Straight vs curved weed Wackers?

[Chris142]

What's the reason for the 2 styles? I have an echo srm225. It has a straight shaft. After just a few minutes with it my lower back is on fire with pain. After an hour or so I'm completely ruined for the rest of the day. It beats me up and wears me out.

Would a curved shaft Wacker be better?

 

[old1]

I also use an Echo straight shaft trimmer. I have used curved shaft trimmers, and personally find the curved shaft to be even worse for my back. But I am sure that it is different for different people. Just have to try it for yourself.

 

[SZR48207]

Curved shaft would be more comfortable if you were using it like a "brush hog".. sweeping back and forth in deep grass to knock it down.

For residential trimming/edging, straight shaft is the way to go. The pros use straight shaft for good reason.

 

[spasm3]

Curved shaft is lighter, but straight shaft is easier to edge with, and get under shrubs etc. I have a straight shaft trimmer. If you are having that much pain and discomfort, i doubt a curved shaft trimmer will make that better.

 

[Warstud]

I have a curved shaft with a shoulder strap and my back feels fine.

 

[MParr]

I don't think it makes a difference. In my case, the shaft is not long enough. I'm 6'2" tall and I find myself hunched over during the operations.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted by Reddy45
Curved shaft would be more comfortable if you were using it like a "brush hog".. sweeping back and forth in deep grass to knock it down.

.
thats exactly what I'm doing.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted by MParr
I don't think it makes a difference. In my case, the shaft is not long enough. I'm 6'2" tall and I find myself hunched over during the operations.

I think thats my issue also but I'm only 5'7"

 

[Lou_Boyle]

Weight, balance, and proper reach are all important to saving your back. I've had curved shafts that were too short, cheap straight shafts that were heavy and poorly balanced, a garage sale 4 stroke that was well balanced but weighed a ton - and all of them killed my back. Some how my sons found out that the straight shaft Husqvarnas with the ALUMINUM shaft were the ticket and bought one when they were in college cutting grass for spending money. It wasnt cheap but you can use it as long as you like without hurting your back and the thing has been a beast. After 5 years of commercial use and another 5 years of normal use, I had to replace the carb and the string guard this year.

 

[das_peikko]

I have heard from pro gardeners that the Redmax has a different gear head angle that makes it easier on the back.

 

[dlundblad]

When I was shopping for weed wackers, the homeowner grade machines came with a curved shaft. I ended up going with the entry level "commercial" machine that is straight. Can't really say what's better or worse. I do know some have straps that allow you to hang the majority of the weight off your shoulder so all you really have to do is balance it while using.

Sounds like you need a rotary cutter for your tractor. Lol.

 

[demarpaint]

I recently replaced my curved weed wacker with a straight shaft unit. I can see why the professional landscapers in my area only use straight. It is better for getting under obstacles, and cutting a straight line to edge along the sidewalk. If I ever have to replace this machine it will be with another straight unit.

 

[Rolla07]

Im 6ft 6 and while I have no issue using a straight shaft trimmer it does get heavy after awhile. Someone mentionned shoulder strap, that sounds like a good place to start.

 

[FowVay]

From a technical standpoint the more heavy duty machines use a solid drive shaft to drive the head. The curved units require the use of a flex cable.

Light duty use would not necessitate the use of a straight drive shaft but if your equipment is running 10 hours per day it probably makes a huge durability difference.

 

[jeepman3071]

Straight shaft is more durable, which is why most of those can accept attachments.

 

[97prizm]

I pondered this when i purchased my Stihl a few years ago. It came down to straight shaft trimmers usually being heavy duty. My grandparents had a straight shaft trimmer which felt odd to use, However it was easier to trim under low areas. trimmer design

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Curved shaft is for very short people; I bought a straight shaft trimmer and my back thanks me for it every time.

 

[meep]

If you look at the physics of it, provided the engine, head, handle and head end up in the same place, straight vs curved will have almost no difference. If those are the same, then the only difference is a curved shaft requires more material (the quickest way between two points is a straight line). To that end, straight shafts require gears at the end, where a curved shaft with flex cable does not, but may not be as durable. My guess is, it's more about the positioning, length, head angle, and balance.

I quite enjoy my straight shaft husq 4-stroke. BUT to get it balanced right, the shaft is too low for the head angle and I have to bend over to get it on the ground properly, which is fatiguing. Another 10" of shaft would be ideal. I wonder if they make an extension.

 

[emmett442]

Straight shaft is:
- more durable and capable as it uses a heavier driveshaft and gearbox and stays straight For example, a flex cable in a curved shaft won't handle a blade for brush cutting well if you want to do so.
- more convenient and safer to use while trimming and cutting. It provides a longer reach for getting under obstacles.
- is easier to control if you use it to edge.

 

[JTK]

Like said, other then them tending to be shorter, lighter and less expensive, I still don't get if there's any advantage to a curved shaft string trimmer other than those three.

For some of my trimming needs, I need all the shaft length I can get.