when it is well below freezing). The trimmer bump works
fine. Someone MUST have made it for sears and they just stick their
name on them.

Tono

Sears has always bought other brands and stuck their name on the stuff.
The Sears brand typewriters were Smith-Corona's.

Gas line trimmers - need opinions.
 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I ended up going with the Troy-Bilt from Lowes. At $164, it looked to be
the best combination of price and quality for me.

Only putting about 10 hours per year on the trimmer, an Echo seemed a bit
much for my uses. Although I'm sure the quality is there, at more than $100
more than the Troy-Bilt, I just couldn't justify the cost.

I used it this weekend, and it's noticeably superior to my Craftsman,
although it was noticeably louder, and a little heavier.

Thanks again,

--


Paul R.