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Should I buy a smalller strimmer?

Posted by James King on March 10, 2019 at 1:14pm

I currently use Stihl KM131R and attach the strimmer attachment. This is an incredibly powerful machine and is brilliant for rough grass and clearing quickly. I am getting an increasing number of small gardens and in my opinion, the KM 131 is too powerful. Would people agree with this? I am thinking I might need a smaller strimmer that would be small/medium garden friendly. My initial thought was a cordless strimmer. However, battery life appears limited and being out all day would not allow me to charge it. I am now thinking of someting like the FS40, which is lightweight and can be used around trees etc.

I would appreciate thoughts anyone might have.

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Replies

  • PRO
    dan March 10, 2019 at 2:42pm

    how about just getting a lower model kombi engine ? then you have a back up for all the attachments if the 131R is having issues. Although the negatives are that the vibes on both are likely to be a lot higher than a dedicated low vib strimmer. 

    • PRO
      Gary RK > dan March 10, 2019 at 3:02pm

      The KM94 Kombi engine is a good compromise ref: wt Vs power at that end of the marketplace

      • James King > Gary RK March 10, 2019 at 3:20pm

        Thanks, Gary. I have just been looking at the prices and the KM56 is not much more than the FS50. Howeverm my concern is that I will still have a two line head, which will destroy most things in its path.

        • PRO
          Gary RK > James King March 10, 2019 at 3:26pm

          It was my understanding that any Stihl peice of kit with a "white" body was not contractor grade kit (ie aimed at domestic market, especially with a bent shaft (hi-vibes)).

          Not sure re: comment about 2 line head ?

           

          • James King > Gary RK March 10, 2019 at 3:39pm

            I didn't realise that about the white body, but, does make sense. In terms of the two line head. One of the heads I have on my strimmer has two lines coming out of it. When these go round, they are quick and cut almost everything - too powerful in some cases. I also have the 3 nylon blade system which I have not yet used. If I ease off on the power, perhaps the setup is manageable. If posible, I want to avoid buying more equipment at the moment. Does anyone use the 130 0r 131 on smallish gardens?

    • James King > dan March 10, 2019 at 3:13pm

      Thanks, Dan. I have a 130 as my back-up. I am reluctant to buy another Kombi engine. I don't want to pay a fortune and just wonder if a stihl dedicated strimmer would be the best option. Having said I dont want another Kombi engine, I suppose the KM56 is a possibility.

      • PRO Supplier
        Derek Tucker > James King March 10, 2019 at 5:50pm

        As Gary says KM94 is a good option not least because it has low speed dial which is ideal for strimming small gardens. Note also if you buy the FS40 style trimmer it will be shorter with a curved shaft. Also bent shaft heads spin the opposite way to straight shaft machines and some people find this annoying when they swap regularly between the two 

      • PRO
        dan > James King March 10, 2019 at 5:57pm

        trade in the spare 130 for a km94 ? -- theres more power than needed on the 130 -- could argue too much for hedge cutter etc 

  • Dan Frazer Gardening March 10, 2019 at 3:54pm

    You need a small strimmer for vertical edges. Try this, extremely low vibes https://www.cyriljohnston.com/maruyama-mx21-strimmer.html

    Buy MARUYAMA MX21 19.8cc PETROL STRIMMER
    <div>Lightweight but sturdy MX Series Brush Cutter. With a 19.8cc engine capacity and adjustable loop handle, this low vibration petrol  brush cutter…
    • PRO
      dan > Dan Frazer Gardening March 10, 2019 at 5:58pm

      whats 19.8 cc to bhp ?  I did a quick search but it seems you cant really compare the two easily? 

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