Weed Whackers
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From: Munroe falls, Ohio
i purchased a new FS110RX for $360 out the door. the 4mix engine has alot of torque and i never need full throttle to get the job done.
Stihl FS110RX
Stihl FS110RX
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 575
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From: Western Pa
Okay, curved shaft weed wackers are out of the question. I knew that before I started this thread, but to hear it again reasures me to get a strait shaft trimmer.
I've also narrowed it down to regular plastic weed whacker string because I don't cut down a lot of tall grass, just hours of trimming regular-height grass.
Quick question:
Do I buy a weed whacker with a set guage of string, or can I buy the real heavy string to substitute?
Thanks again guys for all of your help.
I've also narrowed it down to regular plastic weed whacker string because I don't cut down a lot of tall grass, just hours of trimming regular-height grass.
Quick question:
Do I buy a weed whacker with a set guage of string, or can I buy the real heavy string to substitute?
Thanks again guys for all of your help.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Hudson Florida.
I use a Husqvarna 323L trimmer, its not the most powerful out there, but for what I do, its a GREAT machine, its got fair power, and its light.
For hours of cutting, go with an Echo, probably an SRM260 would be suitable for your needs, its a powerful machine, and its got light weight too. I ran one when I did lawn care for a living, 6 hours carrying that thing was nothing to me.
For a mower, a GOOD one will set you back abour $1000 in a 21" model, that would be for something like a Toro Proline model. if you want a bigger mower, DO NOT buy it a Lowes or HD, they sell cheap crap as far as mowers are concerned. an exmark turf tracer HP with a 32" deck and 14hp kawisaki engine would be a good choice, but cost around $5K or so.
For hours of cutting, go with an Echo, probably an SRM260 would be suitable for your needs, its a powerful machine, and its got light weight too. I ran one when I did lawn care for a living, 6 hours carrying that thing was nothing to me.
For a mower, a GOOD one will set you back abour $1000 in a 21" model, that would be for something like a Toro Proline model. if you want a bigger mower, DO NOT buy it a Lowes or HD, they sell cheap crap as far as mowers are concerned. an exmark turf tracer HP with a 32" deck and 14hp kawisaki engine would be a good choice, but cost around $5K or so.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX
We were looking at a little Cub Cadet model, I believe it was a 3.5hp, but I forget the model. It was $87 brand new at Tractor Supply...our Cub LT1050 tractor's been a great little rig so far, so we are presuming that the trimmer is good too.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2001
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I have been very happy with my Shindaiwa T-230's. The oldest is now 7 1/2 years old and still runs fine. I did put a carb on it last year and converted that one to a hedge trimmer. Considering the machine has well over 1500 hours on it, a $45 carburetor could be considered a maintenance piece rather than a problem 
I have four others and never have given me problems. For less than $270 I paid each for them, and the fact that they are light weight and well balanced, they were the class of the field. Unfortunately they are becoming tough to find. The new T-231's have catalytic converter mufflers and they have shed a bit of power and picked up nearly a pound because of it.
If you can find a T230 new, jump on it...or tell me where it is If you are cutting heavier stuff, the T270 is the way to go. Those are a real powerhouses, but they will cost you.
If you are unable to find Shindaiwa, at least stick with a commercial machine. One thing I will say about Shindaiwa, the parts availability has never been a problem, their marketing sucks though. If you are in one of these areas with a shortage of dealers, good luck ever finding a dealer that will not try to talk you into something else. Not because what they want to sell is better, but because it benefits them more to do so
I have four others and never have given me problems. For less than $270 I paid each for them, and the fact that they are light weight and well balanced, they were the class of the field. Unfortunately they are becoming tough to find. The new T-231's have catalytic converter mufflers and they have shed a bit of power and picked up nearly a pound because of it. If you can find a T230 new, jump on it...or tell me where it is
If you are cutting heavier stuff, the T270 is the way to go. Those are a real powerhouses, but they will cost you.If you are unable to find Shindaiwa, at least stick with a commercial machine. One thing I will say about Shindaiwa, the parts availability has never been a problem, their marketing sucks though. If you are in one of these areas with a shortage of dealers, good luck ever finding a dealer that will not try to talk you into something else. Not because what they want to sell is better, but because it benefits them more to do so
Last edited by keith w; Jul 11, 2005 at 05:21 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
If you use string go for one that can handle the heavier .090 and thicker string. You will spend less time replacing the string. And the heavier string cuts thicker weeds too.
