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

well, that winter sucked.  i don't even have 2 hours run time on my new 926DLE.  what a waste.

so it's time to look at lawn equipment again.  I was looking at electric trimmers, but then remembered that i hate cords.  thought about rechargeable, but i'd never remember to charge it before i needed it.  I've got a gas mower and a gas blower, why not a gas trimmer.  Then i remembered that i hate premixing.  Does anyone have a nice lightweight, cheap, reliable trimmer that is either 4 stroke or oil injected that they would recommend?

if it's gotta be premixed, any advice/suggestions?

I have a Stihl gas trimmer which can also handle a brush cutter, and pruner. Its been working great for that last five years or so. It does use premix but that hasn't been a big deal since I also use a gas blower and chainsaw that uses the same mix. I have heard of 4 stroke trimmers but haven't used any so I can't comment on them.

Oakville, I'm looking for a 4 stroke trimmer as well.  

Canadian Tire has a Troy-Bilt one for $299.  However, I'm wondering if I hate mixing gas and oil enough to justify the price.   I could go thru several $99 Weed Eaters for the price of a 4 stroke.  

Honda makes 4 stroke trimmers, and they are running their annual sale on one model. However, while it will likely be reliable, it won't be cheap, even on sale.

Loudpedal wrote:

i'm thinking the same thing.

how good are the $99 weedeaters?

what are the advantages/disadvantages of curved vs straight shafts?

  you fuel ratio on new trimmers should be 50/1.  there is no reason you cant run the mixed fuel in the other units.

why would i want to run 50:1 in my 4 stroke mower or my new 926DLE?

sounded like you didnt want to mix fuel because you had nothing else to run it in.

true.  but won't mixed fuel gum up the mower/blower?

looking at the pricing, i'm beginning to think a $139 weedeater 2 stroke might be worth a 2nd fuel can (guess i can just use a small 2L can and fill it from my main can).

Anyone know where i can find 2 cycle oil in very small container sizes (20mL or 40mL?)

The smallest that I've seen is 50ml which is 40:1, won't hurt but why use mor than you need? I use a 4.5L container that I fill to 4L and then empty a 100ml into it. I then decant from a larger 1L container. Sounds more complicated than it is. Throw in some Stabil or Pri-G and you're done.

oakville wrote:

I've had a Weedeater for over 12 years, and the thing won't die. The handle has broken on it, and I replaced it with one my son found in the garbage.

I was waiting for its motor to croak so I could get a gas one, but with so little maintenance to do on it, I think I might get another electric, when it decides to go to trimmer heaven.

The cord is a nuisance to put out and roll up, but if you don't have a large yard as I do, I can live with it.

Looking at Cdn tire, they have the B&D model which converts to an edger for $69. Wait a while as they might have it on sale as they often do. I saw the same one in a Quebec Cdn tire for $59.

i've got a corded weedeater, and i find that i hate the cord so much i only trim once a month.

crappy tire has a 2 stroke gas weedeater for $99.  anyone have one?  experience?

Oakville, my brother who incidentially lives in Oakville, has the el cheapo $99 Weedeater.  He's had no problems unlike my $99 Homelite trimmer which is now in the trash.   The weedeater was also much quiter.   I think I'm going to forego my desire for a 4 stroke and just pick up one of the el cheapo weedeaters.   My OPE dealer said that the weedeaters are the best of the cheapie trimmers. 

I would also seriously take a look at the Black and Decker Grasshog trimmers. I was in Cdn Tire today, and I found the B&D 13 inch corded electric seems to be better built than the 12 inch Weedeater. It costs more but also has a stronger upper handle, higher amp motor and converts to an edger.  They also have the same model B&D for $10 less and it comes with a 6V electric screwdriver.

Wonder if the screwdriver is included because its screws come loose a lot...  Just a bonus toy I imagine.