String Trimmer

[Brad]

Am contemplating the purchase of a new string trimmer and was wondering if I could get some pros and cons regarding straight vs. curved shafts. <p>Also, a quick question regarding the use of a trimmer. How do you edge with one of these units? I have a very cheap curved shaft Homelite trimmer and it seems hard to control to get a nice straight edge. What is the proper way to hold one of these trimmers to get a good finish?<p>Thanks to all.<p>Brad

 

[Lazer]

Straight shafts are best.<p>A straight shaft spins the head counter-clockwise and edging can be accomplished by walking backwards having the debris directed away from you.

 

[Stoner]

Buy the straight shaft. The shaft is usually longer which can safe your back. I also find it easier to gauge distances to objects that need trimming.<br>

 

[cutntrim]

We have both types. Our first straight shaft we bought only last year and it took awhile to get used to. I'd used curved shafts for 9 years. You CAN get a near perfect edge with a curved shaft using the same technique as Lazer mentioned with a straight shaft. Myself, my partner, and our employees are as good or better using curved than anyone using straight. We used the Homelite &quot;cheap&quot; models for years until switching to Echo since they make a commercial grade curved shaft. The nicest thing about the Homelites is they're super lightweight. I can trim one-handed either right or left with one of them. That comes in handy when you do 30 lawns in one day, to rest each shoulder equally. <p>Having said all that, I used a Shindaiwa T-230 all last year and although I hated it at first, I grew to like it more than our curved Echos. I'm 6'1&quot; and if you're tall, you know that the curved shaft forces you to be in a bent over position when trimming two-handed. The T-230 allows a more comfortable operator's stance. I trim righty and lefty with it as well. I'd recommend you go with a straight shaft and learn to do the same.<p>----------<br>Dave in S.Ontario<br>www.cutntrim.com

 

[southside]

Straight shaft machines are generally more<br>suited to commercial work.Bent shaft is set<br>up for home owner use. Shindaiwa T230 is a <br>good unit but if you need a lot of power,go<br>for the Stihl.

 

[bw]

go with the straight shaft, much better and easier to use.

 

[dfor]

Straight shaft. Like Lazer said, just walk backwards while edging and you get a nice edge. I also have the Shindaiwa T-230. Nice machine.

 

[GrassMaster]

Hello Everybody:<p>The straight shaft is the only way to go, personally speaking!<p>The straight shaft doesn't loose any power like the curve shaft does going through the curve.<p>It's further away from your feet thus making it easier to work with.<br>Most straight shaft has lifetime warranty on shaft.<p>Yes, it's easier to trim & edge walking backwards!<p>If you get the trimmer handle & strap adjusted just right just for you. You can run it all day long. <p>The main problem with fatigue running these is gripping them way too hard. Handle & strap adjusted right you can virtually stand straight up & barely hold with finger tips, run all day with no shoulder pain.<p>We always stood on grass side when edging against concrete & beds. Always cut with the tip of the line, this reduces line welding in head & line breaking off to almost none at all. Yes even against chain link fence. If you do it like this & use good quality line, you could cut through a piece of plywood!<p>----------<br>GrassMaster - Home: www.lawnservicing.com<br>My Start Up Page www.lawnservicing.com/startup/<br>

 

[thelawnguy]

I find it easier to edge walking forwards, I wish I could describe how I hold the trimmer while edging, maybe Ill have my wife take a photo and Ill post it up sometime. Never get crap in the face, though I always wear glasses while trimming.<p>Bill

 

[Lawnforce 2]

Hi,<br>I find the straight shaft to be better than the curved myself, like alot of the other guys were saying. It handles better , because of the longer neck. befor i went into the lawn buss. with my partner, I used a curved shaft. To me it lost power on some tough grass spots. I just bought a Honda 4 stroke trimmer, it has plenty of power. I recomend it to anyone in the lawncare buss. At the half trottle of the honda 4 stroke , it cuts the same as most of the other 2 stroke trimmers do at full throttle. So if you aim to try out the new Honda 4 stroke I do highly recomend it to you guys. me personaly speaking , think it is the way to go plus it is light weight to go. it only cost me $367.98