June 2016 – Brush Cutter Central

Ryobi RY253SS Gas Weedeater Review

Be sure to check out our guide to weed eaters.

The Ryobi RY253SS is reliable 2-cycle gas trimmer. This gas trimmer comes with several features that give users a satisfying trimming experience.

Features

The Ryobi RY253SS fgas trimmer comes with several features that make it a reliable weed trimmer. Some of the features include the following:

The Zip start carburetor allows easy starting of the device.
It comes with a two cycle engine. As two cycles go, this one will probably need carburetor adjustment to make sure that it doesn’t run rich or lean. This of course means also using ethanol free fuel, and mixing the fuel with motor oil.
It features the Ryobi Universal Brand Fit attachments that allow the trimmer to accept universal fit attachments.
It comes with a Reel-Easy String Head that allows easy head string reload. Just thread the string and twist the head and then you are ready again to resume trimming.

Design

The Ryobi RY253SS comes in a sturdy design. It weighs around 15 pounds and it feels fairly heavy when used. This trimmer has a straight shaft and the weights are equally distributed from the engine to the cutting head. It comes with a plastic, round loop handle that is highly adjustable, giving comfort to those who will use it. The handle is not padded. This trimmer does not have a harness or anti-vibration function. When trimming, you can feel the vibration in your hands but it is pretty manageable. Compared to other trimmers, the sound level of this trimmer is also acceptable by the ears without any protection, but we recommend it anyway.

Performance

The Ryobi RY253SS gas trimmer is fuel-efficient. It also comes with a zip start that is designed for an easy starting and restarting. It is reliable and strong enough to cut through thick weeds and ugly vegetation. It has a 17-inch cutting width and a 25-feet line feed capacity.

It comes with bump head feed that allows you to extend more string easily with just a simple thump on the ground. In this gas trimmer, rethreading is pretty simple and easy. The line does not get tangled and you can expect an efficient weed trimming session.

Warranty

This trimming device is offered with a three-year warranty for the labor and parts as well as the drive shaft. Compared to the average trimmers, this warranty is better. For troubleshooting help, online manuals are readily available in their website. For further concerns, you can also call or email the manufacturer. Also, local service centers are willing to assist you with your weed trimming concerns especially when it comes to repair. The unit reviews fairly well, but not necessarily in the top tier.

Conclusion

The Ryobi RY253SS gas trimmer is a durable trimmer that could last for years and it really provides great features. Aside from being heavy, another drawback of this trimmer is the lack of anti-vibration system. But overall, this gas trimmer really gives an impressive performance. It is easy enough to use and reliable enough to clear away unwanted weeds and vegetation.

A Look At the Poulan Pro PP 966774301 Review

The Poulan Pro PP 966774301 is a good four-cycle gas-powered trimmer. This helps you to cut all sorts of tough spots all around your yard. It is a good option that can especially be easy to maintain and start up as necessary. (For an idea of how we look at these things, check out our weed eater guide)

Physical Features

This trimmer weighs about 13 pounds and has a bit of a heavy feeling to it, especially when compared to the typical 2 Cycle gas trimmers. The better emissions and less smelly exhaust comes from using the 4 cycle engine. Like most trimmers, most of the weight is on the back part where the motor and chain pull ignition feature are featured.

This means that you will need to be cautious when trying to balance it.

This model does not have a harness for easy carrying. The D-loop on the middle is used as the key handle. This is close to the middle of its body to help you with carrying it around quite well. The handle does not have any padding on it as it is made with a standard plastic body. If you plan on using this for more than a hour, we recommend getting some padding for the handle and a harness.

Noise and Control

The Poulan Pro PP trimmer does vibrate although the vibrations are not all that strong as compared to a typical 2 stroke. Also, it does generate a bit of noise. so it would be a good idea to wear earmuffs.

The exhaust on this trimmer is rather minimal and should not get in your way. However, it can smell if you get a little too close to use.

