Trimmer string size
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Small ( .75, .85, etc.) is for smaller trimmers with smaller engines. .95 and up is for larger trimmers with larger engines. I run .85 diamond edge or gator line square with both the Shin 270, 230, and the echos.
~Nest
~Nest
Hmmmmmm, I believe line thickness is more for the application rather than motor size. IMO, if you want to trim (cut) grass, you want the fastest tip speed you can get, after all this is what you want in a mower, isnt it??.
I use .065 line and a bent shaft trimmer. Bent shaft trimmers are all direct drive, while all straight shaft trimmers are gear drive, which are a 30% gear reduction and result in a similar rpm drop. This is one reason I use a bent shaft machine, because of its inherent faster shaft rpm.
Faster tip speed cuts the grass rather than tearing it and turning it brown a day later, just like dull blades do on a mower.
OK, smaller diameter line also has much less drag which makes it easier to allow faster rpm. And naturally, with less drag you can run a larger cut diameter, increasing the tip speed even more. Its a win win situation. Furthermore, smaller line also creates less turbulence and does not blow down the grass you intend to trim, which forces many operators to scalp the trimming area in order to actually cut the grass.
All other choices for line diameter should similarly be based on quality of cut verses longevity. Simply put, the thicker the line the longer it lasts, and the poorer the cut quality. Its not rocket science were dealing with.
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Switchless;If I used .065 line we would run through that at 1 full line spool a day.I used .095 spool and that seems to be a happy medium.I use units that have a clutch system if that makes any difference.These engines are 23cc and 26 cc.The heavier line seems to help the head not vibrate as much.You can tell when the head is full of line verses being close to empty.Your dealer will help in being your best advisor.
Yes, I can't agree more.... Again, the line should be more suited to the application, which also means how long the lines lasts. Doing only grass trimming with my machine and .065 line I can trim about 40 average 1/2 acre accounts before I run out. Furthmore, besides preloaded spools, I carry an extra head loaded with heavier line for a quick change, when have long runs of sidewalk, driveway or similar " heavy wear" situations.
Pete
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Pete; I'm with you! but if my guys trim the concrete edges and lanscape beds with .065 that would really kill the profit margin.BTW I have to apologize to you on the 45 degree deal;most the DOT specs we mow are graded at 35 to 37.i can't guarentee 45;my mistake.We do 3 lawns that I sighted (one being my own home;wait till I get a digital camera because that was one of the selling points for me) and they all fall around 37 degrees except for mine.Mine is a true 45.Cuts the mower out about every 10 feet.
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If I use .65, I go through it 3 times as fast as .95. Also, no matter what the application, on my 270 and now the new 230, .65 winds the motor way too high, too light of a string for such power, and the dealer advised me of this. And forget doing thick weeds, like an account of mine along a highway where it must be weedeated, .65 wouldn't hang. Homelite:.65 Real power: .85+
IMHO
~Nest
IMHO
~Nest
Like everyone says, it depends. The key to efficient smooth cutting is high rpms. If your trimmer motor cant spin heavy line fast, it is better to go smaller. If youre cutting grass, go with Sufix. If youre cutting thick weeds or reeds, go with Gator Line Magnum.
First, I agree with what you say, however, as I thought I made clear, the size should be decided by the application it's being used for. Also, everyone is talking about gear drive trimmers, which right from the get go is "designed for power" and not speed. So, with that in mind, like a diesel motor, you want use it's power, by lengthening the line to increase tip speed, which also entails running without a guard (lets not get into that post).
Along these lines, using a big, highpowered heavy trimmer for cutting normal grass is already the wrong tool for the job. As a professional you should have at least 2 trimmers (or spare thick spooled head), one for grass cutting and one for "brush hogging". That's why I have 3 trmmers and an extra head just for heavier work. Actually, if you are doing a lot of heavy brush and/or weeds, a cheap trim motor is a much better tool for the job.
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You telling me that a cheap weedeater will outcut heavy brush better than my 270? Not a chance. Sorry, I've been using 27's, and 270's for YEARS, always with .95.......so where does this application come in? What isn't .95 good for? What can't my 270 with .95 cut? Nothing. It will cut a beer bottle in half. Is it ( or I ) right for small jobs? Yes. I have 4 trimmers. Homelite( 6 years old won't die), 270, 230, and echo. Guess which one I bring? The most powerful one I have with .95. Doesn't matter if I'm edging, cutting gingerly around plants, or bush-hogging. I think I understand what you are trying to say, but forgive me if I disagree. You take your little home cheapo with .65, give me ANY application, and I promise me and my 270 will walk circles around you.
