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I have approx. 1/4 acre of rugged wooded area to clear of brush, brambles, and saplings. I bought a conversion kit for my SR-225 trimmer that came with an 8-tooth blade. While it worked OK on very small stuff, I'm looking for a blade to clear brambles and 1/2-1" saplings. From what I've read, more teeth improves sapling cut diameter but is worse on small stuff. I'd appreciate some advice on blades that will accommodate my need: clear brush, brambles and up to 1" saplings effectively. Note, that I'm going with an 8" blade as my trimmer is only around 21cc.
Thanks!

Similar ideas for clearing saplings etc. have a history of not working well since the 1940"s. If you want to clear it once and be done with that particular vegetative growth kill it with Glyphosate then pull it all out roots and all. Stack it, allow it to dry down to about 12 % moisture then burn it.

Are you sure you don’t have an SRM-225, not SR225. Either way you are pushing that unit to its limit with any type of blade. Personally I would not recommend using any blade on this unit as it will shorten the life of the head.

Rivets said:

Are you sure you don’t have an SRM-225, not SR225. Either way you are pushing that unit to its limit with any type of blade. Personally I would not recommend using any blade on this unit as it will shorten the life of the head.

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You could be right which is why I’m using just an 8” blade but the kit I’m using is made by Echo for these machines. On your head point, it comes off when the blade is attached.

By head I mean where the trimmer or blade is attached.

There is an aftermarket blade which has a length of chain saw chain wrapped arond the edge which works really well.
However like all chain if you dip the blde into the dirt it bluntens just the same as when fitted to a saw.
It can also be sharpend with a file or 12V grinder just like on a saw.
OTOH I have around 5 miles of fence line to maintain as part of my lease.
For that I use a light chain saw and a brushcutter on a full H harness, correctly heigh adjusted so all I have to do is guide it with one hand .

If you are clearing a large area then ma rough cut mower will work a lot better than a hand held.
So if I were to do a 1/4 acre, then my first option would be to hire a rough cut mower rather than wreck my yard maintenance tools.
It would be a lot faster & easier on my back.

The brushcutter kit will fit your trimmer but the machine is too light for what you are planning to do. Rent a proper brush cutter to knock it down then use yours to maintain the property.

Romore said:

The brushcutter kit will fit your trimmer but the machine is too light for what you are planning to do. Rent a proper brush cutter to knock it down then use yours to maintain the property.

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I appreciate the time taken on all the comments including those suggesting the conversion is problematic for one reason or another. Please note, though, that the conversion kit I'm using is an ECHO product specifically described on their packaging as being for ECHO's SRM trimmers including the 225. In addition, ECHO sells 4 blades (including one that can cut saplings 2.25" in diameter) which ECHO states are for use on the SRM-225. I can't imagine ECHO selling products that will damage their trimmers.

Having said that, I'm only using the lightest weight 8" blades and limiting my cutting to brush and saplings under 1" in diameter.

I understand that the conversion kit will work on an SRM-225, I just said I would not recommend it for that trimmer. I just wanted to let you know that you are pushing the limits of the bearing in the head and the clutch and shaft.

Just because you can do something does not mean it is a good idea to do it.
I can ( and have ) cut down 2" diameter saplings with my slasher ( Victa super 24 )
IT will do it all day, but the extra load causes the exhaust to carbon foul and it gobbles up blades.

bertsmobile1 said:

Just because you can do something does not mean it is a good idea to do it.
I can ( and have ) cut down 2" diameter saplings with my slasher ( Victa super 24 )
IT will do it all day, but the extra load causes the exhaust to carbon foul and it gobbles up blades.

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I guess we'll just have to agree to differ on this issue. I'm not saying I drive my car at 7,000 RPMs although the tachometer displays that range. However, when a reputable company I trust says their product can be used for something I need, I either trust them to do so or look for a different product. And I suspect that's the case with most people.

TonyPrin said:

I guess we'll just have to agree to differ on this issue. I'm not saying I drive my car at 7,000 RPMs although the tachometer displays that range. However, when a reputable company I trust says their product can be used for something I need, I either trust them to do so or look for a different product. And I suspect that's the case with most people.

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There is a big difference between can and should
If some one asks can this 30cc saw run a 24" bar the answer is yes if there is one that fits
If the question is should I run a 24" bar on this 30cc saw then the answer is no.

Did you ask if they RECOMMENDED fitting the blade to the trimmer or can I run this blade with this trimmer ?
The 2 questions should get different answers if the dealer is being honest.

You asked for the opinions of the people on here and you got the answers which were by and large the same.
IT is your trimmer so ultimately your decision all we can do is give honest unbiased opinions.

We all wish you well .

bertsmobile1 said:

Did you ask if they RECOMMENDED fitting the blade to the trimmer or can I run this blade with this trimmer ?
The 2 questions should get different answers if the dealer is being honest.

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Bert, you've given me helpful advice in the past so I'm certainly not trying to be argumentative, but I want to explain this one last time because other readers may believe there is a potential problem with the conversion kit that I don't believe exists. ECHO makes a conversion kit specifically for ECHO SRM trimmers, including the 225 per their literature. The conversion allows the trimmer to be used with either string or a blade, depending on need and can be changed back and forth.

I can't imagine ECHO not recommending an ECHO product and I don't believe ECHO would offer a product that could damage their trimmers when used according to their instructions. Here's an excerpt of the conversion kit description from their website:

"ECHO blade conversion kits offer more versatility with your ECHO SRM trimmer. From trimming the lawn to cutting through dense weeds and underbrush, our blade conversion kits deliver convenience and unit flexibility. With standard 20mm size arbors the blade conversion kits fit a variety of ECHO SRM models. An ideal option when you're looking to save yourself valuable trailer, shed or garage space without having to invest in a separate brushcutter unit."