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Thread ID: 122612 2012-01-02 22:44:00 Weed eaters or line trimmers tut (12033) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1251780 2012-01-02 22:44:00 Any one had any experience with the cheap electric ones? tut (12033)
1251781 2012-01-02 23:52:00 Yes, and it was crap.

Get a petrol driven one :)
Zippity (58)
1251782 2012-01-02 23:57:00 "Cheap" and line-Trimmers don't go well together Lawrence (2987)
1251783 2012-01-03 01:06:00 Yep - work well enough for basic work etc but where they sting you is for replacement line - usually have a cartridge that is proprietary and there s no other way to refill them therefore the costs are high as opposed to more expensive line trimmers quite often make it easy by buying any generic roll of nylon line the right size.

Just check out the cost of replacement line before buying.

You don't want to be doing anything too intensive with one though.
Tukapa (62)
1251784 2012-01-03 01:13:00 No problem if you have just a pocket handerchief situation. Cicero (40)
1251785 2012-01-03 03:44:00 Got a Black and Decker one with two batteries. As good as a petrol one unless you have a big plot.
Can replace the line.
Batteries are bit expensive when they die after a few years but I converted mine so it would take my lithium ion drill batteries.
mikebartnz (21)
1251786 2012-01-03 03:54:00 Mine are Husqvarnas, V8, turbo charged and swing 1/8" braided steel cables.

OK - the V8 isn't quite the truth, but I use 24 strand stainless steel twisted 200# fishing leader for the string. Small trees beware.

I gave up on the battery ones, but say - would a 120 volt US on your 220 volts run better?
SurferJoe46 (51)
1251787 2012-01-03 04:47:00 I bought a cheapie Black & Decker electric (mains power) model.

Absolutely HATE IT!

The line breaks at the drop of a hat.

The auto-feed of fresh line is not reliable.

The line spool is too damned small, with some of the issues being caused by the fact the line is so tightly coiled in the spool to begin with.

Refilling the spool is possible, but tedious.

Pre-filled spools can be bought, but will still suffer line breakage / line-feed problems.

Have been given some line with a square cross section by those in the know, but it's a real challenge to fit it into the crappy little spool.

My own conclusion - if you want to waste hours fidling with line - buy a chaepie.

If you want to get the job done with a minimum of pain - spend $ on a bigger model, with bigger spool, or an alternative to line (some have plastic blades instead).

You're welcome to have mine for the cost of the courier charges. I'd be glad to be rid of it.

Bahh! Humbug!
Paul.Cov (425)
1251788 2012-01-03 05:19:00 I was, years ago, given a weed eater which requires a mains cord. I still have it but have put it to little use mainly because of hassle with cords and the cost of replacing the line spool.

I have recently bought a lawn shear from Mitre 10. This looks like a set of hedge clippers with long handles and the blade angled at about 45 degrees. Saves me having to bend down to cut grass that the lawn mower has missed.
Bobh (5192)
1251789 2012-01-03 05:41:00 I have the silver Eagle McCullough, and as noted by paul cov, bit of a nuisance re-spooling, around the inner slots. The thinner nylons were a bit trickier to spool, but easier to spool out during cutting. The thicker was easier to re-spool, but found tended to jam when cutting. Then had to bump the spool carrier to feed out, which, eventually wore the head of the bottom nut. I just use weed killer chemicals, - easier, faster, and no grass/weed re-growth for about 4 months. kahawai chaser (3545)
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