~Nest
~Nest
My Redmax BT 225 (bent shaft) is fully commerical rated and has the same motor as their commerical straight shaft, just so you know it's not a "little home cheapo". Furthermore, It's not that your machine won't to the job, but for trimming grass, it's just overkill. As I keep saying if you brush hog , then use a bigger machine, but just because your machine can "cut a bottle in half", doesn't not make it a better grass trimmer.
Actually, we keep getting off the original post, which is what is the "right line for the job". IOW, use the larger line for tougher jobs and smaller line for a better cut, which is what I've already posted.
However, if you really want test your machine on "ANY" application, let's head to the cemetery and we can trim grave markers for an hour. I'll let you walk around each stone while I just stand and trim around the whole stone without moving................. after about 100 stones we can see who's faster.........
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I'd take that challenge any day. Cemetery or not, you can't PAY me enough to use a bent shaft anything. Nope, won't happen. I've weedeated for hours and hours at a time with the 270, one of the heaviest on the market. I'm used to it. Maybe you don't have to bend over with a bent shaft, but I do. While your standing trimming around the headstones, I'd be making fast passes in front of then behind the stones in a line, catching one side on one pass and the other side on the returning pass. Can almost bet $$ I'd be faster than you standing there, still trimming each stone individually. More tiresome? Yes. But I didin't get in this to avoid work. Like I said, I'm used to it, and I can swing that 270 like no tomorrow, not much will outproduce me with that machine, not even a push mower. I have many backyards that I'd rather weedeat than drag a push mower around.
I respect your opinion, don't take this wrong please. Not trying to say who's better, what's better, etc. for you. Just what I think is better for me. Machine with plenty of power, and a good night's sleep, + 270 w/.95= Look out, grass is flying!
~Nest
P.S. Overkill? Never heard of that in this business. Maybe when customers whine about a huge mower or something, but overkill is not something in my vocabulary concerning my business. Power = less fatique and less time.
I respect your opinion, don't take this wrong please. Not trying to say who's better, what's better, etc. for you. Just what I think is better for me. Machine with plenty of power, and a good night's sleep, + 270 w/.95= Look out, grass is flying!
~Nest
P.S. Overkill? Never heard of that in this business. Maybe when customers whine about a huge mower or something, but overkill is not something in my vocabulary concerning my business. Power = less fatique and less time.
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.95 Stihl non circle string works well (for me)
If I did each stone individually when there was a line of them. I'd be embarrassed to call myself a professional. I thought you'd know I was referring to the stragglers in between the rows of stones. Anyway, since you're comfortable working harder than need be because youre used to it, and Im not, we probably are the same speed. Maybe, I may be even slower, but Ill accept that if Im less tired, especially in my old age.
Good talking,
Pete
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Ouch! Too true. I'm getting old too.
I've really found that even though my 270 is heavier than most, I don't have to swing it near as much as I do with smaller ones. Also, I run approximately 9" of string on each side, making a heck of a pass. LOL But, as you stated, we're getting old. Yesterday I bought a 230....a SURE sign of my age. But WOW, the 3lbs. makes a huge difference.
Always enjoy your posts, Pete, and have nothing but respect for you.
~Nest
I've really found that even though my 270 is heavier than most, I don't have to swing it near as much as I do with smaller ones. Also, I run approximately 9" of string on each side, making a heck of a pass. LOL But, as you stated, we're getting old. Yesterday I bought a 230....a SURE sign of my age. But WOW, the 3lbs. makes a huge difference.
Always enjoy your posts, Pete, and have nothing but respect for you.
~Nest
Right back at ya.........
Honestly, I wish I could push myself more. I used to when I was in my 30's. I'm "White, blonde hair, blue eyed", so I prone to skin cancer (got that), and tendonitis ( had that a lot), had lyme disease bad, so I'm forced to pace myself.
I figure if my "motor" (body) is a bit underpowered, I need to used every method to squeeze the most horsepower out of it
Hey, so go out mow more lawns... it's only Sunday, I'm out to knock off a few more between the raindrops
Again, good talking,
Pete
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