Used String Trimmers

[Bull]

Is this a bad type of equipment to purchase used? My homeowner quality one got jammed last year, and I could not fix it. I really need a commercial quality unit, anyway, since I have a lot of property and lots of heavy trimming to do (field grass/hay, mostly.)

I see that on eBay I can get used Echo and Shindaiwa units that are supposedly tested and good for just under $200 shipped.

Whatever I get, I need to be able to get service parts for it, it needs to be able to use the thickest trimmer line available, and I'd like the option of adding heads that can do small brush, but that is not crucial.

 

[Az Scooter]

I have bought two echo 251E's in the past week for $220, brand new. I do hear that Shindaiwa is a good brand, though.

 

[Bull]

How do you like that model, and what kind of use will you be subjecting it to? Where did you buy them?

 

[metal1313]

you can get some of the high end home owner/low end pro trimmers for around 200. that said most of my equipment is used, but my trimmer is actually an 8+ y/o ryobi unit that has yet to let me down. check your local mower shops, some may have used equipment, or can give you a good line on one

 

[street131]

Hey Bull, I have dealt with alot of different kinds and brands of trimmers. I have used stihls, echos, redmax pros and home series, craftsmans, Shindaiwa, weed eater and the huskys. The biggest issues that i have ran into and mainly the only issue is the carb issues. I have abused the hell out of every strimmer ive used, but the only issues ive had is the carburetors going bad. I wouldnt hesitate on buying a used one unless its having carb issues. We have 5 stihls at the shop and weve never had any issues with them, they start up so easily and have some nuts to them. If you can get one cheap enough, i would go with them.

You did mention the Shindaiwa brand and this is a brand that i was not even aware of till about 2 years go. As with any offbrand, i get a little skeptical about the performance. We got one as a rental when i was getting one of the redmaxs fixed and the trimmer really had some guts to it. I know i only used it for 1 days, but it was very light and had some serious power. They sell the Shindaiwa trimmers out of a tractor store down the street and they have had wonderful reviews on these weed wackers. I wish you good luck on finding that trimmer.

 

[AllAboutTools]

It'd be nice if you could find a used Shindaiwa with an adjustable carb...I've had an echo for 3 years and a Shindaiwa for a year. I like the Shindaiwa better, but for a 200-250 dollar weedeater, the echo is a good buy. I don't think they're as rugged as the Shindaiwa's though.

 

[lwlobo]

Several years ago, I was pumping gas at a local station. I'd just been at Home Depot looking at string trimmers.

A scuzzy looking guy walks up with a nice looking used Stihl trimmer. Says he needs gas and wants $20 bucks for it. He even started it for me. It was the most obviously stolen thing I've ever seen, and I scrounge flea markets, garage sales, and CL all the time.

He assured me it wasn't hot (right!) and as much as I wanted the trimmer, I couldn't do it. So I let it go, went back to HD and bought a cheapo McCulloch for $65. It was all I could afford at the time and it still runs fine. I can't say I'm always so upstanding, but that was too much!

 

[Az Scooter]

I bought mine at a local lawn mower supply. I have a contract with a city government for nuisance abatement. Just this week they have both been run over 30 hours in 8 our stretches grubbing very heavy weed build ups. A total of 60k sq. ft. of nearly solid coverage.

 

[Bull]

I bought mine at a local lawn mower supply. I have a contract with a city government for nuisance abatement. Just this week they have both been run over 30 hours in 8 our stretches grubbing very heavy weed build ups. A total of 60k sq. ft. of nearly solid coverage.

Hmm...that all sounds pretty promising for $200 new. Up to what size line can it accept? In the real heavy stuff does the motor bog down?

 

[jeepnut24]

Stihl and Echo are what Dad has used for the last 30 years. He has been doing this commercially that long as well. Never had any serious issues getting parts for them. As for used, not sure he usually uses all of the life out of them and then gets a new one. I personally LOVE the heads that automatically extend the line when you tap the head. I hate having to stop to extend the string. Quality line is also important as well.

 

[truckdriver]

I haven't bought a new trimmer in years. The usual problems are rotted fuel lines which can be replaced for a couple of bucks or carbs that need adjustment. When buying used always buy one with the adjustable carbs( they will have usually 2, sometimes just 1 adjustment screw). They use either a spline type, D type, or DDtype(think of the D's being back to back. They will usually have plastic caps on them to prohibit adjustment but you just pill them off with pliers.http://cgi.ebay.com/CARBURETOR-ADJU...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e57923e13. This tools will adjust the spline type. I will buy trimmers at garage sales for for less than $5 and have them running for less than $10.

