Weed wackers

[whateg01]

Tl;Dr - buy an ego.

I had a kobalt 40v trimmer for several years. It was still working well when I gave it to a friend who needed something to use. I went and bought an ego on sale a couple months ago and it is far more powerful. My daughter and her bf bought into the Ryobi brand and have everything but a mower powered by battery. In their new house with a bigger yard, if it's been kept up, two 4ah batteries will almost mow the whole lot. I honestly don't know the size of the lot but it's bigger than I would push mow. Probably why I helped them pick up a new rider this weekend. Anyway, I liked the ego trimmer enough I went out and spent $700 on the $1000 top of the line ego push mower. The 12ah battery alone is sold for $600 so even though I never thought I would spend that much on a push mower, I did. I don't regret it at all. My neighborhood has stickers and I try to keep them out of my yard by digging them up when I see them. And even though I go over the yard before mowing, I always find several after I start mowing. Stopping and starting the gas push mower, even though it always starts on the first pull, has always been a pita. That's not an issue with the ego 56v mower.

 

[LB-1911]

Tl;Dr - buy an ego.

I actually went ahead and bought another corded trimmer. But I have makita drills and 4 batteries so I will look at that brand. HD had several of their battery tools in the lawn tool area but no trimmer. I had been eyeing Makita sales for a year wanting another drill. I had bought them maybe 5-6 years back for $99 including one battery and a charger but the best I saw in that year was a bare drill for $139. I had resigned myself to getting one and then was in HD and happened on the back endcap of one of the tool isle shelf units that had 6-7 Makita things on sale. Whoa, drill,charger, battery for $99. I grabbed one and 2 days later went back and grabbed the last one. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[jar944]

Do you live on a 27 acre mountaintop compound, like most of the folks on this forum, and expect your weed whacker to deal with oak saplings, thorn thickets, and random intruders?

Or do you have a fairly standard suburban lot and need to trim the grass? Be realistic about your needs.

Snip

Or maybe you really do enjoy yanking starter strings with growing dread and frustration, endless futzing with teensy Chinese carburetors, and inhaling exhaust fumes on the rare occasions the damn things actually do run.

I'm not on a 27 acre mountain top compound either but do regularly need to cut saplings, limbs, brush, thorn thickets and all other associated greenery that you find on a [non urban] lawn.

I never understood people complaining about hard starting OPE. Run decent fuel, or run it empty at the end of the season.

7 year old consumer grade trimmer that has been viciously abused, ridden hard and put away wet. Starts in a couple pulls every time, same as all my gas powered equipment.

 

[niget2002]

Stopping and starting the gas push mower, even though it always starts on the first pull, has always been a pita.

small velcro strap works wonders for holding the 'kill' handle down when I have to move something in the yard mid-mow

 

[zendriver]

Black & Decker sells a cordless model with battery for $99.

It might just “whack” the weeds not actually cutting them off, but it is only $99

 

[whateg01]

small velcro strap works wonders for holding the 'kill' handle down when I have to move something in the yard mid-mow

There's still a bunch of chunks of wood in the yard from when they chipped the stump and the mower still picks some of them up and throws them. That's just what I want to get in the face with while I'm down on the ground digging up stickers. No thanks

 

[mervyn]

I'm stealing that

 

[Firebrick43]

I'm stealing that

Thats fine, I stole it as well

 

[mervyn]

I like my echo straight shaft two stroke Weedeater. Bought it used in 2018. New pull cord , new gas tank and spark plug. Runs like a top.

 

[finn]

We had a Stihl and old Homelite gas two stroke trimmer, along with a Toro and a couple of Black and Decker battery trimmers.

The Homelite was arguably just as good as the Stihl, although the Homelite was probably from the 1980s..

The Toro is on its second battery, and still works. The newest B&D is Walmart junk, and the older one is not much better and needs a battery again. These aren’t modern lithium battery technology tools.

