My old gas trimmer died

[JC 1965 1,532]

Any suggestions on a replacement would be appreciated. Just so many to choose from.        

[82Caddy 851]

I'm interested to see what people have to say.  Mine is on its last legs.  I got it from an auction with a bunch of other things I wanted.  

[RedRanger 1,469]

I've got this one...

http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Trimmers/SRM-225

 

Echo srm-225

Been a good machine.  Starts easy, runs strong, low vibration.

Long shaft is great for my height.

 

Only complaint, like all trimmers, is replacing string all the time.

I need to find a nice replacement head that never wears out.

 

Edit:  I see they now have a speed reloader head for the string.  That looks pretty nice.

Edited April 1, 2016 by RedRanger

[clueless 3,231]

28 minutes ago, RedRanger said:

I've got this one...

http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Trimmers/SRM-225

 

Echo srm-225

Been a good machine.  Starts easy, runs strong, low vibration.

Long shaft is great for my height.

 

Only complaint, like all trimmers, is replacing string all the time.

I need to find a nice replacement head that never wears out.

 

Edit:  I see they now have a speed reloader head for the string.  That looks pretty nice.

Yea, that one.

[TDF5G 2,073]

I don't think I can offer any good advice on what to buy because I absolutely hate running the trimmer.  It's not my thing at all.  Just when I get going good the string needs changing.  I've tried a couple of different heads and they all are a pain.  The bump and go is probably the best I'd say, at least you don't have to stop and shut it off to change the line and then start it up again, but they still have their problems. I had always bought low price trimmers.  A few years ago one fall, mine quit and I gave up on it.  Went shopping for a new one and the only one I could find at the time of year, locally, was a Poulan straight shaft.  It's too heavy and awkward for me.  I got a shoulder strap for it which makes it easier for me to handle but still a big PITA to change the line.  I hate it!  I'd rather do anything around my place than run the trimmer!  

Edited April 1, 2016 by TDF5G

[wallfish 18,084]

Like anything else, the new ethanol gas ruins everything. Those little 2 strokes use a diaphragm in the carb to pump fuel and they get stiff from the alcohol in the gas, not to mention the gumming up of the passages. Pull the carb, clean it and check the diaphragm. If it's stiff then it will need to be replaced or most of the time you can just find a new carb on ebay. Not much to those 2 stokes but the alcohol also ruins the seals and the crank case needs to be sealed for proper operation. 

I have had success soaking diaphragms in carb cleaner to soften them to re-use but those engines are more for display machines from the 60s, which don't get used all the time for working.

Some of the good trimmers are worth fixing but the cheap curved shaft ones are not, most of the time.

 

[WHX?? 51,732]

Bought a Sears Crapsman awhile back and it was terrible. Ran ok once you got it started but getting it started was an lesson in futility. They offered a battery operated starter as an option and now I know why. Took it back and told them to stick it. Also used the precut lines which I wasn't big on.  I think they are made by troy bilt for Sears.  Fixed up my father in law's old weed eater instead to get me thru the summer.

 

Gonna look at a Stihl or a Husky or Echo this summer...would love one that you use the same power head with other attachments, pole pruner,  mini tiller etc.. but very $$.

 

Go with a curved shaft if you don't have alot of low bushes or trees to go under ...angle shaft if you do. Anglers are harder to use but have reach.

 

There was a thread awhile back JC with lots of good info on trimmers try a search.

Looking at the one Red's got reminds me of a few things, get one with the pro grade engine if you can afford & have the use. Every one of the brand names have theirr homeowners and pro grade.

[Retired Sparky 526]

I've owned two Stihl's in the last 25yrs. I love 'em. Down at the power head is a gear box you can grease.  Some of the others have a curved tube just above the cutting head, there is a spring in there. Do you think a spring will last as long as a gear box you can grease?? I'll let you guys decide. .  

   I got the model that has the reversed handle bars on it .  Much better control. But it depends on the size of your yard.

  All that twisting is good for the love handles. How said I'm fat!

Edited April 1, 2016 by Retired Sparky

[Retired Sparky 526]

 

                                This is the trimmer I use.  You can see the unit on the left has handle bars. Give me great control.  I have huge place here. I use both cutter heads shown in the pic.

                 

[TDF5G 2,073]

I've never seen one with handle bars.  That's looks easier to operate.  Do the cutter heads hold up longer than the string?

[Retired Sparky 526]

I have to reload the string holder every 18 mos. The steel cutter is not good for spring grass, I use it for the heavy stuff in the fall.  I've even used a 7 1/4'' skill saw blade in it. That will take out twigs bigger than a broom stick.

[WHX?? 51,732]

16 minutes ago, TDF5G said:

I've never seen one with handle bars

I got one of those at my hunting cabin, they hang around your neck/shoulders and are very hi test. I have a circular saw blade on it and works great for brushing and cutting shooting lanes.

[TDF5G 2,073]

28 minutes ago, WHX61/3 said:

I got one of those at my hunting cabin, they hang around your neck/shoulders and are very hi test. I have a circular saw blade on it and works great for brushing and cutting shooting lanes.

