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Suggest looking at Stihl FS55-FS90 models in their full range (other "makes" are available ;)
They can take line & 2/4 blade options. The larger ones can take scrubcutter attachments. Weight is reasonable, but consider how often you need a powerful solution? The larger models may be an overkill and heavier. They come with shoulder harness, but a Stihl or a 3rd party full harness spreads the weight and makes the job easy if you adjust the balance point to be neutral.
We use a couple of FS70's for small - medium area grass trimming and find them more than adequate.
Now up to the 360 model which is fantastic for the heavy work I do but the small stuff it's overkill.
As I say I'll only be using sparsely to clear dense over grown ground. It's normally uneven and full with brambles nettles etc. So is that a tri-blade or something else?
Can the double shoulder harness only be used with the bike handle set up? I'd like as much weight removed from my handling but have read that the loop handle you often have better handling, or is this a myth?
Thanks
Cara
Hi Cara,
In terms of rotating 'heads', the line/duo blades deal well with soft to thin woody growth, with the blades being best at tackling stronger or woody growth. Generally, they are all interchangable with only the guard maybe needing swapping.
Large areas, especially level (or sloped) areas often best dealt with by bike handles on a full harness (but a shoulder harness can be used). Here, it's all about the 'technique'
Eneven terrain, in / out of obstacles, small areas generally best with a D Loop with shoulder harness. Full harness retricts your ability to 'reach in' to differcult areas.
If you're using blades, there are many techniques when dealing with scrub, particularly brambles and a bit of up/down motion (like scraping a wall) can help.
There are some great after market bramble blades that have cutting legs, that help mash the woody growth.
Attachments that replace the rotating head (such as the scrub cutter) are usefull to cut bramble etc at ground level or scythe thru it .
Finally, not all attachments fit all strimmers due to many reasons, so check what fits and is recommended before using it.