Date parsed: 5/31/2007 1:01:52 AM
Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 23:01:52 -0400

I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer for a small home. I want
something that won't keep breaking the string constantly. Please offer
any suggestions on good models as well as any advice you can share.

Date parsed: 5/31/2007 9:09:05 AM
Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 07:09:05 -0400

bargaindealsman wrote:
>
> I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer

T260
http://www.shindaiwa.com/

Date parsed: 5/31/2007 6:08:07 PM
Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 16:08:07 -0400

I have a Homelite, from Home Depot. It's easy to maintain and I have no
complaints. I also agree with Bob about the String thickness. I purchased
..90 String when the original spool ran out, after a few weeks I misplaced it
so not knowing what size I needed, I got a spool of .80. Using the .80 I had
more breaks, constantly replacing the string time and time again. I probably
restrung it every other time I cut the grass. I eventually found the .90
and used that this spring, probable early April. I have yet to have to re
string the spool.. So Size does matter.
Good Luck
"Bob" <bobwhite@suddenlink.net> wrote in message
news:2lx7i.159403$mJ1.9817@newsfe22.lga...
>
> "bargaindealsman" <bargaindealsman@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:ifes53t3692cbeg2pm5k48n8nmb04ea527@4ax.com...
>>I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer for a small home. I want
>> something that won't keep breaking the string constantly. Please offer
>> any suggestions on good models as well as any advice you can share.
>
> The string is going to break on all string trimmers, which is why they
> come with a spool to hold extra string.
> That said, obviously the heavier material holds up better, so don't get
> one that uses .065 dia, go with something with .090 or .095.
>
> I might add that brand is important. Getting a cheap one with a curved
> shaft near the head is a very poor choice. You should also not that the
> starter rope is in front (below) the engine. This makes more difficult to
> replace or repair the starter mechanism, something many homeowners won't
> or can't do themselves. So it means taking it to a shop where you end up
> with a $30 or more bill for labor, plus parts.
>
> My recommendation is Echo (and no I don't sell them or any other brand).
> You usually find them for around $200, which is double the cost of a
> cheapy. But when you buy quality, it only hurts the one time when you pay
> for it, but buy cheap and it hurts every time you use it.
>
> The engines on the cheapies have only one crankshaft bearing (bushing
> actually) and the engines are rated at 150 to 200 hours. An Echo has
> bearings on both ends of the crankshaft and are rated at 1000 hours. Not
> bad for twice as much.
>
> Also, take a look at the starter rope. These frequently break. Take a
> look at the cheapy and think about replacing the rope. Then look at the
> Echo and see that you can do it in a few minutes with only a screw driver.
>
> Hope this helps.
> Bob-tx
>

Date parsed: 6/1/2007 12:53:33 AM
Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 22:53:33 -0400

On Thu, 31 May 2007 05:21:45 -0600, "Bob" <bobwhite@suddenlink.net>
wrote:

>
>"bargaindealsman" <bargaindealsman@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:ifes53t3692cbeg2pm5k48n8nmb04ea527@4ax.com...
>>I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer for a small home. I
>>want
>> something that won't keep breaking the string constantly. Please
>> offer
>> any suggestions on good models as well as any advice you can
>> share.
>
>The string is going to break on all string trimmers, which is why
>they come with a spool to hold extra string.
>That said, obviously the heavier material holds up better, so don't
>get one that uses .065 dia, go with something with .090 or .095.
>
>I might add that brand is important. Getting a cheap one with a
>curved shaft near the head is a very poor choice. You should also
>not that the starter rope is in front (below) the engine. This
>makes more difficult to replace or repair the starter mechanism,
>something many homeowners won't or can't do themselves. So it means
>taking it to a shop where you end up with a $30 or more bill for
>labor, plus parts.
>
>My recommendation is Echo (and no I don't sell them or any other
>brand). You usually find them for around $200, which is double the
>cost of a cheapy. But when you buy quality, it only hurts the one
>time when you pay for it, but buy cheap and it hurts every time you
>use it.
>
>The engines on the cheapies have only one crankshaft bearing
>(bushing actually) and the engines are rated at 150 to 200 hours.
>An Echo has bearings on both ends of the crankshaft and are rated at
>1000 hours. Not bad for twice as much.
>
>Also, take a look at the starter rope. These frequently break.
>Take a look at the cheapy and think about replacing the rope. Then
>look at the Echo and see that you can do it in a few minutes with
>only a screw driver.
>
>Hope this helps.
>Bob-tx
>
Thanks to everyone who commented.

I went to our local Home Depot and they carry a few Echo models.
They had a GT-200R, a SRM-210 and a SRM-230. The two SRM models seemed
rather heavy. I have alot of neck trouble, so I'm a little worried the
weight will aggravate it.

What is the advantages of the straight shaft models compared to the
GT-200R which had a curved shaft and seemed much smaller?

I also went to a smaller local store which repairs equipment as well
as selling new models. It looked like most of their models were by
Stihl. I was looking at the FS 45 C-E and FS 46 C-E models. The shop
was very busy at the time, so I couldn't get time to speak with a
salesperson. How does the Stihl and Echo models compare as far as
quality and reliability go? I like to support the smaller places that
provide repairs if things are fairly equal.

Thanks again for the help.

Date parsed: 6/1/2007 12:48:09 PM
Date: Fri, 01 Jun 2007 06:48:09 GMT

"bargaindealsman" <bargaindealsman@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:ifes53t3692cbeg2pm5k48n8nmb04ea527@4ax.com...
>I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer for a small home. I want
> something that won't keep breaking the string constantly. Please offer
> any suggestions on good models as well as any advice you can share.

