powiebaby,

I suggest you also take a look at the Stihl trimmers. They have a wide variety of cutting heads and blades.

I know they cost more, but for tall grass and light brush I would consider a self-propelled walk-behind high wheel mower or a brush mower.

MM

My recommendation is to stay away from the Craftsman and Ryobi. I have owned both and have been badly disappointed in them. I don't think the engines would be as good as the pro models. However, others have liked them.

If you do go the "pro" route, I would recommend going with the make you can get good dealer support for. Other makes to consider besides Echo and Stihl are Red Max, Shindaiwa and Tanaka. In the latter 3 I am not sure if they offer units with attachments. They may only have trimmer/brushcutter models.

Expect to spend $200+ for the trimmer you are looking for in just a trimmer. Add ~$40 for a brushcutter blade and add ~$100 for each attachment. If you alot of work for one attachment you may want to consider a specialized unit. You will get better performance from the dedicated unit of comparable quality.

People really seem to like their 210's and 230's. People also like their Stihl's and the other manufacturers. I have a Stihl FS80 and it trims and brushcuts better than I expected. I considered the attachment models but decided I could not justify the cost. If we move and get more land, I would like to get the dedicated units.

Good Luck.

I second masiman's statement on staying away from the Craftsman and Ryobi. I had a Craftsman and was very diappointed in the performance and reliability. I also second the dealer support. Most important.

I've just returned from my dealer (purchased my Simplicity Conquest there) - sells Simplicity, Scag, Stihl, Shindaiwa and others - with a Stihl FS55L - trimmer/ brushcutter. Comes with the line trimmer and I added a 8 tooth cutting blade for another $14.99. Price of the Stihl was $215.99. I also got the ear muffs and face screen for protection!

Had the option of going for the multi-tool Stihl but decided to get a dedicated model.

I'll post my first cutting experience sometime this weekend. Supposed to be sunny and hot today but right now is cloudy with a light rain/ drizzle. And I never cut when it's wet and slippery.

Hope this helps a bit.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

Craftsman does not make any of their own equipment, so *staying away from craftsman* won't help you out too much as everyone has their hand in that pot. If the model number starts with 358 its a poulan, 315/316 is Ryobi... avoid it unless you want to throw it away in 2yrs.

Do however stay away from Homelite, the SS30(also a Ryobi equal out there) and afore mentioned will never hold up on 1.5acre. Look into an entry level commercial trimmer like the Echo SRM series or the Stihl and Shindaiwas. They will last you many years. (I've had a Shindaiwa t230xb for like 5 years now and live on an acre. Also stay away from Redmax, its great equipment but they do not sell parts straight to customers... it all has to go thru a dealer.

I know, Everyone spit on Ryobi and Troy Bilt ( make some Craftsman). I Have a Troy Bilt 4 cycle TB475 detechable trimmer. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It is a 4 cycle, don't smell as bad for your health. It is not as loud to disturb neighbor. I have Echo hedge trimmer which have the same 21cc Vortex engine as SRM210 and a brand spanking new Shindaiwa (commercial) 4 cycle blower EB3410. The troy Bilt ( same model in Ryobi) Start a whole hell of a lot faster. 2 pull average vs 10 for Echo and 6 for Shindaiwa. I use the Troy Bilt to wack just about..like ....everything. For the longest time, that was the only thing I have. I use it to wack weeds, big and small. Just wack!!! Sometimes the stem was so thick and was so dense that you can hear the motor labor, I just keep on pushing and going and going. I was very abusive. The only problem I have was the carb went out. But I think it was my problem. I use it very hard, let it sit for 2 months. Year old gas... you name it, I did it. The last straw was when I notice the gas can cap was not full on and pretty much open to the air for don't know how long. I pour it in anyway and that time it ran for a while and die!!! Change the carb and is good as new.
I had a cheap Craftsman before this and it was so bad. I feel I have to say something because people keep laughing at Troy Bilt and Ryobi. I see more and more contractor using Ryobi power tools. I don't think Dewalt is laughing.

I'm a fan of shindaiwa. I have a 20 year old curved shaft trimmer that I use for trimming around the house.

I suggest keeping away from the big box until you visit a dealer who knows trimmers and can help you with your need.
You may spend at least double if not more but you will get some quality that you can use.

Shindaiwa's website offers some "multi-tool" systems. Might be what you are looking for.

Peace

Here is a link that might be useful: Shindaiwa multi-tool systems

Hi,

I would recommend a Honda Trimmer. I have a HH 31 cc trimmer for three years now. Very reliable. 4-Stroke engine. Straight shaft. Will take up to 0.105 inch line. Bump head.

Downside is cost. I think mine was $US 400+.

Best, Mike.

The lawn equipment stores in my area are not more expensive than the big box store like Home Depot or Lowes if they have the same model!! The higher end stuff seems to be priced in proportion too. I am currently in the market of a trimmer. Yes, I am the one that say so many good things about Troy Bilt here yesterday. What can I say, I just want new toys!! It is like having a Toyota with not problem but want to buy a Mercedes.( just hope I don't pay more and get more problem as if I buy a Mercedes, pay more to get even more problems!!!)

I am looking at a Honda also. The HHT35, The store is selling for $379. Question is whether it is as easy to load the string as Shindaiwa. I read the manuel, sounds like you need to disassemble the head and wind the string on. Shindaiwa suppose to be able to just thread the string through and turn the head to wind it in. Is that true?

I like the idea of Honda with separate oil but if winding the line is a lot more difficult, then it is not worth buying.