GT225 curved vs staight (for older users)

[GrowinWeeds]

At 1st, gonna ask about avail "spool" type string heads (not fixed length), for the curved shaft GT225.
Now found full, USA catalog - see several GT225 models (most not stocked @ box stores).
HD (& others) list GT-225SF Curved-Shaft (48") w/ Speed-Feed® 400 Trimmer Head. [GT-225L, 55" curved shaft]
Least in past, Echo trimmers (& current yrs old Echo blower) were among easiest to start / restart - cold or hot ( the easiest?).
At my age, physical issues, can't crank (anything) 7 - 10x, in 95 deg, 80 - 90% humidity.

Would appreciate others input on straight vs. curved, for older folks, reduced grip / arm strength, some pain, etc.
If Echo trimmers still easiest to start / restart?

Considering curved shaft, due to lost arm / hand strength. May get cramping, if "grip tight" to hold one steady.
I've used (longer) straight shaft ones (both gas - Stihl brush cutter; & a "beast" corded 10A ryobi). The cord really slows me down.
Generally, can't hold any for long w/o a strap / harness.

Edging walks, drives, the straight shaft's seem to "take off" on me. Guessing mostly from lower grip & arm strength?
St. Augustine here grows LOTs w/ rains - often cutting thick runners / mats, not just tips of blades.

Also, w/ straight shaft seems? harder (me) to control where the head / string is, what it does (keep string off concrete) more than a curved shaft? (Just me??)
Any others had same experience w/ straight vs. curved shaft,, as get older, etc?

I'm also not tall, so the shortness of curved shaft's I've read tall users complain of, isn't an issue.
Now, I often edge (walks) by cutting into grass from the side (not holding string perpendic. to sidewalk), especially if runners grew from rain.
If have runners or thick areas over the concrete, (me) edging w/ string perpendic. to ground is hard; mostly gives a real "hatchet job".

**Way back, read about "full harness" being easier, if have strength, pain issues.
Bought fairly expensive, name brand. Inspected others.

Found, for edging (not "mowing motion") w/ straight shaft, if trimmer "hang point" is on R side, & string head needed on L side to edge (hold shaft across my body), nearly impossible to edge (me).
Again, not tall nor big around. Harnesses ( looked at, tried), adjusted to waist size, holding the straight shaft across my body to edge (string perpendic.) - difficult. In mowing position, not so bad.
??Maybe if I build or customize a harness for my size & weight - get something usable?
So, "forced" to go back to shoulder strap.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

At 1st, gonna ask about avail "spool" type string heads (not fixed length), for the curved shaft GT225.
Now found full, USA catalog - see several GT225 models (most not stocked @ box stores).
HD (& others) list GT-225SF Curved-Shaft (48") w/ Speed-Feed® 400 Trimmer Head. [GT-225L, 55" curved shaft]
Least in past, Echo trimmers (& current yrs old Echo blower) were among easiest to start / restart - cold or hot ( the easiest?).
At my age, physical issues, can't crank (anything) 7 - 10x, in 95 deg, 80 - 90% humidity.

Would appreciate others input on straight vs. curved, for older folks, reduced grip / arm strength, some pain, etc.
If Echo trimmers still easiest to start / restart?

Considering curved shaft, due to lost arm / hand strength. May get cramping, if "grip tight" to hold one steady.
I've used (longer) straight shaft ones (both gas - Stihl brush cutter; & a "beast" corded 10A ryobi). The cord really slows me down.
Generally, can't hold any for long w/o a strap / harness.

Edging walks, drives, the straight shaft's seem to "take off" on me. Guessing mostly from lower grip & arm strength?
St. Augustine here grows LOTs w/ rains - often cutting thick runners / mats, not just tips of blades.

Also, w/ straight shaft seems? harder (me) to control where the head / string is, what it does (keep string off concrete) more than a curved shaft? (Just me??)
Any others had same experience w/ straight vs. curved shaft,, as get older, etc?

I'm also not tall, so the shortness of curved shaft's I've read tall users complain of, isn't an issue.
Now, I often edge (walks) by cutting into grass from the side (not holding string perpendic. to sidewalk), especially if runners grew from rain.
If have runners or thick areas over the concrete, (me) edging w/ string perpendic. to ground is hard; mostly gives a real "hatchet job".

