232L Trimmer > brush cutter, 232R or J handle kit?

[raventai]

Hello more noob questions,

I need to clear many areas of dense thicket/brush/grape vine/saplings etc, nothing over 3/4", attacking them with a machete is slow going.

I have a 232L trimmer from 1999 or so the string head really does not do much for the woody stalks but it has a lot of power and the power head is identical to the 232R brush cutter (sticker even says 232L/232R)

I would like to convert it to a brush cutter, found this kit at sears for $20 (seams very reasonable) it is supposedly a "j handle kit" it only appears to have a short bar that attaches to the current top handle instead of the double grip of the 232R

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ssories&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

On Husky's site they say this kit is not to be used with saw blades, Why is that? is it a liability thing or can it physically a problem? safety concern? is there a better kit out there? would I be better off converting it to a full 232R with the bicycle grip? what all would I need to buy to do the 232R conversion?

I have read that the 3 blade style is the preferred here do all these blades have the same hole size? if I buy the kit from sears will I be able to mount a 3 blade or saw blade on it as needed?

Thanks for any info.
Raven

 

[Four Paws]

Buy the Husky parts and convert it to a TRUE 232R.

I have a 232R and like it very much. I use mine with a 10" grass blade, and then change out to a trimmer guard and use it with a T35 trimmy head.

All the parts you need are listed and illustrated in the IPL. Good luck!

 

[SawTroll]

I'd say that the 232 is a bit small for a brushcutter, but that's just me and my brush.......

 

[raventai]

Four paws, thanks for the tip, found the IPL and it was clearer than I thought to figure out what parts are different dug up what I think is all that makes the difference,

THROTTLE HANDLE  	502195813    $36.26  
CABLE SET 	        502206901    $26.72
HANDLE 	                503724303    $49.72
THROTTLE CONTROL        502189801    $22.17  	

Subtotal: 	$134.87

Is the bicycle handle worth $135 over the J?

one other thing is there a drop in non-cat muffler for this one?

 

[Four Paws]

Four paws, thanks for the tip, found the IPL and it was clearer than I thought to figure out what parts are different dug up what I think is all that makes the difference,

THROTTLE HANDLE  	502195813    $36.26  
CABLE SET 	        502206901    $26.72
HANDLE 	                503724303    $49.72
THROTTLE CONTROL        502189801    $22.17  	

Subtotal: 	$134.87

Is the bicycle handle worth $135 over the J?

one other thing is there a drop in non-cat muffler for this one?

There is not a drop in non-cat muffler, but it is pretty easy to take the 'cat' out of your muffler. Search for 'DIY muffler' - I posted pictures and a detailed explanation of the muffler off my 232R that I worked over.

As far as the conversion parts - you will need a different guard around the cutting attachment/blade, and the complete bicycle handle kit, and a harness. It might be cheaper for you to sell it and buy a 232R or a 235R or ?? It only cost me $40 for the T-35 trimmy head and the trimmer guard. There are some good deals on eBay from time to time if you watch - the bicycle handle kits aren't always for Husqvarna machines, but you can convert them if you are handy.

Josh

 

[Haywire Haywood]

I have a 232R and have used all kinds of blades on it. For light brush cutting (really just heavy weeds with woody stems) a good weed blade works pretty well. I have even used one of those "Beaver Blades" that have chainsaw chain and whacked down saplings as large as 3". Muffler modding it a bit will wake it up just like it does a chainsaw. I run .120 string on mine with no problem and it lasts a lot longer than the .080 I used to run.

That said, my next trimmer/brush cutter will be a bigger one in the neighborhood of 40cc. Got's to have mo power..

Ian

 

[SawTroll]

....
That said, my next trimmer/brush cutter will be a bigger one in the neighborhood of 40cc. Got's to have mo power..

Ian

Sure, and a bike handle is mandatory.

I use the FS200 (same power as the 40cc 250), and it is fine for both grass and brush, up to about 2", or a bit more.

 

[raventai]

There is not a drop in non-cat muffler, but it is pretty easy to take the 'cat' out of your muffler. Search for 'DIY muffler' - I posted pictures and a detailed explanation of the muffler off my 232R that I worked over.

Found it, http://arboristsite.com/showpost.php?p=483666&postcount=22

looks good thanks for the write up, I don't have an oxy acetylene torch but I know where to borrow one.

Is the internal baffle necessary? can I just make it a empty can like my 372xp and regulate back pressure with the outlets of the muffler? (85% of exhaust port)

As far as the conversion parts - you will need a different guard around the cutting attachment/blade, and the complete bicycle handle kit, and a harness. It might be cheaper for you to sell it and buy a 232R or a 235R or ?? It only cost me $40 for the T-35 trimmy head and the trimmer guard. There are some good deals on eBay from time to time if you watch - the bicycle handle kits aren't always for Husqvarna machines, but you can convert them if you are handy.

Josh

It probably would be cheaper to sell the 232L and get a used 2xxR but I bought the 232L new and have taken good care of it, know it, like it would not want to get rig of it.

I wonder if I could find a used dead 232R for cheap and scavenge the parts needed?

Saw Troll my brush cutting needs are pretty light, no need to attack 2-3" with it got chain saws for that, First use of my 372 not thinking ahead I dropped several tress into brushy areas it was a bear to work in, now I would like to clear the brush first before dropping the tree's. most of this stuff is less than 3/4" woody weeds and vines, 232 with a brush cutter head should be enough power for that right?

 

[raventai]

Four paws one other thing did you measure the exhaust port already? do you have that number handy?