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Weed Whacker. .???

s.guns.gun Member Posts: 3,245
edited October 2016 in General Discussion
Going to buy a new gas trimmer....why do some prefer the strait shaft ??? I never used a strait shaft...
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Comments

  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Cheaper usually.
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  • festusfestus Member Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    May have something to do with being able to use a blade on them.
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  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was told that for high usage the straight shafted ones are a better choice because the inside shaft that turns the head doesn't rub on the outer tube like the curved ones do, and thus lasts longer.
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  • likemhotlikemhot Member Posts: 2,885 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I once asked a dealer from a mom and pop store and he said the only thing he can figure is that it gives you greater reach under and around bushes
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  • buddybbuddyb Member Posts: 5,393 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think the straight shaft give less problems due to the cable not having the bend=less friction.
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  • Smitty500magSmitty500mag Member Posts: 13,623 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Next time you run across a Mexican ask him. The border patrol issues week whackers and leaf blowers to them when they cross the border so they should be very familiar with them.
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  • WranglerWrangler Member Posts: 5,788 ✭
    edited November -1
    Not sure of the reason, but all of the commercial lawn services in my area use the ones with a straight shaft.
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    Straight shafts are more durable and last longer. Stihl or Husky and you can't go wrong. I think the Husky is much easier to pull start (do a test and you will see).

    Curved shaft are easier to use for straight trimming but if you want to edge, it's a real pain. The fact they are not near as durable alone deters me from ever considering them.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • bullshotbullshot Member Posts: 14,720 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Straight-shaft weed trimmers are a bit more versatile than curved-shaft versions. They offer a longer reach, enabling you to get more trimming completed faster. The straight shaft gets under bushes and around plants in your flowerbed with more precision than a curved shaft, and the long reach means you won't get hit by as much flying debris.
    "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you"
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  • riflemikeriflemike Member Posts: 10,599 ✭
    edited November -1
    redmax straight shaft
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  • Big Sky RedneckBig Sky Redneck Member Posts: 19,752 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Beat damn weedeater you can ever get, needs no gas, no tune ups and fertilizes the ground daily. [:D]

    A81A9A56-79DD-4CE0-8C0E-829197040F1F_zpsb1gs7uni.jpg
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  • ChrisStreettChrisStreett Member Posts: 3,847 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Longer reach, more versatile, longer shaft wear and you'll play hell edging with a curved shaft trimmer. See Mr. Perfect's post above.
    "...dying ain't much of a living boy"-Josey Wales
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  • yoshmysteryoshmyster Member Posts: 22,059 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    When I was helping a friend re-hab his joint he had a weed whacker. Don't know good one from a bad one but I do know this. Get the one that can slap on a circular saw blade for the tough patches.
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  • beneteaubeneteau Member Posts: 8,552 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Echo
    0M9InwN.gif[
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  • asopasop Member Posts: 9,019 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have both a straight shaft Echo and a curved Stihl. Both great tools. Depends on what you'll be cutting for the most part.
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  • FrogdogFrogdog Member Posts: 3,030 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For around the house, I don't think straight vs curved makes a whole lot of difference, although the longer reach of the straight shaft under bushes, etc. may be desirable.

    When you need to move fast and get a tight edge, however, straight shaft is definitely the way to go. If you watch a good commercial groundsman, you'll see that they use the trimmer more like an edger, and will flip it upside down (or close to) to use it that way. Held in this manner, you can learn to move FAST, and still get an edger-quality look. Flipping a curved shaft trimmer up that way just doesn't work. It's awkward, gives a poor angle, and usually makes you have to stoop the whole time, which ain't good when you're trimming all day, every day. [:D]
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  • wpageabcwpageabc Member Posts: 8,760 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    + one on the bent shaft helping the bending over...
    "What is truth?'
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  • EhlerDaveEhlerDave Member Posts: 5,158 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Because I can not use a handheld weedeater, I use the wheeled string trimmers. Talk about making a mess of chain link when you get into it, no need to ask how I know this. :)
    Just smile and say nothing, let them guess how much you know.
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  • jltrentjltrent Member Posts: 9,344 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Get one that you can attach either shaft you prefer. I like Husqvarna s the best, but they are not worth much unless you drill out the holes in the muffler more and turn more fuel to them on the high side.

    I found a nice Husqvarna 128CD at the flea market last week for $50 with the curved shaft, but I can put a lot of attachments on it if I want. They fit me better that Stihl as I am pretty tall.

    http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/trimmers/128cd/952711952/
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  • jimdeerejimdeere Member, Moderator Posts: 26,277 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by asop
    I have both a straight shaft Echo and a curved Stihl. Both great tools. Depends on what you'll be cutting for the most part.

    I've always owned Stihl chainsaws and string trimmers, but tried an Echo trimmer. I think it started better and was easier to re-string.
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  • nutfinnnutfinn Member Posts: 12,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have this one, like it a lot [:)]

    http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/trimmers/324l/967055801/
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    This is the one I have. I love it. Been through two heads. Lean out the gas slightly and it's got tons of power.

    http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/trimmers/128l/952711946/


    Have had the thing for about 15 years now.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • Wild TurkeyWild Turkey Member Posts: 2,425 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm in my third or fourth year with a Stihl 110R. I got it because we have 5 acres of horse pasture and I needed to keep the fence rows clear.

    In addition to string trimming weeds I've now use three different steel blades on it to clear brush (have I mentioned I hate wild roses?), trim trees, remove saplings, etc.

    No way a curved shaft would take that abuse.

    But a curved shaft wouldn't have the power to start with, so it's a choice you make when you decide "how big?".

    And I really like the 4-stroke. Yes, I still have to mix oil but it's so much easier on the ears and hands than a shaky two-stroke.[:D]
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