**Way back, read about "full harness" being easier, if have strength, pain issues.
Bought fairly expensive, name brand. Inspected others.

Found, for edging (not "mowing motion") w/ straight shaft, if trimmer "hang point" is on R side, & string head needed on L side to edge (hold shaft across my body), nearly impossible to edge (me).
Again, not tall nor big around. Harnesses ( looked at, tried), adjusted to waist size, holding the straight shaft across my body to edge (string perpendic.) - difficult. In mowing position, not so bad.
??Maybe if I build or customize a harness for my size & weight - get something usable?
So, "forced" to go back to shoulder strap.

For most people, a straight shaft trimmer is the only way to go. A shoulder harness also slows most people down and is restrictive. Your individual needs may be different. Echo equipment has always been very easy to start in my experience and makes great equipment.

 

[MParr]

Something like the Darwin Grip is a great help with string trimmers and powered edgers. There are several brands out there. It will save your back as well.

 

[GrowinWeeds]

Thanks.

For most people, a straight shaft trimmer is the only way to go.

Why is that? (Other than taller users don't need to bend as much; or longer shaft reach, when using a sweeping, mowing motion)?
Your thoughts, is "straight shaft_only way to go" for seniors w/ some physical issues?

Some straight shaft models have more torque, power, etc., vs. curved shaft.
Seems ? "more power" has to do w/ finishing faster vs. being able to do it at all? (not sure).
Now, no way I can hold a straight shaft vertically (like pros) for edging.
When, no pain / grip issues, bigger Stihl brush cutters didn't bother me.

shoulder harness also slows most people down

You mean a full harness vs. a single shoulder strap? (I don't love either one, but forced to use at least a shoulder strap).

Something like the Darwin Grip is a great help

Thanks. I'll check out. Is it more for keeping back straight vs. being able to hold onto (or support weight of) machine?
As I'm not tall, I don't seem to bend as trimming (curved or straight shaft).
In your opin, do gadgets like darwin grip give a real "mechanical advantage" for older (or weaker) users, to hold / support or give far better control of a trimmer?
How so? (keeping straight back is another matter)

 

[MParr]

Thanks.

Why is that? (Other than taller users don't need to bend as much; or longer shaft reach, when using a sweeping, mowing motion)?
Your thoughts, is "straight shaft_only way to go" for seniors w/ some physical issues?

Some straight shaft models have more torque, power, etc., vs. curved shaft.
Seems ? "more power" has to do w/ finishing faster vs. being able to do it at all? (not sure).
Now, no way I can hold a straight shaft vertically (like pros) for edging.
When, no pain / grip issues, bigger Stihl brush cutters didn't bother me.

You mean a full harness vs. a single shoulder strap? (I don't love either one, but forced to use at least a shoulder strap).


Thanks. I'll check out. Is it more for keeping back straight vs. being able to hold onto (or support weight of) machine?
As I'm not tall, I don't seem to bend as trimming (curved or straight shaft).
In your opin, do gadgets like darwin grip give a real "mechanical advantage" for older (or weaker) users, to hold / support or give far better control of a trimmer?
How so? (keeping straight back is another matter)

I have one on my trimmer and it keeps me from overextending my left shoulder. Also, I'm 6'2" and 67. I used it today. I didn't have any problems. I have a Stihl FS 56 straight shaft trimmer. I wouldn't call it heavy. However, my former Echo SRM 225 had a better balance. It was also a straight shaft trimmer.
I don't use a should strap.

 

[GrowinWeeds]

Thanks MParr. Now, I can't (wouldn't) hold any trimmer w/ only hands, arms. Fatigued too soon.
But if the gadget provides better control (w/o adding much weight), possibly worth it.
I'm much shorter, so almost have to test such device. Check out return policy.

 

[MParr]

Thanks MParr. Now, I can't (wouldn't) hold any trimmer w/ only hands, arms. Fatigued too soon.
But if the gadget provides better control (w/o adding much weight), possibly worth it.
I'm much shorter, so almost have to test such device. Check out return policy.

