Weed whacker recommendations?

[tonyciambrone]

I would like anybody to chime in and provide justification for a 2-stroke trimmer for a 1/4 acre property. What is better? The complexity, maintenance and repair? The noise? The smell? The joy of pull starting? Having to keep mixed gas on hand? Winterizing the machine?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I have an Echo SRM 210. It's been great. It's starting to have a little problem holding an idle, but in probably 20 years I've never done anything to it other than replace the line. I still haven't even had to replace the trimmer head. If I ever do, I may try the Speed Feed.

Tommy

 

[tez929rr]

I have an Echo SRM 210. It's been great. It's starting to have a little problem holding an idle, but in probably 20 years I've never done anything to it other than replace the line. I still haven't even had to replace the trimmer head. If I ever do, I may try the Speed Feed.e

Tommy

I have two at home (and one I bought for the firehouse). I changed the head on my older one to the Speed Feed. The convenience of that alone is amazing, and they sell the head with adapters for other brands. My Echo leaf blower is going on 15 years old and also appears to be bulletproof.

 

[notjustamini]

I would like anybody to chime in and provide justification for a 2-stroke trimmer for a 1/4 acre property. What is better? The complexity, maintenance and repair? The noise? The smell? The joy of pull starting? Having to keep mixed gas on hand? Winterizing the machine?

I love my RedMax straight shaft for my .5 acre yard. I don't really have a justification for gas instead of electric, gas is what I've always used and it works for me. Do electrics match the power of gas? Biggest negatives for electric to me is the charging time and battery lifespan, but that will get better in the future. Just seems like electric yard tools are almost but not quite equal.

 

[coalminer16]

The last gen of battery powered yard tools blows all other electric ones away and in my opinion beats gas for a few reasons. Get the platform you already own. I own Milwaukee fuel and have several 12 ah batteries since I have their other bigger tools like table saw, chain saw, ect. Plenty of batteries. They last about an hour. New super rapid chargers cut the charge time down that you likely could do 2 batteries and do work most of the day. If you have dewalt or Sthl they are likely just as good. No fuel to go bad, run out of, mix, carbs, spark plugs, pull starting, ect.

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[coalminer16]

We have a 10 acre home site in 70 acres of ag land with a jd 997 zero turn mower. We have a lot of yard is what I am getting at and it is keeping up.

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[8t6elcamino]

Stihl is for sure the best choice of gas whackers

 

[Innovate1]

I have about 3 acres to take care of for another year or so. A battery unit still might work ok though.

 

[Spook001]

I use a electric on a one acre lot. Much better than playing around with mix.

As for larger lots, I have a stihl , and a echo. The echo starts easier, seems to tolerate various mixes better. The stihl requires fresh mix, otherwise starting resembles a religious ceremony, complete with sacrifice.

 

[HighLinerMI]

Sure seems like the commercial grade products have better user features

 

[99LeCouch]

Ego 56v carbon shaft trimmer. The battery life is quite good. It has good throttle control, and cuts well even at low power.

 

[greenskeeper]

STIHL FS36

oldie but goodie.....STILL going

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I have two at home (and one I bought for the firehouse). I changed the head on my older one to the Speed Feed. The convenience of that alone is amazing, and they sell the head with adapters for other brands. My Echo leaf blower is going on 15 years old and also appears to be bulletproof.

That's good to know about the Speed Feed. When I saw it posted above I looked into it and I'll while I'll admit that some of the reviews weren't positive, I always take anonymous internet reviews with a grain of salt, since there are positive views of it here I'll probably upgrade eventually.

Thanks!

Tommy

 

[Parrothead]

I would like anybody to chime in and provide justification for a 2-stroke trimmer for a 1/4 acre property. What is better? The complexity, maintenance and repair? The noise? The smell? The joy of pull starting? Having to keep mixed gas on hand? Winterizing the machine?

