Weed wacker recommendation needed

Mrs. Tyme wants a new weed eater. (No kidding, she really wants one). I've been on the internet reviewing several models and have no idea which brand or model to purchase. Most models/brands will have several good reviews and then reviews that say the item is a piece of junk. That just gets me more confused.

I'm trying to talk her into getting a 12 or 24 volt battery model but she seems set on a gas model. Once she gets to weed wacking she's a terror on our 5 acres. She evens creeps over to the neighbor's property and trims around their trees. I think that's the reason she doesn't want a short duration electric model.

So, fellow members, what are your recommendations? Keep in mind that Mrs. Tyme is 5'4" and weighs about 140lbs.

4-stroke?
2-stroke?
24 volt?
Plug in extension cord models will not be applicable for her

All suggestions are appreciated.

I have been researching, getting opinions, and trying to figure out the same answer to your question for the past couple of days.

I currently have an el cheapo curved shaft from Wal-Mart and hate it - a straight shaft is the only way to go.

Based on everything I've learned, and also based on price, I think I'm going to go this route:

Stihl FS 55 R
$229.00
Same price at my local Stihl dealer, and also at Rural King.

[url]http://www.stihldealer.net/productdetails-dealer-_rcrraa-prodid-490-toplvl-16-catid-16-subcat-16-catprods-68.aspx[/url]

I've also heard good things about Echo.

Here's the one I have:
[url]http://www.walmart.com/ip/Weed-Eater-FX26SCE-Gas-Trimmer/15569946?findingMethod=rr[/url]


Been using it for the past 3 mowing seasons - runs just fine, but tired of the curved shaft. I plan on selling it, let me know if any of you guys might be interested.

husqvarna, stay away from ALL the made in mexico crap. bought 3 troy builts in two days, switched to an import.

[QUOTE=artcarney_agr;485602]Here's the one I have:
[URL]http://www.walmart.com/ip/Weed-Eater-FX26SCE-Gas-Trimmer/15569946?findingMethod=rr[/URL]


Been using it for the past 3 mowing seasons - runs just fine, but tired of the curved shaft. I plan on selling it, let me know if any of you guys might be interested.[/QUOTE]

How much are you asking for your old model?

[QUOTE=Tyme2fish;485605]How much are you asking for your old model?[/QUOTE]

I hadn't even thought about a price...what are you thinking?

[QUOTE=artcarney_agr;485607]I hadn't even thought about a price...what are you thinking?[/QUOTE]

Brand new 3 years ago was $78.97. Would you consider $20.00 for an opening bid?

Tyme I think you could buy a good goat for 20.00 +10.00 for a long rope.

I agree with Art you can not go wrong with an Echo or Stihl I think they are basically the same.

[QUOTE=Tyme2fish;485612]Brand new 3 years ago was $78.97. Would you consider $20.00 for an opening bid?[/QUOTE]

$40, you come pick it up?

I have over 50 acres, finish cut and trim 3 acres plus 3 rental properties. I have three weedwackers now.

I have a polan that I got cheap on a close out. It's about 4 years old now and runs goodworks good. I replaced the trimer head with a universal self feeding head because the one that came with it had the stupid tie on head that you cut the string and tie it on. That would work for some but I cut some rough stuff and break string a lot.

I have a craftsman 4 stroke (has oil in crankcase) weedeater that I use the most and it is about 5 years old and runs/works good. The 4 stroke is about 2x as heavy but the heavy weight is offset by it's power. It will not bog down and I can trim in 1/2 time. So it's heavy but fast.

Now I spent big $$$$$ on a Still a few years back, could have bought 4 polan's for the price and the still lasted three seasons.

My best advise?? Don't invest big $$$ in a weedwacker. Buy a good one with plenty of power (49cc and up min). and don't be fooled by a name.

[QUOTE=kydonky;485616]My best advise?? Don't invest big $$$ in a weedwacker. Buy a good one with plenty of power (49cc and up min). and don't be fooled by a name.[/QUOTE]

49cc ?!?! Holy smokes! Where do you get one of those?

[QUOTE=artcarney_agr;485620]49cc ?!?! Holy smokes! Where do you get one of those?[/QUOTE]

I don't know what size mine is, but I got the biggest motor I could find. The 4 stroke craftsman is a hoss but heavy.

The stihl did not last any longer that any wal-mart special I have owned.

Husqvarna and echo are not the same company or maker. I do have an Echo chainsaw, I think that is my 49cc motor. That Echo has a 20 inch bar and it is a eger beaver.

So my advise is to get one powerfull enough to not bog down or you will be going over the same area over and over to cut it. A powerfull model will knock it down on the first pass.

You may not need a powerful one if you only trim a 20 foot sidewalk, then go with electric.

I paid over $350.00 for one of the profesional Stihl models and it burned out in three seasons.

So good luck hunting. I'm just happy mine are working good now (knock on wood)