I think I have seen trimmers that go up to .125. Mine is an .090 and does fine.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
I think I have seen trimmers that go up to .125. Mine is an .090 and does fine.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: southwest michigan
I found a shindaiwa 3 years ago curb shopping and after 15$ worth of fuel filter,plug, fuel line inside the tank and a little carb adjustment I have not had a problem with it.I know it they may be a little more expensive but for the price of three wackers from kmart you will have one to last a long time.
fat250
fat250
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Western Pa
I might get a chance to run down to Lowes and Home Depot tomorrow after work. I'll check out thier weed whackers.
As for a mower, since I only have 3 yards to mow, I'm going to stick with my 21" 20-year old Snapper that smokes because it wouldn't benefit me to buy an expensive mower because as of right now, it would not pay for itself, like my Snapper does.
Thanks again for the help
As for a mower, since I only have 3 yards to mow, I'm going to stick with my 21" 20-year old Snapper that smokes because it wouldn't benefit me to buy an expensive mower because as of right now, it would not pay for itself, like my Snapper does.
Thanks again for the help
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From: Southern NY, USA
Those nylon cords were always a pain, is there something better out now? I haven't had to use one of these in a million years! (thankfully???)
Actually landscaping and gardening is fun and relaxing, I wish I had the house already to do it!
Actually landscaping and gardening is fun and relaxing, I wish I had the house already to do it!
Last edited by mudpaws; Jul 11, 2005 at 09:09 PM. Reason: added text
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From: charlotte, nc
ECHO. my dads had one since i can ever remember. i love just to start it up and listen to the nice healthy rumble that little 2 cycle makes. MMMMM, if i close my eyes i can make it sound like a BOSS 502 in my head.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Western Pa
I went to Lowes and Home Depot today. Here's what I figured out:
Husqvarna, at Lowes, are way too expensive for the work I'd be doing.
Echo, at Home Depot, are way too expensive for the work I'd be doing.
Lowes or Home Depot don't sell Stihl or Shinindowa.
Lowes has about the perfect Cub Cadet for $170. I forget the model, but it has a strait shaft, and .105 guage string. Anybody have a Cub Cadet who can or cannot vouch for them? Since Cub Cadet have excellent tractors and mowers, I would guess that their weed whackers are also good.
Husqvarna, at Lowes, are way too expensive for the work I'd be doing.
Echo, at Home Depot, are way too expensive for the work I'd be doing.
Lowes or Home Depot don't sell Stihl or Shinindowa.
Lowes has about the perfect Cub Cadet for $170. I forget the model, but it has a strait shaft, and .105 guage string. Anybody have a Cub Cadet who can or cannot vouch for them? Since Cub Cadet have excellent tractors and mowers, I would guess that their weed whackers are also good.
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From: SC
*Shindaiwa*
Best weed-eater you will ever purchase. They last just about forever, and are the toughest I think made right now. Easy to start, easy maintenance, just a great machine. Worth every penny, and will pay for itself 10x before it ever goes out.
Best weed-eater you will ever purchase. They last just about forever, and are the toughest I think made right now. Easy to start, easy maintenance, just a great machine. Worth every penny, and will pay for itself 10x before it ever goes out.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Central WA USA
Sthil or Shindaiwa, my parents just bought a new Sthil, I took their old Shindaiwa which is 10+years old, and they still use the old Sthil. Spend the money now or spend 2x as much later. Straight shaft is best, had a curved one in college and gave it away.