Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Grass/Brush Trimmer

Will be used to trim grass around 40 trees, 200 feet of fencing, some garden walls, deck ect.

Gas powered(2 or 4 strk), straight shaft, short replaceable string type(not tap feed style), reliable, easy to start, max price about $200...suggestions?

Tks, Adrian

I bought an Echo last year (or maybe the year before?) that I'm really impressed with. Cuts better than anything I've ever owned, and starts right up every time. I'm pretty sure I based the purchase on a CR report, which was backed up by very good reviews everywhere I looked.

It's a tap-string feed, though, so if that's a deal breaker, I can't help you!

I'm very happy with the Stihl FS 90 that I purchased about 3 years ago. It always starts easily and is well balanced with the handlebars and shoulder harness. Mine has a tap string feed head, but I believe you can get a head that takes pop in strings. The coolest feature is that you can purchase a saw blade attachment that turns it into a serious brushcutter that makes quick work of thick weeds and small saplings. The only issue is that it's about double your budget.

Andrew/Mark, did either of you have issues with the bump feed? seems a lot of people have problems once they have to install a second spool or re-spool. I've had that issue on the couple of electric trimmers I owned in the past, over time the bump mechanism just flew to pieces.

No problems for me!

I've had a Black & Decker bump feed for close to 10 years now. Clean the shaft base every now and then and I've never, ever an had an issue with it. Which is surprising, as I'd never buy a Black & Decker power, hand tool. They are mostly junk. I certainly can't knock this trimmer though.

I can't imagine having to stop and replace short strings all the time. Maybe they are more durable though so you don't do it as often.

I can't speak for all units quality but I suspect that some people with issues on the tap & feed are probably treating them as smash and feed. I know that is what my neighbor's wife does. Poor trimmers over there do not last long.

My trimmer has an auto feed. Apart from that feature, I don't like it much.

And I quote you from the "So what are ya listening to tonight?" thread:

Snicker.

I've got a Echo PAS225, with the feed system that your asking about. I got this style head because i didn't want to deal with the headache of the bump style either. I use 0.95 line. Pretty much the thickest i can find. I'll usually put a fresh pair in the machine before i start, and cut a second set incase i need them. I use some wire cutters to cut it off of the spool.. I can usually get all of the trimming done around the house on 1 pair of lines..


I'd rather go this route, with a couple of extra pre-cut sets of line in my pocket, than have the possible frustration of the spool style cord holder.

the PAS225 retails for 225$ by me... Not sure what it is by you.

Also, like Andrew the Echo starts on the first or second pull every time.

At 225$, it's 25$ over your budget.. But, its WELL worth the extra 25$.. \


Good luck.

Thanks, dak. Seems Echo gets fairly good reviews on their trimmers.