DR string trimmer mower?

[Geo-TH,In]

Just bought a uses dr trimmer/mower, craftsman clone. The string, 0.155, inch doesn't seem to last. Is there something better than string?

 

[old]

All depends on what your cutting. I have what is called a beaver blade for a DR which is more or less a round part with a chain saw chain on it and it will cut down trees up to 6 inches or so. They also make a plastic part that can be put on that holds up better if your cutting think stuff like rag weed etc

 

[Chris Susie]

I have a walk behind line trimmer also, you have a couple options. I put TWO sets of line on each loop and that seems to help. Also dont FORCE the trimmer along, you just want the tips cutting and not the whole line, it will tear it off at the loop before its wore out. Also store yout line in water to keep it more plyable.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Chris,
I think you nailed my problem, it tears it off at the loop before its wore out. I need to design a metal rod to prevent any object from getting too close to the loop.

I have my dr mounted to the front bucket of my backhoe. Really hard to tell how close I'm getting. I'm using it to cut weeds 6-8 inches above the ground.

Thanks for the idea. Now I need to find the best string for the buck. Thinking of getting a 5 pound spool.
George

 

[guido]

Hello George Marsh,

Any string that is not a smooth finish will work just fine. Getting too close to the work will break it also.I use a square string that wears like Iron. Don't remember the brand though. I'll look at the spool when I go to the garage and let you know,

Guido.

 

[Dick L]

I went thru a coupla packs of the square strings before I ditched the guard. Seem when you get real close to something hard it shears the string off. With the guard off I watch the outside of the cut/falling weeds to better judge how close I can get to posts and such. I bought mine to cut under the horse fence. Mine does a good job when my legs are working well enough to use it.

 

[Bret4207]

I got one of those DR trimmers from the inlaws. I agree that putting in at least 2 lines seems to work better. I have yet to find any line that holds up as good as the DR brand stuff, and I've tried a LOT of different line.

Got one of those Beaver Blades too. Gonna try that in brush in the fence lines someday.

 

[big a]

Saw someone bring one of those wheeled string trimmers in the shop once. Noticed it sounded weird when revved up, looked and saw it was laced up with 1/8" garage door cable!!!!!

 

[Geo-TH,In]

My fix to shearing off string. Used an old junk 10 inch saw blade. It does work. Blade is designed to slip if I run it into a fence post. Keeps string a good inch plus away from anything to shear it off.

Thanks to all for giving me the idea to keep string away from posts.

George