Question About String Trimmers

[Skeptic68W]

Hey guys,

So I've had an Echo SRM 225 string trimmer for a few years that I like, but I am in need of various attachments like a pole saw and hedge trimmer now that I am a new homeowner with trees and hedges to manage (that are too far away from an outlet for corded ****).

So I purchased a basic homeowner grade MTD 27cc String Trimmer (Craftsman) that was attachment capable, and a few cheap Trimmer Plus attachments off craigslist. It would have been better to buy into the Echo PAS or Stihl Kombi system, but I just can't justify the cost, especially not now.

Trouble is, this string trimmer arrived today and it's a *************.

First off, the shaft that runs through the starter motor that hooks up to the "speed start" feature, has about 1/2" of runout, so you can't even use the speed start, the bit won't engage it because the shaft is behind a plastic hole and never lines up.

Second, this thing vibrates so hard it could double as a *** aid. I literally think it would make my hands go numb in 30 seconds.

So here's my question, should I just return the thing, or swap it and hope to get one less defective? I have no experience with homeowner grade trimmers, only my Echo, so I don't know if that level of vibration is normal or not. My wallet would be very happy to be able to get by with a budget power head, but if that kind of vibration is typical of a homeowner grade trimmer, I'll just have to pony up for something better.

I wouldn't be so opposed to buying into PAS or Kombi if the damned attachments weren't all $200+ when I can get the Trimmer Plus ones for $20 each and they do what I need them to do.

 

[rlitman]

...So here's my question, should I just return the thing...

I wouldn't be so opposed to buying into PAS or Kombi if the damned attachments weren't all $200+ when I can get the Trimmer Plus ones for $20 each and they do what I need them to do.

Yes.

The attachments are expensive, because they're better.

The only complaint I have about my Kombi, is that I can't put my attachments (which I have much more invested in than my motor) onto a cordless battery powered motor. Hopefully one day...

 

[Ign]

The whole "*** aid" thing conjured visions I can't unsee. Thanks a lot

Sorry, no help on the actual meat of your question

 

[rlitman]

The whole "*** aid" thing conjured visions I can't unsee. Thanks a lot

Sorry, no help on the actual meat of your question

LOL.

My old Stihl BG85 blower shook like that. I've since upgraded to a BG86, which has the engine on isolation mounts, so your hands don't get shaken at all.

Hand vibration is something to take seriously! It causes permanent nerve damage. Newer (quality) equipment has this in mind.

 

[Zewnten]

Yes you unfortunately bought a piece of junk and should return it before it dies and costs you more than a better system. Then take that money and buy the Echo and attachments, if you buy from an authorized dealer (not Home Depot or Amazon) they will be having their spring sales shortly and that usually means you'll get a free attachment or two.

 

[CJM8515]

you get what ya paid for. thats why the pro units cost more. but once, cry once.

 

[kd3pc]

it boils down to...you get what you pay for.

You can always go manual and get shears and so forth.

 

[LawnBoy-5247]

Deleted duplicate post

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[Kaizen]

Get specific tools for specific tasks. Might cost more initially but you will be set for 20 years. I had a multitool setup like that and four attachments. The machine crapped out and none of the attachments fit any other maker. Waste of my money.


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[LawnBoy-5247]

Yes.



The attachments are expensive, because they're better.



The only complaint I have about my Kombi, is that I can't put my attachments (which I have much more invested in than my motor) onto a cordless battery powered motor. Hopefully one day...

Your best bet is to buy a Kombi unit the cheap trimmers are just that, cheap junk. Also Rlitman, Stihl is coming out with a battery powered Kombi unit this year

Sent from my LG-G710 using Tapatalk

 

[454ragtop]

I'd recommend a plain old manual pole saw, with a sharp blade they cut pretty quick. How much pole sawing you plan on doing? I love my 40 volt Ryobi cordless string trimmer and chain saw, might consider going that route.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

The *** aid thing got me all befuddled also, and I don't think any brand has the right attachment for that.
I'm thinking just use the weed eater that's been working, and how far are you from power? Do you have a generator you could use? A pole saw works well, so does this high limb saw that cuts limbs way higher than a manual or gas saw.
I sometimes just weed eat a hedge if I'm in a hurry.


