Best trimmer / weedwhacker ?

[CB in central NY]

Not exactly a farm implement, but I use one to trim along my fences where the cows can't quite reach...

I am looking for recommendations on buying a decent medium-size trimmer / "weedwhacker". My wife is the one who uses it most and would like one that's a bit smaller and lighter. For the past 7 years we've had a John Deere brand trimmer I bought at Home Depot and it's been nothing but a pain. The line never fed out correctly and would get tangled over itself. Now the trimmer head is all stripped and has to be replaced.

What are some of the better gas-powered trimmers out there? Our neighbors have a Stihl and seem to like it.

Any suggestions as to brand would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[BushogPapa]

If she can keep away from rocks, I have found that the "Star-shaped" 3 pointed flat blade to be the easiest to use, easiest on the weed-whacker and throws the least trash around...can be used almost like a scythe....

I think the geared ones are the most durable..

I have had fine service from my Stihl weed-eater FS-65 AV and yes it is so old, they don't even carry gas caps for it anymore..!!!

Ron..

 

[glennster]

stihl makes a nice trimmer, but a little spendy. my fav is an old homelite straight shaft direct drive. had it for prolly 15 years, lightweight and never had a problem. what you can do is run the husqvarna titanium trimmer line. the stuff is just plain great!!!! rarely tangles or melts in the trimmer head, and cuts real good tooo!!!!

 

[IHMANKY]

Have tried most, Craftsman, Weed-Eater (too weak), Poulan Pro, Stihl, and Echo... the Echo has been by far the best and the one I use today, but is more pricey than most others combined. The Stihl was not great, but relatively good and was as strong as advertised. For the work performed for the money, the Poulan Pro was alright. As with chainsaws, you get what you pay for. I'd like an Echo saw, but not for 5 or 6 bills... I have a $150+ 18 inch Craftsman Professional, Thinking about putting a 16 inch bar on it, I don't think it could cut dried pine...!!

 

[evilboweviel]

red max

 

[GordoSD]

My Stihl has been used hard for 11 years, STILL going strong.

Gordo

 

[RacerX]

An Echo for sure! I've got an old curved shaft model, a 1984 vintage, still goin'. My wife likes running that one, 'cause it's light. I've also got a newer, (but not much, it's still probably 15 years old!) straight shaft Echo brushcutter that I prefer. Either way, all of the new Echos are rated at 300 hours, so they are all good quality. Just get your wife to pick the one she likes, after all, she's gonna be the one to run it, right?
Some of the Stihls are good too, but pay attention to the emission ratings. Stihl builds some 50 hour and 125 hour machines, not as good.
For those that don't understand the emission/hour ratings on the new trimmers. The manufacturer warrants to the EPA that their machine will stay in emission compliance for 50 or 125 or 300 hours of use. After that, all bets are off. These ratings can be used as sort of a backwards indication of quality. Obviously an engine that will wear enough in 50 hours of use to affect it's exhaust emissions is not as good as an engine that will run 300 hours before that happens.

 

[Oldmax]

I buy a cheapy $69 to $89 Use about 7 to 9 years . When something happens to it throw away. It don't pay to fix them Parts are to high.

 

[tim [in]]

Around here stihl is the top of the line and echo a nice knock off of stihl that works pretty good. If i had a lot to do like with chainsaws, i would go for a stihl. then echo then the others.With the cost of repairs and parts i got a fairly cheap cub cadet. not bottom or top of line but in the 3/4 price range.

 

[bjr]

I don't remember the exact model no. but I have had an echo for about 5yrs it's a good one. I do have to keep the cable lube good though as far as maintenance goes. It's alway started good too. The string advance didn't do good so I'm using the head that you have to insert the short strings. I don't think there's a advance type head on any of the makes that actually works. bjr

 

[MSS3020]

I didnt want to at the time but I bought a Ryobi at HomeDepot 4 years ago or so. I use it twice weekly at my home and the church I take care of. My yard is 40,000 sq. feet. I love it. I bought the streight shaft. Use it for grass around trees, buildings etc. and to cut down Brush around the horse fence. Id buy another one in a second. Always starts right up to..

 

[rustyfarmall]

I have found that Round-Up makes the absolute best weed trimmer. I've got a Stihl and a Poulan string trimmer hanging out in the shed. Haven't used either of them for about three years now.

 

[tjdub]

I agree on Echo. Great trimmers and much cheaper than Stihl.

If you're doing fencelines, or anything with tall grass, get yourself a blade on there. No sense in driving yourself nuts unwrapping the weeds off your trimmer all the time. All the string heads I've ever seen are worthless when you start trying to knock down "hay" with them.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The best one, is the one your closest neighbor does not run at 6 AM or 9 PM.

What the hell ever happened to being considerate of other people?

 

[Fern(Mi)]

I have a straight shaft Green Machine purchased over 20 yrs ago. Since been bought-out by JD for the "Green Machine" logo rights. That GM trimmer is still going strong having replaced fuel line and primmer bulb. A superior unmade machine anymore.
I have 4yr old Ryobi purchased for more extensions, for tree trimming chainsaw attachment, and a three cornered steel blade for whipping down the woodier weeds when I get to them between first and second hay cuttings around out buildings. It's okay.
The better of the two, the original (nylon string) Green Machine.
Fernan

 

[bison]

I got a honda weed wacker,used it a couple times.I Hate the noisy contraption.
I prefer and use a ordinairy old fashioned scythe.

It makes no noise,so it wont bother the neighbors at any time of day.
It'll last for many yrs with no breakdowns.
It costs notting to operate.
It'll give one some much needed excersize as well.

 

[TomTex]

Echo

 

[Anonymous-0]

I like my Stihl, my uncle loves his Echo.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Have an identical plan. Bought a cheap Ryobi run it hard and intend to throw it away when it breaks. Planned on the same with my Homelite chain saw, but it is 15 years old and refuses to die. Never put in a new plug, but did buy a new bar and several chains. But the end might be near. The chain drive sprocket is just about worn thru and a new one is $15. Considering purchasing a new cheap saw and if it dies an early death, will pitch the new one, buy a sprocket for the old horse and run it again.