 

[bindernut]

truckdriver, some carbs use a plain old flat screwdriver. There are other styles of adjusters also. Echo uses 2 others, and I know ryobi or mtd uses at least 1 more.

 

[Merkava_4]

I've been doing some extensive research on string trimmers and it seems as though all the pre-EPA used trimmers are the way to go. The Shindaiwa T260 and T270 are extremely reliable from what I've been hearing.

The best current trimmers are the ones with Walbro WYK series carburetors. These are EPA carbs, but you can access the idle needle by heating up a pick red hot and then inserting it into the plastic cover plug. You leave the pick in there until it cools, and then you pull it out with the plug.

However, anything with a Walbro WYA carb will give you hard starting and long warm ups.

 

[D.J.]

I have a STIHL FS 45 string trimmer that is three or four years old and have had no problems untill last year in the fall and I disassembled it last weekend and found it needed a new spindle in the end of the tube. Called my local dealer and he advised me that is not a replaceable part so I'm looking for a new tube for my FS45. My money will always be used for Stihl products and parts. Just my $ .02 D.J.
________
Design host

 

[truckdriver]

Yeah, there are like 5 different styles but the spline type is the most poplular followed by D and DD.

 

[Bull]

Rather than start a new thread, I am adding onto this one. I'm no longer looking at used trimmers, but new. Echo, to be precise.

Now, here we are at the weekend and I'd like to do some trimming. But, the local HD only has two Echo models in stock, the largest being the SRM-225. I don't know whether to grab that one because it is conveniently available, or let the weeds grow for another week and order a larger model like the SRM-265?

Does anyone own or have direct knowledge of the capabilities of the smaller unit? I just don't want a limp-wristed trimmer.

 

[Merkava_4]

The smaller one is just for trimming 3" high grass.

 

[Bull]

The smaller one is just for trimming 3" high grass.

****.

You know what's confusing, Merk, are the user reviews. I found some for that model where people are bragging about all the power that the unit has. Maybe these are people who wear yanked-up knee socks, eat prunes, and think that milk is a strong drink

 

[Merkava_4]

****.

You know what's confusing, Merk, are the user reviews. I found some for that model where people are bragging about all the power that the unit has. Maybe these are people who wear yanked-up knee socks, eat prunes, and think that milk is a strong drink

HAHA!!

What you need is one about 26cc-ish. Some guys swear by the 265T model because of its high torque gearbox.

 

[Bull]

HAHA!!

What you need is one about 26cc-ish. Some guys swear by the 265T model because of its high torque gearbox.

Hmmm...for only $20 more I get 50% more torque? That might be the way to go.

$330 for a string trimmer seems like an extravagance to me, but I do have a huge yard and lots of tough trimming tasks. As long as the unit has a long life, I suppose the per-year cost will be pretty low.

When you buy stuff like this from HD vs a local shop, are you basically boned as far as warranty service goes?

 

[Merkava_4]

When you buy stuff like this from HD vs a local shop, are you basically boned as far as warranty service goes?

HD only gives you a 90 day store warranty; after that, you gotta go through the manufacturer.

The guys at lawnsite claim that dealers run the trimmers and make any needed adjustments before selling them to the customer. HD leaves it in the box and that's what you buy. That's all hearsay though, so take it for what it's worth.

 

[Bull]

I would prefer to buy from the local dealer. However, Mrs. Bull wants me to get it from HD to take advantage of the 6 or 12 month financing.

Oh, well.

 

[Merkava_4]

Did HD say they'd have to special order a 265 ?

 

[Bull]

Did HD say they'd have to special order a 265 ?

Their website shows the 265 as "online only." The 225 and some dinky, curved shaft homeowner special are the only two that show up as being in-store.

 

[Brandon_K]

I can't speak for the 225, I have a somewhat recently aquired SRM-260S. The thing is an absolute BEAST. It's "replacing" a Husq 125L which I'm still quite happy with, but the Echo has way more power, right around the same weight, though I like the handle on the Husq a little better. (FWIW, I wasn't in the market for a new trimmer, it was a repo house clearout).

After telling my Dad about it, he said Echo's are excellent trimmers, second only (in his opinion) to Shin's (I've always felt the Shin's were the best out there). He sold Redmax, Stihl, Echo and Shindawa at a commercial lawn dealer for a few years full time, then part time when he started with Snap On. I guess he knows a thing or two about trimmers. He said very very few Echo's ever came back in for warranty.

