Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I am looking to replace my aging ( 20+ yrs) weed whacker. I want gas not electric for the sheer power. I know there are 20/ 24 and even 34 volt electric models out there.

I was thinking of a Toro or a Hitachi. I was also leaning towards a 2 stroke as the 4 stroke ones get quite expensive.

Toro 17 " cut , # 51594 $139.99 25.4 cc 11.5 lbs , 3 yr warranty at Home Depot w free shipping.

Hitachi 21 cc 17" cut , 10,1 lbs , $179.99 , 7 year warranty. Amazon.com w free shipping.

Both are pretty well rated by users at Amazon.com but the Hitachi has the edge in that area.

I do not want a cheap unit. I could get a Poulan for $109.99 but it is not well rated.

For a couple summers while I was working at the junior college agency, I had to supplement my income by working part time jobs. One of them was with a landscaping / lawn cutting company. They used Stihl products exclusively, and I gotta say, they were awesome pieces of lawn equipment! I would highly recommend them, and if I had the $$, I would replace my Craftsman weed whacker with one of them.

I bought a Stihl about 7 years ago for around $160. I have no knowledge of either brand but if this one kicks the bucket will be back to the dealer and getting another Stihl.

Personally, I hate 2 stroke engines. I bought a mini tiller that was 2 stroke and it had very little power, in fact, it was about like an electric. I gave it away to a church auction and bought a little Honda 4 stroke that is 7 or 8 times more powerful. It cost more, but was well worth it in the long run, IMO.

Personally, I hate 2 stroke engines. I bought a mini tiller that was 2 stroke and it had very little power, in fact, it was about like an electric. I gave it away to a church auction and bought a little Honda 4 stroke that is 7 or 8 times more powerful. It cost more, but was well worth it in the long run, IMO.

That's very strange. A 2 stroke engine with the same displacement and RPMs as a 4 stroke should be about twice the power. Conversely, a 2 stroke engine with the same power as a 4 stroke should be half the weight. Both should should be better than electric.

I have not seen a 4 stroke weed whacker though. I would think it would be rather heavy especially if it has an oil reservoir and decent power. I hated when lawn mowers went to 4 stroke. I want a 2 stroke lawn mower but pollution regulations seem to have wiped them out.

The only reason I would think 4 stroke small engines exist is pollution control and fuel efficiency. Power and weight go to 2 stroke. 4 stroke will last longer but is that an issue for the amount of runtime weekend mower uses it? Not sure.

4 stroke would be nice but they have 2 negatives, they are heavier and cost a lot more. Use one for a while and an extra pound or two can make a big difference.

That Honda tiller is maybe a few ounces heavier than the 2 stroke, but that's it. I'd rather have an electric than a 2 stroke. I think the electric is just about as powerful, a whole lot cheaper and the motor has zero maintenance. I do have an electric weed wacker and have yet to find anything around the house it won't easily cut through. It wouldn't be much on heavy brush, but I don't have that around my yard.

I like Stihl. I have one and have had no problems- plenty of power for my jobs.

Get a goat instead! :biggrin5:

If you can afford it......go Stihl. The comsumer warranty is a ridiculous five years. They just replaced mine with a brand new one due to a carb issue....after 4 years of use.

While mine was in the shop for the months, I used my neighbors 4 stroke Craftsman. The thing is is not that heavy at all and has a lot of power. It edged dirt and can cut a trench. Use their special heavy duty red speed load stips and I did my entire property on 2 strings (full acer, 300' of fence; 288' of sidewalk; house, patio; 6 car driveway.) Only thing I hate is the curved shaft. Straight shaft is better in my opinion as it prevents less bending.

you should get the one that gets the job done to the way you want it as long as you really dont care about the price

Another vote for the Sthil!

you should get the one that gets the job done to the way you want it as long as you really dont care about the price

Thats why I asked for opinions on which brand to get , I wont know what kind of job it will do until AFTER I buy it. I would rather learn from OTHER peoples expriences / mistakes than my own.

Thats why I asked for opinions on which brand to get , I wont know what kind of job it will do until AFTER I buy it. I would rather learn from OTHER peoples expriences / mistakes than my own.

If you fork out the $$ for the Stihl, you won't have any worries about what kind of job it will do, 'cause it handles it all!

The decision has been made...A Stihl FS45. It is the cheapest one they make but it is still a Stihl and has the # 1 rating in consumer reports. The price is $159 ( in the neighborhood of the rest ) and the guy I got my Toro mower from sells them.

My Toro electric blower died after 8 months and they gave me a new one. Their price is the SAME as Lowes and I know I will get better service from the local guy if I need it.

Thanks to all who gave input and especially to those who recommended the Stihl.

Now you have to let us know if you like it! If you need more "lawn" to test it on, I got 300' of fence; 288' of sidewalk; house, patio; 6 car driveway in NJ you can try it on. Beer and string on me!