Help choosing a weed wacker

[angiek]

Does anyone have a weed wacker that they really like? I get so frustrated with all the ones I have bought in the past. I have tried cheap ones, expensive ones etc and i spend most of my time rethreading the line.
I just bought a Worx for $100.00 and it is susposed to have automatic line feed system, but it hasn't worked yet. Any tricks or tips.

[mlc2000]

I have one of those Black & Decker Grass Hog's.
They are really easy to re-spool the cutting string.

Very versatile. I've tried 2 other models, yardworks and Toro, I prefer this one.
Most of the neighbours use it too.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000087QVV.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[dgs]

I have a John Deere XT120 - very good machine although pricey - I have a ditch at the front of our property that I keep clear with it - any job like that and you need something with a fair bit of power. If you are just clearing small areas of weeds and otherwise trimming grass you can get away with a lot less but I would still recommend a gas trimmer over electric. Look for a machine with a dual line feed - two strings means twice the cutting rate and they tend to have a larger capacity for holding line. This month's issue of Consumer Reports has an article on them btw.

[angiek]

Thank-you for your input. I think I will try the grass hog next and hopefully that will sovle my problems. Thanks

[angiek]

mlc2000----

I have one of those Black & Decker Grass Hog's.



I bought the grass hog. :)

It is everything that I imagined a weed wacker should be like. I did my yard in about a hour. Did not have to touch the spool once. Much better then the cheap ones. I now do not dread doing this chore.
Thank-you for your input.

[mpt]

I prefer gas to electric.

[tigger03]

i just bought the yardworks one from Cdn Tire for $29.99 (down from $69.99). Haven't tried it yet coz it's raining outside. Will try it later this week.

[takt]

Gas is more convienent and the wire doesn't get in the way.

Electric is a bit of a hassle, but I like it more because I hate breathing the exhaust.

I've had mine for a long time now (over 15 years). It's a Black and Decker one. Still running fine. It's manual feed, kinda annoying but it works.

One thing to look out for is weight. Some strange turn of events might lead you to weed wack a small outgrown field because your lawnmower can't handle it. So go try it out for weight.

[Bullseye]

You don't need a gas unless you have a pretty big property. Electric is better for the environment, maintenance free, and easily able to do the job with most houses.

I've had a $40 Black and Decker for a few years, I haven't had to mess with the spool/line even once since new.

[tigger03]

i just bought the yardworks one from Cdn Tire for $29.99 (down from $69.99). Haven't tried it yet coz it's raining outside. Will try it later this week.

CRAPPY CRAPPY CRAPPY!!! I'm going to return mine and buy the black and decker from RONA for $98 with the automatic line advance. THe bump on the ground thing is HORRIBLE!

[t3359]

I picked up a YardWorks cordless (rechargeable) mainly because it was cheap. Been using it for about a month and it's been okay, including the line advance (bump on the ground).

Thing I hate about it is the fact that you have to hold that stupid button down - gets tiring after 20min. *BLEH*!

Gas is probably heavier?

bjl

[tonic]

How much is the B&D Grass Hog..is it available at Canadian Tire?

[krazykanuck]

I'm fed up with my electric one and about to pick up a gas one...so far I've seen a MTD one @ Rona for 149 (straight shaft..) that seems interesting.

Is there really that much of a diff. between straight shaft & curved?

[Spidey]

From years of yard work I recommend one thing.

Get a cordless. Nothing makes trimming grass more of a pain than the stupid extension cords. Unwrapping it the having it get tangelled around yourself or around things you are working on

[Kannna]

I used a gas one and it died in 2 years. That was heavy and towards the second year produced more vibration. Then bought a codeless 12V Ryobi. I immediately noticed the power difference, however liked it as it was lighter and convenient. Also, it's charger acted as a wall mounted storage hanger too.

However, this year it is failing to hold the charge and hunting for a new one now!
Saw an 18V at wallmart for $70 (WORKX).

[tigger03]

I saw the Black & Decker 18V (or was it 24V?) on a Rona flyer for $98. That's a whole lot cheaper than Crappy Tire trying to sell it for $129.

I have to confirm this, though. So it's the automatic line feed, more power, cordless, and a bigger trim edge.

[mart242]

I used a gas one and it died in 2 years. That was heavy and towards the second year produced more vibration. Then bought a codeless 12V Ryobi. I immediately noticed the power difference, however liked it as it was lighter and convenient. Also, it's charger acted as a wall mounted storage hanger too.

However, this year it is failing to hold the charge and hunting for a new one now!
Saw an 18V at wallmart for $70 (WORKX).

Don't you think that the 70$ wallyworld one will end up duying just like the 12V ryobi?

[tigger03]

I saw the Black & Decker 18V (or was it 24V?) on a Rona flyer for $98. That's a whole lot cheaper than Crappy Tire trying to sell it for $129.

I have to confirm this, though. So it's the automatic line feed, more power, cordless, and a bigger trim edge.


Nevermind .. I'm just going to buy THIS ONE (http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444328 8700&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517513&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517514&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669576&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669576&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1149092916708) from Crappy Tire.

Yardworks 12-in 18V Grass Trimmer
- Lightweight ergonomic design with extending handle for comfortable grip
- Includes two 18V batteries, 1.7Ah nickel-cadmium with a one-hour charge time
- 12" (30 cm) cutting width and a safety lock-out button for added protection
- Features bonus spool
- Auto line advancement
- Create manicured lawns around sidewalks, driveways, curbs and patios with edge guide

Reg: $99.99 ... Now on sale for: $79.99.
Even cheaper with my $29.99 return of the one previously on sale.

[t3359]

Nevermind .. I'm just going to buy THIS ONE (http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444328 8700&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517513&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517514&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669576&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669576&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1149092916708) from Crappy Tire.

Yardworks 12-in 18V Grass Trimmer
- Lightweight ergonomic design with extending handle for comfortable grip
- Includes two 18V batteries, 1.7Ah nickel-cadmium with a one-hour charge time
- 12" (30 cm) cutting width and a safety lock-out button for added protection
- Features bonus spool
- Auto line advancement
- Create manicured lawns around sidewalks, driveways, curbs and patios with edge guide

Reg: $99.99 ... Now on sale for: $79.99.
Even cheaper with my $29.99 return of the one previously on sale.

I have this exact one - been using it for the last few weekends - has been working well, except it requires you to hold down a button with your thumb while holding down the trigger to run it. Makes your thumb damn tired.

Or maybe I should read the manual :)

bjl

[tigger03]

I have this exact one - been using it for the last few weekends - has been working well, except it requires you to hold down a button with your thumb while holding down the trigger to run it. Makes your thumb damn tired.

Or maybe I should read the manual :)

bjl

Yup ... it works AWESOME! And if the line doesn't advance, all you have to do is press this little button while pulling on the line. It works like a charm!

No, you don't have to hold any button with your thumb. It's the lock button that you're referring to. To start it, you press the lock button and trigger. To keep it running, all you have to do is hold the trigger. The big yellow button on the top is to invert the handle for the edging.

[t3359]

Yup ... it works AWESOME! And if the line doesn't advance, all you have to do is press this little button while pulling on the line. It works like a charm!

No, you don't have to hold any button with your thumb. It's the lock button that you're referring to. To start it, you press the lock button and trigger. To keep it running, all you have to do is hold the trigger. The big yellow button on the top is to invert the handle for the edging.

Oh man! Thanks! I can't believe I tortured myself for 4 weekends for no reason :P

bjl