Weed wacker recommendation needed

[Olgrey]

If there is any chance that you both will be using it or even if it's just hers, I recommend going to a farm store or a lawnmower dealer and handle some to see how heavy and hard to handle they are. See how they feel and if it looks like the length of the shaft will let it cut level and smoothly. What ever brand you buy, make sure that it has a 2 string head. Not sure that the one string heads are available now but if they are, avoid them like the plague. Some elderly people, like my dad for instance, have trouble pulling the starter cord quickly enough to start them. I have a Stihl 55 that has a straight shaft, but it is almost too short to cut level and I am not a tall guy. Other than that it has provided good service and is reasonably easy to replace the string. JMO

[roadrunner]

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)

Echo and Stihl are basically the same.

[kydonky]

Echo and Stihl are basically the same.

I don't think so..Parts are not going to be intercahngable. I think my echo is model cp600. It has a compression release port to make it easier to start. I don't think a stihl has that. I don't think there is any idendical model in stihl and echo. Most use different chain size as well D72 vs H series.

Echo makes a really good chain saw, never owned a stihl saw, Had a Mac prior to this one. After the weedeater episode I was scared off a stihl chainsaw.

[artcarney_agr]

Echo and Stihl are basically the same.

Not really, the Echo costs a lot more! Ha ha ha!

[kydonky]

Not really, the Echo costs a lot more! Ha ha ha!

You got that right!!! But I think it was in line with Stihl and Husqvarna.

They do have those commercial logging saws that are really up there in the $2000.00 range.

Back to weedwackers, I don't know if they still make the 4 stroke weedwacker at Sears (craftsman). But that is my go to machine on the farm. I take the poulan to the rental properties and use it there.

[artcarney_agr]

You got that right!!! But I think it was in line with Stihl and Husqvarna.

They do have those commercial logging saws that are really up there in the $2000.00 range.

Back to weedwackers, I don't know if they still make the 4 stroke weedwacker at Sears (craftsman). But that is my go to machine on the farm. I take the poulan to the rental properties and use it there.

They still make it- I think it's 29cc and about $180

[smokefan]

You could make it easy for your loving wife, one word..........GOATS! And if times get real tough you can always eat them.

[FlyLie]

FIRST, hire some beavers, they will put up the dam. Then, put the little wife in the boat. No be sure the wife is attached top the KILL SWITCH. (Legal notice; ensure both parties legal documents are up to date?) K

Give he a CD or Marine Radio, .....No, I have to STOP, ...I's sure your wife is a lovely person. I want't take that here. Want to talk @@@@, then we might want want to look at you ava.......!

FISH LONG AND LIVE TO FISH

[artcarney_agr]

$40, you come pick it up?

No bite on that one...$35?

[HURRICANEBOB]

Tyme,

I bought a $25.00 electric Weed-Eater 9 years ago, and save replacing a spool and some line it's still eating things up with ease. I think the wife will learn to hate the gas deal. Some are hard to start, mixing gas and oil, or just fooling with gas is a pain. Of course, if the lot is so long a couple 100 foot extension cords spooled together can't reach it, then I'd still go the rechargable electric root before gas.

(between us girls, if she goes gas, steal it on weekends and put a trolling motor prop on it. They work great as small craft trolling and maneuver assist motors )

Serious, for the price you all alre talking, buty a cheap electric, and a suitcase generastor to carry around to power it. You always got the gennie when the house power dies!

[bassin_bug]

You could make it easy for your loving wife, one word..........GOATS! And if times get real tough you can always eat them.

Buy a pair and it won't be long before you can get the lawn mowed, milk the goat, make goat cheese, eat grilled goat, and get your daily exercise chasing down the one that got away. Just in case your wife has a nurturing instinct, get Pygmy goats, they're cute little critters. lol

[Tyme2fish]

Thanks to all for your insight and recommendations. Mrs. Tyme informed me last night that she thinks she wants to get a battery powered trimmer as she has trouble getting gas models started. We had a battery powered trimmer years ago and I'll think we'll look at a 24 volt model. We're not talking about mowing down an entire field. This will be used for around trees, her flower beds, etc.

Thanks again for your contributions.