Strength

The trimmer has a powerful motor mated to a good shaft that can create faster cutting speeds when compared with electric trimmers. This can easily get through thicker weeds and can also cut through bigger vegetation spots. However, it might struggle with some spaces if they are far too dense.

Other Usage Points

It can take about fifteen to thirty minutes for the fuel to run out. It is easy to get into the fuel container on the unit though. Also, this is very easy to start with a pull cord that works quickly. It especially works faster if the engine is already warm and has been properly primed.

The semi-automatic line is designed to where it will not become loose or worn out easily. However, it can also be replaced and cleaned off as needed. Still, when it is in use, it will not get into a series of annoying knobs or other bends that might keep it from working well.

Long Term Care

The Poulan Pro PP trimmer is supported by a company that offers plenty of solutions for cases where its products might wear out for any reason. Poulan offers plenty of technicians around the country that can help with repairing its many items.

The warranty on this trimmer is good for two years. This warranty only covers damages that might have come about from product defects. It also covers those that have happened during the normal usage of this product. Therefore, people will have to be careful when using this to ensure that they don’t use it incorrectly or try to adjust it in some way.

Overall

This is a decent model from Poulan Pro. It’s offered in this straight shaft configuration as well as the curved shaft configuration.

A Review of the Black and Decker GH3000

A Review of the Black and Decker GH3000

The Black and Decker GH3000 7.5 Amp 14-inch trimmer and edger is a convenient electric string trimmer that you can use in your yard right now. This can help you to take on the hardest weeds, grass and other growths in your yard with ease. If you want to get an idea of what we look for in a corded weed eater, check out our guidelines.

Physical Features

This is about 6.9 pounds in weight and carries most of its weight on the top part where you would handle it. The handle is a D-loop option with a trigger handle on the back to help you move it around with ease. This does not come with a padded material on the handle although it is smooth and easy to hold onto. A non padded handle is fine for this application because it’s not designed for very long sessions.

This does not come with a harness. Fortunately, the handling system makes it so it will be easier for you to carry it around wherever you might go. It will not vibrate much nor will it be far too difficult for you to carry around with you wherever you might go when using it.

How It Feels When Using It

The GH3000 will not vibrate as much as a bigger electric weed eater or a gas powered weed eater. This is thanks to how it works with an electric cord. Also, it does not generate far too much noise and it will not create any exhaust. The model can get warm when you use it for a while but not to the point where it will wear out and weaken.

Usage Points

The GH3000 works with an automatic line feed. The Feed Spool AFS works to get the line to work quickly and to keep it from wearing out all that quickly. This makes for a simple setup that is easy to follow. It does not require any bumping. It addition, the line will not get easily tangled.

A guard is also used around the line. This is to keep the main mechanism from getting caught up in different things as well as stopping debris from hitting you.

The cutting path is wide and powerful enough to get through many tight spots. It can cut through weeds and grass quite well. It takes a while to get through some thicker or wetter spots though.

Powering It Up

This electric model is easy to start up with a simple switch. It also works with an electric cord, thus meaning that it will not require a battery.

Although this corded trimmer can work for a while so long as it has enough electric power going into it, this will be rather difficult to use if you don’t have a proper extension cord. You will need a good cord that can extend to your location to provide you with something that is easy to use.

Here’s the guys at Tools in Action with their take

Long Term Care

The long term care points of this Black and Decker trimmer especially deserve to be seen. Black and Decker offers a two-year limited warranty on this product. This works for regular home use only.

Also, the product can be easily fixed by most professionals. Black and Decker has various technicians around the country that can repair this as needed so you can keep your model running well in the event that it breaks down for whatever reason one has.

Overall

This is one of the nicer corded weed eaters available.

A Review of the Troy Bilt TB 525

Our review of the Troy Bilt TB 525 touches on a lot of the factors that we use to evaluate weed eaters and brushcutters.

