curved shaft

[lawncare3]

I HATE curved shaft does anyone elese hate it as much i do i wish i could melt them all!:angry: :blob2: :realmad:
the worst lawnequip ever invented is curved chaft trimmers.

[65hoss]

...so go buy a straight shaft and the problem is solved.:dizzy:

[Flex-Deck]

I prefer the curved shaft trimmers because they turn clockwise and I can trim right handed - Wish they would make them with more power though, thanks, Brad

[LakeSide Lawn and Landscape]

uhm.....ok:dizzy: :eek:

[Flex-Deck]

Is there a company out there that makes a straight shaft trimmer that turns clockwise - would have to have an engine that runs backwards to counteract the gear drive in the head?

[TJLC]

I have always used Echo curved shaft trimmers. (I'm sure I am almost all alone on this one.) I have tried the straight shaft before and it just didn't feel comfortable to me, maybe because I'm a lefty, I don't know. If they come out with a straight shaft that rotates the same direction as my curved shaft I would probally be interested. Maybe there is one? I don't know.

[P&J Lawncare]

I love my curve shaft trimmers (stihl fs75). They are as durable as any trimmer and they use the same engine as the fs 80 straight shaft so they have plenty of power.

[geogunn]

Originally posted by Flex-Deck
Is there a company out there that makes a straight shaft trimmer that turns clockwise - would have to have an engine that runs backwards to counteract the gear drive in the head?

FD--the homelite st-275 is a straight shaft trimmer that rotates clockwise or aleast opposite to all the other trimmers.

and I always thought the motor ran forwards and everyone elses ran backwards!

Originally posted by lawncare3
I HATE curved shaft does anyone elese hate it as much i do i wish i could melt them all!:angry: :blob2: :realmad:
the worst lawnequip ever invented is curved chaft trimmers.

lc3--I am glad that you clarified that the curved shaft that you hate is on your trimmer.

I suggest that you stop using it ASAP or you might explode from all of your anger.

GEO

[SLS]

I'm 6'1" and my first weedwhacker was a curved shaft......and it KILLED my back to use it. :cry:

Best 'preventive mantainance' I have ever done for my body was probably getting straight shaft trimmers.

The Homelite straight shafts (2) that I own (UT-20769) turns clockwise. They 3 years old and I've only replaced the pull cord (it dry-rotted and snapped) and the spark plug on the 'primary use' one. Otherwise, they still fire on the 2nd tug and run like new. Must be that Opti-2 I feed them..and the bi-annual grease packing I give the shaft and gearbox. I've been waiting for that 'primary' trimmer to conk out so I can replace it with a Redmax...as all of my other handheld stuff is Redmax. I hope it does not take me too long to adapt to 'counter-clockwise' rotating heads.

On thing about the Homelites though...you will need to keep a few of those 'tap' buttons on hand (about $5 a pop)....I go through 1 about evey 3-4 weeks (at roughly 35 lawns a week).

[MPhillips]

I have 2 short guys on the team that love this one old stihl curved shaft...it's really weird. I tried to hide it one time to force them to use one of the sha****straight shafts but they found it...it doesn't have near the power, it vibrates like heck...but I guess it's just a real comfortable fit for them...last one I'll buy though, just don't have the power to swing the thick line all day...

[Mark]

Wow i get to post again after entering my username 35 times same for password.Anyone elese with Web Tv having this problem? Back to the subject, I love straight shaft trimmers, but for the detail work i also use a echo commercial curved shaft, It does just as good as the stick edger when one gets it down, Not many lco's in my area can figure out how this is done, but with time you can really become a master with the curved for entryways and sidewaks, I carry 2 straight and one curved. Marks Mowing Service PS Thank God i got a post in. LOL

[Russo]

Originally posted by SLS
I hope it does not take me too long to adapt to 'counter-clockwise' rotating heads.


I made the switch this year, and i can tell you this. You will feel like you are ******ed ( no offence intended to anyone ) for about week. You'll need to weed eat all of your jobs in a reverse pattern and it takes a while to figure out what that pattern is. Also, I found it a lot slower going because of having to walk backwards on some areas. All better after a week and coming to the realization that you own a "real" commercial machine.