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[Ign]

^^^I saw a ***** where she allegedly stuck a bowling pin up there (but of course she didn't really) so I promise you something has been done with OPE, too!

 

[trekgod3]

I also agree with getting a dedicated tool for each job. The multi tool setups are kinda gimmicky. I have an Echo string trimmer, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, backpack blower, edger and chainsaw. I got all of them except the string trimmer used on eBay. Save up some money, check eBay and local pawn shops and build up a nice collection. The fantastic thing about the Echo tools I have is that with the exception of the backpack blower and chainsaw, they all use the same exact tuneup kit.

 

[Skeptic68W]

Yes.

The attachments are expensive, because they're better.

The only complaint I have about my Kombi, is that I can't put my attachments (which I have much more invested in than my motor) onto a cordless battery powered motor. Hopefully one day...

Here's the thing though, other than the power head, I don't NEED better. I'm not doing this for an income, I'm just edging my drive once a year and trimming hedges and branches once in a while. I don't think the trimmer plus attachments will be insufficient, I just want the rest of the power head and trimmer part to be good enough for weekly use....ya know, without numbing my hands.

LOL.

My old Stihl BG85 blower shook like that. I've since upgraded to a BG86, which has the engine on isolation mounts, so your hands don't get shaken at all.

Hand vibration is something to take seriously! It causes permanent nerve damage. Newer (quality) equipment has this in mind.

No kidding, no way I'd tolerate the shake. It was crazy.

Yes you unfortunately bought a piece of junk and should return it before it dies and costs you more than a better system. Then take that money and buy the Echo and attachments, if you buy from an authorized dealer (not Home Depot or Amazon) they will be having their spring sales shortly and that usually means you'll get a free attachment or two.

you get what ya paid for. thats why the pro units cost more. but once, cry once.

I started the return.

I already bought an edger attachment and blower attachment on the cheap from Craigslist, and the pole saw is only 100 bucks, as is the hedge trimmer. If I buy into Echo, I'd have to spend $800+ to get all that ****. I'm trying to pay off my student loan debt, not take out a mortgage on some lawn tools.

Get specific tools for specific tasks. Might cost more initially but you will be set for 20 years. I had a multitool setup like that and four attachments. The machine crapped out and none of the attachments fit any other maker. Waste of my money.


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This is an option I've considered. Sounds great for the trimmer and blower, but when you start looking at pole saws and hedge trimmers (I've got some tall hedges so I kinda need the extra reach ones) not only does it get super expensive (and you can rarely find them used) but then I'm maintaining 4-6 small engines, with some probably calling for different mix ratios and what not. I just don't like cleaning carburetors that much...

I'd recommend a plain old manual pole saw, with a sharp blade they cut pretty quick. How much pole sawing you plan on doing? I love my 40 volt Ryobi cordless string trimmer and chain saw, might consider going that route.

I might end up doing the manual pole saw, but who knows. The power pole saw would be very helpful. I've got a good number of old trees, and several have branches touching the roof, so I've gotta figure something out soon.

I thought about going battery, but inevitably the battery line dies and your perfectly fine tool becomes useless. I just can't get past that, which is why the only coordless tools I own are a drill and impact driver.

The *** aid thing got me all befuddled also, and I don't think any brand has the right attachment for that.
I'm thinking just use the weed eater that's been working, and how far are you from power? Do you have a generator you could use? A pole saw works well, so does this high limb saw that cuts limbs way higher than a manual or gas saw.
I sometimes just weed eat a hedge if I'm in a hurry.


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Haha don't good it because I'm sure there a video somewhere you don't wanna see. If it exists, there's a **** for it...

Couple hundred feet from power and don't have generator...don't plan on buying one either since storage is limited. Gas, manual, or coordless are really my options here.

Never seen a high limb saw, might have to check that out. Thanks

 

[Skeptic68W]

I also agree with getting a dedicated tool for each job. The multi tool setups are kinda gimmicky. I have an Echo string trimmer, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, backpack blower, edger and chainsaw. I got all of them except the string trimmer used on eBay. Save up some money, check eBay and local pawn shops and build up a nice collection. The fantastic thing about the Echo tools I have is that with the exception of the backpack blower and chainsaw, they all use the same exact tuneup kit.

