Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I was just wondering if this homelite trimmer I came across is as good ( or better/worse) than the Echo GT2000R  I have? keeping only one of them. Homelite dosen't seem to have a model sticker but does say made by 'textron'.  both excellent cond.   thanks for any opinions on the keeper.

I have a John Deere trimmer...made by Homelite.  The manual was for a Homelite, the warranty card went back to Homelite (actually, at one point, John Deere owned Homelite).  I bought it for two reasons; (1) it took attachments, and (2) it was cheap (I figured it would last a year or two).  I wanted the attachment option because my old blower died (the blower attachment isn't  good for much other than sweeping the driveway or walks) and an edger (didn't feel like buying a dedicated edger).  It doesn't look like a super high quality machine (small single crank engine, smallish gas tank. very bendable trigger) but I've had it for about three years now and while I don't abuse it, I do use it hard and it just keeps on going.  hasn't missed a beat yet.  While it is nowhere near the quality of an Echo (or Stihl, etc.) I have been impressed so far by it's gutsy determination to show me up.

LL

Terminator20 wrote:
Homelite used too make good cheap stuff.
There are still lots and lots of pieces that are still doing thier jobs. People are still bringing them in for repair because they like them and they gave many good years of service.
The stuff that is using the Homelite name today...is just pure junk. Over the last 2 years there have been no signs that the company will ever make a comeback.
Too bad really.....Yet another affordable, half decent product bites the dust.

I guess some chinese compnay now owns Homelite? 
Actually Geno, I meant what price are you selling the Homelite for?

thanks for the input folks. Ajace..I am not really selling it- giving to my Church. I had been leaving my Echo over there but think I'll let the 'homelite' there instead. want to do mowing next year after retirement for part time work and think ( by opinions here) the Echo is a better choice. I also have a sthil to use.    thanx-   Gene

I have a Homelite trimmer...the cheapo from Home Depot. I paid $89 for it  5 years ago when I bought my house. Didn't want to spend big money as this was my first house and was not sure how tight money was going to be. Because it was "cheap" and I planned on getting a quality straight shaft, I never took care of it.  I left stale gas in it  and I made to much of the "mixed" gas so I am sure it is also 1/2 varnish! Still poured it in!  This thing starts and runs every time! I can't kill it!!! (And I have to, to be able to justify  getting a new one!)  It has plenty of power (I can do most of the trimming while it is ideling!) It has no clutch so one thing less to break. I have even lent it out...and this is a sure way to kill  it...but it still runs!

I just can't say anything bad about this Homlite!
My dad used a Homelite chainsaw it too was a very good performer... go figure!

Very good choice Geno.  I'd buy a Homelite now if I knew they were they same quality they were 5 or so years ago. 

Good choice.

In my previous post I should have said "buy the Echo" as most of us know the Echo is a MUCH better machine!  I was just trying to say that  even the Homelite most likely will get the job done You made the right choice with the Echo...I just bought a Echo Blower and did not even stop to give the Homelite a solid look