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Strimmer Advice

My strimmer has just packed up. Well almost, it's on the way out.

I use it mainly for edging totalling about 30mins a day and then a couple of one hour straight sessions a week.

What are bull horns like edgeing? any less control than D-handle? Used someone elses a while back on a lawn a found them a bit unweildy does that improve with practice? Is it better to stick to a light D handle for my needs or is it worth getting bull horns to make the longer stints more comfortable.

I need to replace it pretty quick. My budget is £300-£400 tops.

I'm considering  the Stihl FS 90 or Honda UMK 435 LE.  Anyone got or used these? Does stihl 4-mix run on 50-1 mix? (Wouldn't want another mix on the go)

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

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Replies

  • The FS90 has high vibration levels; I would get the honda out of those. Echo are meant to be good too. For edging I would always use a loop handle, not bars.

  • PRO
    Yes the 4 mix is run on 50:1 mixture
  • PRO

    Tanaka are worth looking at if you have a dealer nearby.

    My TBC290 has worked very hard for a living with both line and blades, last year being used once a fortnight for 5 hours stretches strimming bankings and drainage ditches on an industrial site, in addition to numerous 'clearance cuts' and all the usual edging etc.

    Still starts first pull and has only needed a new plug and a set of replacement line head eyelets in the last 18 months.

    Just another one to throw into the mix.....

  • Cheers,

    My current strimmer is a tanaka was just over £200 and it was fine for what I needed, just a bit short. It's lasted about 2.5 years.

    I want something that is gonna last and be more pleasant to use. I have not used anything more than the basic stihls or any of the hondas.

    Leaning towards one of the Honda's. Any thoughts on power? 25cc or 33cc? Bigger engine more weight but is worth it for the rougher stuff?

  • Adam,

    Didn't see you post as had not refreshed. It has been very reliable. Starting first time but the head needs replacing, it's leaking fuel a few other bits have gone wrong . I think repair money would be better spent going towards new machine. It was too short for me being quite tall, don't know if this would be a problem with all their models.

  • Hi, I went from a honda to a Stihl Fs70c D handle, about a year ago. It is reliable , quick to change the lines and is a 4mix at 50 -1 . However I am starting to find it really uncomfortable. If I go to a job with a lot of edging, my right wrist really starts to hurt, and am thinking of changing from this model because this. With the honda, I did not notice this problem and it was also quieter.

  • Cheers James, That's good to know. Last thing I want is sore wrist!

  • PRO

    Not sure one the height issue Nick - is your current model straight or bent shaft?

    Took a bit of playing around with the position of the 'D' handle (only 2 screws) to get it comfortable but its fine now. Fuel leak is possibly fuel tank grommit where pipe enters tank or carb flooding slightly.

    As regards heads, I use Sure Tap 11 bump feed heads, which are blooming brilliant, feeding perfectly to the last 20cm of line - http://www.abbeygardensales.co.uk/strimmer-brushcutter-accessori/st... - not the cheapest but a good reliable head that lasts a very long time.

  • It's a straight shaft. I did move the handle right up past the 'do not place handles past this line" line.

    That's the head I've got. I agree it does feed very well. But at £30 and delivery plus getting other issues fixed it going to be costly. Just had a service in March as well. I certainly wont scrap it. I'll try and fix myself so I've got a spare. Need a working strimmer sharpish though!

     

  • i use a strait shafted husky with cow horns full harness about 10 years old lawn edging about 4 hours a day also have a metal grass cutting blade and a brush cutting blade never missed a beat only thing i have replaced is the nylon line head. have used it to cut paddocks Christmas trees (had some work) i have tried a strait shafted stihl d handle but it gave me arm and back ache after about half an hour

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