The Troy Bilt TB 525 EC Curve Shaft string trimmer is a four-cycle gas trimmer that can handle all kinds of attachments. This choice uses a dual line and a setup that makes it easier for you to reload the trimmer head as necessary. You can use this gas-powered option to help you out with trimming a variety of spaces all around.

Physical Features

The TB 525 is about fifteen pounds in weight. This is rather heavy in that much of its weight is distributed around the back area where the motor is. Most 4 cycle engines are heavier than their 2 cycle counterparts. This is the trade off for better emissions and not having to mix fuel and oil. The weight does requires you to keep a good hold on the unit.

This does not come with a harness but it does have a D-loop design for its handle. This is located in the middle to give you a little more control over it and how you are holding onto the trimmer. This handle does not have any padding materials on its body, so that adds to the vibration and the “creature comforts”. Some aftermarket foam padding might be a good idea if you plan on running the TB 525 for more than an hour.

How It Works

The 29cc four-cycle engine on the gas trimmer is built to run with a cleaner body. This produces less noise and exhaust than most other models. You will not need to use any earmuffs when using this. It should not be all that hot either.

This uses more power while using fewer RPMs than most other models. Therefore, it creates fewer vibrations than what you might find elsewhere. This in turn results in a stronger body when used right.

Usage Points

This is very easy to start up and will not be all that complicated for your use. It can work with a traditional starting mechanism but you can use the JumpStart electric start adapter if you prefer.

This can work for about 30 minutes at a time with a fuel tank of fuel. The unit is very easy to refuel when needed. It is especially easy to handle as it will not use far too much fuel at a time, thus allowing it to last longer enough for a typical day’s worth of work.

The line will not be tangled far too easily. The mechanism also allows you to open up the casing on the inside to help you get the thread adjusted when needed. This can work quickly and effortlessly to get your spool organized.

Long Term Care

The long term care that Troy Bilt are especially important. The company always works hard when getting the machine fixed and treated as needed. The company also offers an online service where you can order replacement parts as needed. This is for times when you might need some help with getting a machine fixed or maintained the right way. However if you read any of the reviews, there are a good amount of happy customers but plenty of angry customers.

The warranty program offered by Troy Bilt is an especially important point. The warranty works for about two years and will be good for coverage on regular use. This includes use that has not entailed you using anything other than what Troy Bilt has offered while also using this only for the purposes that this machine was designed for.

Overall

This is a decent 4 cycle trimmer when it is working, but there are other models that are just as good.

Black & Decker Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700 Review

There are great deals of factors to consider before buying a costly grass/weed trimmer for your yard. So what qualities would you look for while buying one? Check out our guide to see more of our thought process.

If you are after quality clearing of your compound, I propose you have a look at the Black and Decker Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700 and you will welcome the solace this ‘get and go’ comes along with. The Black and Decker Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700 has been uniquely composed with a programmed sustain spool that guarantees consistent work without bumping or stopping to adjust the spool.

This Automatic Feed Trimmer allows you to maintain your yard neat and perfect. Its advantageous flip up edge guide allows clients to change from trimming to edging in negligible seconds. It is really the best with regards to trimming weeds, grasses, over-growth and can likewise be utilized for edging along hard surfaces like pavements around your home. Also, this Automatic Feed Trimmer is all around outlined with a selective Black and Decker Automatic Feed Spool framework that naturally progresses the cutting-string without bumping. These are a portion of the reasons why it has turned into a most loved trimmer for many homes. Go along with me in this article as we reveal more insight into this Black and Decker Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700; dig into its specs, points of interest, detriments and give our autonomous suggestion on whether it’s a great purchase.

Specifications

So what additional specifications make this item the best?

A 4.4 Amp engine turns the line at a velocity of 10,000 RPM and gives the ST7700 the force it needs to handle over-grown grass & weeds.
The Groom “N” Edge head turns 180 degrees to change over the trimmer to an edger and the other way around in a matter of seconds.
This is an Electric Trimmer. Thus it uses no gas hence has minimal exhaust, noise and vibration.
It is a corded electric trimmer, so you’ll require an additional rope in the event that you have an expansive yard.
It has a light weight of 4.5 lbs. For individuals who aren’t linebackers, this is a light unit. Prescribed for seniors and women alike.

