I would use the echo brand,I have mine fifteen years no problems.

Both are from the same comany MTD, as MTD purchased the bankrupt Troy-bilt company back around 2000. Mtd also purchased the L&G power equipment division from Ryobi before Ryobi shut it down, Ryobi at that time had 2 cycle and 4 cycle models which are pretty well the same products rebadged under various MTD owned brand badges. All in all these product are at the bottom of the list. You do not pay as much for these as for quality brands such as Echo, Stihl, Jonsered, RedMax, Tanaka etc. and you will get what you pay for, as well as probably having to repurchasr a new one after 3 years.

In that case where is your savings long term not including high repair costs and your downtime. Quality products will run 20 years + but will cost you more initially.

THese are sold to buyers who have no knowledge of gas or power equipment or people purchasing price only.

My recommendation is an Echo. I've been through the cheapies and the electrics that only last a couple of years. My Echo, SM210, starts every time, handles well and is fairly easy to maintain. I also have an Echo dealer nearby that makes major service easy if I need it. I use mine to trim up about three acres of property after I mow.

Echo has several models so vist an Echo dealer and talk with a knowledgable sales rep. Let them guide you to the model that fits your needs.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

Agreed... Echo SRM series starts about the same cost as the 4cycle. Echo, Redmax, and Shindaiwa all have entry level 2-stroke trimmers that will last you many many many years. If you can't see yourself dropping $150+ for a trimmer then get a straight-shaft Poulan like the SST25. They have a 2yr warranty and after that you throw them away, (same with the TB/Ryobi but you'll have a better unit and pay less for it).

Just a question, but why would you want a 4-cycle trimmer anyway? They are heavier, less powerful, and more expensive to maintain. I've worked on trimmers for 10+ years... stick with the basics and know your price range. Pay $100 now for 2years of service or $200+ for 5-7years of service... it all equals out in the end, it just costs more up front! ;-)

I have a Stihl unit that also accepts accessory heads such as a hedge trimmer, a pole saw and a cultivator. It's a great unit and has been trouble free.

Tahclep,
you seem to know your corporate take-overs. Can you recommend the next least expensive trimmers that will accept these novelty attachments. I have a small lot, and want to upgrade from the ryobi/TB/ETC, but just barely.
I would like to spend under 200, have a straight shaft, decent quality, and while im asking for advice from the pros:
i understand that the 4stroke quality has improved much these past years are all the following not true?
Reduced sound, improved torque, better gas efficiency, ease of use?
many thanks
sheryl & dave

I don't have a 4-cycle trimmer, but I have a Honda mini-tiller with their GX31 mini 4-cycle. This same engine was available on a Honda string trimmer and stick edger.

A trimmer that I have that is in the price range you mentioned is the Toro-branded split-shaft trimmer available at Home Depot (about $179). I have been pleased with the quality for my usage. This power head will accept the expand-it, or click-link style attachments. A cheaper alternative to getting the Toro-branded equipment is Cummins tools. They have travelling tool sales, as well as an online store (www.cumminstools.com) I bought the kit below during one of the travelling sales. The difference is that the Toro logo has been scratched off and covered up with a "Ryobi Commercial Quality" sticker. The powerhead that came in my kit still had part of a Home Depot return sticker on it. The powerhead and accessories have functioned very well.

As far as your questions about 4 strokes...
Reduced sound -- almost definitely. My Honda is amazingly quiet in comparison to my 2-cycle engines
Improved torque -- probably dependent on the particular engines. Either would probably be adequate.
Better gas efficiency -- again may depend on particular engines, but a 4-stroke most likely would improve
Ease of use -- depends on what you mean. No mixing fuel/oil with some 4 strokes (except hybrids), but would require oil changes. The biggest disadvantage of the the 4-cycle is going to be weight. It will be heavier than a 2-cycle of similar power output. So, all-in-all, I would say a 2-cycle would be easier to use for a string trimmer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cummins tools trimmer package

I have a Honda trimmer with the GX31 engine and I am very pleased with it. I don't put it through heavy use, but it suits my needs very well.

It's pretty quiet, as far as a small gas engine can be. It has plenty of power in the low to mid RPM range but seems to lose it towards the top end. I love the fact that I also have just one gas can to use between my mower and trimmer.

Just like everyone says, it is heavier. It weighs in over 14 pounds which is managable, especially with the included shoulder strap. I'm finding I only use the shoulder strap when I'm walking between places to trim.

Changing the oil is no big deal, either. Open the oil filler and turn the trimmer upside down to drain the oil. Get a small funnel and refill. It took me around 10 minutes.

The Honda was pricey, about 340USD. I was willing to pay it because I have always had good luck with Honda products and I also absolutely refuse to buy cheap junk that I will have to replace in two years. I also didn't want a two stroke.

Has anyone had any experience with the Cub Cadet 4 cycle trimmer? Cub Cadet historically has produced quality lawn & garden tractors but I think they are relatively new players in the push mower, trimmer, etc. area.

