Upgrade my grass trimmer

[Regulator75]

I've decided to upgrade my POS electric corded weed-eater / whacker.
It died on me during my last lawn maintenance.

I'm thinking about getting a gas powered one, my backyard is fairly large.
Never operated / owned a Gas powered trimmer, what should I look for / avoid?
I really don't want to spend more than $170.00 or so.

Is a 4 cycle engine really worth the extra $$$?

Are they annoyingly difficult to start?

I want one that's super easy to load the plastic twine, as this step is always a major pain in my arse.

Cheers!

[GP_Matt]

I got a pretty nice Husqvarna trimmer. I can't remember the model though.
It is a two stroke and super easy to start.
The only issue with two stroke is that you have to mix gas, which can be a pain if you need straight gas for something else.

The feed is smooth and it has no issues covering a larger yard.

[PIMking]

Just buy a two stroke craftsman that has an electric start. They also make pre mixed fuel so you don't have to worry about that crap.

[Northendzone]

i used to have a two stroke model i paid $75 for - had lots of trouble with it, it would die out while in use, and then have to restrart.

go with a really nice rechargeable, no gas to mix. you just need to ensure the battery is charged up after being used, or before you plan to cut the grass.

[Zevo]

4 cycle is great imo. You don't need a seperate gas can for the oil/gas mix.

I have a craftsman and love it. Has one of these no-hassle fixed line trimmer head, which is great. Don't remember what it cost...I think more than 170, but I'm not sure.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-hassl...1000P?prdNo=15

[Jacks]

I would never go back to electric, gas is so convenient. Mixing the gas isn't a big deal IMO. I just keep a small gas can and mix up enough for the whole summer at one time. Takes 10 minutes. The one I have is a pain in the butt to adjust the trimmer line, that being said it only takes a couple minutes to pop the cap off, feed the line and pop the cap back on.

[BlackArcher101]

Gas all the way. The pain of mixing gas for a 2 stroke is nothing. Honestly takes me an extra 2 minutes per year. Don't get suckered into an electric start for it. If you can't easily start a small trimmer mower, then you must be missing both arms. I myself am loyal to the Stihl line of trimmers, but they will be more expensive. You do get what you pay for however, beware of the cheapo brands from Walmart/Canuck Tire. I've heard good things about the Echo line at Home Depot.

One important thing to look at is the curved shaft vs straight. Straight to me is much easier to use, has better reach, but the curved shaft will be cheaper, and potentially more awkward to use.

[JBR]

I've got this Toro form Home Depot. It's $180, but you can add attachments. The hedge trimmer is terrific if you need it.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/2-cy...trimmer/960137

Easy to start every time.

[Ashartus]

Have you considered a cordless electric? I have a reasonably large yard with a fair amount of edge trimming but only need to charge my cordless a couple of times a year (I believe it's supposed to run for about 45 minutes on a charge). It's quieter, lighter, and isn't spewing fumes at me while I work.

[Ironhorse]

I've got a 24 volt rechargeable that is more than enough for my medium sized plot. You can get 40 volt ones now too for around $200. No mixing, no fumes.

[GP_Matt]

I have never found the fumes to be an issue or even noticed them before.
Plus there is something satisfying about gas engines and pull starts.

[SebC]

http://www.philips.ca/c/Body-groomer...040_32/prd/en/

(Someone had to.)

[Regulator75]

Thanks all.

@ SebC, I'm surprised a man-trimmer took this long to mention.

[Regulator75]

I decided to get the Ryobi 24 volt trimmer.
They were sold out of the 40 volt version, so I rolled the dice on the 24 volt. Holy frack is this thing sweet.

At the back of my fence there were weeds 18-24 inches high and fairly thick too, this thing ate them with no problem.

After an hour of heavy trimming in my giant backyard, it still had power to spare and lasted longer than I did.

[greyshep]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

I decided to get the Ryobi 24 volt trimmer.
They were sold out of the 40 volt version, so I rolled the dice on the 24 volt. Holy frack is this thing sweet.

At the back of my fence there were weeds 18-24 inches high and fairly thick too, this thing ate them with no problem.

After an hour of heavy trimming in my giant backyard, it still had power to spare and lasted longer than I did.

I ended up going for the 18V version, mainly because it uses the same battery pack as my Ryobi drill and cordless circular saw. It works amazingly well. I have a 1/4 acre lot and it handled it without any problems. Seems to have plenty of power to spare. Now I have another battery I can swap out to my other tools if necessary as well.

Very impressed with the Ryobi 18v One+ system.

[Clarkey]

Go for gas, I had to write the gdamn starting instructions on the thing but it starts every time and I need chaps to weed whack but the smell of gas and vaporized grass is the pay off.

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by Clarkey

Go for gas, I had to write the gdamn starting instructions on the thing but it starts every time and I need chaps to weed whack but the smell of gas and vaporized grass is the pay off.

Thanks, but two posts up I made my decision and reviewed it.