 

[Merkava_4]

Their website shows the 265 as "online only." The 225 and some dinky, curved shaft homeowner special are the only two that show up as being in-store.

HAHA!!

Which model of 265 shows up at the website ... the regular 265, 265S, or the 265T ?

 

[Bull]

HAHA!!

Which model of 265 shows up at the website ... the regular 265, 265S, or the 265T ?

All three of those are available online: $309, $329, $329.

 

[Merkava_4]

All three of those are available online: $309, $329, $329.

I'm kinda partial to the 'S' model because it's got a solid driveshaft....

Might be smoother....

 

[Bull]

I'm kinda partial to the 'S' model because it's got a solid driveshaft....

Might be smoother....

But if the T produces all that extra torque, while the S has "normal" torque but smooth revs, I'd be partial to the extra torque, myself. Better to have a gorilla slashing the weeds than a hummingbird, no?

 

[Merkava_4]

Better to have a gorilla slashing the weeds than a hummingbird, no?

I'm not sure; I'd have try both of them out I suppose. The guys on lawnsite talk about being able to demo them, but none of the dealers in my area have demos to try.

 

[Merkava_4]

Bull, check out this post I found

Echo's the jam to my toast, the butter to my bread, its my lifeblood. If I could marry echo I would do it. I wouldn't ever be bored, and I could shut it off whenever I want

 

[Merkava_4]

Here's another comment -

I've been running the 265T for over a year and I am extremely happy with it. I demoed both and found the 265T to have much more power, but if you're only doing minor trimming you should be fine with the 265. I would spend the extra few bucks though.

 

[Merkava_4]

More comments -

Echo trimmers are great. When I started out I had a SRM-210 which was a great trimmer. Now we use 2 SRM-265T's which are awsome, not too heavy and have great power. I think echo is the way to go as far as trimmers are concerned.

 

[gabeancounter]

Merk,
Do you ever sleep?lol

Well, I know you are going for the Echo but wanted to throw out one last suggestion. The Stihl FS80 Pro. Around $280. I have had mine for five years. Really great machine. Light weight and has plenty of power. Stihl dealers are always close by!

 

[Bull]

Merk, all of those comments make the 256T sound like a slam-dunk.

Beancounter, I will do a quick search to see who sells Stihl near me. I don't believe either of the big box stores do.

Merk, when are you pulling the trigger on your own unit?

 

[hilld]

Stihl is NOT sold in any box stores, you will have to go to an outdoor equipment/farm dealer.

I have a FS80 that I purchased 10 years ago and it is still going strong. I did upgrade the shaft to a solid shaft so I can run the hedge trimmer and chain saw attachments (both work great). I have also used the brush blade, to cut down African Thistle as the line just wouldn't do it. I am running 0.095 line, wish I could go bigger as I break a lot of it trimming around the rock walls.

I think I paid something like $250 10 years ago for the trimmer so the cost per year is about $25 and going down every year. If I have to replace it down the road, so be it, the attachments will still work.

Derek

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I have the Echo SRM230. It’s a great machine and I don't think you would be disappointed with it. I got it at home depot who tried to sell me one of those extended warranties, which I passed on. I figure if there is ever anything wrong with it that I can’t figure out I will take it to one of the local half-dozen small engine repair shops in the area...<o></o>

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

HD only gives you a 90 day store warranty; after that, you gotta go through the manufacturer.

The guys at lawnsite claim that dealers run the trimmers and make any needed adjustments before selling them to the customer. HD leaves it in the box and that's what you buy. That's all hearsay though, so take it for what it's worth.

The Echo trimmers don't come in boxes at HD.

 

[Tom2]

I wouldn't buy a used one. I hate working on the things.

I got a new 25cc one from HD a few years ago for about $45. Works great, never an issue. Best money I ever spent. Got sick of fighting with olds ones.

It's not gonna cut down huge brush..but I have a near acre yard, and it's plenty.

 

[hammlm]

This is one area where I didn't succumb to "bigger, faster, more power".

Actually I don't regret it. I bought an Echo SRM210 at the dealer last year. I love it. I have pretty gnarly property and it's been up-to-task. I run cross-fire trimmer string in it when I have the string-trimming head on it. Also have the metal deflector conversion which allows me to run the big saw-blade looking thing on it. Works great. I've significantly reduced the number of standing sumach saplings (tongue twister anyone?) on my property.

I also like that it runs very well inverted with the string trimmer head on it. I use it in this mode for edging my beds and along the driveway. My old trimmer(s) would stall when inverted.

I like the Echo. More power wouldn't hurt me, but I am not missing it either.