Agreed! On a 1/4 acre lot using anything but a battery is just silly. If you buy a good trimmer, they have plenty of power for a residential lawn. Husqvarna, Stihl, and Echo make battery trimmers for a reason and they’re overkill for anything that size. The DeWalt, Milwaukee, Mikita and Ego make some darn good products too. Heck Ego beat them all in the ProToolsReview.


Even my Black & Decker LST400 20v (the best 20v they made) was able to clear weeds that were up to my hip on an abandoned lot. It has a fast charger that has a full charge in 30 minutes. I bought a 5Ah battery from Amazon $34.

At this point, there’s absolutely no way I could justify a gas trimmer for anything short of a golf course or true professional landscaping

 

[Aaron_W]

For a small lot, I'm going to add to the suggestion of electric. I have a Ryobi cordless trimmer, and for light work like cleaning out a corner the mower can't get to, edging etc it is great. They have a variety of other garden tools that use the same battery, I've got a hedge clipper too and happy with it as well.

I'd stick with gas if you expect to be mowing down fields of tall grass, but the electrics work fine for typical lawn maintenance tasks. Really nice thing about the electric tools, is they are quiet, lightweight and require virtually no upkeep except charging the batteries.



Missed the last page when I posted

I have about 3 acres to take care of for another year or so. A battery unit still might work ok though.

I like the Ryobi for my use on a smaller lot as your said you are moving to. I don't think I'd want to go after a 3 acre lot with it though unless just doing some clean up after a mower.

 

[Dzlpete]

Generally speaking, the Stihl commercial grade units are about the best you can get..... UNLESS you can find a Shindiawa dealer-
Far and away, the best trimmer you can find. Period. End of story.
The pro guys around here run these exclusively.
Do some homework and see how they are made.
Oh, and make sure you run non-ethanol gas in small power equipment if you want to avoid starting and running issues long term.

 

[ozyborn]

Goats

 

[Farmall450]

Generally speaking, the Stihl commercial grade units are about the best you can get..... UNLESS you can find a Shindiawa dealer-
Far and away, the best trimmer you can find. Period. End of story.
The pro guys around here run these exclusively.
Do some homework and see how they are made.
Oh, and make sure you run non-ethanol gas in small power equipment if you want to avoid starting and running issues long term.

Shindaiwa = Echo

 

[HighLinerMI]

That's good to know about the Speed Feed. When I saw it posted above I looked into it and I'll while I'll admit that some of the reviews weren't positive, I always take anonymous internet reviews with a grain of salt, since there are positive views of it here I'll probably upgrade eventually.

Thanks!

Tommy

I agree to the point I went out and bought one for my FS85

 

[JerryC]

A few weeks ago I bought this Ryobi. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-4...attery-and-Charger-Included-RY40230/303365366

I bought that same trimmer to replace a JD gas trimmer that was several years old. It turned out to be a gateway drug. It can use the attachments that I had for my old trimmers so I have two spare trimmer heads, edger, a blower and vacuum. It is actually better with the edger than the gas trimmer was because of the torque that the electric motor has compared to the gas trimmer. It's really nice to no longer have that screaming two-stroke engine next to my ear.

I can edge and trim on one battery charge. My lot is ~90x140.

I liked it so much that I bought the hedge trimmer, chainsaw and backpack blower. All of them are really good.

The real surprise is that the backpack blower is so quiet you don't need hearing protection, not even close. My next door neighbor used the chainsaw to cut up a tree that fell during a storm. I've never used it myself. I loaned him the saw and went back to the house to eat lunch with family, I thought that he had not started because I never heard the saw. He actually finished before I went back.

The achilles heel to the Ryobi 40v is the long recharge times on the batteries. Having the chainsaw and hedge trimmer give me a couple of extra batteries should I need them. Where I foresee the need for extra batteries will be blowing leaves in the fall, but again the batteries from the tools I wont be using that day will fill that need.

Last plus is that the new Ryobi chargers double as a USB power bank adapter. I imagine that you could charge lots of phones/devices with one of those batteries when out camping.

 

[tthornto]

Goats

He asked about weed whackers, not weed eaters.

