Lawn equipment recommendations

[spederman]

I hate my pos craftsman 2 cycle garbage line trimmer and blower. They have always run like shit and finally gave up this season. Im thinking this time, 4 cycle is the way to go. What brands are known for being pretty maintenance free and will last forever? Also, what are some must have features to look for in a line trimmer since there are so many out there

[8mpg]

Stihl

[Randy]

I wouldn't suggest 4 cycle engines, they're a little bigger and weigh more. just get a dependable 2 cycle like Stihl, and echo. As for features it depends on what youre after. Personally i have a lawn mower to mow, weed eater to weed eat, and an edger to edge. some people love those weed eaters that you can make into a blower/edger/hedge trimmer etc. etc. I would just suggest a good mid rand Stihl or echo straight shaft weed eater. and a separate blower stihl would be my choice for that as well.

[snacksnack]

Stihl

for life, it may cost more up front but will pay for its self over and over. Dont buy the cheap model either, go to a lawnmower shop and check them out.

Ive had my honda mower since 1987 and one of my sthil weedeaters since the early 90's

[Reefer Rae]

99% of small engine failures are due to improper storage or maintenance . Even a 79$ ryobi will last 10 years if it's not left with gas in it . Especially this ethanol blend shit we get around here . I've been using junk weed eaters I find on the curb for years . Clean the carb replace the fuel lines and put a new primer in them and they are reliable . Two of my neighbors are using freebies i found in the last few months .

[Blackpony]

I have the troy built stuff from lowes, thus far it has been great. I have the commercial grade straight shaft weedeater with the edger attachment. The 4 stroke has tons of torque which helps with edging.

[slow06]

99% of small engine failures are due to improper storage or maintenance . Even a 79$ ryobi will last 10 years if it's not left with gas in it . Especially this ethanol blend shit we get around here . I've been using junk weed eaters I find on the curb for years . Clean the carb replace the fuel lines and put a new primer in them and they are reliable . Two of my neighbors are using freebies i found in the last few months .

Do you/would you empty it after every use, or just during the winter?

[Reefer Rae]

If it sits more than 2 - 3 weeks on the hand held stuff , but I must say I'm lazy on the mower . I will run all of them dry when I put them away for winter though . Pull the plug spray a little wd-40 pull the rope a few times and they are good to go in spring .

[KBScobravert]

If it sits more than 2 - 3 weeks on the hand held stuff , but I must say I'm lazy on the mower . I will run all of them dry when I put them away for winter though . Pull the plug spray a little wd-40 pull the rope a few times and they are good to go in spring .

Good to know, thanks.

Right now I use my weed eater every week, so it always has some gas in it unless I ran it dry during its last use and didn't realize it. 4cyl Troy-built.

Same goes for my Husqvarna zero turn. (4cyl Kholer)

[Reefer Rae]

The only company I know of that has changed fuel supply rubber (ie , lines gaskets , needle tips ) is echo but only in the commercial equipment . Now think about your older cars .

[spederman]

I was on the stihl website, what is different on the tools that are consumer occasional use vs commercial use?

[BajaBob]

Honda.

Dad gave me his self powered (walk behind) lawn mower. Still starts full pull, 25+ years old (older than me). Not a spot of rust. We cleaned the carb once. I will use this mower 'till I die.

[BEARY]

Stihl or Echo....

[bcoop]

Stihl or echo on the weedeater. McLane for a blade edger. Honda for a mower, but I'd be cautious of the Harmony models. My dad has 2 HR215 models that are 25+ years old, and an HRC216 that is 15 years old. Replace some parts here and there, but they have been pretty damn solid.

[Reefer Rae]

I was on the stihl website, what is different on the tools that are consumer occasional use vs commercial use?

Better carbs cyl liners clutches and gear material .