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Best String Trimmer under $200?

'84 Bronco II

'84 Bronco II

El Chingón
Joined
May 19, 2020
Member Number
293
Messages
2,403
Loc
NM
I want a string trimmer to knock down weeds in the corners and around trees where I cant get with my tractor. I bought a cheap Black and Decker 20V 12" model (LSTE523), and it is a turd except on the most tender of weeds. I hardly even bother trying to use it anymore. The electric bit is kind of nice being quiet and no fuss, but I am thinking I need to step up to a gas model so I can do something more than just tickle the weeds.

My father told me he just got a "Wild Badger Power" 26cc gas powered string trimmer he seems pretty happy with: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Badger-Bad...ush-Cutter-Blade-and-Bonus-Harness/5001743513

I haven't seen it in person, but he came from a Ryobi electric string trimmer and says it is a pretty big upgrade. I just don't know if part availability is an issue with the off-brand tools.

It seems the Stihl straight shaft models are pretty solid, but their FS 56 RC-E is kind of straining the budget, and is it really worth $100 more? Anything else I should consider? I estimate I will be putting only around 5 hours on the string trimmer at most per year.
 
After getting fed up with fighting with two and four stroke line trimmers, I figured I’d try a cordless electric model.

I found a Green Works 60 volt trimmer at Lowes a couple years ago. I like it. It’s easy, just grab and go. The battery lasts a long time, but I think I want a second battery for those days I want to go a little longer.

Newer version of what I have.
www.greenworkstools.com

60V 16" String Trimmer & 2.5 Ah Battery | Greenworks Tools

Shop our 60V 16" Cordless String Trimmer featuring a brushless motor, push-button start and dual-feed .095" twisted line with bump feed head. Battery included.
www.greenworkstools.com www.greenworkstools.com
 
'84 Bronco II said:
It seems the Stihl straight shaft models are pretty solid, but their FS 56 RC-E is kind of straining the budget, and is it really worth $100 more?
Click to expand...
Yes. That is my go-to string trimmer. I have 4 of them and we regularly use 3 at a time. Three of them are the FS 56 RE models and they are by far the best string trimmers I have ever owned. Had an old craftsman, Murray and Cub cadet 4 stroke that weren't shit compared to the Stihls. The 4th string trimmer I have is a Stihl KM90 something or other that is a 4 stroke. I bought it for the combi system to run a brush head on it as well as a pole saw. It's ok for weed eating, but I will grab one of the lighter higher revving 2 stroke ones for string trimming 99% of the time unless I need the brush blade.

EDIT. Also most string trimmers have some bullshit piddly ass foam air filter that is absolute dogshit. Look at the proper air filter they run on those Stihls. That alone plus just the overall better quality of everything on them is worth an additional $100 easy. If you do get one, pull the screen out of the muffler, because they like to plug up, and run it forever.
 
I have a craftsman 4 stroke that I wouldn't recommend. It just won't die though. I've had it for 15 years.

Another vote for Stihl or Echo. I've used both and they are leaps and bounds above the one I own.
 
I have the DeWalt 60v and a 9 ahr battery goes about as long as I want to. My dad managed to kill the feed head in his weed whacking through nasty stuff but they have an upgraded head now.

Gas powered we have a little echo that is decent but built for someone 5'8" so it killed my back. I haven't had a single reason to use it since I got the DeWalt though.
 
Just buck up for the best stirl you can justify and dont look back. Over the last year Ive traded off all my old crap for a sthl trimmer, backpack blower and farmboss chainsaw. More than happy with money spent.
 
I've been able to scoop up used Stihl kombi models with various attachments for about your budget. I think I paid 100 for just a string trimmer one, and 150 for one with a pole saw and hedge trimmer. So I've got two power heads and the attachments I wanted for a decent cost.

Something to think about if you don't mind dicking with used stuff and have other landscape needs.
 
My dad had two ryobies from the early 00s one I ran over and the one I replaced it with. One engine got straight gas pot in it and melted the piston :homer: The jug blew off of the other one. Before their failure they were good machines.
 
If you are going gas, Stihl is worth the money. At our previous house we spent about 2-3 hours a week using a string trimmer and after burning through several cheap ones I bought a Stihl. They just flat out work great.

Now that we are in town I use a 18v Milwaukee. It's really good too.
 