I agree that it's gimmicky, but I keep coming back to the idea that I'm just joe Homeowner in this regard, and don't NEED anything too fancy, plus, the attachments are dirt cheap.


I'm thinking maybe what I do is buy a used attachment ready trimmer on craigslist for $20 that needs tuned up since they're everywhere, and just use it as the dedicated attachment machine, and keep my echo for the weekly trimming.

I don't need the specialty attachments that often, and won't be using them for that long each time, so if the trimmer *****, and I paid essentially nothing for it, maybe that wouldn't be so bad.

 

[kngelv]

I have the Echo PAS system and love it. I want stuff that works because I don’t have time to monkey around with used ****. I have the trimmer, edger and pole saw. I got the trimmer and edger in a kit at a local dealer for like $229.00 or $249.00. I will say I also have a manual pole saw and an electric one too. Sometimes it’s just easier to use the manual one. You would be surprised at how quickly they do the job plus they are lighter and can reach much higher. For hedge trimming I have a stand alone Stihl. The attachments are too long and awkward to use for very long and I have a lot of shrubs.

James

 

[CJM8515]

I started the return.

I already bought an edger attachment and blower attachment on the cheap from Craigslist, and the pole saw is only 100 bucks, as is the hedge trimmer. If I buy into Echo, I'd have to spend $800+ to get all that ****. I'm trying to pay off my student loan debt, not take out a mortgage on some lawn tools.

Buy used? cut your spending habits and save money for it?

 

[PittsburghTim]

I had a 2-cycle Ryobi trimmer that used the same type attachments and it worked fine. In fact, the hedge clippers were better and more powerful than anything I had before or since and even the tiller attachment worked well. The only reason I sold them was that I replaced the overgrown arborvitaes with a row of boxwoods that will never grow to more than six feet and my son burned up the power head by forgetting to add oil to the gas.

I would return the one you have and replace the power head with a Ryobi model. If you're not in the landscaping business, it should serve you well.

 

[pepi]

Two points, shaft drive & 4 cyl if the future has buying attachments. Manual pole saw is better than the chain saw attachment for the string trimmers. The attachment is award and has no reach.

Stihl manual Pole Saw in a winner, very sharp, will cut 3" limb no problem, alum poles no flex, worth the money.

I have ended up with separate tools for specific yard jobs and is the best practice.

One size fits all, is a fast way to have a bunch of junk. many tools/attachments that never really work worth a ****.

 

[Skeptic68W]

I had a 2-cycle Ryobi trimmer that used the same type attachments and it worked fine. In fact, the hedge clippers were better and more powerful than anything I had before or since and even the tiller attachment worked well. The only reason I sold them was that I replaced the overgrown arborvitaes with a row of boxwoods that will never grow to more than six feet and my son burned up the power head by forgetting to add oil to the gas.

I would return the one you have and replace the power head with a Ryobi model. If you're not in the landscaping business, it should serve you well.

Looks like the Ryobi is the same MTD 25cc unit as many other brands. I think I just got a lemon.

Think I'm going to gamble my 20 bucks on a Craiglist trimmer to use with the attachments I already have, and keep my echo for weed duty

 

[Wamsutta]

you get what ya paid for. thats why the pro units cost more. but once, cry once.

That's what I did and the thing lives in my living room.

It's WAY too expensive to subject it to the corrosive outside damp air.

 

[rlitman]

Here's the thing though, other than the power head, I don't NEED better. I'm not doing this for an income, I'm just edging my drive once a year and trimming hedges and branches once in a while. I don't think the trimmer plus attachments will be insufficient, I just want the rest of the power head and trimmer part to be good enough for weekly use....ya know, without numbing my hands...

Well, when it comes to edging, doing it once a year is harder on a machine than doing it weekly.

Before I had my Stihl, I had a Troy Bilt machine that took the same attachments as the Ryobi. It was absolutely AWFUL. I'd get the edger spinning, put it in the dirt, and it would stall the motor within a second. I never did manage to finish edging my sidewalk with it. The second time I had it out, the motor threw its rod, and thankfully I was still within the return period at Lowes. That's when I went and spent a bundle on my Stihl. With the Stihl edger, I was able to do the whole job without stopping once (600' of sidewalk edge). Once it has been started, I can follow up a month later at a full walking pace.

