Husqvarna 129L string trimmer.

My 3 year old string trimmer won't start. Recently I have replaced the carburetor, fuel lines and filter and coil and spark plug. Now it's back to not running. It seems to have low compression . I have had 3 of these type trimmers in the last 5 years. This one has lasted the longest. Should I be getting more life out of these? They are $250 units from Tractor Supply. I do use them hard including using the 3 plastic blade brush cutters. I use 87 octane gas and Husqvarna 50 to 1 oil mix. I'm just wondering everybody's experience. Do I need to buy a higher quality machine?
Dave
 
Yes I have checked spark arrestor. I have good spark also. Compression seems low so I'm thinking it's just worn out. I just don't think I should be replacing them every 2 or 3 years
Dave
 
My 3 year old string trimmer won't start. Recently I have replaced the carburetor, fuel lines and filter and coil and spark plug. Now it's back to not running. It seems to have low compression . I have had 3 of these type trimmers in the last 5 years. This one has lasted the longest. Should I be getting more life out of these? They are $250 units from Tractor Supply. I do use them hard including using the 3 plastic blade brush cutters. I use 87 octane gas and Husqvarna 50 to 1 oil mix. I'm just wondering everybody's experience. Do I need to buy a higher quality machine?
Dave
Mine is still running good. The fuel filter came off and it would run out of gas. I think my is the same model and I had it for around 10 years.
 
I was buying the cheaper ones at lowes and mixing my own gas. Was getting 2 years out of them and bam - just would not run. Neighbor told me to try the premix gas. Now i get 5 years or so. Last long enough that the heads are actually worn out. Just bought some premix on end of year sale for $4 quart. Yes it is higher than mixing my own but weed eater is lasting much longer and running better. Win win for me.
 
An Echo SRM-225 is a much better trimmer, comes with a five year warranty and a lot of times can be found at a cheaper price. Husqvarna T-25 heads will fit them also (I think the T25 and T 35 are the best trimmer head made). I have a couple of SRM-280s trimmers that are over ten years old and still gets the job done. Always used regular 89 octane and Echo Power Blend oil. The SRM 280 is great little trimmers.
 
How many hours a year do you put on your trimmer?
I really think you are suffering premature failure, I can only guess as to why.
 
We probably have at least 8 chain saws and weed eaters, some over 50 years old, and they all run well. And a Stihl brush cutter that my dad bought in about 87. I think we have better gas here in MN, I use only 91 non-ox in my 2 strokes, and mix my own fuel, never any Stabil, occasionally some Sea-foam when needed, and everything just keeps running fine. I don't use every one a lot, but I make sure they all get used occasionally.
 
If you are using it at work that is Commercial use and from what I see with commercial mowing operations, 2 years is about the life of a trimmer that is used for extended periods regularly.

If you think you have low compression, install a compression gauge and pull the rope until the needle quits going up. If it doesn't go above130psi, its done. even 135 is borderline, because when hot compression is always lower.

I would suggest take Mule meat's suggestion. Try replacing it with an Echo. I bet you can get longer life out of one.
 
My 3 year old string trimmer won't start. Recently I have replaced the carburetor, fuel lines and filter and coil and spark plug. Now it's back to not running. It seems to have low compression . I have had 3 of these type trimmers in the last 5 years. This one has lasted the longest. Should I be getting more life out of these? They are $250 units from Tractor Supply. I do use them hard including using the 3 plastic blade brush cutters. I use 87 octane gas and Husqvarna 50 to 1 oil mix. I'm just wondering everybody's experience. Do I need to buy a higher quality machine?
Dave
The crankshaft seals may have started leaking, when they do, compression drops. I've had to install new crankshaft seals on several of my chainsaws. They run like new after that. Also, if you remove the muffler you can see if you have a scored cylinder and piston, that will drop your compression. The latter is caused by running fuel supply too lean at working range.
 
If you're wearing them out that fast I suggest a 40 to 1 fuel ratio. That's the same advice I got from an old small engine mechanic years ago. I guess guessamate and use a tad less than a gallon of gas.
 
Small 2 cycle engines are high performance engines requiring higher octane fuel. The stihl manual says requires minimum 89 octane. I had 2 Echo weedeaters i ran on a golf course die after just over a year old and after arguing with the dealer over the warranty he asked me what octane fuel i was using and then showed me the manual saying minimum 89 octane.
 
My 3 year old string trimmer won't start. Recently I have replaced the carburetor, fuel lines and filter and coil and spark plug. Now it's back to not running. It seems to have low compression . I have had 3 of these type trimmers in the last 5 years. This one has lasted the longest. Should I be getting more life out of these? They are $250 units from Tractor Supply. I do use them hard including using the 3 plastic blade brush cutters. I use 87 octane gas and Husqvarna 50 to 1 oil mix. I'm just wondering everybody's experience. Do I need to buy a higher quality machine?
Dave
I mix my 2 cycle fuel five gallons at a time with rec. fuel at 40 to one and also add Sea-foam (I buy it buy the case) . I have too many 2 stroke devices to count. The 2 weed whips I run regularly are 40 year old Shindiawas.
 

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