Strimmer Replacement

Apreciar

For the past four years I have had a Ryobi Strimmer, using it for strimming, hedge cutting and as a blower. it is now coming near to it's replacement time. The question is would a premium brand such as Stihl be a better replacement.

I notice that Stihl can be more than twice the price of a Ryobi if I want to have the add on tools, is it really worthwhile paying the extra for the Stihl or other premium brands.

Assuming another brand, which brands would members recommend and at what price points.

Davesnave

I think it's worth investing in a more expensive tool if you are going to use it regularly.

I've used a church-owned Ryobi brushcutter to strim the village graveyard, but now I usually take my Honda along instead, because its much nicer to use and starts reliably every time. It has a 5 year guarantee if it's dealer-serviced annually. I just service it myself!

Stihl, Honda, Husqvarna, Echo, Efco, Shindaiwa and Tanaka are some reputable firms making multitool kits, though whether they all offer the flexibility you need I don't know. Service and spares are pretty important, so maybe consider what your local garden tool shops are selling, even if you purchase initially over the internet. Some of those brands have limited outlets.

Honda is probably the main four stroke contender. Two strokes are slightly more powerful, but they mean more faffing-about with mixing etc. It's a personal choice.

Any brushcutter is much more comfortable to use if a full harness is used with it.

peter_the_piper

+1 to wot Dave says, extra bonus with the Honda, its pretty quiet as well. One extra maybe a Mitox, not cheap but nor are the rese.

Apreciar

Thanks for the comments, would the other brands be that much better value than the Ryobi? I have not had that much trouble with the Ryobi other than an occasional reluctance to start. The Stihl would be almost three times the price.

Davesnave

Apreciar wrote: »

Thanks for the comments, would the other brands be that much better value than the Ryobi? I have not had that much trouble with the Ryobi other than an occasional reluctance to start. The Stihl would be almost three times the price.

'Better value' is difficult to assess without knowing how often and in what context the tool will be used, what the life-span will be, or how much the operator will value any refinements.

For example, I'm quite happy with my mid-range Husqvarna chain saw, while my friend who does tree work professionally would soon be fed up if he had to use it every day. It would be too slow and underpowered from his point of view, whereas from my perspective, it's fine and it does the job..

So, if you are happy with the Ryobi, it may well be better value for you, especially if the attachments are only used occasionally.