That's a little more than I need for the yard.  That does sound like it would be great for brush though.

[midpack 1,009]

Echo PAS266 is a beast and runs all the big attachments.I have an Echo bump feed head on it that's pretty amazing in how good it works.

these are NOT big box store items, will not find them at home depot but well worth finding

[WHX?? 51,732]

ANYTHING found at a big box is not worth finding...just my

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

I have standardized on Stihl products, except the last last chainsaw I bought which is a Dolmar. Here is my FS110R which has been great. The straight head is nice as I am tall, and just like Retired Sparky said, a greasable head.

 

 

 

[RedRanger 1,469]

Greasable equals more maintenance!  

[JC 1965 1,532]

Thanks for all the info guys. I have pretty much ruled out the big box stores I am going to look at several different brands, ask lots of questions and check out customer reviews on line. I am leaning toward a curved shaft right now because of my bad back. I have read that they are lighter weight. Only thing I am 6 feet one inch tall so That might be a problem. I don't have a lot of trim work to do so comfort will be important.  Thanks again for the feed back.     

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362]

JC I have a bad back and tried the curved shaft model and it made by back hurt worse. I am 5' 9" tall . I tried a straight shaft and the pain was better. I had a set of handle bars off a long  death unit and rigged the handle bars and a strap on the new to me trimmer and the pain was better. I fractured by L-2 vertebrae in 2006 so anything I can do to lessen the pain I will try. 

[slammer302 2,156]

This is what i use for a trimmer. Lol

[Retired Sparky 526]

2 hours ago, TDF5G said:

That's a little more than I need for the yard.  That does sound like it would be great for brush though.

The string attach. should do you fine. I did notice on that trimmer and my new chain saw, they both ask you to use plus grade gas. Reg. gas has gotten so cheap that it doesn't work well in the small 2 cyc. engines.

2 hours ago, JC 1965 said:

Thanks for all the info guys. I have pretty much ruled out the big box stores I am going to look at several different brands, ask lots of questions and check out customer reviews on line. I am leaning toward a curved shaft right now because of my bad back. I have read that they are lighter weight. Only thing I am 6 feet one inch tall so That might be a problem. I don't have a lot of trim work to do so comfort will be important.  Thanks again for the feed back.     

  If you do buy a named brand at a box store, you still have to take it to a small engine shop for repairs.  I've always found if you buy a good named brand from a dealer you've also bought some trust in getting a fair shack in the service you might need.

2 hours ago, JC 1965 said:

Thanks for all the info guys. I have pretty much ruled out the big box stores I am going to look at several different brands, ask lots of questions and check out customer reviews on line. I am leaning toward a curved shaft right now because of my bad back. I have read that they are lighter weight. Only thing I am 6 feet one inch tall so That might be a problem. I don't have a lot of trim work to do so comfort will be important.  Thanks again for the feed back.     

Good luck

[Retired Sparky 526]

2 hours ago, shallowwatersailor said:

I have standardized on Stihl products, except the last last chainsaw I bought which is a Dolmar. Here is my FS110R which has been great. The straight head is nice as I am tall, and just like Retired Sparky said, a greasable head.

 

 

 

   That's funny, I also have a Dolmar chain saw.  One of the oldest made saws in the world.

[WHX?? 51,732]

Good one Slammer!

[Retired Sparky 526]

40 minutes ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

JC I have a bad back and tried the curved shaft model and it made by back hurt worse. I am 5' 9" tall . I tried a straight shaft and the pain was better. I had a set of handle bars off a long  death unit and rigged the handle bars and a strap on the new to me trimmer and the pain was better. I fractured by L-2 vertebrae in 2006 so anything I can do to lessen the pain I will try. 

I herniated L-5 in 92', and I have two new hips plus I've got DJD.   I try not to slow down too much. I'd rather wear out than rust out.  And with DJD, that is exactly what will happen if I don't stay active.

[Retired Sparky 526]

6 hours ago, TDF5G said:

I don't think I can offer any good advice on what to buy because I absolutely hate running the trimmer.  It's not my thing at all.  Just when I get going good the string needs changing.  I've tried a couple of different heads and they all are a pain.  The bump and go is probably the best I'd say, at least you don't have to stop and shut it off to change the line and then start it up again, but they still have their problems. I had always bought low price trimmers.  A few years ago one fall, mine quit and I gave up on it.  Went shopping for a new one and the only one I could find at the time of year, locally, was a Poulan straight shaft.  It's too heavy and awkward for me.  I got a shoulder strap for it which makes it easier for me to handle but still a big PITA to change the line.  I hate it!  I'd rather do anything around my place than run the trimmer!  

   I only have to renew the string in Stihl every 18 mos.  I save the instructions, it takes me less than 30mins.

        You need help, come give me a visit. You'll love Maine in the summer. We got lobster remember. 

               I can show you where Stephen King lives in the summer.   By god we'll have good old time.