 

[LPD ret]

We recently bought my FIL this:https://www.homedepot.com/p/EGO-56-...MIkazgzNnB4wIVDT0MCh2D1ASUEAQYAiABEgJnUfD_BwE

The thing is as powerful, or more so, than his old gas trimmer. He maintains/cuts 8 of his 60 acres and this thing will do it on one charge. And, it recharges in about an hour. Lighter and more balanced than a gas machine. But, as much as I like it, I don't need one for my 90x180 lot and use a Worx 20 volt and it does my yard on one charge.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

Well, me & our boys used to mow about 15-17 yards and the Sthil FS 76 lasted about 15 years. If I put a carb kit in it, I am pretty sure it will run like new. I replaced it with a Stihl FS 130 4 stroke, and it has about 10 years on it, doing about 7 yards now, one is 5 acres, the rest are residential, and the FS 130 is still running like a new one. Another vote for Stihl.

 

[Barnabas]

Greenworks Tool professional 80v line is what I am buying. I have their string trimmer, chainsaw and lawn mower. Their 80v line, like the M18 Fuel line are brushless and last a long time between charges.

https://www.greenworkstools.com/shop-by-voltage/80v

I would put these up against the Stihl products.

I have the Greenworks Tool string trimmer, but I bought this attachment to make it a true weed wacker. It will cut anything up to an inch in diameter.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/TrimmerPlus-Brush-Cutter-Attachment/50129056

 

[Citation]

I've had a black and decker battery operated for 5 years and trim 2 acres easily on a charge. Not the most powerful unit in the world, but for normal trimming works great since I can run it against the siding etc without damaging either. Line is autofed and has never tangled. 2nd benefit of the lower power is it tends not to use much line.

Won't ever go back to mixed gas if I don't have to, what a pain.

I'll second the B&D if your cutting requirements are light. I've got an older 18V NiCad and a newer 20V Li-ion. Both are good value. The replacement Li-ion batteries are like $20. Tools that use that same battery platform are, like the trimmer, lower end but priced nicely if your needs are limited. I'm very happy with the 20V trimmer, blower and 5.5" circular saw. For all three and batteries I'm in a total of $100. I thought about spending a few more bucks and getting an impact driver too.

 

[TonkaJoe]

I've had an Echo SRM 225 for a few years now hasn't missed a beat with proper annual maintenance.. ALWAYS, gets a new spark plug and air filter every winter before its cleaned, fuel is drained and engine is fogged for storage. Fires first or 2nd pull in the spring. Main advantage to an Echo string trimmer is the "speed feed" system.. no screwing with wrapping line etc, literally takes 30 seconds to feed the head with line and wind it up and you're back to work.

I Also purchased an Echo PAS 2620, it has numerous attachments available.. bed redefiner, power brooms, string trimmer, stick edger etc. It's the "cats ***" so to speak of their line up. I absolutely love it and use it just as often as my SRM 225 to spruce up my landscape.

I don't think I own anything for yard maintenance other than equipment from the Echo line up.. my blower/mulchnvac, string trimmer, PAS system with several attachments, hedge trimmer and fertilizer spreader are all Echo..
I have yet to have any issues with any other their equipment.. I'd definitely purchase one of those string trimmers again!.

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[jshillin]

Get the EGO 56V weedeater and blower... I've used the hell out of mine for a couple seasons now. I think the blower has better output than my old gas blower and the weedeater definitely isn't low on power at all. Several people I know have bought them after trying mine.

 

[tonyciambrone]

M18 has a similar head to the echo speed feed. no winding around the spool. The power is excellent. As others have said a 12.0 battery does about an hour of trimming. I have no doubt the high voltage offerings are good too, I know a local landscaper that uses EGO for everything but blowing leaves and zero turns.

 

[stangconv]

If youre going gas. Get a Honda. Totally changed my weed whacking life. Great upgrade.

