Hi all.
I recently purchased a Trueshopping grass strimmer. As caretaker of a school, I have some quite large areas of weeds and nettles etc to keep at bay.
I assembled the unit, which took quite a while and then attempted to start it. Well, it did even want to fire up at all. After further investigation I discovered that the sparkplug was not even remotely tight within its housing. Even more alarming was the poor design of the spark plug cover and lead connection. The spring into which the sparkplug connects is simply connected to the wire through the use of two spikes that pierce the wire. (Not the best description I know, sorry)
Anyway, after reading reviews, more specifically about starting issues, it turns out that this brand has many starting issues. The company are sending a replacement, but I'm wondering if I ought to just get a refund and buy a better trimmer.
So, I thought let's ask people who use these machines on a daily basis, which petrol grass strimmer that they would recommend
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Replies
Get a refund & buy a Stihl. You will be spending the school's money wisely.
Unfortunately you've bought low end machine imported from the far east. Spares will be difficult if not impossible to source and it's highly likely no one will want to repair it.
Buy a Stihl, Echo or Husqvarna from a reputable dealer and yes get a refund!!
We run Stihl 460 and very pleased with it.... also have battery ones for lighter work!
Yes those ones are not the best. Maybe Gerty is mindful of not blowing the schools budget, which is commendable. I recall maintaining the substantial grounds of a care home years ago. The boss bought a £99 petrol strimmer from Argos for me to use. It ran as intended and was not faulty so he could not understand why I ended up taking my own machine in. Which was down to the slow work rate of their strimmer which was not up to the job, as more suited for a domestic garden. Meaning that not enough work got done and I was seen to be underperforming. I now have a Hitachi petrol strimmer with a 46.5cc engine. And a 39.8cc one of the same make with the engine mounted on a backpack. Good machines but never use either of them as the Stihl battery ones are actually preferable. Particularly the FSA135 for rough work
you can't expect much for under £100!! I'd just my money back if I were you. As others say, Stihl are good....... you can get the spares if needed (which is rarely) and they last for years. Invariably start with just a few pulls. I use an FS94 with a loop handle.....about £350........... used it daily for the last 5+ years and never let me down There are more powerfull and expensive models but they get heavier and I doubt you need the extra power
In that environment (a school) a reliable brand cordless strimmer if the budget will stretch to it .
Its quiet compared to a petrol machine so less distracting to staff and pupils .
No fuel to spill or catch fire , Just my cautious approach to more sensitive environments , I wouldn't consider using an erratic machine that might leak fuel and make the work harder if you have a choice .
Maruyama are good for performance and reliability - got two new ones this year (a lightweight 22cc and a beast of a 36cc). Approx £250 and £450 respectively - start first pull and work all day perfectly.
From a commercial point of view, these are well balanced, low vibration machines, which start first pull and have 'quick load' bump feed cutter heads which take from memory up to 3mm line (we run Stihl 2.7mm red). Run time on a tank of fuel is good also.
A cheap chinese machine will have a horrendous reliabilty record, hideous vibrations and when it goes wrong (frequently), no mower shop will want to look at it.
Maruyama are my preferred Strimmer
Never liked Stihl Strimmers even though I use all there other equipment
If you can get a refund, do that and buy a Stihl. Buy well and buy once.
Hi, as others have said buy a Stihl. I bought mine second hand from a lawnmower dealer years ago and it's still in good order. I have the 'cowhorn' handles which I prefer for comfort but that's just personal preference. Also you will need a proper harness so the machine attached to a clip by your hip. A quality machine will be more comfortable for you to use as they are built with user comfort in mind.
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