What’s So Great About The Black and Decker Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700?

There are many reasons why this Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700 is the main inclination for most homes. It has various advantages that include:

Comfortable: The inherent D-loop handle gives greatest solace and control.This well-padded handle helps minimizes wrist weakness for long haul use while the string maintenance framework averts unplanned line separation for constant trimming.

Powerful: The effective 4.4 Amp engine turning the line at 10,000 rpm functions as an intense device for trimming overwhelming weeds and grass.

Light: Weighing in at a simple 4.5 pounds, the ST7700 allows for less weariness but rather more control.

Guarantee: This product comes with a 2 year full warranty.

What’s Not So Great About The Black and Decker Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700?

There are a couple cons of the Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700, too, however they are for the most part eclipsed by the advantages. The disadvantages include:

· Session Length – Running this trimmer for quite a while is not exhorted. This is a light obligation trimmer. If you run it for too long it may overheat

· Low torque-For a huge chunk of yard, the electric trimmer may not be very effective. The gas powered trimmer may have the necessary torque to handle such magnitude.

· Difficult to Start- When the trimmer switches off due to bumping it may prove difficult to re start it.

· Internal wiring needs to be adjusted in order for it to work dependably

Is this Product A Great Purchase?

There are a lot of Automatic Feed Trimmers accessible today yet the majority of them are tormented by one essential issue; insufficient power to complete even the most fundamental trimming assignments. Automatic Feed Trimmer ST7700 uses its 18V battery rechargeable in 6-9 hours. This helps it to accomplish tried and true trimming and edging services where different trimmers have ended up inadequate. This makes it the best Automatic Feed Trimmers as well as the most dependable trimming accomplice. The Black and Decker ST7700 Trimmer and Edger makes your yard look impeccable and excellent in a matter of moments.

Poulan Pro PP428C Trimmer: A Review

The Poulan Pro PP428C with a 17 inch cutting width is designed and manufactured by US-based power-tool makers and is a reasonably popular four-cycle gas curved shafter trimmer for lawns. Four cycle trimmers have more efficient and powerful engines to slice through thick, tall grass and weeds with ease. The question is whether the 428C delivers. Be sure to check out our buyer’s guide on weed eaters. Here’s a look at the factors that could influence your buying decision for the PP428C.

Ergonomics

One of the advantages of upgrading to this trimmer after having used a 2-cycle machine is that you won’t have to mix oil and fuel, as is the case with 2-cycle trimmers. But the 28cc Poulan Pro PP428C weighs a whopping 13.1 pounds, which is heavier than most 2-cycle trimmers. Some users have complained that using it for prolonged periods has led to backaches, after having been used to 2-cycle trimmers. However, most other 4-cycle trimmers of 28cc to 30 cc capacity engines weigh between 13 and 14 pounds. It feels on the heavy side when in use for an hour or longer, due to the unbalanced weight of the design. It doesn’t come with a harness or shoulder strap, but the user should consider buying one to reduce strain when using the unit.

The thin grip and wrap-around D-loop handle is designed to give the user control over the machine. There is no padding on the handle, it is plain plastic. Users who purchase the brush-cutting attachment will get a J-handle and shoulder strap with the attachment that will make working with the machine easier. Users have not reported heavy vibration or unreasonably loud noise during operation. The exhaust also does not get unduly hot or smelly.

Operation

Assembly and priming of the machine is easy though users have had various experiences with starting it. Some machines start quickly without a hitch while others take some time to work well the first time because of low idle speed at factory settings.

