string trimmer/weed whip

[FarmerBEN]

Any one want to recommend a good brand of weed whip? Needs to be durable enough to handle large weeds around the farm (thistles, giant ragweed, etc.) as well as hopefully some trails maintanence tasks. we have had stihl and John Deere in the last couple years and haven't had great luck with either. I guess I am starting to look into a husvarna, but am open to anything that is reliable. Feel free to move this to Non-bike If this is the wrong type of gear.

[hops]

Avoid the yardman, at all costs. I have one and I hate it.

Easy start my a$$!

[hockeynut]

The Husqvarna that we have to clear the trails has been pretty reliable over the years and can get through some thick stuff. I think the key is a straight shaft over curved.

[berrywise]

Any thoughts about using a blade instead of a string?

[gopherhockey]

Any thoughts about using a blade instead of a string?

Good idea.

MORC uses Echo brand equipment for a lot of its power tools and have had good luck with quality and performance.

http://echo-usa.com/

[FarmerBEN]

sorry I should've clarified that it must have a blade attachment, string is worthless on anything thicker than grass.

[danger!]

Stihl is it in small gas power equipment in my book. My old $50 026 wood boss chainsaw runs like new.

[mara]

Slightly off topic, but I prefer a good old-fashioned scythe. You can cover about as much ground as a power weed-whip with the added benefits of lightness, easy portability, and not requiring fuel beyond what you'd normally eat. The only instance it wouldn't work as well would be on a highly manicured area. Power whips are more surgically precise.

Edit: resume power tool talk . . . now!

[manual63]

Edit: resume power tool talk . . . now!

Leave my power tool out of this!

[Former Ex]

Good idea.

MORC uses Echo brand equipment for a lot of its power tools and have had good luck with quality and performance.

http://echo-usa.com/


+1 for Echo. I was formerly in the Green Industry and these were considered one of the moste reliable brands out there by most.

[qheuie]

i echo for echo. make sure you use their fuel mixture, though. using generic voids the warranty.

[Tim Wegner]

Slightly off topic, but I prefer a good old-fashioned scythe. You can cover about as much ground as a power weed-whip with the added benefits of lightness, easy portability, and not requiring fuel beyond what you'd normally eat. The only instance it wouldn't work as well would be on a highly manicured area. Power whips are more surgically precise.

Edit: resume power tool talk . . . now!

Mara
Since weeds are technically just ill trained vegetables you could take them home and have them for lunch after you cut them with your scythe!!
tw

Sorry could not help myself!

[werts]

+2 for echo we use and echo with a blade on it and it absolutely cuts through everything, even the dead and rotting rabbit that was lurking in the weeds around the shop, sliced right through all bone and guts... so yea you cant go wrong with an echo.

[Tim Wegner]

another plus for the echo. I have sold them at the hardware store for the past 10 years and they are good. My personal one lasted 14 years before it died. I own 3 echo chainsaws and 2 trimmers for the trail building company and they alway perform
tw