26cc Petrol Line Trimmer

hans_2

Can anyone recommend a good reliable one..
Reviews are so confusing.
Prefer a loop handle.

Thanks

Davesnave

No one can recommed anything with conviction if you don't say exactly what it's for and what your budget is.

A 26cc line trimmer isn't a heavy duty machine, but presumably you need to be away from the reach of a mains cable. This will mainly limit you to 2 stroke machines, which are notorious for not starting after a year or two, if they're cheap Chinese jobbies. Something made by Stihl or Kawasaki would be OK long term. Stihl dealers are easy to find.

Or you could go for a Honda 25cc like this:

https://www.radmoretucker.co.uk/product/Honda-UMK425LE-Petrol-Brushcutter?gclid=CLPDjfi_-9MCFaa17QodjVAE0w

.....which is a 4 stroke. I have the 35cc version and it's still going after nearly 8 years of continual abuse. It only gave trouble once, when I put Tesco petrol in it!

But....now there are battery operated machines which will prove more reliable for occasional users, and if they are made by a company which manufactures power tools, like Makita or DeWalt, then they can be bought bare and share the batteries of new models. Look at Screwfix for ideas here.

So, lots to think about, but if you go cheap 2 stroke, you'll regret in the longer term.

By the way, I have bike handles. Not so good for precise work, but on larger areas, much better.

YellowVurt

Another vote for the Honda 4 stroke here, though I have the cow horn version that includes the brushcutter star blade.


http://www.gardenmachinerydirect.co.uk/strimmers-and-brushcutters/honda-strimmers-and-brushcutters-umk425ue.html

Justagardener

Hugely depends on what you want to use it for and for how long. I Use both Honda and Stihl, both reliable, prefer the cowhorn version myself.

Davesnave

I stuck one of these on my 35cc Honda and use it with a 3.5mm serrated flexiblade line:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/1b3/Jet-Fit-111110-Universal-Easy-Load-Trimmer-Straight-Flexiblade/B002X3EGK2/ref=pd_sim_60_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WEVZJMQRCM7114E0V2CW

Although I think the Honda is a bit under-powered for this set-up, it's the best I've had yet in my situation, which is basically agricultural.

The next one will have more "oomph," but I love the Honda for not being temperamental.

hans_2

Ordered a STIHL Grass Trimmers FS 50 C-E Petrol Small with ErgoStart technology.

£169.00 (best price I found by far)

No requirement for heavy duty strimmer so this should be fine..

Davesnave

That was quick! I would take a week choosing, then probably another week just to make sure!

The small Stihl will be fine. I was secretly hoping you might go battery, but I guess many still see that as something that belongs on drills, not garden machines.

I went battery for my last chain saw. Early days, but I'm impressed.

glasgowdan

I hope you're not going to be using it much - the vibrations on that stihl are horrendous. It'll be fine for edge trimming, but it's not a clearing machine.

I've used most of the main brands. Echo and Tanaka are the best and so much nicer to use than Stihl etc. But you've bought now, so no point in retrospective advice sorry!

peter_the_piper

Word of advice. Empty petrol from tank after the last cut and run the engine till fuel used up. Old fuel is one of the main reasons for poor running and non starting in the spring.