Kawasaki Trimmer

[KerryB]

First of all, many thanks to all of you. I have learned much in the two days since I joined LawnSite.
My question is about string trimmers. Do any of you use or have used the Kawasaki KBL34A. How was/is it. Would you recommend it or another?

[roscioli]

I can't recommend that trimmer, but what I can recommend is to try it if at all possible before you are commited to purchase. I have an echo, and absolutely hate it. Just personal preference by all means, but but would be much happier with the old HomeLite that I started with, honestly. I am sure they won't let you "demo" it, but if they have any kind of satisfaction gaurantee, that could save you from a costly mistake.

[KerryB]

Thanks, I was looking at the echo as well. What is it that you hate about the echo?

[LawnSmith]

around here you can demo a trimmer just as easily as a mower.

[roscioli]

Around here it is nearly impossible to find a dealer that has a Demo mower too! Definately demo if you can. The echo to me seems rough and clunky. It could just be my unit, or that I am used to a smaller engine, I really dont know.

[fireball]

I think the Kaw sales pitch is try it for 10 days, if you don't like it they give you the money back. That particular model is a 33cc unit. I think it weighs around 11lbs, which is the same weight as the echo 2400 unit. The echo 2400 unit is probably the industry standard because of unit sales cc's/weight/price are all intertwined. The kaw seems to be the winner right now but you have to consider that they have been only producing these units for about 2 plus years. I still run the echo's that I got in 1974

[LawnSmith]

personally i run shin's. second choice if i had to would probably be stihl.

[WREBELMACHINE]

we run several crews. and use redmax, robin, maryuama and kawasaki. We have six of the kawasaki kbl26 and like them very well if there is a downfall it is the muffler guard. I have tried a kbl34 and it has a lot of power but it is overkill for my guys.

Make sure your dealer gives good support on the trimmer that you by! Good Luck!

[RB]

I love echo equipment; particularly my string trimmers. Never had a problem with any echo stuff. I have used the 2100, 2400, 2501 (best trimmer ever), and now have a couple 2601. I would recommend the 2601 all day. 2100 is underpowered and anything over gthe 2601 or 260 is over powered for maintenance work. I have to admit that I never used anything else.

Just bought the new echo pb650, anxious to see how powerful it is.

rb

[Robert Burnham]

I have two kawasaki KBL26A's and really like them. I used to run shindawa T27's and T230's but like to kawasaki's better, they are much lighter weight and have all the power you want. I am sold on them!!

[John DiMartino]

I have a KBL 26-no problems at all,it runs great and is real smooth and powerful.

[edward hedrick]

Find the lesco service center they carry Kawi trimmers. I looked at them , but replaced my 2400 lesco/echo with a 2400 Echo. Also
have a makita but like the echo better

[Turfer]

I bought a kb26 as a back up to my shindiawa t230. I find myself using it about 1/2 the time. It's light and well balanced. There are 2 things I have a problem with. I tend to use 1 arm to trim with and the Kawasaki sometimes burns my arm. Also, while trimming with it at an angle, it will stop running when the tank is 1/2 full. Anybody know how I can fix this ? I've tried to make sure the mix line is positioned right but it looks okay.

[dhicks]

I use the Kawasaki trimmer for over a year. No problems so far and I would buy again. It has enough power for me and it does not weigh as much as other quality trimmers.

[Double D]

Another satisfied Kawasaki string trimmer user here. I have the KBL23, and also have the stick edger. Both are great products.