The Stihl hedge trimmer is crazy expensive. I'll admit that while it is REALLY nice, it may be overkill for you. The same goes for the pole saw. However, because I own the pole saw attachment, I haven't bothered to own a chain saw. I've even used it to cut down (and apart) a 16" thick tree I had that died, so mine has paid for itself. Actually, after a storm ripped through the neighborhood, I was sitting outside my dealer's door half an hour before they opened to be sure I'd be able to walk out with the pole saw attachment to take apart said tree.

As for the recommendations about buying a manual pole saw, I own several. They've got more reach than any power pole saw, but it's not useful for cutting up the limb you've dropped into firewood, while the power pole saw is (at least Stihl's is).

Your best bet is to buy a Kombi unit the cheap trimmers are just that, cheap junk. Also Rlitman, Stihl is coming out with a battery powered Kombi unit this year

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Oh wow, I see what you mean, KMA 130 R. Well, maybe when my engine starts to go...

 

[shoot summ]

I started with a Stihl string trimmer.

Discovered the Kombi attachments will fit my machine as well, just not like Kombi. Remove the string head, remove the shaft from the Kombi, and it fits my trimmer. I have the pole saw attachement, and the hedge trimmer. I bought both used on CL, but I also see them discounted on EBAY. The hedge trimmer is a monster, and the pole saw is impressive.

I went cheap for many years, I can tell you that once you get past spending the extra money on a quality machine, you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

 

[seber]

I sold my pole saw and edger and went with manual pole saw plus the rope and chain type. Between the two there is more versatility and they work just as fast and in most cases take less effort than the powered unit. For edging (I need to do it every few weeks here in the jungle) I went to a used electric edger. It works better than having the power unit up high and it only cost $10 off Craigslist.

 

[rlitman]

I started with a Stihl string trimmer.

Discovered the Kombi attachments will fit my machine as well, just not like Kombi. Remove the string head, remove the shaft from the Kombi, and it fits my trimmer. I have the pole saw attachement, and the hedge trimmer. I bought both used on CL, but I also see them discounted on EBAY. The hedge trimmer is a monster, and the pole saw is impressive.

I went cheap for many years, I can tell you that once you get past spending the extra money on a quality machine, you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

Before Stihl sold the Kombi system, they sold the ends as "gearbox attachments". You just need the T27 screwdriver to swap ends. I've bought cheap ends like this and added shafts to use them on my Kombi.

The Kombi has several advantages over the gearbox swap, though with some added expense.
Kombi is toolless, and the connection you open is far enough away from the business end that you're not likely to get dirt ingress.
Kombi allows you to use some tools that cannot be used as gearboxes (i.e. choose between straight or curved shaft ends on the same motor, or the blower attachment).
Kombi allows you to add the extension shaft, which is great for the pole pruner or hedge trimmer.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Buy what you need to use first and then add on attachments in the next few years as you need them. Echo and Kombi have kept the same design for years and new attachments still fit 10 year old power heads. I have the Echo set with straight shaft trimmer, pole saw, hedge trimmer, edger and extension shaft. Easy to start (not first pull) but a lot easier than having 5-6 motors to keep in shape to start. I did mess up and not buy the articulated hedge trimmer and regret just having the straight hedge head.

 

[shoot summ]

Before Stihl sold the Kombi system, they sold the ends as "gearbox attachments". You just need the T27 screwdriver to swap ends. I've bought cheap ends like this and added shafts to use them on my Kombi.

The Kombi has several advantages over the gearbox swap, though with some added expense.
Kombi is toolless, and the connection you open is far enough away from the business end that you're not likely to get dirt ingress.
Kombi allows you to use some tools that cannot be used as gearboxes (i.e. choose between straight or curved shaft ends on the same motor, or the blower attachment).
Kombi allows you to add the extension shaft, which is great for the pole pruner or hedge trimmer.

Good points, I always make sure there is not dirt around the connection area when I swap, never had a use for the curved shaft trimmer, and have a couple of Stihl blowers so no advantage to the blower either. The hedge trimmer honestly is already too long, but some extra reach on the pole saw would be of some value. So the Kombi really doesn't offer anything to me, but I can see where it might to some.