Good machines restart on the first or second pull when cold, and when re-starting, on the first pull when warm. The operation is powerful and strong enough to eat through 2-feet tall Johnson grass, weeds, clover etc. It also doesn’t torque during use like many 2-cycle trimmers do. The Poulan Pro has a semi-automatic bump head feed rather instead of an automatic line feed. However re-threading the machine is not easy when the line runs out (the machine comes with 25 feet of line). This may be because the machine was designed with too small a string diameter for the string slots in the head, so the string unravels often while threading the plastic spool. The trimmer easily runs over 30 minutes and more on a single charge and without refueling.

Care

Customer care for Poulan Pro is notoriously poor, and the company typically refers customers to authorized repair shops that carry out warranty repairs for faulty machines. Be careful to use as advised so as not to void warranty and give the company a chance to refuse repairs. The Poulan Pro comes with a warranty of 2 years, which can be extended by 2 additional years.

The Verdict

The Poulan Pro trimmer is for users who want to avoid mixing fuel and gas, or tuning 2-cycle trimmers, and have small to medium sized yards. For larger areas, the trimmer can seem too heavy and unbalanced to use for long periods. Its long and curved shaft may be difficult for shorter individuals and shorter women to use comfortably, though it does make reaching under bushes and around rocks easy. Overall, it is not the best trimmer in the market but the large gas tank and thicker line allows it to cut any kind of weed or grass in its way with fewer passes.

Black and Decker LST136V Electric String Trimmer Review

Known for indomitable appliances and power tools, Black and Decker string trimmers have been added to the list of high quality products that make your life easier. This latest line of electric weed eaters will help keep the surroundings free from carbon emissions while getting the job done. And this is where the Black and Decker LST136W string trimmer comes in. We have reviewed other B&D String Trimmers, so do check our guide on what to look for.

Here are some of the features and specifications of this string trimmer:

Battery System and Light Weight Design

This electric lawn and garden equipment is easy to assemble and features a 40-Volt Lithium Battery System that is compatible with other 40V MAX tools such as sweeper, lawn vacuum, etc. The battery can last up to about 30 minutes when run on the highest power setting and for about one hour when run on the lowest power level setting. The trimmer also features a light weight design (weighing only 7.08lb with the battery installed); this is average weight for a battery-powered weed wacker, and much lighter than a gas engine trimmer.

Adjustable Shaft and Dual Function

The 13-inch cordless trimmer comes with an adjustable shaft height, allowing the user to adjust its height to a comfortable level, saving your arms or back from unnecessary pain. The equipment also has a rotating head that allows it to be converted into an edger, while a built in guide helps keep your edging even and straight, and flips up out of the way when the equipment is in trimming mode. This dual function saves time and eliminates the need for multiple tools.

Single Line Cutting Head and Automatic Feed

The LST136W string trimmer uses a single line cutting head and the company recommends using a string 0.065” in diameter when you need a replacement. The electric trimmer features an automatic line feed system. The system uses centrifugal force to mete out more lines when needed. This eliminates the need to keep bumping it against the ground to advance the line. The line will advance when it encounters resistance as you trim the grass.

Here’s the

Trimming Power

This trimmer allows the user to choose the level of power needed to get the task done faster and more efficiently. The PowerCommand dial is used to choose between max power (8500 RPM) to trim thick weeds and max runtime (6500 RPM) to increase battery life. The Power-Drive Transmission design offers more cutting force.

The LST136W from Black and Decker strikes an excellent balance between performance, power, effectiveness, affordability and battery longevity.

Warranty

Black and Decker backs up the LST 136W with a 3-year warranty. The warranty covers materials and defective parts. The equipment comes also with a user manual that takes you through the easy-to-assemble instructions. The procedure of replacing the string pool and other things are also included.

Conclusion

If you are in the market for a quiet, emission free, electric powered weed trimmer, the Black and Decker LST 136W is the deal. With its wide cutting path of 13 inches, automatic line feed, variable power settings, you can trim your lawn or garden with the harmful emissions and weight of a gas powered trimmer.

