Sáncte Míchael Archángele, defénde nos in proélio
Joined:
Sep 2004
Posts:
14491
EE: 100% (10)
IN, USA
Posted: 7/19/2025 12:31:39 AM EDT
|
I have had used my current Stihl for over 15 years, with the past few being problematic. I think it's time for a new one. I can generally get my trimming in fewer than 15 minutes. Very rarely do I exceed 30 minutes. What options should I consider? |
"Do not overthink it, gentlemen. It's only a gunfight, not an IRS tax audit." - Louis Awerbuck
|
When we lived in town I used a B&D 38 dollar cordless trimmer. Did all the trimming with it including the front shrubs. We still have it and the wife uses it now since it is,super light weight. Had to buy a Stihl gas powered for acrage. The B&D is about 7 years old and still running the same battery for 45 minutes per charge just like when it was new. Only thing replaced is the string ( duh! ) Some tricks with these cheaper batteries. Always run then till dead Always leave them plugged in when not in use. Never plug them in when hot or warm. They last a lot longer life wise that way. For 38 bux it does not owe us anything. |
|
https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Recommend-a-commercial-string-trimmer-for-home-use-/5-2803954/ https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/I-need-a-new-weed-trimmer/5-2803957/ Originally Posted By OTHP: Some tricks with these cheaper batteries. Always run then till dead NOT true with lithium batteries. You'll get better life by not running them below about 20% charge. Always leave them plugged in when not in use. Not really with lithium batteries, and definitely not if you still have any Ni-MH or NiCd batteries. Never plug them in when hot or warm. True, let them cool down before charging. Lithium batteries should not be charged when very cold either, 40 degrees or higher is better. |
This is...a clue - Pat_Rogers
I'm not adequately aluminumized for this thread. - gonzo_beyondo
CO, MI, OR - Please lobby your legislators to end discrimination against non-resident CCW permit holders
I'm not adequately aluminumized for this thread. - gonzo_beyondo
CO, MI, OR - Please lobby your legislators to end discrimination against non-resident CCW permit holders
| I also used a Stihl for 15+ years. It's never been a problem and I can get all my trimming done in about 30 minutes. I switched to a Husqvarna battery trimmer. No more gas, no more ear plugs. In fact I now have Husqvarna battery chain saw, leaf blower and hedge trimmer. |
"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently." — Friedrich Nietzsche
|
I have a Stihl gas weedeater. I am invested in the Milwaukee battery system. When my Stihl weedeater dies, I’ll replace it with a Milwaukee battery weedeater. If I was invested in Dewalt I would go that route. For as little as the OP has to trim, battery would be perfect |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
|
Originally Posted By bettst: @trails-end Husqvarna 537388101 Funny enough I think it was due to a recommendation here. Got mine from Amazon. Originally Posted By bettst: Originally Posted By trails-end: @bettst What head did you put on the Dewalt? @trails-end Husqvarna 537388101 Funny enough I think it was due to a recommendation here. Got mine from Amazon. @bettst I'm not crazy about the head on the Dewalt, but what is better about it? |
I love a good double entendre.
|
Originally Posted By Gamma762: https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Recommend-a-commercial-string-trimmer-for-home-use-/5-2803954/ https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/I-need-a-new-weed-trimmer/5-2803957/ NOT true with lithium batteries. You'll get better life by not running them below about 20% charge. Not really with lithium batteries, and definitely not if you still have any Ni-MH or NiCd batteries. True, let them cool down before charging. Lithium batteries should not be charged when very cold either, 40 degrees or higher is better. Pretty sure it's a old NiMh battery not lithium or LiPo. But I would have to go check in the shop. |
|
PRO-TIP: Replace those trimmer heads with the ECHO Speed Feed 400 or Speed Feed 500 head. The kit comes with various spindles and adapters to match it to many manufacturers shafts. The backing cap has a pointer divot that, when lined up with the trimmer line hole, forms a complete pass through for the trimmer line. Push half the length of the line through the pass through hole, then wind the cap to take in the trimmer line until its where you need it to be. I have one on my Stihl gas trimmer and love it. The head or cap never has to come off the shaft. Our local Homie Depot carries the 400, and they are available on Amazon. |
|
Ego 16" trimmer with the CarbonFiber shaft and auto spool head. https://egopowerplus.com/string-trimmer-powerload-line-iq-st1623t/ ETA: The PowerLoad head is like the Echo Speedfeed mentioned above, but it's got a button that once the line is fed in, it spins the head to wind it in for you |
|
I use a Stihl bike handle one for heavy use, and an M18 for light use. I bought the Milwaukee one "for my wife" when I was on travel one time, and she's been happy with it since then. Yeah, I told her I'd been interested in a battery trimmer, but until until she'd complained, I'd put up with the gas one. Just get a battery one that fits whatever batteries you have. None are perfect. |
|
I have the Dewalt and I really like it. I use the Dewalt battery platform, so I have a chainsaw and pole saw as well as the usual drills, impacts, grease gun, etc. I have two of the larger 60v batteries. I typically use both of them to trim my yard. I usually use the lower speed as I'm just trimming grass around plants and buildings and that makes the batteries last longer. I've never really timed how long it takes, but I know I usually reload the line at least once every time. I've been very happy. It is a lot easier to start than gas. |
Born with a low tolerance for bullshit
Joined:
Feb 2007
Posts:
53219
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By Sanlanman: PRO-TIP: Replace those trimmer heads with the ECHO Speed Feed 400 or Speed Feed 500 head. The kit comes with various spindles and adapters to match it to many manufacturers shafts. The backing cap has a pointer divot that, when lined up with the trimmer line hole, forms a complete pass through for the trimmer line. Push half the length of the line through the pass through hole, then wind the cap to take in the trimmer line until its where you need it to be. I have one on my Stihl gas trimmer and love it. The head or cap never has to come off the shaft. Our local Homie Depot carries the 400, and they are available on Amazon. The speed feed head is a game changer for any trimmer. I bought my Echo power head with trimmer new and immediately took off the old head and handed it to the sales person, put the speed feed on right there in the store and never looked back. I did go through one and had to replace it after about 18 months but that was using it commercially. Since I've quit mowing for money, I don't much expect I'll ever replace this one. I would have worried about the weight on a battery trimmer but I've never even held the DeWalt so that's just me finding something to worry about. It may be fine and sounds like it from @Sanlanman 's post. |
Nobody ever wakes me at 2 in the morning telling me that my grass is out on the highway.~~Radiopat
Wine is sunlight held together by water~~Galileo Galilei
Well-behaved women rarely make history~~Marilyn Monroe
Wine is sunlight held together by water~~Galileo Galilei
Well-behaved women rarely make history~~Marilyn Monroe
I picked up a Husqvarna 525LS a couple years ago. This thing could probably cut down trees. We get a little busy (or lazy  ) sometimes and weeds can get pretty tall and thick. It doesn't even slow down in the heavy stuff.
|
For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security.
Thomas Jefferson
"He didnt punch anybody. He punched an idea." DrFrige
Thomas Jefferson
"He didnt punch anybody. He punched an idea." DrFrige