It doesn't add much weight. Look for other brands that might be cheaper. I'm very pleased with it. When my Echo went down, I transferred it to the new Stihl. I'm thinking about getting one for my Echo edger.
Look:

Amazon.com : weed eater handle

 

[MParr]

After reading your original post again. I noticed the part about edging sidewalks and drive ways. I have a dedicated edger for that. I'm not really good at edging with a string trimmer.

 

[Tonebalone]

At 1st, gonna ask about avail "spool" type string heads (not fixed length), for the curved shaft GT225.
Now found full, USA catalog - see several GT225 models (most not stocked @ box stores).
HD (& others) list GT-225SF Curved-Shaft (48") w/ Speed-Feed® 400 Trimmer Head. [GT-225L, 55" curved shaft]
Least in past, Echo trimmers (& current yrs old Echo blower) were among easiest to start / restart - cold or hot ( the easiest?).
At my age, physical issues, can't crank (anything) 7 - 10x, in 95 deg, 80 - 90% humidity.

Would appreciate others input on straight vs. curved, for older folks, reduced grip / arm strength, some pain, etc.
If Echo trimmers still easiest to start / restart?

Considering curved shaft, due to lost arm / hand strength. May get cramping, if "grip tight" to hold one steady.
I've used (longer) straight shaft ones (both gas - Stihl brush cutter; & a "beast" corded 10A ryobi). The cord really slows me down.
Generally, can't hold any for long w/o a strap / harness.

Edging walks, drives, the straight shaft's seem to "take off" on me. Guessing mostly from lower grip & arm strength?
St. Augustine here grows LOTs w/ rains - often cutting thick runners / mats, not just tips of blades.

Also, w/ straight shaft seems? harder (me) to control where the head / string is, what it does (keep string off concrete) more than a curved shaft? (Just me??)
Any others had same experience w/ straight vs. curved shaft,, as get older, etc?

I'm also not tall, so the shortness of curved shaft's I've read tall users complain of, isn't an issue.
Now, I often edge (walks) by cutting into grass from the side (not holding string perpendic. to sidewalk), especially if runners grew from rain.
If have runners or thick areas over the concrete, (me) edging w/ string perpendic. to ground is hard; mostly gives a real "hatchet job".

**Way back, read about "full harness" being easier, if have strength, pain issues.
Bought fairly expensive, name brand. Inspected others.

Found, for edging (not "mowing motion") w/ straight shaft, if trimmer "hang point" is on R side, & string head needed on L side to edge (hold shaft across my body), nearly impossible to edge (me).
Again, not tall nor big around. Harnesses ( looked at, tried), adjusted to waist size, holding the straight shaft across my body to edge (string perpendic.) - difficult. In mowing position, not so bad.
??Maybe if I build or customize a harness for my size & weight - get something usable?
So, "forced" to go back to shoulder strap.

I'm 69 and fairly tall. I have begun using a dedicated edger and it is my favorite lawn tool. Super fast and accurate.

I haven't used a curved trimmer since the 80s. I am pretty much all Echo these days. The SRM-225 usually starts in one or two pulls.

I use a harness with my SRM-410U. The harness that came with it is inadequate; I ended up buying a much better harness made by Husqvarna.

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www.amazon.com

It has many adjustments and has tool height adjustments for blade vs. string. It's a real back saver, but seems to be limited to right handers. The reviews on Amazon are almost universally glowing, especially the ones from older, injured users.

 

[GrowinWeeds]

Thanks so much.
@ MParr & Tonebalone, what brand, model or style are your dedicated edgers? MParr mentioned Echo edger.

Lots avail. Some v. expensive (like old school, 3 wheel, gas engine), that my "get off my lawn, killin' the grass" neighbor had.
While back, got a (not bad) corded, rolling, metal blade, dedicated edger. (used similar (lighter) when a kid).
It works ok, until... rains heavy & soil fills trenched groove. Or rains every day & grass + dirt is 2 - 4" over walk. Then it's ultra-slow & hard on back.

Then I need a "real" edger - it can rain, for months. Then, almost impossible w/ a string trimmer (me) to cut a mat of runners & dirt.

Thanks for harness link - will review.