curved or straight shaft

[mhentosh]

I was wondering if there is really any major difference between a curved or straight shaft trimmer. I have only used a curved shaft and have made out fine.


-MD lawn service

[Maddog]

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The straight shaft is the way to go for me. Several of the guys who worked for me had curved shafts at home but when they used the straight shafts found they were alot easier to use when they got use to them and were able to cover more of and area in shorter time.

[CCLS]

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I only use a straight shaft trimmer. I would feel ackward using a curved shaft. Most curved shaft trimmers are made for residential use and are not built as strong as a straight shaft trimmer. They are also not as long as a stright shaft trimmer. Most curved trimmers are about one foot shorter than straight shaft trimmers.

[Sammy]

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You get more power with the straight shaft.

[Zack.]

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Curved shaft trimmers are scrub equipment.

Better reach, visibility, precision, & generally more power, with a straight.

[imograss]

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curved shaft = undependable, low powered, back breaking machine[xx(]

[Marty]

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Most, if not all, commercial straight shafts have a gear box at the cutting end of the machine, which will prolong the life of the trimmer vs. a curved shaft. Straight shafts usually turn in a counter clockwise direction. Curved shaft trimmers turn clockwise, generally. Some of the major mfgs. have commercial curved shaft trimmers in their line, which have the same engine as the straight shafts and have a bit longer shaft than a homeowner curved shaft. The cemetary industry is a large user of commercial curve shafts because the clockwise head rotation allows the operator to walk forward while trimming around stones, without grass being thrown onto the stone.

[GrassMaster]

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Hello:

I used a Curved Shaft until one day I used a Straight Shaft. Never used a Curved again!

Yes, they are Back Breakers, Not as Much Power.

But What I liked about them, is they are not there at my Feet & that's what I liked the Most.

Another thing, LOL I do not think I could Weed-eat or Trim going Forward, I've Moon Walked Backward many Many Miles & Love it. I had my First Straight Shaft Break Down one day & my Step Father loaned me his Curve Shaft...

After about 5 Minutes of use, I went to the Dealer Put My broken one in the Shop & Bought myself another Straight Shaft for a Back Up!

[dancom]

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I agree with everyone else (except Zack) straight saft are more comfortable and do a better job.

[MY PUPPY]

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I use a straight shaft they are a lot more productive and
easier to handle.

[andersc1]

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I agree, straight shaft is the only way to go.

Curtis

[Jordan]

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I would never say that a strait shaft trimmer is the only way to go. Personally I like having the throttle in my right hand, which means I HAVE to buy a curved shaft trimmer. It’s not really a big deal because stihl makes a curved shaft trimmer with a commercial motor. It all comes down to what feels best to you. If there were a strait shaft trimmer that turned clockwise I would buy it.

[cklands]

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Straight shaft here. More comfortable. Besides you look like scrub with the curved.

[The Lawn Rang3r]

I agree that straight shaft is the way to go (longer reach, better precision,) but can't stand that all straight shafts I have found spin counter-clockwise! Many people don't see the difference in spin direction, but it's important to have the string throwing the grass back onto the lawn and not onto flowerbeds, houses, swimming pools. To that some say learn to walk backwards, or cross your arms over your chest. I've done both, walking backwards is ok, but I can go twice as fast walking forwards and holding the trimmer across your body is extremely uncomfortable and not very precise.
It seems to me that about 3-4 years ago I used an Echo SRM model that was a straight shaft and had clockwise spin. Are there different gear sets you can buy, or was it the holy grail of trimmers and i just can't seem to find a model like it? P.S. the guards are there for a reason, there's no reason you need to be trimming with the back end of the line and in my opinion, trimming without the proper protective equipment (eye/ear and guard) makes you more of a scrub than an electric curved shaft Yard Machine.
-And The Lawn Rang3r leaves a perfectly straight stripe behind.

[MASTERMOWER]

THIS IS A FREAGGIN OLD THREAD! What the ----?