4 cycle weed trimmers

[Lokahi]

Does anyone have any experience with the newer 4 cycle weed whackers/trimmers/eaters/et al????? Was looking at Ryobi 4-cycle at Home Depot reasonably priced but cautious/leary as two relatively new Echo two cycles with lower hours have both died sudden deaths. Local Echo repair shop says gasoline related causes burnt cylinder wall. So considering 4 cycle but would still entertain 2 cycle is there is a better option out there. I keep hearing Schindawa but for the cost not sure I understand why it is supposed to be so superior. Any ideas? Read through all the search and previous comments already. Looking again more specifically at 4-cycle perhaps and especially since EPA standards will require 4 cycle soon anyway. Thanks.

[Adam79]

I got myself a Ryobi 4 cycle straight shaft model from Home depot this past xmas and have so far been happy with it. I did a lot of research before finally deciding to get it despite lukewarm reviews. I think a lot of peoples problems come from either not keeping enough oil in it (since they aren't used to having to add oil separately from fuel) or from putting too much oil in it (it comes with 2 bottles but only needs one for initial fill). I always make sure to run it dry on gas if it is going to be more than a couple days between uses and I check and top off the oil level every time. I ultimately chose it because it was quite a bit cheaper than the Honda and it has the attachment capability. My only complaint is the counter clockwise spin coupled with the size of the guard results in a lot of crap being thrown at various body parts at very high velocity. PSA: always wear full eye protection at a minimum when using a trimmer! Full face and body protection would be even better.

[Rob Tucker]

With rare exceptions in the area of tools you generally get what you pay for. Shindawa makes a dependable unit. The expense will mostly be justified if you are intending a heavy level of use. If you are just looking for occasional home use then a cheaper model might suffice.

The best chainsaw I bought cost me $800. That was thirty years ago. It finally expired and I feel like I got my money's worth. I used it a LOT. I replaced it with a $150 Home Depot one. Home Depot replaced that one thirty days later and did it again a month after than. I was happier with the Stihl.

[Royall]

A couple of years ago I was doing a lot of weedwacking at Pam's house. I was impressed with her Shindawa 4 stroke. It was at that time a new technology in motors that is a four stroke but used mixed gas. I think she got it at Garden Exchange... maybe not. But it was a torquey little motor! When my Troy four stroke dies I'll be looking at the Shindawa for sure.

Royall