Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

i need to replace a ryobi string trimmer that no longer starts...........

would like to buy something i could use a brush cutter blade on 'bout once a month...............

i have a Stihl dealer 'bout 1/2 mile away , probably going to shop there over the week-end...................

any advise on size engine, 2 cycle or 4 ,  or anybody have a model that they use in tough conditions ?.....................

it would be used for trimming primarily , but needs to cut brush 'bout an inch thick .............

TIA,

bill

If you're wanting to do some brushcutting, I'd look at a trimmer that has the 'bicycle' handles.  That way you have more control over the machine when it is equipped with a blade.  I've even found them to be more comfortable with a grass head on them, if you get a harness instead of a strap.  A machine that is in the mid to high 20 cc range is what we usually suggest for someone that describes their use as you have.

The machines with the bicycle handles are usually more expensive, but more comfortable and easier to control.  Go to your dealer and try out both.  The machine should balance well and should feel like it is built just for you and that it is just an extension of your body.  They are made to make the user comfortable and not hate the task they are going to do.  If the machine feels clumsy to you - it's probably not what you're looking for, so look a little further.

Hope this helped some.  I don't know where all that came from this morning, just spouted out of me like I knew what I was talking about.

Sherri

I own a Stihl FS250R Trimmer and I like it very much. Allways starts on the first pull no problem. But for you uses, it sound slike you need something like this. Stihl FS55
That should handle everything you need to tackle. And having that easy start system will make you happy aswell! Just to give you a idea on how nice these trimmers are, please read my review for the Stihl FS250R Trimmer in the OPE review section.

Bill,

How can I improve on Sherri's post?

I'll just say that I use to have a handlebar trimmer by WeedEater many moons ago, it was a dandy at the time. I highly suggest them for a whole lot of trimming, like field use, around ponds, sides of roads, etc. For the homeowner they can be awkward to use. They are heavier and are tough as heck to use for edging. Imagine trying to hold the thing sideways and deal with the handlebars, I did it for many years and it was a PIA. When deciding on one, try to match the trimmer to whatever 80 - 90% of of your needs will be with caution toward heavier usage than you think you'll have. Oh, rememeber, never use a blade without a steel guard and if possible, use heavier line instead, if you're able to. I've got some stuff that's something like 1.55 dia line, it'll chew threw more than you might think. You might want to check Echo's out too, their handlbar type look to be designed differently, one may be more comfortable than the other? I haven't used either brand with the handlebars.

BTW, Stihl is an excellent brand.

Grab a hearty power planted "split boom".  That way ya have possablities to get other stuff to later on.  I have the Echo PAS 260, it came withe the big weed wacker w/ handle, then grabbed the hedge attachment so ya sculpt your evergreens like Disney World.  They have alot of good quality attachments available.  Alamia has good prices on them. 

i only have to use it for trimming grass.................about 1-1/4 acre.............

my problem is that the neighbor planted wild sticker bushes right on the property line........................

said he wanted every inch of his ground.................

i lost 12 feet by 220 feet of property because of this.................

so i tackled it with a machete and my blazer and reclaimed it...................

'bout once a month i want to trim these to keep from losing land again...................

i will look at both echo and stihl but lean more to the stihl because of how close they are..................

the handle bars do look awkward tho................'specially if the wife wants to trim................

thanks for the replies , i'll post back with what i buy....

bill

I'm in the same boat as Skyking. My Ryobi began making some strange noises this past weekend and may be seized. I have it in a shop for an estimate. Anyone have experience with Toro? I need a medium duty machine and hope not to pay more than $200.

When I went to home depot looking at trimmers a couple of weeks ago...the toro box said that the quick attachments of the ryobi are compatable. That tells me ryobi must have their hand in the mix with the toro trimmers.

                                                                                                                      Dan

I have a Stihl FS85. The 110 is the replacement. It has intake valves. Can't speak for it. Some like them.

They come with a loop handle and a little bar to keep it from kicking back. Never put my little bar on.

You can buy them set up as a brush cutter.

Then add a chinese handcuff type trimmer head (I like better than auto-feed)

They have attachments that can be changed on and off in about a minute or so. You do need an allen wrench. The machine and the attachments ar less expensive than the other quick attach stuff from Echo or Stihl.

You might want to ask about the new engines from Stihl and other hybrid engines. Lint and Ben07 had some opinions but I can't remember what they were.

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/9251-0-1.html

It was Snowshoveller that had some concerns about the new Hybrids.

The thing with the bicycle handles - you have to dance with the machine.  Sounds crazy and a lot of people have trouble with this.  But if you can learn to 'dance' with the machine - it's the simplest thing and the most comfortable to use.

Sherri

MissSnowshoveler wrote:
It's all in the waist. 

May i cut in?

Dancing with a machine? Hmmm, let me think about this? Ah, I think I would look like a complete idiot if I was dancing with a machine LOL