Weed whacker opinions

[mcsap]

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.

[marinepilot]

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.

[qpd158]

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.

[retdetsgt]

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.

[MikeG]

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.

[mcsap]

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.

[retdetsgt]

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.

[icu650]

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

[4goods]

Get a goat instead!

[Joeyd6]

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.

[stadlerd]

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

[BP348]

Another vote for the Sthil!

[mcsap]

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.

[marinepilot]

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!

[mcsap]

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.