string trimmer recommendation

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slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
81
101
Commercial style straight shaft is superior in every way except weight and cost. It's not even close.

The shaft is longer, the machine can be balanced on your right forearm and elbow for better control, the reach is better, and normally the machine has more power and is built tougher.

The weight can be balanced with a shoulder strap if needed.

The shaft length has been a real big bonus already (no pun intended). I'm able to get way underneath trees, bushes, etc that I would not be able to get under with a curved shaft model. It's super easy to start also which is nice. I'm going to run Opti 2 stroke in it as I do all of my equipment. but at a 50:1 ratio, not 100:1.

I don't know, I might try this stuff instead: http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Purple-...432126499&sr=8-8&keywords=2+stroke+oil+gallon

IT has great reviews.
 
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gbeirn

Senior member
Sep 27, 2005
451
14
81
The shaft length has been a real big bonus already (no pun intended). I'm able to get way underneath trees, bushes, etc that I would not be able to get under with a curved shaft model. It's super easy to start also which is nice. I'm going to run Opti 2 stroke in it as I do all of my equipment. but at a 50:1 ratio, not 100:1.

I don't know, I might try this stuff instead: http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Purple-...432126499&sr=8-8&keywords=2+stroke+oil+gallon

IT has great reviews.

I've started to use low smoke synthetic oil in all my stroke equipment, not nessecarily the royal purple, but I've been pleased with the results. I too use a higher mixture and I'm hoping for less fowling of the spark arrester and muffler.
 

3chordcharlie

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2004
9,859
1
81
The shaft length has been a real big bonus already (no pun intended). I'm able to get way underneath trees, bushes, etc that I would not be able to get under with a curved shaft model. It's super easy to start also which is nice. I'm going to run Opti 2 stroke in it as I do all of my equipment. but at a 50:1 ratio, not 100:1.

I don't know, I might try this stuff instead: http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Purple-...432126499&sr=8-8&keywords=2+stroke+oil+gallon

IT has great reviews.

Glad you're enjoying the trimmer.

Opti2 is a good mix, I use it commercially, and have for nearly 7+ years. I do not use it 100:1, though I like the fact that if a staff member really borks the mix, it is most likely to cause no damage at all.
 

slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
81
101
The primer bulb finally came in and voila, it works perfectly. So, I now have two trimmers.
 

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
126
I'm 6'4" and got a straight shaft because of it. I recommend getting one that can accept attachments too... I got a brush cutter and a hedge trimmer....the hedge trimmer is far better than the electric models.

Since I have an 80v Kobalt mower, I bought one of their 80v string trimmers (it also had a rebate for a free battery, which said it went through and never did :(). Honestly, I had no idea that string trimmers could have attachments before I used it. I ended up picking up an edger attachment. I've been tempted by the hedge trimmer attachment, but I haven't seen that great of reviews on them.
 

NetWareHead

THAT guy
Aug 10, 2002
5,847
154
106
I went with a Stihl Kombi system that uses the KM130R power head and allows multiple attachments. I started with the brush cutter & string trimmer attachments but will add more in the future. Im looking at the hedge trimmer & pole pruner with extension poles.

The KM130R powerhead has 2 horsepower at the motor and its still in breakin period so I have yet to use full power. Regardless, even at half throttle, the machine half PLENTY of power to effortlessly blast away grass using the trimmer and cut down small trees with the brushcutter. I decided on the Kombi system rather than purchase a new tool each time I need. Instead just purchase a new accessory when I need additional functionality.

Its expensive but its a commercial machine. I spent almost $500 on the powerhead and 2 attachments.
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,151
635
126
That's not really bad at all. I was looking getting a pole hedge trimmer...that's $500 alone and you don't really have many options if you're after the longest reach.