Craftsman 34cc, 4 Cycle Line Trimmer?

[gyver65]

I am in the market for my very first gas string trimmer. My first purchase was a "Black & Decker Grass Hog" cordless trimmer with edger. It would only stay charged for about 20 minutes (even less when I used the edger). It lasted about two years so I decided to buy a "Black & Decker" electric, and the edger clip broke off on the first day. I took it back and bought a "Homelite" split boom gas trimmer which was a display model at the "Home Depot". It was discounted from $99 to $69 but it did not work when I got it home so I took it back.

I like the idea of having a split boom so I can attach an edger to it. Yesterday I went to a local lawn equipment store and the salesman showed me a couple of his "Stihl" trimmers but he did not have a split boom but he showed me a straight shaft split boom in a catalog listed for $279 plus $90 for the edger attachment. $370 is more than I am willing or even capable of spending since I am on a budget.

Sears has a Craftsman 34cc, 4 cycle split boom for $170 plus $54 for the edger attachment, and for another $35 I can purchase a "3 year In-Shop Repair Protection Plan". That would be a total of about $260. This is the absolute most that I am willing to spend. I like the idea of not having to use the gas/oil mix since this one is a 4 cycle. I know that there will be times when I am not at home and either my wife or teenage son will want to give it a try. I would just hate to know that they put straight gas in a 2 cycle engine. I would rather eliminate that factor from the start. The three year warranty would offer me some peace of mind.

Any thoughts on this model (#79612)? My yard is less than half an acre so it will not be used that much (maybe once every week or two in the summer months).

Thank you!

[dondinct]

I hate the 2-cylcle smoke and smell... I bought a Honda 4-cycle and love it. it's not what you are looking for, but a 4-cycle is sweet.

[The C Man]

Originally posted by dondinct
I hate the 2-cycle smoke and smell...

For what it's worth, there's very little of either now that I switched to Opti-2 oil for my 2-cycle gear.

[dvmcmrhp52]

Go to home depot,buy a toro trimmer for 139.00,buy the edger attachment for 60-70(don't remember)



I don't like craftsman stuff,most of it is poulan made.

[gyver65]

dvmcmrhp52,

I have seen that Toro at Home Depot. The curved shaft is $139 and the straight shaft is $169. Do you have a Toro?

[dvmcmrhp52]

I have one that is used strictly around my own house for edging,or if the need would ever arise to be used as a backup to the 1 echo or the 3 stihl trimmers that we have.
It does not compare to the echo's or the stihl's but it will serve a homeowner for such purposes.

[chuckers]

straight shaft only

but i love my shin i swear by it but stihl is great really worth the cash

[mowhigh]

Consider a straight shaft and an edgit attachment ($60-70 www.edgit.com). It will make edging a breeze while also simplifying your regular trimming (reduce entanglement with chain link fences, etc).

[gyver65]

Thanks for everyone's input. I now have another dilemma. I took a look at the Craftsman 4 cycle trimmer at Sears but I was not that impressed. It was heavy and not very well balanced. They had one that was slightly used for $40 cheaper. I asked the salesman why the person brought it back and he told me that they didn't like how it worked. If that doesn't kill a sale I don't know what does.

Then I decided to visit Lowes and Home Depot since both are offering 0 % financing for 12 months as long as you spend at least $299. Now I am torn between one at Lowes and one at Home Depot. Here are my options:

Lowes: Cub Cadet 18" Straight Shaft Split Boom Model #CC3075 $198
Troy-Bilt Edger Attachment Model # LE720R $ 70
Total $268 plus tax.
I would have to spend a little more in order to get the 0 % financing.

Home Depot: Echo Straight Shaft Model # SRM210: $199
Echo Stick Edger Model # PE200: $199.99
Total $399 plus tax.

Would it be a great advantage to purchase the two from Home Depot as opposed to the split boom at Lowes? I have never used a split boom so I don't know how much trouble it would be.

Thank you!

[dvmcmrhp52]

If it were me I would buy the 2 echo's.
I've gotten used to quality equipment and won't buy anything other at this point,but I am not on a tight budget either.
The echo's will last a long time for a homeowner,but I'm sure the cub cadet trimmer combo will serve a homeowner just fine as well.
I'd go echo,but that's just me,It is more money than you were willing to spend originally.

[gyver65]

I bought the two Echo's at Home Depot with 0% interest for twelve months. This way I was willing to spend a little more since I don't have to pay all at once.

Thanks everyone. This is a great forum.

[dvmcmrhp52]

Enjoy your new toys!