Weed Eaters, trimmers

[NanaPam]

:o Need your advice! Our gas weed eater died and it was an honorable one. It gave us nearly 15 years service never once asking for more than good gas oil mix and cleaning. It's fuel lines and a few other items just could not be repaired even though it had been taken to reputable technician. I guess it was just tired and I am truly going to miss it.

NOW, I need another one. Will I find one to stand up to old faithful? Do I look at rechargeable? Do they really hold up? Will they last long enough on one charge to do a large area?

Please help

[renee43]

Check out the Black & Decker selection at Walmart. I can't get my hands on mine right now to tell you what kind because since my ladder mishap, my DH changed the lock on the storage building and I don't have a key :mad:.

[outothebox]

Renee --

I know that must be frustrating, but it did give me a chuckle. How are you mending?

[Capucine]

Can't wait to hear the response. I need to buy a new one as well.

[Capucine]

Thought you might be interested in looking at these reviews.

http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Lawn_and_Garden-Power_Tools-All-Trimmers_and_Edgers

[NanaPam]

Great site but now I'm more confused than ever.

[Capucine]

I always look at that site before buying any technology equipment and it's always very helpful. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have as many reviews on this kind of stuff. I wonder if some gardening magazines have reviews on their site?

[Muffy Jones]

I have had the worst luck with weed eaters. I just can't get the technique down!!! We have an old gas one that everyone in my family can get started except for me. There are so many steps involved in getting it to run that it is just ridiculous!!! I bought a cheap electric one that I can't stand either. The string is always breaking and the feed function always jams. I will admit that I have actually thrown this one across the yard in a fit of frustration!!! :D ( The neighbors got a good laugh out of this one!!!) Maybe I should try one of the rechargeable ones that was mentioned.

[moly]

After my Lawnboy went to the big lawn in the sky, I bought an Echo gas trimmer. It was high on the recommended list from Consumer Reports. I bought it at a store that had all the trimmers out so that I could try each one for weight and balance. I am very short so this matters a lot to me. I have been very happy with the trimmer. Starts right up every time. Last year I bought an alternate head for it that loads trim cord that has been precut in 8 inch lengths. No more winding those spools for me and having jams. I just carry a couple of extra pieces in my pocket and replace them on the fly.

[NanaPam]

Moly,

Think I will go with Echo. We've used Echo leaf blowers for years and they last. Would not have anything else. Guess the trimmers will be as good.

Everything I read showed the rechargeable as not lasting more than 20 - 30 minutes. Think that would drive me nuts.

[moly]

Pamela,
Good luck with your gas Echo. Mine has been great. (It is a 2 cycle)
The only yard tool I have that is not gas is a hedge trimmer. Last spring I was looking at the recharagable hedge trimmers. I wanted something light weight for quick trim jobs when I didn't want to drag the big one out (Electric-plug in type) A guy standing beside me told me not to buy one unless I only needed a few minutes of charge.

[Crazykaos]

My old electric blew up :eek: last summer and I got a 2cycle Ryobi 30cc the one you can get accessories for, like edger, tillers and brushcutters. Easy to start to. I got the straight shaft 'cause I'm tall and my back would always hurt from mbending over. Not anymore. I can do all .5 acres no problem!! :)
However I got a little cheapo electric craftsman ($25) That I use on my stamp size front yard.
The small electric one is great if you have a small yard (like I used to) but There's 300+ ft from the house to the fence...too many extension cords.!!!