This spring, we bought a Milwaukee m18 combo kit, with a weed wacker attachment and stand alone blower plus a free pole saw attachment. We actually bought the kit because Milwaukee offered a paddle broom attachment, which works quite well for spring cleanup of gravel deposited in the grass from snow removal. The trimmer was just a bonus for us.

The Milwaukee is actually pretty good, although I think the Dewalt out scored it on Project Farm.

i won’t buy another gas trimmer. The Stihl wasn’t even started so far this year, needs a shutdown switch, and the Homelite needs the new recoil spring installed. Between maintenance and messing with fuel, it’s not worthwhile messing with gas. Plus, my wife does the trimming and won’t go near a gas trimmer.

 

[Jblount3]

A couple acres here no mountain top, I bought the biggest gas Stihl kombi, no regrets, it does get heavy but it takes over an hour to get everything trimmed. I have the pole saw and tiller for it too, nice to have one motor for all the tools

 

[Jblount3]

A couple acres here no mountain top, I bought the biggest gas Stihl kombi

 

[nbpt100]

I finally had enough of the 10+ year old Bolens 2 cycle a few weeks ago. My issue was I don't weed eat every time, so it sits with the fuel in too long unused. Tractor Supply still has the 60V Greenworks for $150, with battery and charger. Claims as much torque and power as the same size engine in the Bolens. I believe it. Works great. I run it half an hour, come in the garage for a beer and recharge for another half hour of use. Never lost any power. First battery op tool I've purchased (besides drills and lights) and love it. String system and head seem pretty good so far also. A battery rider will never replace the old John Deere mower though. ***this one is lower priced because it does not accept any attachments, unless ya want to do some serious cobbling

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...immer-with-25-ah-battery-and-charger-st60l254

Thanks for sharing this. I am impressed at what you get for the price. It is a straight shaft too. Let us know how it holds up. Not just battery life and replacement cost but the overall equipment. Performance etc. Thanks again.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

Get a good quality one when you get one. In 1993 I bought a Stihl gas powered trimmer (FS76)and I ran it for 15 years, it costed $375.00. Then I replaced it with a Stihl 4 stroke trimmer (FS130R), cost was also about $375.00. Cost has been about $25 per year over the past 30 years. There's some pretty good brands available, you don't have to get a Stihl, but that happened to be what I have used.

 

[chuck356]

I like two stroke engines, so a lot of outdoor power equipment are two stroke, must come from my love of two stoke dirt bikes, street bikes, and snowmobiles that I have owned many of (not much sounds better than a two stroke triple with pipes!). I have an early FS series Stihl string trimmer that was given to me 20 years ago by a older neighbor, I cleaned the carb when I got and have used it ever since. It is finicky to start after it sits for month or two, but it always starts and runs good. One pull start after it has ran. I have small Stihl electric chain saw, and it's great for brush and limbs, beats dragging out the 20" saw for small stuff. I use a two stroke Lawn Boy for trimming around the property as well.

 

[dougf]

Buy four 2-stroke weed eaters and tuck them away. In 15 year's you wont be able to find them (environmental) and the battery powered ones will be $400+ after they corner the market.

 

[infinkc]

I recently bought a M18 Milwaukee trimmer since have the batteries already. I have to say i am pretty impressed by how well it works. My only complaint is with a larger battery, it is heavy. I need to get a shoulder strap for it. Its nice not smelling like gas when im done cutting the yard. For some reason it seems to eat string way faster than my Echo trimmer, same string.

 

[whateg01]

I recently bought a M18 Milwaukee trimmer since have the batteries already. I have to say i am pretty impressed by how well it works. My only complaint is with a larger battery, it is heavy. I need to get a shoulder strap for it. Its nice not smelling like gas when im done cutting the yard. For some reason it seems to eat string way faster than my Echo trimmer, same string.

