Maybe you need a cool headed teenager with the requisite mechanical aptitude to be on call for solving these dilemmas. Look for one who is working on his own lawn. Ask him/her if he/she wants to do the occasional 'tune up' on your weed eater. If he/she's okay with that, then go out and get the exact same weed eater that he/she's using so he/she doesn't have to retrain on new equipment.

I got the RedMax TR2301 for the same reason. I went for a higher end model, but when I felt how light and smooth the little 2 stroke was I bought it instead. It's been a fine performer, 2 pulls max to start every time for the past year... and my hands don't go numb anymore. The string is soooo easy to change!! You might even chuckle while doing it! Keep the other one around just to kick it every now and then! Only 'problem' I had was figuring out how to get the string to advance properly. I'm not sure if I figured out how to use it, or if it just loosened up a bit and started working on it's own. The button was getting stuck when I smashed it to the ground. I think it had some dirt in it or something, but it doesn't happen anymore.

http://www.redmax.com/node3937.aspx?pid=159148

I wish I had a cool-headed teenager to help, but they are hard to find in my neck of the woods. There are two in my neighborhood: One is a 16 y/o girl who knows nothing about weedeaters, and the other is a maniac driver who has never maintained a yard in his life. If I do find one though, I'll hire him (or her) on the spot.

I'll check into the RedMax TR2301. There is a dealer for this machine not far from where I live. I've also been told the Echo GT200I is a good machine for people like myself. ;-)

Thanks to you both!

The best place to get a TON of advice is over on the lawnmower forum. Just do a search on best string trimmer or post a new thread.

Those guys love to get in to the nitty gritty about such questions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lawn mower forum

I believe I spotted 1 or 2 of your problems. 1 - you need to wrap both lines at the same time. I let the two lines trail from my hand as I wrap them, with a finger between the two. If you wrap one, then the other, the 2nd PINS the 1st under it and cannot unwind properly during usage. If you have the kind you tap to let more line unwind, tap it (gently my-lady) on pavement to get a solid bump. The lawn might not give a firm enough bump to let it unwind, PLUS you probably have one line trapped under the other, instead of along side it, when you wound new line on it in the 1st place. A trained Octopus helps. Mine has 2 notches to secure one cord in as I work the other through its opposite side feeder hole. [Or - Duct Tape - maybe?!?]

2- Yes, re-winding instructions drive me nuts too. The instructions are very probably drawn/written with the view being from the BOTTOM = as you turn it over to remove the "bump hub" so you can coil on new cord. There MAY be a re-wind direction ARROW imprinted into the plastic somewhere too. Look hard! Its color is probably the same as the spool or hub or whatever it is on. Make sure you are using the correct size cord. I go 1 size larger (lasts a bit longer), but that size works in mine. 2 sizes larger will not slide out the feeder holes in mine.

3- Electric hasn't as much power as gas, BUT it starts 'right now'. Whereas gas can be a bear, especially after a non-use season where it sets up and the 'lacquer' in the gas coats the tiny gas passages. It can be exhausting to start.
I suggest looking at electric only. No particular brand recommendation, but check the wattage (Volts times Amps = Watts and Watts = power) it requires as that tells how "tough" a job it might handle (14 watts will generate more power than 12 watts, etc.) and that also lets you know the size (gauge) extension cord you need to adequately power it without generating too much heat in the cord. Of course, the LONGER the cord the more heat (resistance) the large the gauge you'd need [10 is larger than 12 & 12 is larger than 14, etc.]. Have the sales outlet give you a short course in the tool they are selling you or go elsewhere.
Good hunting.

In regard to the parts you find frustrating, you are not alone. Those can be annoyances for many trimmers.

Here are a couple of things you might try. I second the suggestion above about an elctric model. They often don't have as much power, but they are often lighter and easier for women to maneuver.

Second suggestion: Buy a popular model that big box stores sell a lot of and then just buy a replacement spool (they come pre-loaded with line) when you run out of line if finances are not really tight. Yes, it will cost a little more, but if you don't do a whole lot of trimming, you may reap the rewards in less aggravation with the line (both re-installing and using.)

Hi redthistle,

I have a Grasshog Black and Decker electric weedeater, and I love mine and have had it for about 6 years. I do not wind the string on it by hand. I just buy the refills that are on spools, and I just pop them in, when I need them. I used my Grasshog today on my front and backyard and the Grasshog did a really nice job.

Betty