Brush Cutters

[DH2]

I'm looking to buy a brush cutter just to trim a small yard.
Doesn't need to be a big machine, but due to physical limitations it has to be straight shaft - I'm 6'1 with back issues that preclude bending and the bent shaft machines I have to stoop to use.
While I accept that you get what you pay for I don't want to spend a lot - I could probably get by with electric, but decent cordless is beyond the budget so I like the freedom of petrol.

I'm looking at the Homelite from bunnings for $159
https://www.bunnings.com.au/homelite-25cc-petrol-line-trimmer_p3381022

And the Trade Tools one
https://www.tradetools.com/product-range/outdoor-power-equipment/brushcutters/tradetools-32-6cc-brushcutter-straight-shaft-cg330b

The extra $39 in price gets me a blade I'll never use and an extra 6cc which I don't need.

Has anyone used either of these machines and able to offer some first hand information.

[FenceFurniture]

Can't comment on those two machines, except for a couple of observations:
The Homelite is nearly half the weight, which is both good and maybe bad. Good for obvious reasons, but maybe bad due to too much plastic in the build, or thinner metal for the shaft etc. Also, it only takes 2mm line which I suspect you may find snaps a bit too frequently. 3mm line is good, and make sure to buy a decent brand of line.

I would suggest having a very close look at them both, and go through the motions of changing the line for a new full length (i.e. not just poking an extra bit through) - this is the most frustrating part of using these machines.

You may find better value in looking at some reconditioned units at the various suppliers/repairers. I purchased a recon Echo unit a few years ago and it's been great except for the line changeout, which is the usual PITA.

[woodPixel]

I've an older Ryobi. I'm 6'2" and the thing is too short, but one can buy little 30cm extensions for them. They are all a universal socket now, I beleive.

Here is a video on the trick on changing your line
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylwNNzr17xE

[old1955]

Firstly welcome to the forum.

I to hate those bump heads. I'm also over six foot with a bad back. I found these heads to be excellent.

CHAMP Junior 2 for Straight Shaft Brushcutters. Amazing Performance. (http://www.alexbrushcutterheads.com/champjunior2.html)

This head fits to the straight shaft. I also buy their medium big pack line which is 3.0mm square and pre cut to length of 35mm. They also have spares etc that can be purchased. I've had mine for four or five years now and can't recommend it enough.

Usual disclaimer I don't have anything to do with the company just like their product.

Have a read of their site. Hope this is beneficial.

Ross

[DH2]

Thanks for the info and the welcome Ross, I'll have a look at that site.
I agree the bump heads are rubbish, they get clogged up and you end up bumping your head against a wall in frustration - maybe that's why they call em bump heads.

[issatree]

Hi All,
We Bought a Honda Straight Shaft, with a bump head. Drives you crazy, & even with 3mm. line, it still uses a lot of line. This machine is over 1yr. old, & goes 1st pull on the rope. Most likely a bit dearer than what you are after, but the quality is there.
I see on Telly there is a new?? 4 Blade Cutter. Has a ring on the outside so you can't cut all the flowers down that are close to the edge. $39.95 I think Yeh + Post.
Seems to work OK on the Add. You screw the whole lot off the machine & screw the new one on.
Thatsmy2senseworth.

[Christos]

I have the homelite one that I have used for several years. I found that handle to be too close to my body and I ended up using a piece of rope at the junction to allow end machine to swing. The shoulder strap takes all the weight and I just swing the machine. After the second year the plastic cover broke and it was getting in the way so that had to come off. When I have used this I have used this for hours and hours so not really for light duty. Tried to start it recently and found that this is now not starting. Something else on my list to look at.

Overall I have found it very useful for what I have been doing.