My old kobalt fed line every time you stopped. So it went through line pretty fast I thought.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I am invested in the EGO platform - 56V. Over the last 5 years, I have accumulated the chain saw, blower, hedge trimmer, weed wacker and pole saw. The weed wacker (ST1511T) is a beast. I did not go with the multi-tool system. I got down the road and it seemed that the stand alone versions were better designed. Some of these I have bought bare tool but I did end up with three batteries and a couple of chargers. One charger at my home and one at my cabin. I take the batteries and tools with me when I go to the cabin. Very happy with the EGO system.

 

[whateg01]

I am invested in the EGO platform - 56V. Over the last 5 years, I have accumulated the chain saw, blower, hedge trimmer, weed wacker and pole saw. The weed wacker (ST1511T) is a beast. I did not go with the multi-tool system. I got down the road and it seemed that the stand alone versions were better designed. Some of these I have bought bare tool but I did end up with three batteries and a couple of chargers. One charger at my home and one at my cabin. I take the batteries and tools with me when I go to the cabin. Very happy with the EGO system.

I bought the carbon fiber weed Wacker to begin with and now I also have a mower. I had a second thoughts when I got to thinking about the attachments for the power unit or whatever it's called but I came to the same conclusion that the individual implements are better in the long run.

 

[aardquark]

I'm still using an Echo that I bought in (approx) 1983. Made back in the good ol' days, the carburetor can be rebuilt (i.e. disassembled and given a good cleaning). Although lately it has been been running poorly, only runs about 10 minutes before it overheats and stalls. Time for another rebuild, I think. I like the suggestion above of running on canned fuel. Maybe I'll give that a try once I get it back into fighting shape. I only use it once or twice a year, so the carb has plenty of opportunity to gum up in between uses.

 

[nbpt100]

I'm still using an Echo that I bought in (approx) 1983. Made back in the good ol' days, the carburetor can be rebuilt (i.e. disassembled and given a good cleaning). Although lately it has been been running poorly, only runs about 10 minutes before it overheats and stalls. Time for another rebuild, I think. I like the suggestion above of running on canned fuel. Maybe I'll give that a try once I get it back into fighting shape. I only use it once or twice a year, so the carb has plenty of opportunity to gum up in between uses.

make sure the exhast is clear. when people use cheap 2 cycle oil or too much oil, the muffler or exhaust port can clogg up. I have learned to always use synthetic 2 cycle oil. Only about a dollar more and less smoking and fewer other BS problems. They say you can mess up the mixture and still have good protection. I dont know that for a fact but it seems reasonable to a point and I have newer had a problem.

 

[dcg9381]

I'm moving solidly to electric at this point. I've still got gasser weedeaters and chain saws, but now a days, the Makita platform (which is what most of my cordless tools are) is building stuff that allows you to use the same batteries in series for a little more power. A "tool only" Makita weed eater is around $370 @36v. Course, depends on how much wackin' you're doing...

 

[BombShelter]

This is high season for trimmers, everywhere I look in the Midwest the grass is growing like crazy so the trimmers are going to be priced at a premium. Wait about six weeks and they'll be priced to sell.

Personally I have a Makita that came with a big blower, it was $250 at HD two years ago with a battery and charger. Since I have a million batteries it was a great deal. For larger weeds I use a gas Stihl, these are really nice if you get the plastic chopping blade for big thick stuff.

 

[CraigStu]

So I went ahead and bought another of the same weed eater. The other day it was time to use it so of the box and assemble it. Easy enough, slip on the line guard so I don't eat my boots or feet and then slip on the adjustable handle. Had it on the workbench and picked it up to do the handle and the aluminum tube falls out of the motor, eater assembly. I figure it slips in and probably has a screw or bolt to secure it. That is correct but the dang aluminum tube had cracked right where the bolt goes through. Back to HD. Nice lady says OK go grab a new one. I had to look a little more because the one I bought was $99 and the one there now is $59. Take it up front and # is the same. So I take it out to the car and decide to assemble it right there. All OK. We will see how it works tomorrow. New model coming? HD just trying to sell off junk? Who knows. Funny though.

 

[KEH]

Another vote for a straight shaft Echo.

