String Trimmers

[Timothy]

i'm looking to buy a string trimmer to combat about an acre of these tough "turpentine weeds", the stalks go up to an inch thick at the most, i've never used a string trimmer, and i don't know what size engine i need, or whether to use string or a blade attachment.

 

[Lawn Masters]

I'd recommend a good Stihl, or husky unit. My 323L does all I ask of it, though it could be better. A Stihl FS110 with a brush blade might work well, since I dont know what turpentine weeds are, I'll have to recommend the Stihl tri edge grass blade.

 

[k650vt]

When your looking don't pass up the models that have changable heads, Stihl's is called Kombi system. Other companies have them too,You can us the same power head with different attachments weed wacker, hedge trimmer,pole pruner,edger, and others. The adjustable hedge trimmer attachment can be set to use in the same position as a weed wacker, it can cut 3/4" stuff live stuff without much problem . It has a 20" cut and you don't have to worry about stuff getting wraped around the blade.Forget the string trimmer on anything over 1/8", it's slow and the blade will work you on the real light stuff but will cut 1/4 and up OK. The Stihl 110 power head is a 4 stroke and has good torque for the hedge trimmer and pole pruner. These are not cheap but that's a relative term. I think the KM110R with string attachment is $439. You can get it with whatever attachment you want, so you don't have to get the string trimmer. The power head with the adjustable hedge trimmer is $550.Did you think about a bushhog? Hope that helps.By the way I do own one with the hedge trimmer and like it alot, my wife likes it also but she tries to cut the steel sculpures in the garden. Stihl dealer said 4 stroke is the way there heading for EPA.

 

[J.Gordon]

With trimmers there are a lot of good brands out there. I personally don’t think you can beat RedMax but that’s just my opinion. I would get at least a 25 cc engine but would prefer the 29.5 BCZ3000s because there is only .1Lb difference. The RedMax has a lot of power and is very fuel-efficient. A lot of guys really like the 4-mix by Stihl, which has plenty of power, but I don’t like the idea of a 4-stoke Trimmer. Not to mention that the dealer told me it needs brought in for adjusting at a 100 hours. For weeds an inch thick I would use the blade. Shindiawa and Echo also have a strong following. This is the trimmer I would pick for this or any job! http://www.redmax.com/products/detail.cfm?ProdID=68
I hope this helps
Jeff

 

[DanManofStihl]

brush cutter

I would say go with a stihl they are the best one i have had so far stay away from roybi ii had one with the changeable head and that thing died very quickly and I was not impressed give stihl a try. You might also want to look at husky but stay away from the cheapo brands sears, homelite, poulan, bolen and all the rest.

 

[premix]

RedMax, Echo, make very good trimmers. I have a FS 85 Stihl trimmer and have some minor problems with the Autocut head and carb.

 

[Lawn Masters]

I used the FS85 with the autocut II heads, those things were CRAP. the desgn leaves a LOT to be improved on, unlike the Echo head, which is much better.

 

[premix]

I used the FS85 with the autocut II heads, those things were CRAP. the desgn leaves a LOT to be improved on, unlike the Echo head, which is much better.

I will not argue with you because you are right. I was really disappointed with mine. I use a cheaper Echo most of the time that works much better with less hassle.

 

[Lawn Masters]

The autocut II heads also seemed to cut slower than the Echo head to me. If I bought the FS85, I'd replace the original string head before I even start it. Glad I'm not the only one who has problems with the Autocut II heads.

 

[huskycandoit]

Even tho this is a chainsaw forum I would go with a Shindaiwa B530 Brushcutter. Unless you want a string trimmer attachment too. If that then I'd go wit the T3410X String Trimmer/Brush Cutter.

 

[begleytree]

I have a fs55 (kombi) I use for weeds and hedges and even the polesaw head fits it, BUT, in all honesty, having run stihl and husky trimmers, nothing beats the echo. Local city here switched over last year from stihl, stihl guy came out and run one of the echo's and put his new stihl back in the truck, said he couldn't match the echo. I agree.
-Ralph

 

[tawilson]

I plan on getting the Stihl with the Kombi system, first extra attachment being the polesaw.

 

[keith c raymond]

At work weve had excellent luck with our Shindiawa 25cc trimmer. For heavier work we put on the blade kit for stuff up to 1.5 in. with no problems.At home I have a Echo with the same setup,Also works well.Dealer support and parts availability make the difference

 

[bwalker]

Red max is the only way to go for trimmers and blowers.

 

[klickitatsacket]

shhhhh do let any one know I said this. I do not remember the model # but I had a ryobi come into the shop the other day and it was one of the hottest brush cutters I have ever played with. I was testing it on a blackberry patch and it ake it up like no tomorrow. If you ever find one the old Stihl 041 clearing saws were an awsome machine. It was a 041 power head built into a monster brush cutter and would take down trees up to 8" in diameter using a saw blade. I wish I had the one I had back now.

 

[Al Smith]

I have an Echo,pretty healthy size,that has serrated nylon blades.It will trim a hedge,with no problem,and blow green stuff all over you I also have an old McCulloch[of course],that is direct drive,no clutch,not a treat to operate,to say the least.Trimmers are easy to find around here at garage sales,because they don't run.The folks store them,without running them out of fuel and when they don't start,go out and buy a new one.Buy them for 10 to 20 bucks,clean the carb,new fuel filter,your good to go.

 

[Elmore]

Shindaiwa

I use a Shindaiwa B45 brushcutter w/ an old Green Machine bump & feed line trimmer head. It's almost 20 yrs old and runs like a champ. Like having a bush hog on a pole.

 

[k650vt]

I'm a dumb a$$. I wish I would have read this post earlier, I could have save $15,000 on my tractor and bush hog. I didn't know they made them pole mounted. Do they come in 4',5',and 6' sizes? I saw a batwing,looked about 20' do they have any like that? Do they shred the stuff into mulch?

 

[tony marks]

if you are talkin an acre of growing ,recovering weeds that thick.. you in my opinion need to try an tool for that kinda job.. there are walk behind machines made for that..,
dr. something... if you are young enuff an want to spend a lotto your time doing this ,a brush cutter will do it.. me id go thru the whole thing with double strength roundup..
the just knock it dn an plant an grass suitable for your area..or beteer yet make an natural area out of it.. that way all u do id manage it with a little weed killer in a spray bottle..echo makes an good brush cutter.. if its an inch thich a trimmer at best is just gonna work u to death.. a brush cutter also ,but it will do the job..
im not familar with this weed.. but as spring sends its tender shoots up ,let it get good start then kil it with roundup [double strengthe] then just watch for new plants making a start.. hope this helps.. roundup represents no hazard, as all it does is prevent the plant from making green [photosenthesis.] i think its called.

 

[Elmore]

In partial agreement

I'm a dumb a$$. I wish I would have read this post earlier, I could have save $15,000 on my tractor and bush hog. I didn't know they made them pole mounted. Do they come in 4',5',and 6' sizes? I saw a batwing,looked about 20' do they have any like that? Do they shred the stuff into mulch?

I agree with your statement, in part..."I'm a dumb a$$". What you need is an Interstater, but the word is out that your pole is not of size for that. Perhaps you could strap a deck on to your rear chassis. The vibrations may rattle your brain though. heh heh
<img src="http://www.alamo-industrial.com/Products/ProductImages/interstater_01.jpg">