7sleeper
Addicted to ArboristSite
A few things haven't been mentioned yet in my eyes.
1. Straight or curved shaft
I only have straight shaft trimmers/brush cutters. The straight shaft models are usually more expensive because of the straight drive shaft solid core. Further the straight shaft comes almost exclusively above a certain power size. I prefer the straight shaft because it is easier to reach under low hanging branches, etc. They are usually more powerful also.
2. flexible versus straight drive shaft
The curved shaft models have a flexible core. These flexible cores are not supposed to be used with a blade. As a rule of the thumb straight shaft means solid core, but on the economy models straight shaft is very often with a flexible core. Flexible cores are usually only available on weaker machines. Obviously the flexible cores do not stand the stress a higher power motor exerts. The straight shaft models also have a gear box that needs regular maintenance.
Flexible cores have another major disadvantage, they vibrate much more! There is a very nice video of a member from here XSkier on youtube who exchanged on his Stihl brushcutter the flex core FS 80 to with a solid core FS 85 driveshaft and demonstrates the substantial vibration reduction. Look here http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/239905-2.htm#post4411308
3. 2 Stroke, 4 Mix and 4 Stroke
Different types of engines require different fuel and maintenance.
a. 2 Stroke: either alkalyt fuel or two stroke mix. No further maintenance. Made by all companies
b. 4 Mix: works similar to 4 stroke but runs on fuel oil mix. Valve seating has to be checked. Made only by Stihl as far as I know.
c. 4 Stroke: real 4 Stroke, runs on gas only and have a separate oil reservoir. Regular oil changes are necessary (I do mine once a year when servicing the rest of the gang). Made by Honda, Dolmar, Efco, etc. The newer models are usually truly independent on position. So you don't have to fear of holding it up or down. Dolmar has a Kombi tool with a 4 stroke engine with all the attachments that you could dream of.
4. Bike handle or D loop
I have both and like both. The bike handle is definitely the way to go with larger areas. It makes clearing just so much more easier and less exhausting. The D or P handle on the other hand, in my eyes, can be controlled much more precise. So working in difficult areas are more a pain with the bike handles. Further transporting a D loop is much easier in a car. The bike handles are always in the way. If you have a small car expect only two people to fit inside with a bike handle.
5. Full harness or sling
I've only used a sling once. After about 1/2 hour it became very dis comfortable. I never used it again and actually believe I discarded it. At least I have never seen it again, although I really hate throwing things out. I use now only a full harness on all my trimmers/brush cutters, independent if they have a D loop or bike handle. I have a two simple ones from Stihl, a simple one from Honda and a very comfortable one from Hitachi/Tanaka. Choose what you like. For extended work times they all work nicely on a non regular basis. If used regularly choose a nice an comfortable one where you can fit it to your individual needs.
6. Amount of work intended at one time
For large areas the bike handle models are the way to go. All else and your kidding yourself. For around the property D handle will be totally sufficient.
Good luck,
7
1. Straight or curved shaft
I only have straight shaft trimmers/brush cutters. The straight shaft models are usually more expensive because of the straight drive shaft solid core. Further the straight shaft comes almost exclusively above a certain power size. I prefer the straight shaft because it is easier to reach under low hanging branches, etc. They are usually more powerful also.
2. flexible versus straight drive shaft
The curved shaft models have a flexible core. These flexible cores are not supposed to be used with a blade. As a rule of the thumb straight shaft means solid core, but on the economy models straight shaft is very often with a flexible core. Flexible cores are usually only available on weaker machines. Obviously the flexible cores do not stand the stress a higher power motor exerts. The straight shaft models also have a gear box that needs regular maintenance.
Flexible cores have another major disadvantage, they vibrate much more! There is a very nice video of a member from here XSkier on youtube who exchanged on his Stihl brushcutter the flex core FS 80 to with a solid core FS 85 driveshaft and demonstrates the substantial vibration reduction. Look here http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/239905-2.htm#post4411308
3. 2 Stroke, 4 Mix and 4 Stroke
Different types of engines require different fuel and maintenance.
a. 2 Stroke: either alkalyt fuel or two stroke mix. No further maintenance. Made by all companies
b. 4 Mix: works similar to 4 stroke but runs on fuel oil mix. Valve seating has to be checked. Made only by Stihl as far as I know.
c. 4 Stroke: real 4 Stroke, runs on gas only and have a separate oil reservoir. Regular oil changes are necessary (I do mine once a year when servicing the rest of the gang). Made by Honda, Dolmar, Efco, etc. The newer models are usually truly independent on position. So you don't have to fear of holding it up or down. Dolmar has a Kombi tool with a 4 stroke engine with all the attachments that you could dream of.
4. Bike handle or D loop
I have both and like both. The bike handle is definitely the way to go with larger areas. It makes clearing just so much more easier and less exhausting. The D or P handle on the other hand, in my eyes, can be controlled much more precise. So working in difficult areas are more a pain with the bike handles. Further transporting a D loop is much easier in a car. The bike handles are always in the way. If you have a small car expect only two people to fit inside with a bike handle.
5. Full harness or sling
I've only used a sling once. After about 1/2 hour it became very dis comfortable. I never used it again and actually believe I discarded it. At least I have never seen it again, although I really hate throwing things out. I use now only a full harness on all my trimmers/brush cutters, independent if they have a D loop or bike handle. I have a two simple ones from Stihl, a simple one from Honda and a very comfortable one from Hitachi/Tanaka. Choose what you like. For extended work times they all work nicely on a non regular basis. If used regularly choose a nice an comfortable one where you can fit it to your individual needs.
6. Amount of work intended at one time
For large areas the bike handle models are the way to go. All else and your kidding yourself. For around the property D handle will be totally sufficient.
Good luck,
7
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