String trimmers with solid shafts

[MarkB_MI]

Ever consider a DR trimmer? A walkie brush hog? I have a Ryobi weed-whacker with a geared head and it has been very reliable for the past 20+ years. I also have a DR trimmer/mower for the heavier work, and with the steel cables on the drum it will clear some very large stems easily. I loaned it out many years ago and a relative nearly cut off the bottom of a wood fence with it.

Ever consider a DR trimmer? A walkie brush hog?

I think the terrain at our place is too rough for a walk-behind trimmer. I have to trim a very steep hill and cattails in ankle-deep water. Plus, I need something I can toss in the back of my pickup when I go to cut the grass at one of our properties.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I just found the answer for Echo on their web site. Only the SRM-410 has a solid shaft, all their other models use a flex shaft. The SRM-410 is an 18 pound monster, much heavier than even the Stihl FS131 (13 pounds). So Echo is out.

Mark
I'm a fan of 4 stroke straight shaft Husqvarna with a Honda engine.
Yes it is heavy. It has 2 strings. Very powerful I think straight shafts are more like a commercial grade.
I bought it about 25+ years ago. It was costly, $500. Sorry they don't make mine anymore.
I like 4 strokes because my old shoulder can't start a 2 cycle and I don't have to worry about mixed gas going bad.
This string trimmer will live longer than I will.
25 years ago a Honda 4 stroke string trimmer was rated the best. Easy pull start,
I don't like walk behind string trimmers. Constantly stopping to replace the string. Mine was a crapsman.
Maybe you need goats.

 

[Jethrow]

My 30 year-old Stihl FS 85 is toast, and I'm shopping today for a replacement. The FS85 has a solid drive shaft, and it's my understanding that most of the mid-range trimmers use a flexible shaft even though the shaft is straight. Stihl specifically states that the FS91R has a solid shaft, but don't say one way or another for their other trimmers such as the FS94R, FS111R or FS131R. I often put a brush knife on my trimmer, and I'm concerned a flex shaft won't hold up to this abuse.

Does anyone know which mid-range trimmers have solid shafts? In addition to Stihl, I'd also consider Shindaiwa, RedMax and even Echo.

From Wildbadgersupport.com

Our high-quality replacement components, designed to fit a variety of models, include everything from engines and blades to filters and handles.
Replacement parts are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your outdoor power equipment.

Not affiliated.

 

[MarkB_MI]

From Wildbadgersupport.com

Our high-quality replacement components, designed to fit a variety of models, include everything from engines and blades to filters and handles.
Replacement parts are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your outdoor power equipment.

Not affiliated.

From Wildbadgersupport.com

Our high-quality replacement components, designed to fit a variety of models, include everything from engines and blades to filters and handles.
Replacement parts are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your outdoor power equipment.

It's easy enough to make a claim like that on a web site. It's no so easy to build up a support network like Stihl's, with thousands of dealers in the US and thousands more worldwide. And many of those dealers have extensive parts inventories.

As for the Badgers, ya gotta luv their song:

Badgers!

 

[kencombs]

Most brands have parts catalogs available online. A peek at those should provide the info, if they have pics, not just drawings.

 

[Mule Meat]

I'm not familiar with that brand. I'd be concerned about parts support.

Wild Badger is an American company that got started around 2009. Their products were made in the US when they started. Can't say if they are still American made or not.

I'll stick with Echo.