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

I'm needing to purchase a new string trimmer.  All of my string trimmers in the past have been "Wal-Mart" bought but I now think it's time that I purchase a quality string trimmer that will last a long time and be relatively maintainence free.

On a weekly to week basis I will be using it to edge my driveway.  Every other week I'll trim the grass falling over into my mulch.  About 3 times a year I'll be cutting thick weeds and brush in a 5'x50' ditch towards the back of my yard.  I will not be using it to get under any small trees or bushes.

Although it seems most people recommend a straight shaft, from handling them in the store it seems the curved shaft would be easy to work with for what I need.  The gentleman in the store said the straight shaft would be best because I'm so tall and it would be easier on my back.

I've narrowed down my choices to a couple models that can be found at a local 'Home Supply' store...local store with an excellent service department and very friendly/helpful people...definately deserve my business.

- Stihl FS-45 (curved shaft - although it doesn't seem as curved as other companies models, $140)

- Stihl FS-45 CE (curved shaft, easy start, $170)

- Stihl FS-55 R (straight shaft, $200)

- Stihl FS-55 CE (straight shaft, easy start, $230)

- Husquvarna 125C (curved shaft, $150)

- Husqvarna 125L (straight shaft, $200)

Can anyone give me some feedback/opinions/etc. on any of the above models?

Thank you for your help!

TennisBumBishop

As I understand it the stright shaft will be slightly more efficient since there is less friction between the engine and the string head.

I've had a Stihl for years runs fine. The only time it has stopped is when it runs out of gas or I forget to change the spark plug every year or two. It has gone through a lot of stuff. Depending on how thick the stuff in your ditch is you should consider whether or not you want a trimmer that is rated for a brush saw  or other attachments. A string trimmer won't cut brush, its strictly for grass and very light plants such as dandelions. I have used electric as well as gas and heavily prefer gas for the type of work that I do.

The other thing to be aware of is that you can kill a tree if you use a string trimmer too close to the trunk and damage the cambian layer of the wood. This is the layer just under the bark and is where the tree grows and transports all the sap and stuff. If you cut a ring around the entire trunk of broken cambrian then you have "girdled" the tree and it will die. The best idea I've come up with is to wrap the lower portion of the trunk with some protective plastic so that the plastic is hit by the string instead of the bark..

After reading up a little more and going to a local shop and handling the Stihl and Husqvarna models, I've decided to go with one of the Stihl models.  Now my only question is do I go with the $130 bent shaft model (FS 45) or the $200 straight shaft model (FS 55R).

Any suggestions?

TBB

Try them both out and go with whatever "feels" best to you.

I have a straight shaft with a harness and it is very comfortable. You can adjust the balance point so its all a matter of taste from the comfort angle. Just make sure you have enough power and the correct accessories for the brush you were talking about. If its true bush then you need to be able to handle a brush blade, string won't "cut" it..

I bought a Ryobi model #BC30 about 2 years ago and it came with a string trimmer and a brush cutter for about $110.00.Its also a straight shaft and gets the job done.

hirschallan wrote:

I was in and out of HD tonight and checked on the current price of the Ryobi #BC30 which is $159.00 now.My previous quote of $110.00 may not have been correct even for two years ago.Best of luck !!

I'm going today to get the Stihl FS-45 for $129.99. I'm going with this model for a couple reasons: 1) It's the cheapest Stihl (great quality at a great price) and with a baby due in March I'm watching my dollars more closely, 2) I don't need to spend the extra $40 to get the easy start engine, and 3) The curved shaft just seems easier to handle for what I'm going to be using it for.

I appreciate all your help and advice.

TBB