Need suggestions...gas hedge trimmer...

[Jim Puke]

It is time to trim my shrubbery AGAIN...and found that my 6yr old trimmer was not firing. I refuse to spend the time to disassemble it and hunt down the parts to fix it...it has been good and worth the money that I paid for it. However, I do not want the same brand again and I don't want to spend an unnecessarily large amount of money on a tool that is used twice per year. I refuse to drag an extension cord around my entire property, rechargeable's will not trim the amount of shrubbery that I have without a wagon load of batteries, so gas is the only consideration.

Does anyone have suggestions as to a decent mid price range trimmer that I might get pretty good service from...as in 5 or 6yrs, given proper care.

Thanks for your input.

 

[revhigh]

Stihl

 

[quickdeath]

echo

 

[RoninPA]

Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, are all good brands. Homelite used to be good but I haven't had any contact with them in a few years so I don't know.

 

[Robes]

Stihl. You will never have to by another... I would burn through those throw-away brands one every year. Bought the Stihl five years ago. Starts right up every year. I have a farm and it takes me 8 hrs to WW from one end to the other.

 

[turd]

Why not let the shrubbery grow? Doesn't sound like you are trimming a hedge.

 

[737tdi]

Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, are all good brands. Homelite used to be good but I haven't had any contact with them in a few years so I don't know.[/quote

Plus 100 on this suggestion. I own all three brands and they have been very reliable. Echo: Line trimmer and 16" chainsaw, Husqvarna: 24" chainsaw, Stihl: Line trimmer (electric).

I went cheap a couple of times and regretted that decision after about a year.

Karl

 

[Jim Puke]

Thanks...I have had Stihl before and have not been pleased with them for what they cost..actually left the last one I had at a dumpster for someone else to try...CONSTANT carb and bearing problems.

I am leaning toward Husqvarna as I have one of the backpack blowers and it has been very good over the last 7yrs.

 

[737tdi]

Jim: Don't downplay Echo. They have the best warranty in the business just in case. 5 years for the unit but more importantly the electronic ignition module is warranted for life. Believe it or not the only trouble I have had with my saw was a bad module (after 11 years). The warranty just covers the part but it is a $100 unit. Also things like filters/plugs/seals are available at almost every home improvement store and all small engine repair shops. That is not the case with Husqvarna, I had no problems with my 24" saw though but parts aren't nearly as convenient.

Karl

 

[Azkmd]

echo

+1

HC-185

 

[RugerHound]

One of the things that can be problematic is the gasoline used in some of these small engines. Especially for equipment that is seldom used. I went through a couple cheaper gas weed whackers before I figured out that the bloody ethanol in the gas was killing the things. I now use a fuel stabilizer with fuel conditioner. Since doing that, I've not had any further problems with carbs or anything of the sort.

I've had great luck with Husqvarna and Troy Bilt... I use sites like Home Depot, Lowes, Sears etc. to read customer reviews on whatever sort of equipment I wanna buy. They can tell you a lot about what to expect from various models and brands.

 

[Cooperhawk]

Echo!

 

[deac45]

Husqvarna. I've had good service out of their chainsaws and trimmers for years. Use a good quality pre-mix oil and good gas. There are a couple places around town where I can get 100% gas and prefer it over the ethanol blend stuff. With either one I use a stabilizer.

Deac45

 

[737tdi]

About the gas. I simply buy the pre-mix from HD or Lowes anymore. It is alcohol free and the perfect ratio. I have had zero problems over the last 3 years using it. Yes, it is much more expensive but a couple of cans is all you need for a season. It also runs much better then regular gas due to being higher octane. You will initially balk at the price but buy one can and you will see a huge improvement in your 2 cycle stuff. JMO.

Karl