A Look At the Black and Decker LST400 Trimmer Review

The Black and Decker LST400 is an appealing trimmer option that you should look into. Let’s take a look at a few key points over how it works.

Handling the Unit

Weight – The LST400 is about six pounds in weight. It does not feel very heavy but it does come with a body that is rectangular and needs to be handled with a bit of care.

Balance – The unit is a balanced in weight. The weight of the battery on one end practically offsets the weight of the motor and cutting mechanism on the other end.

Handle and Harness – There are no harnesses on the trimmer which makes sense given how light it is. On the down side plastic handle does not have the foam padding that we like (but degrades…) on it so you will have to be rather careful when making it work to your liking.

The handle features a round loop around it to help you hold onto it quite well. A bar is also located near the top to give you a bit of extra support when carrying it around. A properly running model will not vibrate much. Overall, It should not be too hard for you to carry around and use in various places.

Battery Powered – As an electric model, this is a choice that is not as loud as what you might get out of a more traditional gas-powered model. And because of its power source, this is not going to create any exhaust. The battery can become rather warm at times but it won’t be hot enough to where it will cause discomfort as you are trying to use the trimmer.

Performance

This trimmer is good enough to cut through grass and thick weeds. It can take a bit to get through denser vegetation. It may not go through everything so you have to be careful when making it work.

The automatic line feed is a popular feature on the LST400. This is to give you a little more control over how you are using the trimmer as you don’t have to restart it all the time. You won’t have to worry about the line being tangled either. That being said, we unilaterally prefer bump-head feed systems.

As for starting up the trimmer, this works with a basic button and trigger system. This two-part feature works to ensure that it will not start up without a bit of extra effort.

Battery Duration – The battery is designed to where it can last for about 30 to 45 minutes on a full charge. It can take about eight hours to get the battery charged up though. You will have to be selective when choosing how you are going to use this. It might be a good idea to buy a spare battery.

Long Term Care

Black and Decker offers a good support team that can help you out in the event that the machine breaks down. The manufacturer offers a good maintenance team that works through a network of professionals that can help with repairing this and other Black and Decker items.

The warranty on this lasts for two years. This is enough time to cover any defects on the model if they ever come about.

Conclusion – This is a good mid-level string trimmer.

Black and Decker GH900 Review

The Black and Decker GH900 is one of the few corded models that we cover on Brush Cutter Central. If you check our guide, we happen to like this weed eater. That being said, since this is a Brush Cutter site, we tend to focus on bigger jungles to tame. So if you have a fairly large size lawn and you spend more than 90 minutes with the weeds, this is NOT the trimmer for you. However, if you have a typical suburban lawn, this should handle the basics.

Specs

This is an Electric Trimmer. On the plus side, there’s no gasoline at all. So that will be better for the fumes, mixing fuel, noise, and vibration. For a really big job, gas powerplants have the necessary torque.
It is a corded electric trimmer, so you’ll need an extension cord if you have a large yard with not a lot of outlets. It also does not come with an extension cord. You will have to buy your own.
Weight – 5.5 LBs. For people who aren’t linebackers, this is a very light unit. Recommended for seniors and ladies alike.
Single Line Feed – Not a double line, so won’t be as quick or efficient.

Power – This will handle crab brass, but not huge stands of overgrown weeds. You should look into a gas powered string trimmer or a cordless string trimmer if you’re going to do be more than edging the grass growing along the back fence. For around the lawn tasks, it does excel.

Blowback and Debris – Just because it’s on the lower end of the power spectrum, does not mean you can just use it willy nilly without ear, eye, and skin protection.

Session Length – Running this trimmer for a long time is not advised. This is a light duty trimmer. Run it too long and it overheats.

Line Feed – Sometimes you can get a bad unit. At this price point, unfortunately the quality control is not top notch. Doing a meta-review of other reviews, line feed issues is what comes up the most. The main issue with the line feed is that it advances too much.

Edging – You can use this for edging.

