quote:

Originally posted by PeteF:
Echo Speedfeed 400 …

This is what I use on all my whackers. I load about 4 arm length pulls or 22 wraps around my fingers, and I put another length in my pocket to reload without having to walk back to the truck. These are quick to load. You just thread your line half way in and turn the head. No disassembly required to load it. A quick tap and your string feeds.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
... and I put another length in my pocket to reload without having to walk back to the truck.

LOL! I do the same... and my wife will occasionally ask "Why is there a coil of plastic string on your nightstand?"



In case you didn't know the answer...
Because I forgot it and it was still there when I took my pants off!

I've got both speedfeed and late model Husqvarna. Both are great, I prefer the Husqvarna but Speedfeed works fine. Key is don't try to put too much line in, about 15' of .095 is what I use.

EGo. It loads incredibly simply, and feed flawlessly.

The downside is it is battery powered and thus heavy, at least compared to the plug-in whackers I've owned before. Idk how it might compare to gas powered units. For me at 63 yrs old it is ok for general lawn trimming. It does have good power and a durable string.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
My Stihl works fine and has for years.
Careful loading is essential for any of them.

this,

don't wind it tight and don't over fill it

Anybody use one of those wire brush heads about the size of a skillsaw blade ? Only issue it seems would clog up easy

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
... and I put another length in my pocket to reload without having to walk back to the truck.

LOL! I do the same... and my wife will occasionally ask "Why is there a coil of plastic string on your nightstand?"



In case you didn't know the answer...
Because I forgot it and it was still there when I took my pants off!

I usually hang them on the doorknob so I remember it when i go to work. Sometimes there are 2 or 3 on the doorknob before I give in and just take them out to the truck.

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
EGo. It loads incredibly simply, and feed flawlessly.

The downside is it is battery powered and thus heavy, at least compared to the plug-in whackers I've owned before. Idk how it might compare to gas powered units. For me at 63 yrs old it is ok for general lawn trimming. It does have good power and a durable string.

I worked many years in landscape management walking many, many miles, wearing out many pairs of boots walking w/ gas powered string trimmers/weed whackers.

The weight of the EGO w/ battery is comparable. I say that as someone who is not a nut for electric but dislike even more having to mix a special blend of oil and gas in a special container if I can help it.
I like my EGO trimmer just for that.

If I were burdened w/ trimming around 10 acres of condos, I might stick w/ mixed gas. But for home the EGO wins.

I've heard lots of good things about the Echo Speedfeed trimmer heads. I was planning on picking one up for my Stihl FS-130.

I have a Black & Decker corded trimmer. You just drop in a freshly loaded spool, feed the line, snap the cover back on and you're off and trimming.

Loaded spools are sold in single or 2 packs.

Yesterday was a spectacular New England Fall day, so I hopped in the Vette and drove to Home Depot to pick up a genuine Echo Speedfeed string head.

While the one on my Echo is "similar" the difference in quality is apparent from the most cursory visual inspection.

I doubt I'll use it again before Spring but I figured I'd grab one before inflation gets any worse.

Plus, any excuse to drive the Vette...

Echo speed feed. Many YouTube videos on how to install and use.

Some Speedfeeds are problematic. Sorry I don't have time to dig out the specifics this a.m.

Chickanic is an Arkansas lady who knows yard equipment, it's what she does.

The Speedfeed seems to be the gold standard of trimmer heads, I swear by mine. But some may overheat, fusing the line on the spool.

Sorry again for no specifics, scan through the vid --

A couple of years back, I finally got fed up with those Mickey Mouse string feeder things. I found a replacement head that uses doubled over plastic coated light twisted wire inserts. It has small blocks with a hole that the doubled insert goes through. Those inserts are tough little things, I have yet to replace the first set even after trimming many times against a rough faced landscape block retaining wall. Unfortunately I can no longer recall where I got it or the brand but it was pretty much universal. This is not it but similar and doesn't have the wire type whips:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G...0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

quote:

Originally posted by x0225095:
Husqvarna is pretty simple. Not sure how it could be easier.

That's what I have as well. Very simple to load and works great.

I have to watch youtube every time I reload my echo gas trimmer head which effing direction to turn the head to reload it with line. I'm not good with hieroglyphic symbols on machine parts. Whey they can't just print "turn this way to load new line". Good lord how they can't make something simple more simple by telling you which direction to turn it to load..

I have a cub cadet battery operated trimmer that I got in 2017 and it has worked great as long as I load it properly.
Only down side is the no replacement batteries and my 2 original ones are getting weak.
I have a DRpower trimmer that is a real jam-o-matic.