Lehr trimmers and blowers?

[944own]

I spill gas about once a week but its not my fault. I can blame it on the stihl gas cap on my blower and I usually spill it all down my back.

[Terry Metro Lawn]

Originally Posted by 944own

I spill gas about once a week but its not my fault. I can blame it on the stihl gas cap on my blower and I usually spill it all down my back.

DOH! That's no fun whatsoever.

[cleanairNC]

I'd stay away. I used the Lehr straight shaft trimmer at a commercial level and it was JUNK. In the matter of months, I had to replace two fuel hoses, the handle broke twice, had to adjust the carb almost every use, they changed the oil level recommendation without telling anyone, and with most 4-cycle engines, you had to keep it perfectly level or else it would clog up and die. While the customer service was helpful in replacing these parts, it just wasn't worth it. I'd say it lasted about 2-3 months. Heaviest machine we'd ever used, and yes, the tanks were beginning to pile up in the shop.

[Terry Metro Lawn]

Originally Posted by cleanairNC

I'd stay away. I used the Lehr straight shaft trimmer at a commercial level and it was JUNK. In the matter of months, I had to replace two fuel hoses, the handle broke twice, had to adjust the carb almost every use, they changed the oil level recommendation without telling anyone, and with most 4-cycle engines, you had to keep it perfectly level or else it would clog up and die. While the customer service was helpful in replacing these parts, it just wasn't worth it. I'd say it lasted about 2-3 months. Heaviest machine we'd ever used, and yes, the tanks were beginning to pile up in the shop.

I agree here. But, hang on, there's a new incarnation coming. It'll use these tanks:

[dboyd351]

Originally Posted by LindblomRJ

Now a refillable tank would be beyond handy.

Guess you've never seen the little brass adaptor fitting that lets you fill the 1 gallon tank from a 20 gallon tank. Don't think the EPA condones it, but I hear it works.

[LindblomRJ]

Originally Posted by dboyd351

Guess you've never seen the little brass adaptor fitting that lets you fill the 1 gallon tank from a 20 gallon tank. Don't think the EPA condones it, but I hear it works.

Yes I have seen the adaptors. Not sure if I would ever want to try to mess with them.

[TimTim2008]

anyone seen these? or used them?

http://www.stihlusa.com/li-ion.html

[cleanairNC]

Yes, I have the blower and the heavy-duty trimmer. So far so good, but we've only had them about a month, so I'll provide more feedback after we've put them through the gauntlet of an NC summer. I can tell you now that the blower with one battery is good for the better part of one day on residential mows. The trimmer goes through the battery a little faster, but thats to be expected. If Stihl made an electric edger, I'd be all set. Also, Stihl is doing a $100 rebate on the batteries if purchased with any piece of the equipment.

[LindblomRJ]

I'd think for small sites the battery powered equipment would be something worth looking into.

I have been wondering about the battery powered stihl equipment.

[Michael2000]

I have to wonder who's engine Lehr is using, since they are 4 cycle. Ryobi?

I looked at Lehr equipment after getting fed up with multiple carburetor replacement due to ethanol in gas, but shied away after reading personal reviews that said the equipment was hard to start. Ironically, Ryobi 4 cycle gas engines have the same problem.

These must be really bad engine designs. Typically, 4 cycle engines are easier to start than 2 cycle, and propane engines are easier to start than gasoline engines.

I think there is a market here. People are tired of gasoline that doesn't store well, gasoline that absorbs water, and gasoline that often has ethanol over the rated 10%. The propane equipment manufacturers just need to build good quality equipment with easily refillable and economical cannisters.

Michael