M92PV4U said:
I bought these, I'm happy with them.
Click to expand...
Exact same thing I got a few years ago. Works fine for me.

I did, however, change out the head on the trimmer to one that is NOT a self-feed one this year, as the feeding was getting to be a pain in the ass for me.
 
I have the original Dewalt 20v and it's been absolutely fine for normal trimming...the newer models should be even better, especially the 60v. Screw gas powered trimmers, no point anymore...but gas mowers are still where it's at (I have a Honda, wouldn't buy a battery powered mower).
 
Love my Stihl FS131, but 2yrs ago I bought a Makita 36v power head and string trimmer attachment, and haven’t really touched the Stihl very much except for long weed eating days, the Makita is pretty damn convenient if you have enough batteries. Not gonna find it for only $200 though
 
SomeGuy said:
I have the original Dewalt 20v and it's been absolutely fine for normal trimming...the newer models should be even better, especially the 60v. Screw gas powered trimmers, no point anymore...but gas mowers are still where it's at (I have a Honda, wouldn't buy a battery powered mower).
Click to expand...
We’ve had an EGO electric walk behind for two years and it’s pretty legit.
 
I have the 1st gen Dewalt 20V unit and it gets the job done. I mostly use it for grass where the mower the get to, but it works as good as all the POS gas units I've had...and it's easier to start
 
I've put a lot of hours on stihl trimmers, a 56 and a 70. Stihl is what I would recommend.
 
I did snag a 20v Dewalt a while ago. For zapping random weeds around the shop its pretty legit. For any real weedeating though......It sets the bar pretty low
 
2 stroke Echo, and never let it see ethanol.


*edit- it was $200 like 10 years ago, just checked prices and nevermind. New roaring 20's strikes again
 
I bought a $100 refurbished Homelite straight shaft gas off eBay.

For the money I am very happy with it. I did exactly zero maintenance to it in the last 3 or 4 years. Add gas and will always start with ease.

I bought a head with swinging teeth discs for cutting down small trees, vines and large weeds.
 
I bought this guy last year(Troy-Bilt TB252S 25cc 17" Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer):
www.ebay.com

Troy-Bilt 41AD252S766 25cc 17" Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer w/Attachmnt New 84931848528 | eBay

Model 41AD252S766. Troy-Bilt 25cc 17 in. 25cc 2-Cycle lightweight engine is comfortable for everyone. Drive Shaft Type Straight. SpringAssist technology for easier pull starts. Starter Type Pull. Power Type Gas.
www.ebay.com
it was $120 and so far, I've been very happy with it. It knocks down some pretty tall/heavy stuff.
 
Also have the dewalt 20v and like it.

What kind of head or attachment can I put on there for cutting heavier stuff?
 
How big of an area? I loved my M18 string trimmer, but it was just not enough for my property. Picked up a Stihl FS 131 R, it is over kill but works. Biggest complaint is keeping string on it, not sure if it is the rocks or brush I am hitting but it eats string.
 
I have an echo whatever SRM from Home Depot. Straight shaft. Works fine but will sometimes stumble when inverted edging.

Also the string dispenser is awful. Its the speed feed one and continually sheds string so it runs out pretty quick.

I’d buy a stihl when I replace it if we have gas then. I’ve yet to see an electric one that will keep up. I don’t have a lot to weedeat either.
 
when I buy the expensive tools, I always look and see if there will be parts available for repairs.

with that said, anything that I have had that has Stihl on the side of it is going on 20 years now, and everything is still working fine
 
I've always had good luck with Husqvarna equipment. If you get it from an actual dealer and not Lowes you get a slight upgrade for the same price.
(bushings instead of bearings that kind of deal).
 
I have and use Craftsman self propelled mower, and a Craftsman 25cc weed eater. Home user grade stuff.

Both are well over 10 years old and still kicking.

Not a large area to cut/weed eat so I will nurse these along until they kick the bucket.
Have lots of Milwaukee batteries on hand, if I ever go cordless this would be my direction.

Last year or so I treated lawnmower to fresh filter/oil/spark plug and cleaned the deck etc.

Last month I took weed eater completely apart and did a carb rebuild and went through it all.

For as little use as OP is mentioning I would get a used piece of equipment and rock it. You decide on what brand etc..
 
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