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Do more powerful trimmers save time?

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Ready to Mow

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So I've always just used the echo bottom of the line straight shaft which is the SRM-225. It's like a 21.2cc engine. All the other guys use like a 260 or a 280 I've noticed. Honestly I always stuck with the smaller one causes it was cheaper and not as heavy. When it's 100 degrees outside it makes a difference. These new echo's are already heavier than the older grey models from what I noticed. My 225 has always had plenty of power unless the grass has like 2 weeks of growth and it's been raining.

What's the benefit of the bigger models? Do they last longer? Everyone I see has the guard taken off so they can spool out 2ft of line. That's the thing about the smaller ones is you can only spool out an extra inch or so more, otherwise then you're overloading the motor.
 
#2 ·
Personally I went from a SRM 210 to a new 280 and it didn't make much of a difference on trimming weekly stuff. Like around beds etc. But for new edging it saved tons of time, trimming big areas that couldn't be mowed it probably made me 25% more productive. Having the extra few inches of line out saves tons of time.
 
#3 ·
I've found the going down the middle works for me. I'm not sure about Echo but with Stihl I use the 100rx. It's not the biggest or smallest but has plenty of power without being too bulky like my 130.
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#4 ·
I'm going "backwards" (as some would view it) by using a cordless trimmer for my daily work. It's not slower at all.

I've been using a FS90R for 5 years so I think I'd notice a lack of power or slowing of my work. Truthfully, most trimmers are more than powerful enough for buzzing off some scraggly grass along a sidewalk that the mower didn't get - overkill, really.

Where it makes a difference is when you need to cut high, thick stuff - then you can fully utilize the available power.
 
#5 ·
The short answer is NO - they do not cut back on time.

More importantly the size of the engine has little impact in comparison to the type (and size) of string your using. Smaller string cuts faster and better, but wears out much quicker. Round string is "softer" than string with points (think echo crossfire) or triangle type string, and is less likely to throw debris... and when it does it's nowhere near as far. But it does require more power to turn - and likewise Hexegon style trimmer string (Crossifre) will cut much cleaner and take much less power to turn, but tends to throw debris more often and at a further distance.

Also the less line out the more power the trimmer delivers. Big advantage of the speed feed head is when we take our tiny 21cc trimmers in the thick brush - we can pull back the trimmer line with a few clicks of the bump head and now they have as much power as my fs250r.

This is just a simple case of "Technique over technology".
 
#6 ·
I have both an echo srm225 and an fs90r (more power than the srm225 obviously) and it doesn't really save any time using the fs90r. I can finish the trimming in one yard with the same amount of time as my srm225.

Now, for the occasional brush clearing, the fs90r will definitely save time. Like another poster said, for just trimming here and there in residential properties, it really doesn't save any time
 
#10 ·
for larger trim jobs where i am not trimming heavy growth, I will take a nice light trimmer everytime and get the job done faster with less operator fatigue. This equates to better production over the course of the day, at least from me
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#12 ·
Why have a top of the line trimmer thats going to get used every day and beat up? Most of the higher powered trimmers are power heads which have multiple uses (string trimmer, hedge trimmer, pole saw, bed redefiner, ect). So spend 2-3 times more on a higher powered trimmer and burn it out quicker for no reason?
Btw, weight is a HUGE factor. If your trimming all of your properties and edging your going to notice the extra weight in a hurry.

Get the cheaper echo/husky big box store straight shafts and pay little for a big return. They are atleast half the price and run the same.
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#13 ·
RonWin said:
Why have a top of the line trimmer thats going to get used every day and beat up? Most of the higher powered trimmers are power heads which have multiple uses (string trimmer, hedge trimmer, pole saw, bed redefiner, ect). So spend 2-3 times more on a higher powered trimmer and burn it out quicker for no reason?
Btw, weight is a HUGE factor. If your trimming all of your properties and edging your going to notice the extra weight in a hurry.

Get the cheaper echo/husky big box store straight shafts and pay little for a big return. They are atleast half the price and run the same.
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If you are good enough with a trimmer that you have to wait for the machine if it does not have enough power you would understand the arguement and not cheap out on a lesser tool.
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#15 ·
I like a good commercial lightweight trimmer for everyday use like for me its the stihl 94r ( anything less than commercial quality for me has not worked well I remember when I started I purchased a homeowner trimmer and the head broke off on the third lawn.) For heavy trimming I like to go with a bike handle unit to save on vibration and a powerful engine for me its the stihl 240 now what was the 250. I keep the guards removed on my normal weekly trimmers and the big bike handle unit has guard installed. My opinion the power is noticeable in the thick growth but not going to speed things up on normal trimming if anything a heavy trimmer will slow you down on weekly cut stuff.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
My thinking was the extra 2 or 3 pounds will really make a difference when it's 100 degrees outside so that's why I've stuck with the smaller models. Also I noticed the newer style orange echo's already seem to be a couple pounds heavier than the older grey style. My srm-210 I had was light as a feather compared to the 225 for some reason. Also the 225 is noisier. I could have a nice conversation with a customer standing next to my srm-210 running and hear perfectly. The only time I've maybe wanted more power was on the bi weekly yards.
 
#18 ·
OakNut said:
Can you rephrase that? I've read it six times and I'm not quite sure I understand what you are saying.
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Thought I was alone on that!!
 
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Discussion starter · #19 ·
I'm the only one who uses an echo srm-225. Every other company I see use the echo the 260 or 280. I guess it's cause they like to be able to spool out 12'' of line on each side is the only thinking I can come up with. You only see echo equipment in my area. Hardly any stihl and maybe the occasional shindaiwa blower.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Ready to Mow said:
So I've always just used the echo bottom of the line straight shaft which is the SRM-225. It's like a 21.2cc engine. All the other guys use like a 260 or a 280 I've noticed. Honestly I always stuck with the smaller one causes it was cheaper and not as heavy. When it's 100 degrees outside it makes a difference. These new echo's are already heavier than the older grey models from what I noticed. My 225 has always had plenty of power unless the grass has like 2 weeks of growth and it's been raining.

What's the benefit of the bigger models? Do they last longer? Everyone I see has the guard taken off so they can spool out 2ft of line. That's the thing about the smaller ones is you can only spool out an extra inch or so more, otherwise then you're overloading the motor.
Click to expand...
ive trimmed 100+ accounts per week past 15 years and i guarantee the extra power cuts time . 15 year ago i was running old john deere green machines for several years then went to redmax 21cc for several years . next went to redmax 25cc several years . then 3 year ago went to redmax 29cc . andd both times i upped power i was ecstatic . and this most recent upgrade from 25cc to 29cc only added like 3/4lb to the trimmer . i do notice the little extra weight but its no burden

on normal load it improves speed because i can walk faster without causing stragglers that a weaker trimmer would leave . then when i have to get into heavier non normal trimming i thank my lucky stars for the 29cc as the extra power is huge

my 29cc redmax with shindiawa speed feed head and .80 square gator on its a dream machine
 
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