String Trimmer - Echo, Husky, Stihl, Redmax or Shindaiwa

[Puffy-D]

I would like to buy a high quality string trimmer for residential use. I have looked at Echo, Husqvarna, Stihl, Redmax and Shindaiwa. I was looking at straight shaft trimmers, because that is what all the crews use around the area. Do I need a straight shaft trimmer or would a curved shaft be sufficient? What brand provides the best value? I would like to spend around $200. Any help would be appreciated.

Puffy-D

[RatherbeBassin']

No expert but...
STRAIGHT, Shindaiwa, and $200 ain't gonna get it. $300 will. Shin is all I will purchase for trimmers simply due to ease of service/dealer service/support. (All my larger local shops have Shin as well as a small 'hopper dealer 7 blocks away from home)

BTW welcome.

[hobbes]

Hi,

I am a not a professional but a home owner. I have a Honda 4 stroke trimmer. The HHT31SLTA. I find this easy to use and quite powerful. I think this is unusual in that this is a genuine 4 stroke, no oil-petrol mixing required. I think (not sure) that most are two stroke. It is sort of expensive but it does work very well. I like the straight bar because it keeps the head away from me, I am a short little person.

Warmest regards, Mike.

[Puffy-D]

Ratherbebassin',
Do you think I need a straight or curved shaft?
Thanks,
Puffy

[ODTB]

Curved shaft trimmers hurt my back after just a little while, they always feel off balance.Straight shaft seems to have better control and reaches under shrubs,fences ect much better in my opinion.

[ahlgrenlandscaping]

STRAIGHT SHAFT!!! no need to get really close to the trimmer head or be inside of the bush you are trimming under. Less vibration and less wear and tear on the trimmer as well.

[RatherbeBassin']

Straight has a lot less wear, more efficient too. Hear some argue that curved will round a pole/tree from 1 position better but cannot see much difference myself...

Just like advice I was given years ago about trolling motors applies to trimmers as well, "Stay away from those bent neck SOB's"

[MGO]

Straight!

YOu will need to spend double that though......spend the $400 and get the power and quality you need in this business.

[buster57]

Stihl FS250 is my gear.
Curved shaft tends to be cable driven and straight shaft is direct or gear driven. I use a Stihl FS250 and love it. I plan to buy up to two more.
At $400 each they are not cheap, but my guys can sign their names with these animals. They are heavy but get the job done fast so other tasks can be addressed.

[jt5019]

Straight shaft Redmax you will love it. You wont find one for 200 but you can get a good deal for brand new ones on ebay thats what i did.

[Stay-green]

I would use the Stihl split boom it gives u the option of getting attchments for trimming, edging, prunning, and a hole lot more plus its cheaper than buying all the other pieces of equipment. I would use a strait shaft trimmer it puts the cutting edge out in front of you not right next to you saves on neck pain of looking straight down.

[Puffy-D]

Thanks for all the help I bought a Husqvarna 323L for $299-10% for a total of $269.10. I think it will be suffcient for just around my house.

Puffy-D