Overall – This is not the best weed eater on the BC Central, but it’s the best corded one that we’ve come across. The primary problem is the line feed. It’s an automatic line feed that is sometimes, too automatic.

Best 4 Cycle Brush Cutter – Huskie 224L Review

Introduction

Here at Brush Cutter Central, we love 4 Stroke engines. We love not mixing fuel oil and not smelling like 2 stroke gas when we come home from a hard day. 4 Strokes aren’t perfect, but when you have a lot of work to do, they really do shine. For more on the difference between a 4 stroke and 2 stroke, check out our main guide.

The Husqvarna 224L is our absolute favorite

This is a four-cylinder motor with a straight shaft that is one piece motor has 25 cm³ of displacement. The body is made in America of Swedish design. The real benefit here is the motor is Japanese, Honda to be exact. We’ll talk about that later.

Build Quality – There is a hard plastic bottom that protects the gas tank from damage and dirt. Instead of a cheap plastic housing around the motor, you get steel. And this is more of a commercial minded trimmer as the safety, on/off, and throttle are built to be more modular than a consumer model. The thing looks like a shaft attached to a motor, as opposed to a completely plastic molded black box that no one is going to touch. Subtle differences in the design tell you what the machine was meant for. Not too many folks geek out about those sort of design details, but most folks don’t have websites dedicated to brush cutters.

Attachment Ready – I’ve heard mixed things on what you can bolt on to this trimmer. Most of it not good. Sometimes the universal attachments are not so universal. The 128LD takes attachments, but the plastic coupler wears out after a few years.

When you get the box from Amazon, make sure that the packaging isn’t damaged. Always do a smell test, because sometimes people put gas in these things, don’t like em, and send em back. You want a virgin unit. Also check to see if you have all the parts, including the manual. (Although most manuals are unintelligible or full of so much information that the heft makes you not want to read it).

Assembly – Most users found the 224L easy to assemble. After assembly, two minor problems crept up for some users. Oil leaking for some, and others couldn’t get is started. Believe me, this is not the norm, and don’t let the nervous Nellies dissuade you.

Operations

Starting – When it comes to starting, mostly found that the model was very easy to start. A modern and quality string trimmer is typically easy to start.

Idling – Most users found that the unit could hold in idle. While running in idle, there is not much in terms of vibration. Especially not when compared to a typical 2 stroke.

Power – In terms of power the unit did not seem to bog down. With a 2-Stroke Engine, you usually need to get the head up to a high rpm for cutting. The 4 stroke engine has most of its power just above idle. It’s rare that you need to go full bore to do normal work. Sometimes you’ll notice that with a 4 Cycle, the engine performance is not that good unless it has work to do. Basically a 4 stroke can be cantankerous when you’ve got the throttle wide open, but it’s not doing any work. So the key is to crank it up only when it’s time to get serious.

Honda GX 25 Engine in 224L This is a close up shot of the Honda Engine. It’s a GX 25, and it’s glorious. This power plant makes your life way easier.

Many users were able to handle weeds and brush. Area wise users handled lots as small as a half-acre to a full acre. It could even cut saplings that were 3/8 of an inch thick.

Time – A lot of users were able to get a couple hours of use out on one tank. And longevity wise, some of these 224L’ were going strong after four seasons.

Over Heating? – When it came to working on a hot day only a few people found that the unit overheated. Overall this is not a unit known for overheating.

Noise – In terms of noise most thought was quiet when compared to a two-stroke engine.

Vibration – Vibration it was not considered to be very bad.

Debris – Some users thought that the debris shield could be better.

Exhaust – When it comes to the exhaust if not handled correctly it will hit your elbow.

Height Issues – For short users this was a good unit but for tall users they had to bend over to use it.

Weight of the Unit – Many users thought the unit was heavy, only a handful thought it was light. With that in mind, the unit did not come with a harness.

Here’s a full video review hitting a lot of the same points

Overall this is probably one of the best 4 stroke trimmers.