P.S. Keep that dang rain north of I-40 , will ya!?

[odin]

curve shaft sucks ,O damn i been reading the lawn choupique to much its rubbing off makeing replys like this:D

[MacLawnCo]

Wheres switchless? Once he gets here, he will tell you all why you NEED to be using a curved shaft. I use straight shafts as well.

[TaylorLawn]

I switched to straight shafts about 6 years ago, and I now prefer them, however, I have a very reliable and hard working employee who told me he has always prefered the curved shaft. Since he was such an asset to my business I purchased an echo curved shaft exclusively for him.....I will admit it does help at times when cleaning ditches, but I have noticed lately that everytime I see him go for a trimmer, he always takes my favorite echo straight shaft on the rack....and sometimes he purposely leaves the curved one in the workshop / garage when we load everything each morning....I think I have a converter on my hands......!!!!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Flex-Deck
I prefer the curved shaft trimmers because they turn clockwise and I can trim right handed - Wish they would make them with more power though, thanks, Brad
Damn,
I hate it when you're always right;) If you haven't tried the Redmax BT 225 try it. It will take down 15 inches of grass/weeds, and not jam up or slow down.
Pete

[LAWNGODFATHER]

OKAY!!!!

Trimmer will trim in which ever directoin you walk.

They will shoot the clippings away from beds if you turn them the correct way first.

Haven't used a curved one in 15 years though.

[Envy Lawn Service]

I hate a curved shaft while dad loves them. I guess it's all in what you are accustomed to I guess. I just can't take the vibration they put off. Nor can I stand a straight shaft that vibrates.

As for head rotation. I switched over this fall to a Stihl FS85 that turns counter clockwise. Man what a bummer! I felt all backasswards for a long time. I'm still not all the way used to it and I do loose some time with it v/s clockwise rotation. I guess I'll eventually get the hang of it.

[greenman]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
OKAY!!!!

Trimmer will trim in which ever directoin you walk.



Agreed. It will cut just not as clean or defined, it will even edge both directions. Takes practice. BTW, curved shaft trimmers suck!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by MacLawnCo
Wheres switchless? Once he gets here, he will tell you all why you NEED to be using a curved shaft. I use straight shafts as well.

Jason,
As you say, all I offer is cold hard facts, nothing more. You can make your own mind. FWIW, I'd like to think that trimming, with only 1 helper, one Cemetary with 403 stones, and the other Cemetary with 897 stones, plus the usual lawns, I have some idea of "production" trimming.
Sure, any trimmer will do the job, but when trimming time gets to be the same as mowing time, vibration, weight factor, ease of use, technique and muscle longevity, "all" become very important.
Pete

[Russo]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
OKAY!!!!

Trimmer will trim in which ever directoin you walk.

They will shoot the clippings away from beds if you turn them the correct way first.



No Duh. I said reverse PATTERN. If you go around a house in the same pattern with an opposite spinning head, you will throw clippings into the bed. And DITTO to what greenman said, I like my trimmimg clean.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Russo
No Duh. I said reverse PATTERN. If you go around a house in the same pattern with an opposite spinning head, you will throw clippings into the bed. And DITTO to what greenman said, I like my trimmimg clean.

Well actually, a professional already knows that you should "lead into the work" the same direction as the head spins. IOW, trim left to right, when the head spins clockwise looking down on it, and right to left, when the head spins counterclockwise.
Furthermore, as has been discussed before, trimming this way also applies the torque to lift the head out of the work, rather than rotate it deeper into the grass, and scalp.
Pete

[bubble boy]

the way i describe it is walk whichever way you like. if when you trim the debris is coming toward you (unfortunately) that is the better way.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by bubble boy
the way i describe it is walk whichever way you like. if when you trim the debris is coming toward you (unfortunately) that is the better way.
That sounds a good way, too............. Unless the debris is Deer poop :D And boy to we have it here in NJ.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Russo
No Duh. I said reverse PATTERN. If you go around a house in the same pattern with an opposite spinning head, you will throw clippings into the bed. And DITTO to what greenman said, I like my trimmimg clean.

