cable on trimmers

[Ford's Lawncare]

Hello,
I use 4 Stihl trimmers, and am a big fan of Stihl. I have always used nylon string in them. I have been recently talking around, and found that some of the other guys are using cable in thier trimmers, instead of nylon. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks,

Dan Ford
Ford's Lawncare

[Grn Mtn]

:nono: really bad idea, what if the cable starts to unwind and throws little steel wires at/through you. it would be like a chainsaw, oh hey look i just trimmed the fence post grass and now the fence post fell down....

seriously, you really think its a good idea:confused:

[All_Toro_4ME]

I've never heard of that idea myself. I do wish they made tougher line though.

[topsites]

They make steel blades for them, several variations but the most common for trimming would be flail blades... The reason you don't see too many guys using them is as was already pointed out: they do wear, and when they fall apart some piece always goes flying...

[Eric D]

Not to mention balance, or trimming around something with electrical power going through it, and then you??? Not a good idea in my homble opinion..

[All_Toro_4ME]

I have seen the plastic blades. I think maybe 3 or 4 blades that can be attached to the heads for trimmers. Just an adapter kit and they screw onto the head that is included. They have ridges on them much like a serrated knife. Prob best for brushcutting though. Could work for trimming as well, but I would stay clear of the steel line or cable you're referring to.

[Grn Mtn]

i've seen the brush blades cut right threw a gas line to a propane tank before, damn lucky the kid didn't get blown up.

use the square shaped with kevlar string, that works real good.

[prizeprop]

It will burn up the motor really fast!

[cgaengineer]

Probably not the best idea. As someone mentioned they do make a 3-4 bladed head with nylon blades...one time against concrete and they get shorter. As far as a steel blade, that would not only tear everything up in day to day trimming, but the weight would wear you out.

[grntmbfisher]

ive used the steel blades made for trimmers and found they dont cut grass that well but will take down trees even up to 4-5" wide. ive tried putting wire in my trimmer once too but that didn't work well especially when it shot out and went flying bye me.

[Americal Vet]

I have seen the plastic blades. I think maybe 3 or 4 blades that can be attached to the heads for trimmers. Just an adapter kit and they screw onto the head that is included. They have ridges on them much like a serrated knife. Prob best for brushcutting though. Could work for trimming as well, but I would stay clear of the steel line or cable you're referring to.

I tried those once, been a few years back. I had seen infomercials about them and then when I saw them in a store, I bought them even though it said "as seen on TV" (that should have been my first warning).

The package had two sets. One for heavy duty cutting and one for light trimming.

Now, I think they would have worked fine if used in nothing but grass. No rocks, no concrete curbing, no fire hydrants, utility poles. Anyway the first light duty set wore out in just a few minutes. I put on the so called heavy ones, and same thing. They are really a POS, and dangerous too because several chunks flew out after striking a hard object.

I'll stick with my .105 line and quick change head.

[kirk76]

I think you should take into account the weight of the line. With a monofilament line it is lighter and you will have a higher RPM for the head of the trimmer. It will also put less torque on the motor and extend the life of the piece of equipment. Plus, steel line would cut your feet off.

[baddboygeorge]

This line has a small steel wire in it, In 25 years in the business i have never seen a guy run sraight cable in a trimmer head!! Hope this helps George