 

[sqznby]

I love my Stihl

 

[IMXCITD]

I use to try and "cheat" and get weed eaters at Lowes to try and save money....they last very short period of time and usually had problems with them in a short period of time....last go round switched to Sthil and can't be happier!! Start right up and do a great job.

 

[ItsNemo]

Have the Dewalt 20v, makes a lot of sense if you have the batteries already. It's surprisingly strong...they also make a larger 60v version if you're into that kinda thing.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Milwaukee M18 w/ quick lock.

Toolnut often offers a free Milwaukee tool (blower, pole saw, etc) with your order.


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[gearhead1]

I buy Husqvarna because I can get them at Lowe’s around here. I never use ethanol gas and I use stabil in gas I mix, but I try to get pre-mixed fuel on sale and use that as much as possible. Using pre-mix and a higher end machine = always starts in the Spring.

A friend has an automotive machine shop. He has torn down Stihl equipment and found the cylinder bores appear to be chrome coated. No wonder why they don’t wear out.

I bought a brand new Craftsman (Poulan) and ran great the first year, it’d have to stay choked the 2nd year. The 3rd year you’d have to feather the throttle to keep it running. The next year it wouldn’t run. This was when I lived in town and it didn’t see much use. So I bought a brand new carb. Zama I think it was. Ran great for a year, then I’d have to feather the throttle. Then I found where to buy the special tools to adjust the carb as they no longer are slotted or standard head screws. Now I can use it but have to adjust it each year. So I’d say no to Craftsman (Poulan).

 

[speed bump]

I would go battery in whatever platform you have already invested in unless you have some really knarly weeds.

I will also recommend the echo speed feed. Best thing ever for reloading string.

 

[MarineScott]

I bought a Stihl FS90R Professional $329, and in my opinion it is well worth it. It is a 4 cycle which runs on 2 cycle fuel. I was hesitant at first, but all the landscaping crews used them where I lived. You do not have to wind it up to get torque/power. I love this thing, it performs very well.

 

[BukitCase]

I have an older Husqvarna, works OK, starts in a couple pulls, no longer available so model is irrelevant. I have 7 or 8 different 2 stroke implements by Stihl, Husqvarna, Mac, Homelite, Earthquake, etc, and since I quit using anything but NO-E gas I haven't had to work on ANY of 'em; even my ZTR gets the "good stuff".

10 acres kinda eliminates battery or REALLY long extension cords for me - but for bigger areas, a 6' flail mower behind one of my 45 horse tractors is pretty painless...

SGKent, looks like "sack-a-tomatoes" is the closest No-E to you
https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=CA

But you're right, "ECCIC" (EverythingCausesCancerInCalifornia) is woefully lacking in No-E as they are in others - 20 stations in the whole state, as compared to 279 here in Oregon
https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=OR

Sure glad I left the Bay area and moved back to Oregon in 1978... Steve

 

[ard]

This is overkill, but I have a Husqvarna 235r. Shoulder harness; dual handle... Can string trim or mount a steel blade. It's a beast. I have acreage, and will take on 1/2 AC hillside of 3-4ft brush ... And not be in traction the next day!

It replaced a 232 I had for 15 years. Passed it on to family, still running.

My point is that I see crews of guys doing weedwhacking on neighboring lots- small machines, no handles- just hand held. Brutal AND inefficient. Get the right tool for the job

And to that point, seems like you are getting some on-point advice here.

 

[sansert]

Stihl. Best I have ever had and it is not even close. My wife bought me one for our anniversary after years of me bitching about the ones I had. Just spend the money. It is well worth it

 

[polizei1]

I had a DeWalt 40v, it's great for homeowner use, I would highly recommend it. EGO is another option, best battery tools on the market IMO currently. That said, the DeWalt would bog down in thick stuff, and I just started getting into commercial lawn care, so I upgraded to an Echo PAS-225. Gas will have more power and the speed feed head is awesome. Kind of depends really...if you want battery, DeWalt or EGO. If you want gas, Echo or Stihl, both are heavily used and recommend in the commercial industry, can't go wrong with either.