I tend to find that single purpose tools designed to do a single job
seems to work better than the "6 tools in 1" type of tool. It also
works out better when something breaks - I don't have to trash the whole
set.
As a result, I decided to avoid the trimmers with interchangeable
attachments, and I have a separate trimmer, a wheeled edger, a chain
saw, and a small tiller - all with their own motor.
I recently bought a new trimmer to replace my old Craftsman (branded
WeedEater) trimmer that I used for nearly 20 years without problems (it
still works too). I finally broke down and bought a new Craftsman
trimmer (notice a pattern here?). The Craftsman tools are re-branded
tools made by another manufacturer, but they have one advantage - I can
get parts. If/when something breaks, I can get the parts from Sears -
they may cost a bit more than they should, but I've always been able to
get them. For instance, I recently got an obscure part for my 20 plus
year old snow blower. Buying something from Home Depot, etc. (even big
name stuff) will leave me hanging when I need repair parts.
Whatever trimmer you buy, get one with a straight shaft. My original
one was a curved shaft, and although it worked just fine, you have to
hold it up with your arms - after awhile, that gets tiring. The
straight shaft one balances - the engine hanging off the back balances
the weight of the cutting end, making it much easier on the arms. Mine
also (as most do) has, a strap that attaches near the balance point.
The trimmer hangs from my shoulders and I just guide it with my arms.
Now, trimming is an easy task.
I also had a choice between the "easy loading" (insert special strings
through the slots) versus the string spool type. Get the spool type.
Yea, it may be a bit harder to reload, but it sure is a lot cheaper.
Instead of having to buy $5 packs of the special "strings" every summer,
I bought a $5 spool of trimmer line that I can use to re-wind my spools
(get a second one so that you have a spare to switch to in the middle of
the job). The last spool of replacement line lasted me 20 plus years
and still has a lot left to go.
My trimmer is a two-stroke, but with the "universal" oil - good for all
ratios - I use the same 1 gallon gas can for all my two-stoke lawn
tools. It's really not that much of a problem.
Tim Mullen
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