dlq04

I have a large yard with trimming needs in every corner, so electric corded ones are not on my list (I have one but it takes way to much cord to use). Weight is my next biggest issue, so I'm looking for the lightest gasoline powered trimmer that's reliable. Gasoline is lighter than battery powered ones based on what I've read. I've also read curved is light than straight and to avoid the split-shaft style. Currently I have a straight split-shaft Troy Bilt and its become impossible to restart; but, its 14 years old and owes me nothing and I do hate its weight.

Brand wise, I'm leaning towards Stihl based on my experience with their chain saw and leaf blower; perhaps the FS-38 model but the reviews seem mixed. The Stihl commercial grade trimmers get great reviews but they should for $400 or whatever.

Since I don't subscribe to CR, I'm not sure what they rate as the better ones for 2018.

Any suggestions are welcomed, I truly hate hard starting products!

Scooterboy

I have a Stihl FS-90 and have had no trouble with it. It starts first time every time. Currently it is fitted with a saw blade for cutting down some of the larger brush next to our house.

boltonblue

Well Dave I have a Honda that worked pretty well for a long time.
But honestly I'd seriously look at battery now.
A few years back I got a bunch of the 18V porter cable tools.
My wife's favorite is the reciprocating saw for trimming branches.
It's light and quiet with zero intimidation factor unlike the chain saw.

More importantly make sure it has an easy bump feed and a easy spool load capability.
The only thing I hate about my honda is it is a manual feed. I have to stop and pull the reel out and stretch the string.
But it doubles as a brush cutter. which was the trade-off.

dlq04

Scoots that FS90 looks like a good one; commercial grade it seems. Weight is a real issue for me these days due to arthritis; at 12 lbs thats more than I want. I can't seem to find the exact weight on the one I've been using but its apparently 15 to 18 lbs. All I know is its too heavy and at this stage too hard to start. So I'm hoping to find something in the 10 lb. area.

Bolt the gasoline ones are actually lighter than the battery, which was a surprise to me. So there's that weight issue again. You might consider looking into a head swap. I watched a video today from a guy who has a lawn service company. He did not care for the head on the Stihl but felt it was far and away the best trimmer, so he put an Echo head on and loves the combo. I actually have a variety of heads and the current one I like is not a bump style; it has arms on it that you insert short trimmed string into. Its really effective for trimming along the many brick garden borders we have.

I need to stop at our local Stihl store and talk to them about which model might work best for me.

S2KRAY

I have a Worx battery operated trimmer/edger and blower. Free spools of line for life. I don't have a large property but the Worx works for me. Battery life is good. Lightweight.

boltonblue

Dave the other thing you can look at is a shoulder harness to support the weight at the center of mass on the trimmer shaft..
My honda has that. Your frame will not notice the weight anywhere near as much.

dlq04

Good suggestion; I have one for my current one but it did not work well with a straight shaft. I'm sure it would have been better with a curved shaft.

Scooterboy

With the shoulder strap the trimmer can be balanced to make it easier to handle.

dlq04

Bolt beat you on that suggestion. Thanks.

cosmomiller