Yall were making this some secret scientific discovery which will all be natrual instinct in a few short weeks.

Plus I was referring to all the statment not just yours.

So "no duh!'

Also I bet you 10-1 you wont be able to tell which way I trimmed with a weed eater around any object. You wont be able to tell what direction I was moving in.

Make sure you read Swithless' post, He gots it right on.

[Envy Lawn Service]

I think wha most of us are getting at here is that if you are used to clockwise rotation, it's hard to make the adjustment because everything is backwards from years of habit. Also I believe that a clockwise rotation is naturally easier to use if you are right handed.

The only advantage the counter rotating head offers to a right hander is that it doesn't throw stuff up towards your face when edging.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Stihl. But using it still doesn't feel natural. When trimming with a clockwise head, a right hander can just hold the trimmer across the body, walk straight forward and trim from the left side, throwing clippings out in front. Counter rotation doesn't allow such natural motion and is more suited to the left hander.

I don't see why they don't make right & left hand machines.

Just my 2 cents.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

It doesn't take long to become amadextrius(sp) with these, just a little practice.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
It doesn't take long to become amadextrius(sp) with these, just a little practice.

Hey, you can't call me uh "amaiderasextrius"... Them's fightin' words..........:p

[edgit]

The clockwise trimmer rotation is correct for right handed hold, the only straight shaft that rotates this way is old homelites which I'm not sure they make anymore. Unfortunatley all commercial straight shaft timmers rotates counterclockwise. This requires trimming along a wall from right to left as mentioned previously. Problem is that everybody carries trimmers right handed, this makes you walk backwards or sideways. Look, if I force you to walk backwards or sideways all day you're going to be dead meat whether you're carrying a trimmer or not. This is dumb. Suck it up and carry the trimmer LEFT HANDED. I promise, it will only feel ackward for a day or two. I trained hundreds of trimmer operators over the years to use the trimmer left handed, most of them were right handed. I did not allow it to be an option. Its not only more work right handed, its also dangerous. More than once I had a guy fall into a patio well or banged his head against a cantilevered patio. Even had a guy drive a nail head into his scalp before we figured this out. Do yourself a favor and trim and edge left handed. We systemized this process if you interested on Edgit.com, its called "Following the Edge".
We're stuck with this until some suit at one of the manufactures gets off his dead *** and actually goes out and uses the product he creates for more than five minutes!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by edgit
We're stuck with this until some suit at one of the manufactures gets off his dead *** and actually goes out and uses the product he creates for more than five minutes!

Uh oh, someone who thinks like me;) FWIW, I have had very good luck holding the trimmer like you'd trim left to right, but walk right to left and "push" the trimmer in front of you. You just need to be a bit more carefull to hold it steady.
Pete

[Russo]

I guess I kinda sounded like jerk with the "no duh" comment. That was uncalled for.


Thank you Envy. Your explaination about changing after years of habit was much more along my line of thinking and more clearly stated than "no Duh".

Jon

[bubble boy]

Originally posted by edgit
Problem is that everybody carries trimmers right handed, this makes you walk backwards or sideways.

interesting. i guess carrying it it right handed means left hand low, right hand throttle on a stihl fs 85????

cause i learned to hold it opposite that way from a left handed guy. never knew any other way. now my biz partner and a couple of our guys can trim as good as i, but no where near as fast. i never thought it was maybe because i can look ahead??? for objects, direction and poo.

usually i would have notice this type of thing. i'll have to keep watch next yr to see if lost time is due to cranking the head around...training mission coming up in april...