Except for a few that use exclusive string methods, makes no sense. The
remainder all use the same string technology.

Homes seldom require trimming, yards may.

String breaks often on a trimmer because it hits a hard and/or sharp
surface. Has nothing to do with the size of the home. Not striking the
nylon cutting string against such a surface is most effective in using the
line to its useful lifetime. Many people develop a technique for minimizing
such.

Dave

Date parsed: 6/2/2007 6:51:13 PM
Date: Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:51:13 -0500

bargaindealsman wrote:
> I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer for a small home. I want
> something that won't keep breaking the string constantly. Please offer
> any suggestions on good models as well as any advice you can share.


For a smallish place..................why not go electric ?
I have an inexpensive Brush Hog that is in it's fourth year of heavy use.
..065 string - never breaks because the motor isn't that aggressive.
Auto feed. No bumping.
Under fifty bucks.
Hard to beat that.

Dorothy

Date parsed: 6/3/2007 3:20:18 PM
Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 15:20:18 -0600

[top posting fixed]

bent said:

> "bargaindealsman" <bargaindealsman@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:ifes53t3692cbeg2pm5k48n8nmb04ea527@4ax.com...
>>I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer for a small home. I want
>> something that won't keep breaking the string constantly. Please offer
>> any suggestions on good models as well as any advice you can share.
>>

[...]

> Nobody uses a curved shaft trimmer.

Bullshit. Says, who? I have a curved shaft trimmer. It starts right up, it
cuts everything I put it near. It works fine.

> My Homelite stalls after
> running a while, gonna need to find out why. I let it sit five minutes
> before puling on it, cause its a big pita to try to re-start immediately.

If it won't hot-start and it's new, take it back. If it's not new, and you
don't know how to correct it yourself, get it serviced.

> ps
> for a single yard, a cordless ain't a bad idea, the main mobility problem is
> solved, and it is easier to carry than a gas.

Again, bullshit. How is dragging around a cord "easier"? It would depend
100% on the yard. If there's a lot of beds/trees/obstructions, then a gas
trimmer is the way to go. If it's a lot, empty save for the house, then an
electric would suffice. Mobility with an electric *is* the problem.
Mobility with a gas trimmer is the *advantage*. Get a cloo.

> Even the lightest gas trimmer (mine) is a pain in reality.

You should try curling some weights. New gas trimmers are balanced fairly
well, and their weight distributed evenly. If you can't handle it, pay the
neighbor-boy.

> If my trimmer maintains its attitude, its a
> bummer I could do without - cordless.

Then, go drag a cord around. Might as well get an electric mower, while
you're at it.

> A mower you pull once. A gas trimmer
> may be an extra $100 worth of aggravation.

If you don't take the time to maintain and learn about gas engines, you may
be correct.

> And to be honest it ain't a cute as it could be.

Who gives a fuck what the trimmer looks like, if it works?

> Check your options on where the trigger are. Mine's got
> the throttle on my baby (RH) finger, and I'm right handed - what a dumb
> idea - it affects the whole routine.

Most right-handed people, that I know, prefer to have the controls at their
right hand. If the 'trigger' is awkward for you, then you either aren't
holding your right hand in the proper position, or you didn't check out the
trimmer to your satisfaction before you left the store.

>
>
> ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
> http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
> ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

Could you please put the advertisement behind the sig-delimiter, where it
belongs? Thanks.

--
Eggs

-What do you call a fish with no eyes? ... A fsh

Date parsed: 6/3/2007 8:48:21 PM
Date: Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:48:21 -0400

Go for a 4-cycle motor. Look at Troy Bilt.

http://www.troybilt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category2_10001_14102_17677_17676_17676_-1

Date parsed: 6/7/2007 5:50:11 PM
Date: Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:50:11 -0500


The gas powered unit I saw yesterday required 0.115 inch string.
That's pretty hefty.
And it didn't go on a roll. It was installed as about an 18 inch
section. Wierd.




On Thu, 31 May 2007 05:21:45 -0600, "Bob" <bobwhite@suddenlink.net>
wrote:

>
>"bargaindealsman" <bargaindealsman@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:ifes53t3692cbeg2pm5k48n8nmb04ea527@4ax.com...
>>I am looking to buy a decent string trimmer for a small home. I
>>want
>> something that won't keep breaking the string constantly. Please
>> offer
>> any suggestions on good models as well as any advice you can
>> share.
>
>The string is going to break on all string trimmers, which is why
>they come with a spool to hold extra string.
>That said, obviously the heavier material holds up better, so don't
>get one that uses .065 dia, go with something with .090 or .095.
>
>I might add that brand is important. Getting a cheap one with a
>curved shaft near the head is a very poor choice. You should also
>not that the starter rope is in front (below) the engine. This
>makes more difficult to replace or repair the starter mechanism,
>something many homeowners won't or can't do themselves. So it means
>taking it to a shop where you end up with a $30 or more bill for
>labor, plus parts.
>
>My recommendation is Echo (and no I don't sell them or any other
>brand). You usually find them for around $200, which is double the
>cost of a cheapy. But when you buy quality, it only hurts the one
>time when you pay for it, but buy cheap and it hurts every time you
>use it.
>
>The engines on the cheapies have only one crankshaft bearing
>(bushing actually) and the engines are rated at 150 to 200 hours.
>An Echo has bearings on both ends of the crankshaft and are rated at
>1000 hours. Not bad for twice as much.
>
>Also, take a look at the starter rope. These frequently break.
>Take a look at the cheapy and think about replacing the rope. Then
>look at the Echo and see that you can do it in a few minutes with
>only a screw driver.
>
>Hope this helps.
>Bob-tx
>