trimmers

[NoDownTime]

Who do you guys think makes the best curved shaft trimmer. I use RedMax currently, but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[Eric ELM]

My guess is that about 95% of us here use straight shaft trimmers. My dealer doesn't stock curved shaft trimmers. I would guess if Red Max makes them, they would probably be one of the best. If you like Red Max, I would stick with them.

[Esby]

I have a couple staight shaft Echo's, and one curved echo, I like both varietys, but I prefer the straight. No problems whatso ever with the curved though. I like the trimmer.

[bob]

Originally posted by NoDownTime
Who do you guys think makes the best curved shaft trimmer. I use RedMax currently, but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Have you ever used a straight shaft trimmer? There's a reason that 95% of use ues a straight shaft. Its better! Buy a Shindaiwa, if you don't like it, take it back. They have a 7 day return policy.

[ronslawncare]

how do you edge with a curve trimmer ..

[NoDownTime]

with the curved trimmer you do not have to hold the trimmer as high in the air to get a straight edge. My experience with the straight shafts, is that I end up taking too much off the edge, I get a cleaner look with the curved shaft. They are also usually lighter which reduces fatigue over a twelve hour day.

[mowerman90]

If you're working 12 hour days then you need to look into purchasing more productive equipment i.e. learn how to use a straight shaft trimmer correctly and increase your productivity tremendously.

[David Gretzmier]

I was on that curved shaft wagon for 2 years. someone bought me an echo 2501, and I hated it. I had learned on a curved, and it didn't feel right. when everything else broke, I fianally used it, and after a week, have never looked back at a curved shaft. sheesh that sounds creepo. Curved shaft. kind of like an indian name. Dave g

[SMB]

At first I wasn't sold on the straight shaft idea either. That was until I bought my first one! Go to http://www.shindaiwa.com I think that they have the weights of their trimmers on their site. I am planning on buying my first commercial trimmer within the next month, and It's going to be a T270 or T350.

[awm]

may not be the best but sounds like it would do what you want,good as any

[lakegastonla]

ahhhhmmmmmm.....craftsman, eh? Good as any, huhhhh? Ahhmmmm, well.......and furthermore.......

[NoDownTime]

I definitely agree with lakegastonla, craftsman is strictly homeowner use, they are heavy, and can not stand up to everyday use.

[Greenkeepers]

WHat you talking bout willis???? Crapsman as good as any,
maybe he should just buy a herd of sheep! He could move them around to various lawns and cut and fertilize at the same time!!

We use all straight shaft, much easier to get under shrubs/trees.. Once you get used to it, you'll never go back.

[TLS]

Is it just me, or do the curved shaft trimmers spin the wrong way? That is if you are used to a straight. All my straight shafts have spun counter clock wise. I had an OLD Agway curved shaft and it spun clockwise. Speaking of old, I also had an engine-on-the-bottom, direct drive trimmer (Agway) where the tube going down was the gas tank! This is going back to the very early 80's when I didn't know any better. I would still have it, except that a customer ran it over with his car! He said, he was sorry, but I still want to know why he was driving through his flower beds!

[summitgroundskeeping]

There is such thing as a good straight shaft? I have a straight shaft and don't like it. We use if we need an extra trimmer or have a shorter person trim. The cable in the shaft goes out too fast, junk. How ever I love my new striaght shaft Echo. Since I'm 6'3" I can't hardly use the straight shaft anyway.

[awm]

You ask for opinions. then make statements about a machine you dont own.Ive got a three yr old craftman 24 cc
in the truck. used every day to do lite trim around houses. THE KEY TO ANY OFUM IS THE FUEL MIX.

[Mark]

I have 2 stright shaft 2601s and a curved shaft also, the only thing i use the curved shaft for is edging,I don't use or need a stick edger i can get the same or better results with a curved shaft trimmer. Marks Mowing Service

[cajuncutter]

My humble opinion is that no one..repeat NO ONE!!! makes a best curved shaft weed wacker.. they all cause sore backs...atleast for me they do :D straight is GREAT!!!

