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Grass Trimmer

#1

G

Grasstrology

I'm going to buy my first grass trimmer, but I would like some help on deciding. I'm already settling with a 4 cycle craftsman mower because then I don't have to mix oil and gas. However, I noticed that there are two types of trimmers-a curved shaft and straight shaft. To me, the curved shaft seems more professional, but it's cheaper that a straight shaft. Would anyone please tell me the pros and cons of each? I'm mainly using it to edge, and to trim those out of reach areas my mower can't tackle.


#2

M

mowerman05

I use a straight shaft bacause it allows me to trim under many different things that you cant reach with a curved shaft.as for edging I use a edger so no help there.


#3

B

Bacon8r

Straight shaft all the way. I'm pretty tall and strait shaft is a lot easier for me.also you can't really edge with a curved shaft. At least in my area you only see straight shaft trimmers on the lawn guys trucks. Just IMO.


#4

Carscw

Carscw

A curved shaft will spin the head clockwise and the straight shaft will spin it counterclockwise.
As a rule it takes less power to spin the straight shaft head.

I use both. I like the curved shaft for around the house and fence as the head turns clockwise it throws the grass away from me.

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))


#5

Carscw

Carscw

Very hard to edge with a curved shaft.

A straight shaft will last longer

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))


#6

P

possum

I like the curved shafts. No gearbox to wear out.


#7

G

Grasstrology

Alright thanks guys, I guess I'm gonna go out and get a straight shaft since I need to edge


#8

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

Straight shaft for all the reasons listed above. :thumbsup:


#9

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

I moved your thread to the General Mower Discussion Forum. :smile:


#10

Kodie's Lawn Service

Kodie's Lawn Service

I would look into a Honda 4 cycle since u don't want a two stroke:thumbsup:


#11

jborcheck

jborcheck

I used to have a gas trimmer and the maintnce for it is such a hassle. I put a lot of money into fixing it myself. I just got fed up and bought a Worx lithium powered 24 v trimmer/ edger. I love it. Granted its not for heavy duty areas ,but I just use it around the house and rock beds. It's great


#12

B

Brucebotti

Carscw said:
A curved shaft will spin the head clockwise and the straight shaft will spin it counterclockwise.
As a rule it takes less power to spin the straight shaft head.

I use both. I like the curved shaft for around the house and fence as the head turns clockwise it throws the grass away from me.

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
Click to expand...

Carscw,
Is that really true about the clock wise versus ccw? I honestly never knew that. Even at 63 I learn something new everyday. One thing that I learned awhile ago with trimmers is that you definitely get what you pay for. My first trimmer, purchased about 30 years ago was a two stroke made in Arizona of all places (I can't remember the name of it). It was inexpensive, heavy, loud, and vibrated like crazy, but it lasted about ten years. Then, I went through a series of cheap two and four stroke machines which I could never keep going for more than a few years at best. Finally, about three years ago, I threw them all out and bought a $250 Husqvarna (can't recall the model off hand). I absolutely love it! It is my first straight shaft, and I like it better than the curved. It starts up great, even after the winter.
Thanks,
Bruce


#13

Carscw

Carscw

Brucebotti said:
Carscw,
Is that really true about the clock wise versus ccw? I honestly never knew that. Even at 63 I learn something new everyday. One thing that I learned awhile ago with trimmers is that you definitely get what you pay for. My first trimmer, purchased about 30 years ago was a two stroke made in Arizona of all places (I can't remember the name of it). It was inexpensive, heavy, loud, and vibrated like crazy, but it lasted about ten years. Then, I went through a series of cheap two and four stroke machines which I could never keep going for more than a few years at best. Finally, about three years ago, I threw them all out and bought a $250 Husqvarna (can't recall the model off hand). I absolutely love it! It is my first straight shaft, and I like it better than the curved. It starts up great, even after the winter.
Thanks,
Bruce
Click to expand...

Yes this is the rule for MOST but for all.

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))


#14

Bomba

Bomba

Stihl and Echo seem to be the best trimmers that are widely available.


#15

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

Bomba said:
Stihl and Echo seem to be the best trimmers that are widely available.
Click to expand...

I agree! :thumbsup:


#16

M

Mini Motors

Brucebotti said:
Carscw,
Is that really true about the clock wise versus ccw? I honestly never knew that. Even at 63 I learn something new everyday. One thing that I learned awhile ago with trimmers is that you definitely get what you pay for. My first trimmer, purchased about 30 years ago was a two stroke made in Arizona of all places (I can't remember the name of it). It was inexpensive, heavy, loud, and vibrated like crazy, but it lasted about ten years. Then, I went through a series of cheap two and four stroke machines which I could never keep going for more than a few years at best. Finally, about three years ago, I threw them all out and bought a $250 Husqvarna (can't recall the model off hand). I absolutely love it! It is my first straight shaft, and I like it better than the curved. It starts up great, even after the winter.
Thanks,
Bruce
Click to expand...

The reason this is, is because a curved shaft has a direct connection with the drive shaft and spins the same direction as the motor, while a straight shaft has a geared connection with the rotating cutter head, at an angle, spinning in reverse of the motor.

My suggestion is to go with a split boom type, usually a curved shaft, and for edging, the shaft can be turned 90 degrees in either direction., or just get the edging attachment. There are advantages to having multiple attachments. I've used a blower attachment to blow light, dry snow.


#17

TheCaffeinatedOne

TheCaffeinatedOne

I've had a load of el cheapos over the years and finally bought a Husqvarna. Good unit.

One thing that may pay you back dividends is always to use fuel additive to compensate for the corrosive effect of cheap gas/ethanol. Most of my little Toros and so forth died from ethanol poisoning. Use stabil or some other fuel stabilizing additive so the engine doesn't get beat up with corrosion so much.


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