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+--- Thread: Best method for hand-clearing lot? (/showthread.php?tid=11986)
RE: Best method for hand-clearing lot? - oink - 11-10-2013
I've used Ryobi extensively for years, the 2 stroke versions. They can be kept running for years but require effort and some fixit skills to do so. Unless you can get and consistently use alcohol free gas, the alcohol issues will be a constant battle. I use the pole saw attachment a lot. Down side is when you wear out the chain bar it's cheaper to buy a whole factory refurb saw attachment than to buy the bar. That kind of pissed me off. Mine do get a workout as I'm constantly fighting 5 acres of S. Fl jungle.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
RE: Best method for hand-clearing lot? - unknownjulie - 11-10-2013
Hum.... I really do hate messing with machinery. Maybe I will hire a dozer and level out the lava on my lot in Hilo, and then get a couple goats. Sigh... I bought in Hilo, but they didnt have D9's when my houes was built, so it's pretty uneven.
RE: Best method for hand-clearing lot? - kalakoa - 11-11-2013
For general-purpose all-around yard work, get something in the 25cc range. Smaller trimmers are nice for manicuring a developed yard; bigger ones are great for clearing brush, but they get heavy fast.
Stihl gets you the quality of pre-acquisition Shindaiwa at about a third the price.
Whatever brand you choose, ethanol-free gas, every time -- like DM above, I've only ever had the thing serviced once, and it wasn't a gas-related problem.
Buy your pre-mix in bulk (quarts or gallons). Keep one "single-serving" bottle as a measuring cup. Don't contaminate your "ethanol-free" gas can by using it for "regular" gas.
Hearing protection (in addition to the obvious face/legs/etc) is highly recommended.
I have heard that the best storage for your bulk spool of trimmer line is a bucket of water, because the string will slowly oxidize, so it wears faster as it gets older. Not 100% sure about this, but mine does lose color over time.
RE: Best method for hand-clearing lot? - unknownjulie - 11-12-2013
Thanks for all of the advice. I am dreading buying and using one.
RE: Best method for hand-clearing lot? - kalakoa - 11-12-2013
I had never used a string trimmer (or chainsaw) before moving here -- and yes, the first few times are a drag, but once you develop some technique (and make friends with your machine) the work goes pretty fast. Note the difference between "clearing" and "manicuring", if you try to trim everything picture-perfect, it will take forever. Don't worry about doing "ugly" work, because a few days' growth will erase any mistakes.
Moderation is important; I don't burn more than two tanks of gas on any given day.
RE: Best method for hand-clearing lot? - Wao nahele wahine - 11-12-2013
Four years ago we bought an echo trimmer model# srm 225 at Home Depot for a little over $200. Looking at HD's website, they no longer carry them in the store, but you can order it online (even though it states you cannot ship it to HI, I believe HD will get it to the Hilo store for you). Current price is $219. We also use carbide 9" brush cutter blades that we ordered on Ebay for the trimmer. An 8pk of blades goes for $119, free shipping ($15 a blade). I use this trimmer a lot to take down brush, small trees, and tall grass. The trimmer isn't too heavy for me, and is easy to handle and maneuver.