[Steven B]

I'm going to clean up a 4,000 sq.ft. loot that's covered in weeds. I'm looking at getting a new trimmer to clean up the outer edges, going to use a tractor to take care of the rest. It sets between two buildings & I don't want to get to close to the buildings with the tractoor.
I'm looking at getting a new trimmer to be used with a disk, so I need solid driveshaft trimmer. I can't decide if I should get the loop or a bike handle trimmer. I've tried both out & I'm comfortable with both.
Stihl 90 bike handle sells for $330 & $300 for the loop, found a redmax loop on sale for $300. My mind sit has been on the bike handle, but the loop would be allot more usefull on a regular basis next to my husqvarna 326.
What's everyones opinion?

 

[Runner]

loop...hands down, no ifs, ands, or buts. It is much more versatile, and easier to handle. It allows you to reach out further and maneuver it much easier - therefore be much more productive.

 

[jiggz]

loop for the win

 

[betmr]

Loop for string....Handle Bars for Blade

 

[White Gardens]

Screw the string trimmer.

I use my articulating hedge trimmer head on the end of my string trimmer. Basically it turns it into a hand-held sycle bar.

I clean up fence lines for my Father-In-Law every summer with it. I can do 3000 feet of electric fence line in 3 hours or so.

String trimmers are a waste of time and effort in brushy situations.

 

[Hawg City Lawns]

loop...hands down, no ifs, ands, or buts. It is much more versatile, and easier to handle. It allows you to reach out further and maneuver it much easier - therefore be much more productive.

i second this

 

[Runner]

Screw the string trimmer.

I use my articulating hedge trimmer head on the end of my string trimmer. Basically it turns it into a hand-held sycle bar.

I clean up fence lines for my Father-In-Law every summer with it. I can do 3000 feet of electric fence line in 3 hours or so.

String trimmers are a waste of time and effort in brushy situations.

For scathing, taking down weeds or tall/thick grass, and brushy stuff as you describe, there is absolutely nothing better as far as portable cutting goes. You can run the trimmer at about 1/3 throttle at most, and it cuts through the stuff clean like butter. No tangling, no having to pull back to avoid tangling - just cut on. The tall stuff just neatly lays down, and you don't have stuff flying all over, either. :weightlifter:

 

[Steven B]

Thanks for the help. I think I've decided on a bike handle.
Found a Tanaka TBC-340PFD for $420. Anybody have any experience with it?
I've only found Honda & Stihl bike handle trimmers locally, everyone else wants to sell me a loop & order the bike handle extra. :hammerhead:
I'm going to call around more tomorrow to see what I can find.

 

[markahurley]

Thanks for the help. I think I've decided on a bike handle.
Found a Tanaka TBC-340PFD for $420. Anybody have any experience with it?
I've only found Honda & Stihl bike handle trimmers locally, everyone else wants to sell me a loop & order the bike handle extra. :hammerhead:
I'm going to call around more tomorrow to see what I can find.

seriously? then why ask? honestly.

 

[Steven B]

seriously? then why ask? honestly.

I was debating on what to get. Should I get a loop & spend $60+ on the BH kit or get the bike & worry about getting loop afterwards. The more I read, made me decide on getting the bike handle.

 

[Runner]

No, what you SHOULD do is listen o someone with 26 years experience and who has used both in all kinds of situations. Try one out...carry it around and see what it's like reaching out and contouring (or should I say TRYing to contour) with the bike handles. The only way to carry them is with strap. With a loop, there is no strap. Not to mention there is so much more versatility with a loop. BUT...do what you want...You'll learn eventually... lol

 

[Mickhippy]

I would get the largest brush cutter there is and use the harness if your cutting very long rubbish (even semi often,) thats what there for. Put some thick line on it and you would cut all but the woodiest weeds. I personally think using line is better in grass etc because it chops it up, not just cut and lay over. Can cut or "mow" a lot of grass on areas you cant get the mower (wet areas, slopes etc.)
Using the harness is MUCH more comfortable. It completely takes the weight and you can "almost" run the machine one handed. I have an Oleo Mac harness. Best thing ever!

If your going to use it every day, I would just get the 27cc trimmer and put a blade on it when needed. It would handle it fine!
IMHO you dont need a heap of cc's to run a blade. The centrical force when the blades up and running will cut most stuff. Ive even cut/sawn through 2" thick saplings and branches with my Kawi 27cc trimmer. Just have to let it do its thing and not force it.

When it comes down to it, your looking at an in between machine. Its not a proper brush cutter, and its arguably to heavy for every day use as a trimmer.
I would reconsider if I were you!

 

[LoneToySoldier]

I got a 110 loop and a 130 bike handle. The 110 is great for trimming and clearing brush down over a bank. The 130 I like better if clearing brush because I can swing it like a scythe *(with a blade installed. string is useless here)

 

[crhoades68]

Don't make the same mistake I did thinking the bike handle would kick but. Purchase the loop! You will end up setting the bike handle trimmer aside and only using it for ideal situations. You won't want to change handles all the time if you purchase the loop later. You could purchase a shoulder strap and use your existing trimmer and it will act like a scythe.

 

[Darryl G]

I have both loop and bike style trimmers. I like my bike style Sthil FS 110 for extended operation on tall nasty stuff like overgrown properties or the once or twice per year trimming I do on my own property, but for typical weekly maintenance-type trimming I use the loop handled ones.

 

[HillsideLanscapeGardeners]

As I only used a trimmer for 35 yrs; I am fond of the bicycle style for day long multi-property efforts. I got a very nasty twist to my left wrist from a D handle jumping in an arc, the pain put me put of action for over 30 days. That trimming with a D handle went to another person on my crew. good to be the boss ! An average cutting day of weed eating was over 10-14 hrs and a shoulder carried harness made that a lot less strain on an injured back.
I averaged about 30-45 hrs a week trimming.

 

[HillsideLanscapeGardeners]

The choice of weed eater/trimmer handles is a personal thing. D handles not for injured wrist use in my personal uses.

 

[GroundworksOutdoorsInc]

I have loop handles on all mine, from my FS250R to my FS94R. Handlebars suck. I run a blade on my 250 most of the time for clearing fences and brush.
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