Best Grass Trimmer

On the recommendation from consumer review aggregator Consumer Search, I went with a Stihl FSE 60 (http://www.consumersearch.com/string-trimmer-reviews/stihl-fse-60). It's not available at big boxes: they sell only to individual stores who act as local Stihl dealers. Presumably, this makes customer service a more personal experience and does a positive service to those smaller hardware stores trying to survive the big box onslaught. In any case, I bought mine a year ago in Kearny, NJ.

The balance is a bit weird; in your hands it has a bias to the rear, which is helpful, but it's necessary because it is powerful. VERY powerful. It uses a two-string configuration, and it's a bump-feed. I found it to be efficient and effective. I may have only bumped it twice during a day's use, whereas the B&D it replaced was more bump than trim. It's heavy, but not so heavy as to make it a terrible chore. It's solid and quiet for a trimmer. Cleaning is easy after use as well. I suppose in comparison to the old B&D I had it's superior, but I don't do enough yard work to say definitively, it's the best. I like it a lot, and I'm glad I bought it from a local dealer.

-C

I agree strongly about recommending the Stihl FSE 60. I read about it in Consumer Reports, if we're allowed to mention that.

I have used several borrowed models of both electric and gas powered trimmers. The Stihl is my favorite by far. It is quiet and strong. The only concern is that when used continuously for half an hour or more, it gets very hot. It is better to use it in shorter intervals.

It works better than other models and is easier to clean. While it is far from silent and I use earplugs when using it, it is far from the teeth-shaking monstrosities that disturb the neighborhood.

I couldn't see going to a gas powered trimmer unless I were very far away from an electric outlet. It is a bit more expensive than big box electric trimmers, but way better. The only reason to buy something like a Black & Decker or McCullough electric model is if you were only going to do a few light jobs one season and never use the thing again.

I was surprised that this dealer distributed thing was so dramatically better than the big box/online marketed alternatives. In value, it's one of my best tool purchases ever. I sound like a shill for the company but am just a C.T. reader and regular lug.

I agree strongly about recommending the Stihl FSE 60. I read about it in Consumer Reports, if we're allowed to mention that.

I have used several borrowed models of both electric and gas powered trimmers. The Stihl is my favorite by far. It is quiet and strong. The only concern is that when used continuously for half an hour or more, it gets very hot. It is better to use it in shorter intervals.

It works better than other models and is easy to clean. While it is far from silent and I use earplugs when using it, it is far from the teeth-shaking monstrosities that disturb the neighborhood.

I couldn't see going to a gas powered trimmer unless I were very far away from an electric outlet. It is a bit more expensive than big box electric trimmers, but way better. The only reason to buy something like a Black & Decker or McCullough electric model is if you were only going to do a few light jobs one season and never use the thing again.

I was surprised that this dealer distributed thing was so dramatically better than the big box/online marketed alternatives. In value, it's one of my best tool purchases ever. I sound like a shill for the company but am just a C.T. reader and regular lug.

The Stihl isn't designed for edging. There's no way to flip it, or flip the handle, nor is there an edge guide. That said, with a little skill you can get a nice, straight, crisp edge.

Take the weedwacker to Home Depot and ask an associate in the garden department for help. They will see if there is anything currently available for sale on an old trimmer. If the trimmer head is still similar to a modern trimmer they will be able to help you. You can buy blades for most gas trimmers and heavy plastic line for electric but use with caution from most hardware stores, outdoor product retailers and places like home depot. Great for heavy brush, but most light electric string trimmers don't have the umph for getting the job done.