Cost is no option best string trimmer...

[Cloud IT]

Sorry for posting in the chainsaw forum, but you guys obviously would know more about this question. My company has grown over 300% this year and I'm tired of my too short walmart special murry string trimmer. Not to mention that my dad has a big project I need to help him with.

I want a light but yet powerful trimmer. The 550xp of string trimmers if you will. I don't want something I can't adjust the carb on either as i've seen quite a few of those around. (unless there is an autotune trimmer!) I had to MM and retune my murry to get it to run right and now it runs awesome, but it's much too small. I want to run the heavy line.

I looked at the different models online and it's overwhelming to say the least. Why they need so many different variants is beyond me.

So, what is the lightest and most powerful string trimmer without considering cost? What's the "best" one out there?

 

[XSKIER]

Lightest and most powerful do not go together. The stihl FS 130 is the best trimmer with the best power to weight ratio though.

 

[blsnelling]

I'd call that a 441 of trimmers. I for one would not want a 4-mix trimmer. Isn't it the FS70 that's still a regular 2-stroke. What about Redmax?

 

[cory@owen]

fs130

Stihl FS 130 would be my choice as well. I got one earlier this year and love it. It has a loads of torque and starts reliably every time. I prefer the 4mix engine for trimmers because the torque is there all the time.

 

[mtrees]

Fs250

 

[Cloud IT]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I should throw out there that I have a bad back and have never used a bike handle trimmer before. I'm not sure if it will be easier or harder on my back.

 

[KenJax Tree]

My muff modded Husky 326LS has some pretty good power for weighing 9lbs.

 

[GSW]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I should throw out there that I have a bad back and have never used a bike handle trimmer before. I'm not sure if it will be easier or harder on my back.

My FS85 w/bike handles is not too bad on my ailing back. I don't think they make it anymore though and I'm not totally sure which model replaced it.

 

[deepsouth]

Do you get the 25cc and 35cc Honda 4 stroke straight shaft brushcutters over there?

I have a 25cc and it is great, pulls thick line -but - I've found going a bit thinner cuts lots better, both grass and bracken fern (woody stem, about 2-3cm thick once they get 6 foot high.

Put it this way, my old house had weak concrete poured and the Honda at full blast would pull rocks out when cutting edges and throw them at you. It was evil.....


And I wouldn't say it's heavy either, the length means its easy to use standing up and has reach for under trees etc. there is a bike handle option too.

 

[blsnelling]

I think everyone missed the "550XP of trimmers" and "lightweight" part.

 

[apn73]

I second the Stihl FS 250, it's a beast of a trimer. I own an FS 90, small and less power than the 130, and it has been excellent. I don't have need for the 250 or 130 for that matter, either one would serve you well. I just prefer the big 2-stroke for a commercial trimmer.

 

[deepsouth]

Pics via tapatalk

Up top
View attachment 304851

Harness, hip pad, quick unhitch
View attachment 304853

Cutting head, also runs a blade with authority.
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Line in use now is Stihl X Line 2.7mm, very happy with it.

Have run 3mm round nylon no issues as well. But slower to spin up and doesn't last as well as 2.7mm.

Best ever line was a US product:

"trail blazer nylon copolymer" in 2.7mm (.105") from Desert Extrusion, made in USA.

 

[XSKIER]

I think everyone missed the "550XP of trimmers" and "lightweight" part.

Why would anyone want the 550XP traits? Hot start issues, poor dealer service, and multiple returns for "fixes"?

 

[Philip Wheelock]

Somewhere between an FS90 and FS130, depending on what you do. The FS90 has more than enough power as a lawn string trimmer and can comfortably clear 3' tall heavy grass and weeds with a Polycut head like this:

View attachment 304849 View attachment 304850

I like the 4Mix engine for this application because you're running at constant RPM's and the torque and fuel economy are excellent, plus cleaner exhaust which I appreciate. Not so much with the circular brush cutter blade because a 2-cycle motor will spool up quicker; FS250 would be my choice for that.

Downsides of the FS90: my hands get a bit buzzy after a couple of hours' use. Have to use synthetic fuel mix oil to reduce carbon buildup on the 4Mix valves. Valves have to be adjusted after 25-30 hours initially.

 

[sunfish]

Stay away from the cheap ass big store trimmers!

Go Stihl or Husky. I have had a FS110R for about 5-6 years and it's been flawless. Not the most power, or lightest, but works fine.

Never tried one, but my next trimmer will be a Husky, just because.

 

[Hinerman]

I have used Stihl 4-mixers and like them a lot; but, if weight is an issue Stihl is not for you. I had a similar discussion in another thread with another member. He really liked Maruyama equipment (all 2 stroke). He described them as light, powerful, easy to start, and dependable. He uses them for a living and has tried many brands. They come with a 5 yr commercial warranty. I wish I had a Maruyama dealer close by so I could try their equipment.

 

[7sleeper]

Light and powerful are not synergistic! For me a ideal middle path is a 40cc class model. Further for any prolonged activities a good antivib is essential! I'll take antivib over more power any day in the year!
Since you haven't mentioned if 2 or 4 stroke, I like both. I have the following experience and hope you can profit from it.

1. Honda 25cc model. 4 stroke, very easy to start, very economical on fuel. Perfect in a homeowner setting. I have used it also to mow very steep parts, so I believe that it is very tolerant on position in space. 1/2 calves height with a nice starline is possible without major problems.

2. Stihl FS 120, 30.8cc, (predeccesor to the 130) 2 stroke, very nice, enough power for prolonged and more intensive trimmer work(I use it for up to waist high weeds and small brush), I use it mainly for blade work, after prolonged working time you begin to feel the vibration,

3. Hitachi CG 40 EY T, 39.8cc, very nice antivaibration!!, more powerful than all my other trimmers, wide cuttig swath, grass simply vaporizes with string, cuts faster than I can move, clearly supperior to the Stihl 120

4. Stihl KM 85, 25.4cc, this is my wifes favorite!, straight shaft with D loop handle, more powerful than the honda allthough both have the same cc, we use it with a full harness, threw away that loop thingy!, I have the following attachments, straight shaft trimmer(use it also with a blade), chainsaw, hedge trimmer and one extension.

If I had a garden company I would seriously think about one of the Stihl KM models if you don't already have polesaw, hedge trimmer, etc. Then I would look for the top model. Husqvarna, Echo, etc. have similar models that I am not familiar with, but I doubt they are in any way seriously inferior.
If you only want a trimmer/brushcutter, look for the models in the 40cc class with a good antivib. After long working hours you will appreciate it. I would seriously look at the new Dolmar MS-4300.4 U, (4 stroke!!!, 43cc) trimmer/brushcutter. Should be a serious beast.

7

 

[blsnelling]

What about Echo? I know their trimmers were gear at one time. How about Redmax? They fantastic blowers.

 

[cmarti]

Just muffler mod and grind on the Murray, It will scream with a little love:msp_blink:

FWIW, I am a big Shindiawa fan for trimmers:dunno:.....

 

[old-cat]

I have a RedMax GZ23N Stratocharge, LIGHT weight! I also have the STIHL FS90R loop handle, torque monster. I much prefer the light RedMax, so much easier to handle, gobs of power and HIGH quality.