[awm]

truth hurts huh

[NoDownTime]

AWM, I have owned a craftsman trimmer before, back when I was 13 and Just pushing around a rotary mower. Like you said they work for "Lite trim around houses", they do not stand up to 160 accounts per week, plus they are heavy, and bogg out when doing edging. Commercial trimmers are the way to go, I am sure most would agree.

[awm]

you the first ive seen try that kinda thing with a curved shaft.just trying to give you an option ,later on
TO EACH HIS OWN

[eslawns]

I wouldn't use curved shaft trimmers if my dealer was giving them away.

[NoDownTime]

AWM, I did not mean to be harsh. We both work in different environments, what works for you might not work for me and vice versa.

[NoDownTime]

Straight shafts do not allow one to be as precise with the edges, plus they cut too far back on them as well. In my town the guys who use straight shafts are not able to edge the beds at a 90 degree angle, they take off a little dirt when they trim instead of just all grass, it does not look as manicured, it appears that they rushed through the account without paying attention to detail that the customers want. I have used both and I prefer the curved shaft. Plus I am not that tall 5'10". The straight shafts were uncomfortable for me to edge with, almost having to hold it above my head to get a 90 degree edge.

[eslawns]

I'm 5'9" and use SS and I hold them at my waist. I have had dozens of complements on the way I edge. You will never find a CS machine with the power of a SS.

[awm]

no dn time you just saying what you think.
when i make a post like the one about the
craftsman,it is to get in the face of close minded
good ole boy thinking.reminds me of the little school clicks ive seen where there is one way and you dont do it that way you are out.the man w 6 ztrs can still learn something from the fellow still using a good lt
and i dont care if hes got a helicopter to supervise all his crews.
the main thing im against is close mindness by the
boys on the forum as i believe thats the surest way to slow growth and learning.also keeps the hundreds of thousands of solos who dont use this high end stuff
from posting.you callum lurkers,well wonder why.
now as to 160 accts. you i guess are hiring someone to trim
and yes hired help is going to break the cheaper equipment.
but one of these machines will last in the right mans hands with the side benefit of not loosing your shirt when some one ripps you off.the little feather lite i use because my elbos have artritus was 30 dollars at sears.
a homeowner who didnt know the basic operation of these
machines brought it back.
my favorite brand is stihl but thats not what im leaving on my truck when i get a cup of coffee
again stihl 50 -1 and high test mix properly and it taste like the high priced spread.luck to ya dn time an you to
eric

[awm]

I apologise for not using capitols .makes it hard to read but I GET KNOCKED OFF SO MUCH IM IN A DEAD RUN TO BEAT THE LADY WITH THE SEXY VOICE THANKING ME FOR USING BLA BLA SERVE

[Redmowers]

Never like the crooked shaft trimmers not as easy to run as straight shaft trimmers to me,my 2 cents.I have an older Toro proline 3500 ,an Echo engine I think I cant kill it .The only downfall are the auto feed heads ,the Toro ones Suck !!I must find a better autofeed head to install on it this year.

[summitgroundskeeping]

I wrote my reply wrong, I hate curved shafts. Straight shafts can't be beat, hands down. All the straight shaft bashing I did, opps, I ment to put curved in its place. I feel stupid.

[lawnboy82]

if you have redmax now then you have the best trimmer around. i have used redmax before and loved them. only reason i dont use them myself is because of the $$$ they go for i think about as much as a new back pack blower. i can get a shindiawa for 300. so i save 100 or 200. the shindiawas are almost as good as the redmaxes. but if they were the same price i would go redmax.

[John DiMartino]

After using a traight shaft-i have no idea how anyone could go back to a curved.You cant trim under bushes,or in my case,trailers very easy either.I carry a curved shaft trimmer with me for backup-havent needed it yet,I do run it occasionally when my helper has my trimmer and he's running behind,Ill grab the curved shaft,and help him,so we can h=get done quicker,every time I use it,I appreciate my Kawasaki trimmer more.