Hi,

I would second the opion by mclaren_f1. I also have a Honda HST 31 trimmer and am very happy with it. It was expensive though, about $US 400.

I think with 1.5 acres to maintain it would probablly worth your while using a more heavy duty model with more power.

One thing I found out is that the more powerful models have trim lead heads that can take thicker line. In the honda model I have I use 0.105 inch diameter nylon line. Cheaper models are limited to 0.80 inch diameter line. This will slow your cutting speed, and it looks like you have a fair bit to do.

Note that there is now a new Honda trimmer and instead of 31cc's it has a slightly larger engine at 35 cc's.

Best, Mike.

Stihl gets my vote for the best non tangling head.
Also very dependable and trouble free.
My second choice would be Echo.

I have had a Ryobi 790r straight shaft 2 cycle trimmer with several attachments for over ten years. Although I am envious of the Stihls and Echos, this thing keeps running and running. The only thing I have had to replace has been the fuel lines (this year) so I can't run it down at all. I have never even changed the spark plug. It runs good and starts good. I may have just been lucky. After posting this the luck will probably run out...

I've also been lucky with my Ryobi trimmer. I bought a remanufactured Roybi 775R with the edger and tiller attachments over 7 years ago. I think I paid 120 for the trimmer and attachments from Harbor Freight. I changed the spark plug twice in its life and cleaned the carb out once because I left old gas in it over the winter. Since then it gets drained every winter. My 775R starts every time plus it has a lot of power. You have to keep the rpms up when using the edger, but it has no problem with the trimmer attachment. I can't comment on the newer Ryobi trimmers but I think the older ones are good.

Hello all.

Hi sarge6. Are you still in the market for a gas powered string trimmer?

String trimmer information overload? :)

Good day.

I wonder why so many people think it is such a terrible
thing to have to mix the oil and gas.
Personally, I think it is a messy hassle to change
dirty oil from a 4-cycle every so often.
I guess 4-cycles are a good thing for the people that
have someone else do the maintenance and all they
have to do is fuel it and go.

The 4-cycle trimmers also have more power and burn less fuel then 2-cycle trimmers. They are also considered to be better for the environment since they burn less fuel and have less emissions. I am no expert, all of this info is on the carton of the Cub Cadet I purchased at the beginning of the year. I did a lot of research and for the money i bought the $189 dollar unit at Home DEpot. there is no ckoke lever, just a primer bulb and pull. Starts on the first or second pull everytime. It is also a lot quieter then my old 2-cycle RYOBI. The Cub Cadet would be my reccomendation.

The main feed line from the tank goes straight to the carb...the line from the pump goes to the accumulator

I own a Troy Bilt TB475 which is a 26cc 4 cycle version trimmer for last 4 years. It start very easy, 2 pull max. It work well. For a while, I use it only ones every 2 months. I had it die on me once and I have to change the carb.(I got one from an old motor) It start working again. I am almost sure it is because I don't use it enough and I do not drain gas out after use and let it sit for months. It works a whole lot better than a Craftsman cheap trimmer I had before. It really smells a lot better than 2 stroke and quieter. I am planning to buy a new, more fancy ones( No better than it's a toy to me!!! 4 years is a very old toy). I have an Echo hedge trimmer HC150. It does not start as easy and smells bad. I know I know, everyone like Echo!!! It does smell!!! Takes 7 to 8 pulls to start.

I open the motor, it is a half crank. I know people don't like it. I don't know why, all the very expensive model plane glow engine use half crank. They are very high performence, run up to 16000RPM. They can be over 10cc. I actually bought a used engine on Ebay and play with it(Toy!!) The housing is made of stronger alloy than all the other brands ( Echo, Shindaiwa, Stihl). Usually those crankcase are made of very soft material, you can break it off like plastic. Not the Troy Bilt. It is a 2 ring design, inside does look cheap, the connecting rod is made of stamped steal and the crank sheft is made of few thin piece revided together. But who is to say mill out is better. One of the most reliable gun UZI is made of stamped steal!!! Don't tell them they are no good. the new TB525 has more from what I heard.

I wouldn't buy one new, but I can fix about anything. there are a bunch of ebay all the time for at least 1/3 the cost of new. Normal ebay savvy applies--- know the cost of a new one, know how much shipping is, set you max bit late as possible, and check out the seller's record. Not for people who can't preform minor maintenance. Preimum brands also available at higher rate.

I have since bought a Honda HHT31SUNBA 31cc bike handle trimmer. It is definitely a big improvement fromt the Troy Bilt TB475.....Mainly it is longer so it is a lot more comfortable to use. The head is much better than the Troy Bilt. BUT, I am surprised the engine of Troy Bilt really held it's own. It is louder but it still feel strong enough even facing the bigger Honda.

I still use the Troy Bilt to do the dusty work. The Honda is a lot quieter, the sound of the trimmer head spinning is as loud as the engine. Always one pull start. For less than half the price, I would say the Troy Bilt really held it's own.