[Flex-Deck]

I just find it hard to force my self to practice left handed with the straight shaft trimmers. I hate walking backwards with the straight shafts, but like thier power. I put up with the lesser powered bent shaft trimmer because I can do it right handed walking forward

Thanks, Brad

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Flex-Deck
I just find it hard to force my self to practice left handed with the straight shaft trimmers. I hate walking backwards with the straight shafts, but like thier power. I put up with the lesser powered bent shaft trimmer because I can do it right handed walking forward
Thanks, Brad

Brad,
Most dealers don't stock the Redmax BT225, but I'd try to find one. I think you'd really be happy with the performance. In fact, my friend a homeowner, was very unhappy with his until I told him to take off the the guard, and let the string out a bit more. The machine had so much power he was constantly melting the line using it at the length the factory offered. FWIW, I'm using .065 line, with a 24" diameter cutting circle, and the machine will pull it just fine. At that "tip speed", I think it's the reason I have no "brown out" using the trimmer as a hand-held mower:p
Pete

[SDlawndawg]

I better get my 2 cents in

Curved shaft trimmers is what I prefer. Echo GT 2400 has plenty of power, is much lighter and very manueverable. Straight shafts have their place and that is knocking down tall weeds and similiar jobs where heavy string and more torque is needed. Time and energy are lost using a straight shaft to trim. I've tried stihl, echo and other brands and end up needing a hernia operation after trying to keep the same pace that I use with my GT-2400. One of the few drawbacks is the reach. Getting under large spruce trees can be a pain.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by SDlawndawg
I better get my 2 cents in

Curved shaft trimmers is what I prefer. Echo GT 2400 has plenty of power, is much lighter and very manueverable. Straight shafts have their place and that is knocking down tall weeds and similiar jobs where heavy string and more torque is needed. Time and energy are lost using a straight shaft to trim. I've tried stihl, echo and other brands and end up needing a hernia operation after trying to keep the same pace that I use with my GT-2400. One of the few drawbacks is the reach. Getting under large spruce trees can be a pain.

Ah, another victim :p I was a long time user of the GT2400's. Give youself a Chirstmas present and buy the BT225. It's lighter than the 2400, (really), it has about 1/10th the vibration of the 2400, much more power, and is about 12" longer, for getting under trees and eliminating "any" need to bend over to put the head on the ground. Oh yeah, the gas mileage is much better, plus the engne response is instant. Any more questions?:D
Pete

[Lawn-N-Garden Guy]

I bought my 1st trimmer 8 yrs ago it was a used stihl curved shaft ,not sure what size it was but it was the best 60 bucks I ever spent and up to a year ago I bought a 75 stihl pro series curved shaft and bought another this spring.The old trimmer works fine but I
The reason I like them is that the curve seems to get you closer to the trimmer which gives you a more even cut especially when it comes to trimming sidewalks and beds,the straight shaft seems to be too unsteady when its out there farther away from you.
With the curve shaft I can almost run down a sidewalk trimming.

And one more thing I thought I was crazy wondering why my help can't trim as well as myself,Then I ask them if they were left or right handed and guess what ! Both employees are left handed.
So when it comes to hiring thats gonna be one of my 1st questions I ask them.
But for now the men that work with me do a fine job but I think its just a little harder for a lefty to trim with a right handed trimmer.

[Envy Lawn Service]

Originally posted by bubble boy
interesting. i guess carrying it it right handed means left hand low, right hand throttle on a stihl fs 85????

Yup, that's what I call right handed. I think I will try to train myself to use it left handed while trimming and see how it goes. This way I can wlk straight forward and cut like I used to with the clockwise rotation.

With the clockwise I could walk at a very brisk pace and never miss a thing. I can't even walk that fast sideways, much less backwards.

So far I've been trying to get in the habit of walking my pattern the other way. Like if a house has fence along 2 sides and the back I used to start at the left with the fence on my left. Now I'm starting at the right with the fence to my right. I hold the trimmer right out in front and to the right and walk straight forward like I did. I just always catch myself walking sideways after a little bit.

Habits from a clockwise are hard to break. :(

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Envy Lawn Service
Yup, that's what I call right handed. I think I will try to train myself to use it left handed while trimming and see how it goes. This way I can wlk straight forward and cut like I used to with the clockwise rotation

Damn, this has actually be a fun topic;) FWIW, some of us switch back and forth, holding the trigger end of the machine with our hand under the throttle with palm "up", instead of down. This makes it much easier to walk forward and "pull" the machine along instead of walking sideways/backwards.
Pete

[SDlawndawg]

Switchless- I'll check on the Redmax. I am loyal to Echo since all my 2 stroke power equipment is and always has been Echo. Very reliable motors. This will be my 4th year with my GT2400. Sorry but no vibration whatsoever. Recoil spring, string and a spark plug is all it needs.

