Shindaiwa T230 straight or curved shaft?

[ShortCuts]

I just got home from my dealer. I tried both the T230 straight and the T230 curved. I have never used a curved shaft trimmer I have always thought they were unprofessional. I must say I was extremely impressed with the T230 curved shaft. Unlike other curved shafts the shaft is long enough so the trimmer head isn't near your toes. Just curious if any of you guys are running t230's with curved shafts. I'm really torn, I liked them both. What do you guys think?

[Grassman]

I'm not sure , but the curved shaft probably has a cable instead of a solid steel shaft. If this is the case, the straight would of course be more durable. Good luck, Russ

[Eric ELM]

I don't know if I would know how to hold a curved shaft. ;)

Buy it the day you start mowing, you have 10 days to bring it back if you don't like it. We only have used the T27 and T270's in the Shindaiwas line of trimmers. A curved shaft seems like it would be hard to do any trimming with the trimmer turned 90 degrees, if needed.

[ShortCuts]

Eric.....I actually picked up a T270 today with the powerbroom attachment. I paid about $600 for the whole unit....and it came with the trimmer head attachment. I don't think i did too bad. what you pay for yours?

[Eric ELM]

We got our Shin Power Broom I think 3 years ago. I think it was around $500 for it and the Trimmers were $385. From what I heard, the trimmer head and gear box is around $100

[Dave]

Shindaiwa does not make a t-230 curved shaft ,they call it a f-230,same motor curved shaft turns clockwise and uses a smaller bump head,hope this answers your question

[cleancut]

I would definitely recommend that you go with the straight shaft...I've found curve shafts to be less productive and as you said, they don't look very professional...Derrick

[bob]

Get the straight shaft. Leave the curved shaft for Joe Homeowner. Ebay was selling a powerbroom for $475 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1219129954 but I don't think it came with a trimmer head and gear box.

[ShortCuts]

The more I think about it the more i think I want the straight shaft. But I'd still like to hear from someone who uses the f230. The one guy I talked to who runs f230's says he abolutely swears by them and would never go back to a straight shaft. Oh well....i guess i'll sleep on it

Does $215 sound about right for the T230?

[TJLC]

I use an Echo Gt-2000 curved shaft trimmer. I have been using it for going 3 years now with no problems. I think it's what you get used to. I've tried straight shafts and couldn't get used to them. I think I paid $159.00 for my trimmer,actually I bought two so I would have a backup. The backup is still sitting in the garage waiting.

[Mark]

I use both curved and stright. I use the curved for edging,i can run a line that looks to me better than a stick-edger with my curved. I was just wondering what dont seem professional about a trimmer that works as good as any stick? Not bragging but i can snap a line and follow it to the tee,i wont leave a site untill its done right. Marks Mowing Service

[GroundKprs]

In 22 years of using both types, my personal experience is that the straight shaft is a more versatile machine. In residential settings especially, the curved shaft often won't allow access to some areas- need to tilt head and scalp some part to get long blades nearby. Have never had same problem with straight shaft.

But of most importance for finished look, most curved shafts are flex drives geared so that rotation is clockwise. Straight shafts are direct drive and head rotation is CCW. Most mowers are right side discharge.

Thus when mowing along obstacles, we usually have obstacle on left of mower, so clippings do not pile up against obstacle. And on a damp morning, especially in the shade, the grass to be trimmed is now leaning or plastered down to the right, as you look at it with the trimmer. Now which trimmer will stand up this grass and cut it nicely? The trimmer with the CW rotation, or the one with CCW? Sorry, curved, you lose.

But you grade A+ on going with Shindiawa.

[Edited by GroundKprs on 03-17-2001 at 08:27 AM]

[luckylawnboy]

I have both, an F-230 curved, and a T-230 straight. I have always used curved shaft and thats why I bought the F-230 is for its long shaft. But I also bought a T-230 in the fall. I just had to see why every one else is using straight shafts. I don't feel I can get a good as trim with the straight shaft, but I really have not adapted to it yet. One thing on the Curved shaft. If you take the guards off, be carefull because the ends on the drive cable are not as strong an on the straight Drive Shaft and you will twist them off. But I really love the Curved shaft, time will tell if I like a straight.