Best Grass/Weed Trimmer?

[whitedust]

I need to trim grass & weeds at lake front rocks & current Toro trimmer wears out the tap & feed string head on rocks.
I have lots to trim around house & trees & dislike winding new string on the head. What are my best options?

 

[indy_500]

I had nothing but problems with winding new string in also on the quick-feed heads, always jammed up on me. Echo & Stihl are the top 2 in my book. This is Echo's cheapest trimmer and one of the only ones with a quick load string head on it http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Trimmers/GT-225 Picked this model up about 5 years ago when I was still doing my mowing business, hasn't skipped a beat. All you have to do is cut 2 pieces of trimmer line ~6" and slide it into each side, no feeding it into the head, winding it up, hoping it doesn't jam up.

 

[kip]

Tanaka, they are commercial grade, been selling them for 30 years and have never ever rebuilt one. The first ones I sold are still in use. You'll know the difference as soon as you pick it up and use it. MHO

 

[mrbb]

I went to very heavy trimmer wire, and cuts down on the need to have to adjust/make longer
can do trimming about a few places I take care of and never even wear on it at all

I also, Like round up LOL, and just keep a dead barrier from where the mower can reach to rocks or??

 

[skeeter2010]

I have an Asphalt sealcoating company and I use Stihl trimmers and amsoil 100:1 oil and never gum up the exhaust. Typically we start them and run them wide open and trimming the driveway edge back. I use the quick wind spools only because the the buttom on the bottom is thicker and does not wear out as fast on the asphalt but open them up to load the string. Once you learn how to wind the cord it goes quickly. I have also had echo trimmers they are not as tough and I broke the throttle off a couple times putting it into the truck. I also run the .095" string which is pretty much the standard

 

[ragex2]

check your local Stihl dealer. they have a variety of heads available, and most Stihl products are made in USA. i own several Stihls are all have been very good, easy to start, easy to use, and long lived.

 

[whitedust]

Checked out the Stihl duro head trimmer today looks good for quick loading & can get 4 year warranty if you buy 6 pack of Stihl oil with purchase. Got to think about it vs getting parts for old Toro trimmer.

 

[lenny]

buy a damn goat and be done with it but than you'll need a fence, do you have a fence?

 

[Woodtic]

If you don't have a fence,do your neighbors like goats? Echo has been giving 5 year parts and labor to none commercial buyers. Go to a dealer ,not a big box store. The five year factory warranty is a no brainer for me.

 

[russholio]

I've had an Echo whip and blower for at least 7 or 8 years and have had no troubles with either. Only things I've done are change fuel and air filters, plugs, and winterize at the end of the season. Start right up in the spring and neither has ever been to the shop. 5 year residential warranty is a plus for me, too -- even though I never needed it.

 

[chords]

Get the nylon weed whackers that are best at whacking heavy weeds and hold up against rocks ect..... Heavy duty attachments like slicers that dont wear out .Thats the best I can describe it.

Round up esp. and other chemicals / fertilizers have no place on waterfront or anywhere near a lake.

 

[whitedust]

Interested in the Echo but only retail is Home Depot in Rhinelander... Stihl at Ace in Eagle River does well has dedicated shop in back with trained techs. HD has not been good for me for tech advise. Agree independent dealer would be best but not in this area. Having Stihl parts close by is a bene rather than driving 90 miles RT to Rhinelander. Have not heard if parts available for my 25 year old Toro trimmer & was good to look at new Stihl designs & can see new tech head designs are better than what I have + interchangable as well.

 

[pez]

I am a Stihl fan. I have their back pack blower, hedge trimmer and chain saw. All run great. I do have the Echo weed wacker, I guess it runs great for being 20 years old, but doesn't start as easy as the others.

 

[asmski]

I just bought a Stihl FS90 and it works great. Fires up quick and has plenty of power. the bike handles really help with control.

 

[scott_b]

I have the Stihl Kobmi system, change the head from a trimmer, to brush cutter, pole saw, blower, etc. I use if as a weed whacker and blower about 30 minutes a week during the summer and it has never missed a beat. Nice to only have 1 power unit to store and just change out the heads when needed.

 

[mrbb]

YES don't spray weeds close to water sources with round up
BUT they do sell things JUST for near water, one is called
Shore-Klear is a glyphosate product, that is EPA legal about water edges, and works very well, actually stronger than round up, yet water safe, if you care to read, here is a link on it
it can save you hrs of work if you care to go that way over spending time every few weeks trimming with a weed wackers!

http://www.aquaticbiologists.com/aquatic-chemicals/herbicides/shore-klear

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

I like Stihl myself. I've owned over a dozen and haven't had a problem related to reliability. Pretty durable too.
The kombi is a good option if you need more tools. I use mine as a trimmer, edger and power broom. Go with the largest motor head you can if you go this rout.

Mix the gas with premium, run them wide open, and they should last forever.

 

[duramaxdoodoo]

Here is what I have and love it model 242

check them out!!!

http://www.shindaiwa-usa.com/

 

[mezz]

I would have to agree on Stihl as well. I don't recall the model off hand, though it is not a combi, & it is the curved shaft, I really like this & it has been completely trouble free for me for the past 3 years.-Mezz

 

[old abe]

WD; Stihl 94 is a true 2-stroke, not a 4 mix. Very well balanced, lite weight, good power. Has adjustable speed set that is very handy for close, careful trimming (wife's flower beds). Son just bought Echo 230, it is also a very nice trimmer, and less $$$$.