OT string trimmers

[OldRedFord]

Im looking for a 4 cycle trimmer (preferably) that will take attachments like a edger or hedge trimmer. I am wanting to stay under $300.

I could go 2 cycle but as of now the only thing I have that is two cycle is a blower. From reading on here I guess I want to stay away from the box stores.

Really I need trimming and edging capability. I prefer the use of a bladed edger vs using the string trimmer.

My problem is I have been at this lawn stuff less then a month and the 10 year old Ryobi 825r trimmer I was using developed a fuel leak this afternoon and I think its time to get something else. Just that at this point I cant go drop $500 or $600 on a string trimmer or two. I need to replace it fast.

Id like to avoid brands like Weedeater or Troy-built.

[91Bear]

I think Stihl is pretty universally the best. Check Craigslist for used ones.

[Caseys71]

I think Stihl is pretty universally the best. Check Craigslist for used ones.

x2 My dad has been using the same one for about 10 years . Don't recall the model or anything off hand though, but I really like how much lighter it is compared to our other trimmers ( However the Ryobi we have is pretty light too and a good trimmer as well) that and it just seems built better, and seems to run smoother than our other trimmers I've also noticed that it starts when it's cold a whole lot quicker than any other 2-cycle engines. You can buy a brand spankin' new FS 90R through your Stihl dealer for $299.95, it is part of their professional line and accepts all of their attachments. Here's a link to the trimmer: http://www.stihldealer.net/productdetai ... ds-69.aspx You could also buy their top of the line home-owner type trimmers for $279.95 : http://www.stihldealer.net/productdetai ... ds-68.aspx but the attachments are not available for that model. Here's the page of attachments as well: http://www.stihlusa.com/accessories/int ... eable.html Good luck getting a new trimmer! I used the Stihl all day today with no problems (I cut grass for a living too .....Well the bump's living anyways !) and I'm sure you'd probably be happy with one.

[fordman]

i have trimmers. they never stay running more than 30 minutes from the shop or until the gas runs out the shop put in it. i use my hands or i am better with gettign things trimmer with my push mower. however. i do have a older type wheel and star thing that is made for edging around concrete. if it wasn't dirty i kind of sticky i might use it. but i also do not do comerical type proffesional yuppy grass mowing either.

[OldRedFord]

Some trimmers that catch my eye...

Echo SRM-225SB

Stihl FS90R

Or....
Ryobi RY34440

[pltmgr]

I have an Echo trimmer along with a chain saw and blower. good value for the money.

[flyboy2610]

I have a Ryobi 720r. I have blower and cultivator attachments for it, plus a metal trimmer blade. That model is no longer made, but I haven't had any trouble with it. I prefer a curved shaft trimmer to a straight shaft trimmer. I think they're easier to use.

[averagef250]

I am a big fan of stihl, I have several saws from when they made the best stuff. However, thier stuff is crap today, really low quality. Even at the height of Stihl quality they never made the best weedeaters.

No weed whacker has ever impressed me more than Echos pro line up. They are built like little tanks and made to take serious abuse. I've seen them run on straight gas to siezing, only to be fine after cooling down. I actually have an echo con-rod from a rebadged echo "john deere" backpack blower that I overhauled on my key chain. The con rod is peened and polished forged steel. You don't see that kind of quality in much else, most small engine con-rods are stamped steel.

I have one of the newer small 4 stroke engines, a 30CC 1HP Honda from a waterpump that broke. I was going to mount it to an old Warn 5687 upright winch on a stinger so I could use it anywhere, in any vehicle. I've since heard the little 4 strokers have lots of issues with reliability as thier camshafts are mostly plastic and simply don't hold up great. The little buggers are quiet though. I was figuring out if the engine was feasible to mount on the winch and had to figure out what it's RPM range was. Setting on a bench I held my hand tach on the crank and throttled it up. At wot it was still quiet enough to talk over in a normal voice and was spinning over 15,000 RPM. I'm going to use an old 044 powerhead instead. I'd rather have it last a long time that be quiet.

[fireguywtc]

I have a cub cadet 4175 that I picked up from Home depot a couple of years ago. It is a four stroke that has a small crank case for oil, unlike the four mixers. My trimmer is also a straight shaft and has interchangeable heads.

I have had zero problems with mine and it has even survived being run over by my wife in her mustang. My fault for leaving it in the driveway I only had to replace the plastic airfilter piece because it broke under the weight of the car, but thats it and it has always started first time and worked well since day one. I don't know if I am supposed to, but I have run the motor in almost every position with no problems. The one thing I don't like about it but its not a big deal is it only holds one pre-cut lenght piece of string at a time. I think its called speed loading. I would prefer the regular spool that you slap on the ground because I end up with a short string by the time I am done with the yard and replace it every time I do the yard.

Here is the site info. I cannot find it on the Home Depot or Lowes website. http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 0000_33820

[OldRedFord]

I ended up getting a RedMax TR2350S. $249

Came close to getting a $300 Shindaiwia.

Runs real smooth and seems to be quieter then the 4 stroke Ryobi.