KEH

 

[LG63]

I’m planning to purchase an Ego trimmer soon. Basing my decision on their battery and the available inverter. The Ego 2.5 ah battery is good for 140wh which is more watt hour for the buck than typical high capacity power tool batteries. Couple the battery with a relatively cheap Ego inverter and I can power my modem and router for several hours during a short power outage.

 

[whateg01]

... Couple the battery with a relatively cheap Ego inverter and I can power my modem and router for several hours during a short power outage.

Never thought of that but with my 12 ah battery I could run the whole house! (Slight exaggeration)

 

[Barnabas]

I have the 80V Greenworks Tool string trimmer and lots of other Greenworks yard tools.
I bought a universal tiller attachment, and my Greenworks trimmer tilled my whole front yard with ease. It's a powerful trimmer.

The 80V trimmer with battery is on sale right now. Marked down from $350 to $245. You might find a better price off the manufacturer's website.

80V 16" String Trimmer & 2.0 Ah Battery | Greenworks Tools

This Greenworks Pro 16" cordless string trimmer features an attachment capable power head for versatile use, compatible with most gas attachments. Shop now!

www.greenworkstools.com

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Apologies as I haven’t perused the entire thread and it sounds like you’ve landed on something. Ryobi 40v from DTO is priced well and has treated me well, only complaint is it’s a little underpowered for the edger attachment in the Oklahoma clay

 

[paulsomlo]

Makita XRU23Z

 

[gtae07]

I have a greenworks 80V as well, works great. Which reminds me, I ran out of string last time and I need to go reload it. I'll wait till after the hurricane...

 

[My Old Tools]

I use a Stihl FS86. My daughter turns 36 next month, I bought it when she was 5. I have replaced the carb once and the string head a couple of times. Starts first pull and runs all day. Also has the steel saw blade type head when I need it. It was $400 30 years ago.

 

[rustrunner]

My wife won't allow me to use the weed wacker. She values her flowers to much. That said, She bought a Shindaiwa 15 years or more and haven't had a bit of trouble with it other tan replacing the head a couple of times. I mix a little less of a gallon to one of the small oil containers and have had zero problems.

 

[RalphInCA]

Since thread drift is what we do here on GJ, how about we switch this up a little.

Seems to me that many of the complaints on string trimmers is in the string feeding mechanisms.

Which brand/models are particularly good at this?

 

[RalphInCA]

My wife won't allow me to use the weed wacker. She values her flowers to much.

Pretty clever! I’ll have to try this.

 

[CraigStu]

Pretty clever! I’ll have to try this.

Yeah but getting through that first time you wack some of her flowers may be tougher than you expect.

 

[Firebrick43]

Since thread drift is what we do here on GJ, how about we switch this up a little.

Seems to me that many of the complaints on string trimmers is in the string feeding mechanisms.

Which brand/models are particularly good at this?

I have not had any problems with the 25-2 heads that stihl uses.

Many swear than an echo speedfeed 400 is the best however. If I ever wear out my 25-2 I will try it was well. I like it on my dads trimmer, but not enough to pay to replace what I have.

I will suggest one trimmer accessory that everyone should have that isn't chopping brush.

An Edgit pro guard. Not only does it allow easy edging of sidewalks/driveways, but it speeds up trimming around foundation and makes a world of difference trimming around fence post and chainlink fence.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Some are commerical models. Like the echo 2620 is like $381 after tax

 

[My Old Tools]

Since thread drift is what we do here on GJ, how about we switch this up a little.

Seems to me that many of the complaints on string trimmers is in the string feeding mechanisms.

Which brand/models are particularly good at this?

I have been happy with this one....​

Speed-Feed 400 Universal Trimmer Head​

ECHO Speed-Feed 400 Universal Trimmer Head 99944200907 - The Home Depot

ECHO Speed-Feed Universal Trimmer Head takes the hassle out of refilling your trimmer head and is one of the easiest tap-to-advance heads available.

www.homedepot.com