String Trimmer Help

grumpy · Post by **grumpy** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:03 pm

Looking for a gas string trimmer, something from Home Depot. Any advice on what brand to buy or not buy? I also saw you can get 4 cycle on one of the brands.. Not looking for the best...

Thanks

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:08 pm

It's a crap shoot G. All I can say is get a straight shaft, not the curved. I do know that Lowes is good with their warranties. Maybe HD is also.

Post by **Lightning** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:12 pm

I bought an "echo" gas powered (two stroke) from Home Depot in the spring of 2013. I just fired it up today, first time this year. I love it, lots of power, starts easy, runs great.

SWPaDon · Post by **SWPaDon** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:15 pm

Get the echo as Lightning said, and the straight shaft as FF said.

jpete · Post by **jpete** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:21 pm

I don't hate my Husqvarna. I DO hate the previous 4 stroke Troy Bilt. I threw it away and I STILL hate it. That's how much I hate it.

Post by **coaledsweat** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:21 pm

I have a four stroke Ryobi. A little heavier than a two stroke but it isn't screaming in your ear. It. Also has a saw blade and can take down some good sized saplings.

Post by **Lightning** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:50 pm

This is the one I have.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-2-Cycle-21-2cc-St ... /100675439

Post by **Richard S.** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 8:59 pm

coaledsweat wrote:Also has a saw blade and can take down some good sized saplings.

Don't "saw" with that, get it going full speed and swing it.

Post by **Richard S.** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 9:01 pm

Grumpy if you are looking for quality product Husky and Stihl have two lines. One is consumer grade and the other is professional. The professional stuff is usually found at the dealers only. The stuff at the big box stores is specifically manufactured as lower cost alternative they stuck the brand on.

SWPaDon · Post by **SWPaDon** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 9:05 pm

Richard S. wrote:Grumpy if you are looking for quality product Husky and Stihl have two lines. One is consumer grade and the other is professional. The professional stuff is usually found at the dealers only. The stuff at the big box stores is specifically manufactured as lower cost alternative they stuck the brand on.

And that's what I own. Stihl saw, Stihl tiller, Stihl string trimmer.

I know several people with the Echo trimmers, and they are good. I gave the Ryobi tiller away.

coal stoker · Post by **coal stoker** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 9:50 pm

My experience with the quality at the stores such as HD or Lowes as far as those small engines are concerned is that the machine you are buying has the name you recognize without the quality to back it up. Kind of a cheaper grade was negotiated with the manufacturer in order to lower the price so it is marketable for these stores.

Just my opinion.

coal stoker · Post by **coal stoker** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 9:51 pm

Just saw your reply SwapDon,
I guess we think alike.

SWPaDon · Post by **SWPaDon** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 9:56 pm

coal stoker wrote:Just saw your reply SwapDon,
I guess we think alike.

I believe so. I wouldn't buy a stihl, husquavarna or a john deere from the big box store. They aren't supported well at a dealership, and Home Depot's ( or Lowes ) repair shop doesn't exist.

The weird thing is....if you take an Echo to a stihl dealer, there is no problem getting it repaired.

whistlenut · Post by **whistlenut** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 10:13 pm

I was told point blank that the 'budget' trimmers are designed for 25 to 30 hours of operation AND you cannot fix them either. I like Echo, Husky, Stihl, Tanaka and Shindaiwa. Straight shaft ALWAYS, and I am gun shy about the 4 stroke rigs........ Bought a new Husky last summer, but still have a Tanaka and a Stihl...both are 10 years old and STILL work great. Don't forget to lube the gearbox at the trimmer/blade end....

coal stoker · Post by **coal stoker** » Fri. May. 22, 2015 10:15 pm

Stihl, Kawasaki, and Scag I have learned the hard way.