Replacing 9 year old Ryobi string trimmer

19 years ago

I NEVER thought I would get 9 years out of my Ryobi 725R! It still runs perfectly, but the clutch is shot. I have abused it to almost embarrassing means. Original spark plug, gas left in all winter, edged hard with attachment, heavy line, old gas and such. I agonized over what to try next and don't have much faith in new "cheap" stuff so I ordered a Tanaka TBC-230 and anxiously await. Even though the Ryobi always worked well, the curved shaft and immense vibrations left me dreading trimming.

Am I in for a treat with a straight shaft, low vibe trimmer? I also want to know if .095 line will be O.K. in the Tanaka as I only cut grass and very small weeds. I think the 105 probably didn't help my Ryobi clutch any.

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Comments (3)

rdaystrom
19 years ago
Good choice. You will enjoy the task if that is possible. Hah. Who said Ryobi trimmers are not very good? I have seen many go that long and perform well. You should like the new straight shaft.
echoman
19 years ago
My brother traded me many moons ago my for little McCulloch for his Craftman/Ryobi-straight shaft. Some 12 years later still runs well-kinda cold natured, but makes real good power once running. Thing won't die! I've put it through the ringer pretty well too. Could be that darn Torco oil! LOL. Straight shaft trimmers are the only way to fly in my book. Your new Tanaka will like be a whole new experience! Enjoy it.
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bigmo66
Original Author
19 years ago
I have commented to my wife several times how I am pleasantly surprised that my Ryobi won't die. Prime, 2 pulls with full choke, 2 pulls with 1/2 choke and she fires right up! I am even keeping it just for edging my drive. I just got a bit tired of numb, tingling hands after a while and the fact that the clutch is gone making me shut it off to change line (I installed aftermarket cutter head).

I demo'd a Tanaka and a RedMax with the anti-vibe and could barely feel them running! Now I will trim every time I mow instead of every other. Thanks for the replies.