A big problem with straight shaft is the versatility. That extra 12" inches allows less leverage since it is so long. Makes it slow and clumsy.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by SDlawndawg
Switchless- I'll check on the Redmax. I am loyal to Echo since all my 2 stroke power equipment is and always has been Echo. Very reliable motors. This will be my 4th year with my GT2400. Sorry but no vibration whatsoever. Recoil spring, string and a spark plug is all it needs.

A big problem with straight shaft is the versatility. That extra 12" inches allows less leverage since it is so long. Makes it slow and clumsy.

God I love this:p Gosh, the extra 12" gives me more area I can cover and go places I couldn't go with the short shaft. However, if you are moving your machine back and forth to weed wack, IMO, you are trimming incorrectly. That's how you get tendonitis in your elbow. You should be pulling the machine toward you and pushing it away from you as you walk. Holding the machine and moving the arm that is holding the handle and "swinging" it back and forth is a very bad motion, especially if you do it fast.
That motion uses the very small muscles on the top of your forearm. However, pulling the machine toward you uses the large upper arm bisep and pushing the machine uses back and upper arm muscles.
Of course you can do what you want, but I learned all this by bringing my trimmer to the sports medicine doctor and showing him how I weedwhack... after the 4th visit for tendonitis ;)
Also, weedwhacking churches is not like home owner property, and it's not unusual to weedwhack for 2/3 hours at a time.
Pete

[SDlawndawg]

I'm 6'3" and 215lbs. My arms are long enough that I don't need that extra reach. If I can't reach it, I and my customer can't see it.

I have to disagree with elbow problems and method of trimming. Your assumption that my method of trimming is back and forth is a little skewed. My method depends on the area I'm trimming. Back and forth, side to side, up and down, whatever it takes.
Never had an ailment from trimming.

In a competition, I could easily defeat you in time and quality of trim with my GT2400. Yep. Thats right! You read that correctly. The gloves are off! Ha ha ha!

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by SDlawndawg
I'm 6'3" and 215lbs. My arms are long enough that I don't need that extra reach. If I can't reach it, I and my customer can't see it.In a competition, I could easily defeat you in time and quality of trim with my GT2400. Yep. Thats right! You read that correctly. The gloves are off! Ha ha ha!

I just wanna know being that tall, how far do you need to bend over to put the head of that "tonka toy" on the ground?:p
I'm only 5'7", so since I'm lower to the ground I'll be able to see all the trim spots you miss, as I blaze past you......:D
Pete

[SDlawndawg]

With the GT-2400 being so light, I can use just one arm to reach further if need be. Like I said before, there are very few areas where I have to use this manuever. To switch to a straight shaft for only this minute problem is not necessary.

And another reason to use a curve shaft is they are less expensive. Echo's anyway. And since they are shorter, they take up less room in transport. Around this area, only rookies use straight shafts.

Oh I hear redmax's parent company is Fisher Price. Just a rumor. Hehehe...

[bubble boy]

Originally posted by SDlawndawg
Around this area, only rookies use straight shafts.

.



i assume this was a joke ...........:laugh:

[65hoss]

Originally posted by SDlawndawg
And since they are shorter, they take up less room in transport.

Around this area, only rookies use straight shafts.



Based on the 1st statement you must be carrying it in the back of your truck.

Based on the second, its really not worth the time to deal with it. Just laugh at the "professional" comments instead.:dizzy:

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by SDlawndawg
With the GT-2400 being so light, I can use just one arm to reach further if need be. And since they are shorter, they take up less room in transport. Around this area, only rookies use straight shafts.

Maybe being such a big guy you don't need to "compensate", but at only 5'7", I need a longer shaft :eek:

[darryl gesner]

I hate my curved shaft too, but my wife likes it!

I'm talking about an old Toro, don't know the model #.

[SDlawndawg]

Yeah. I figured the rookie comment would get a reaction. It is an observation.