Do you have any need for a portable generator? You could run your corded trimmer off the generator and have an excuse to buy something you might potentially want more than another weed wacker?
Help / recommendation to buy a cheap string trimmer quickly
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I have a generator and I had thought about that, but it turns a chore into a project and I can't park right next to the work site - its maybe 200 feet and across a street, so would need to drag the thing a ways. However I could buy a battery power station. I will need to figure out how big of one I need. I will run my plug in one on my Kill-a-watt next time. Good idea maybe.
This one wouldn't feed from go? I even unwound and re-wound some string carefully to make sure. I think it was molded / machined out of tolerance or something because just a little release of the cap and it ratchets out right away.
But yes you are correct - 4Ah x 40V =160W is a lot more than my current 100WH thing - so that might work. I will need to look more into the Kobalt. There often made by the same place as Craftsman so I will need to check one out.
My son in law has a very basic 20v black and decker and we have a 40v Ryobi and a gas Stihl.
There is a night and day difference in the 20v and the 40V. The 40V is actually pretty impressive, but if it is more than a few minutes ill go for the gas.
Ours is the carbon fibre shaft brushless Ryobi attachment capable.
Feed head on the craftsman seems weird, i don't think i would like that.
There is a night and day difference in the 20v and the 40V. The 40V is actually pretty impressive, but if it is more than a few minutes ill go for the gas.
Ours is the carbon fibre shaft brushless Ryobi attachment capable.
Feed head on the craftsman seems weird, i don't think i would like that.
You've discovered the joys of inexpensive equipment.
Consider what the pro's use, as it sure seems like you are "doing a job at a jobsite" and not just working around the house, where a dead battery just means you can wait it out.
1) The gas powered 21cc Echo will save you time and quite simply, is no more of a hassle than dealing with dead batteries and slow progress.
2) The battery equipment really does need to be high quality, have sufficient battery capacity and/or 2 batteries. Just like EV's, the good stuff is expensive.
Right! The whole operation sounds brutal and are you really saving any money. I went to a Stihl FS240 and never looked back does anything I ever want to do and more on the ranch.
And if your battery is not allowed to cool before charging and after use, or allowed to cool after charging and before use, it will not last long.
The Ryobi 40v battery did not last for me. I want back to gas, echo commercial 2620 trimmer.
80V batteries don't get hot at all. I have my original batteries. One wife left in the rain and still works just fine.
A few more bucks to start, seems worth it. People used to laugh at Greenworks and I was skeptical as well, but bump feed is perfect, loading is fast and easy and I have never once cleaned it. I wish I could say the same for my Stihl.
The one you linked to has the 2AH battery - is that what yours has?
The dewalt linked earlier is the nicer one I have the 920.
Yesterday I bought a ryobi 13" with 4ah battery and charger for $47 from direct tools.
It has the dreaded auto advance (every trigger pull)
and the guard is out of tolerance the string doesnt hit the cutter it hits the edge of the plastic.
I stood on it a few times and now its a little better.
but for basically 15$ (4ah battery and charger is worth $30 right?) it does the job.
I wouldnt recommend it for more than that makes my dewalt look good.
I'd just recommend whatever you get go try it immediately and dont be afraid to return it if its a turd.
Yesterday I bought a ryobi 13" with 4ah battery and charger for $47 from direct tools.
It has the dreaded auto advance (every trigger pull)
and the guard is out of tolerance the string doesnt hit the cutter it hits the edge of the plastic.
I stood on it a few times and now its a little better.
but for basically 15$ (4ah battery and charger is worth $30 right?) it does the job.
I wouldnt recommend it for more than that makes my dewalt look good.
I'd just recommend whatever you get go try it immediately and dont be afraid to return it if its a turd.
I don’t feel a 15 minute job once a week qualifies as requiring commercial equipment. It’s only a “jobsite” because it’s remote to my house.
My Milwaukee auto feeds and basic things like trim line just aren't an issue. I used to have an Echo which I also reccomended, and in general it was also not an issue. I paid the premium to not deal with basic issues.
Mine came with 3ah but I have a variety now 2-5
Go with a stihl gas. Mine has ben flawless for six years other than replacing the fuel filter.
How long will your 2ah go with normal use?
20 minutes or so. Maybe a bit longer, never actually timed it. Large battery lasts and lasts but heavy - use for mower, BP blower and chainsaw
We’ve got a Stihl KM 90 R that’s a 2010 model, other than replacing the primer bulb last year, it’s been flawless too. It’s been used hard in some really big stuff and hasn’t given us any issues.
I know you probably don't want to throw any more money at it, but these heads are excellent and ALWAYS work. Echo Speedfeed 400, about $26 on Amazon.
The Speed-Feed 400 is fine for a gas powered trimmer...a complete "no-go" on the OP's 20v battery powered Craftsman trimmer which probably can't handle thicker than 0.080" line. SCM said he is returning it anyway.
Maybe. Put one on a neighbor's 20V MAX DeWalt trimmer and worked like a charm. You're right about line though, .080 is max diameter for most battery trimmers anyway until you go big voltage. I know he said it will go back, but it's still a good suggestion for a reliable, easy to load trimmer head for anyone hating their current one that won't feed, including some battery powered ones.
