Showing posts with label home and garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home and garden. Show all posts

Weed Eater FLSST25 FeatherLite 17-Inch 25cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer Review

Weed Eater FLSST25 FeatherLite 17 inch 25cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Straight Shaft String TrimmerIf you can get this at a discount price it's not a bad deal. I got mine from Amazon for $67, and at that price, there's really nothing else on the market that is significantly better. But, if you're willing to spend more, then there are better choices.

This model has some benefits - when it runs, it has a lot of power to get through tough weeds. The bump and feed works as well as a bump and feed system can work.The key words are "when it runs." Starting is a bit tough (and yes, I followed the directions to the letter, had the proper oil/gas mix, etc.) and it has a finicky idle. It will also occasionally just cut out under full load. Sometimes it restarts, sometimes you get an aerobic workout with the cord. It's not just a string trimmer, it's an upper body toner!

It got a good review at Popular Mechanics as the leading budget string trimmer. For my needs it's a workable choice - I have a small yard but lots of trees and obstacles that makes using an electric model a real pain due to the cord. If it cuts out before I'm done, I just put it away and try again next time I cut the lawn. But, if you have a big yard and need something that starts and runs reliably (and are willing to spend $175+), then you'd be happier with a model from a more durable, well-built brand such as Echo.

One more thing - if you get one and it breaks, don't even bother trying to deal with the "customer service" folks. You'll just waste a whole lot of your time and nothing will get fixed. Your better option is to donate it to a local school or vocational center - sometimes they have programs where they take in broken equipment, have the kids fix it (as a way of learning small engine repair) and then sell it to raise funds for the school.

UPDATE:The starting problem got worse and worse, to the point that it was almost faster to trim the grass by hand. Ditched it and replaced it with a Troy-Bilt 70SS model. Just a few bucks more (Amazon had a sale on that as well) and it's been a night and day difference. The Troy-Bilt starts every time on no more than 3 pulls, and their spring assist system makes janking the cord a breeze.On the down side, their bump head is not as good as the Weed Eater but what's the benefit of a good bump head when you can't get the thing started or, if it actually starts, have it keep running!!Don't know what the long term reliabiity will be like for the Troy Bilt but so far, it's been a joy to use. Good riddance Weed Eater! Never again!!I take back the three stars and give it a ZERO

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Product Description:
Poulan P2500 17" 25cc TrimmerThis economical trimmer is perfect for homeowners who need a straight shaft for tougher applications. The P2500 is powered by a 25cc 2-cycle gas engine and features a maximum 17" cutting path. This model is also equipped with Tap 'N Go dual exit head for user convenience and gear drive for increased performance.Poulan P2500 17" 25cc Trimmer Features;; Gear drive for better performance; Quick Snap 10-second spool replacement; Quiet running 25cc engine; Tap N' Go VI dual exit line advance; 2 year limited warranty; Straight shaft; 17" cutting path; .080" line diameter; 52" shaft; 9.8 lbs

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Toro Rake & Vac 10.5 Amp 2-Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum 51574 Review

Toro Rake & Vac 10.5 Amp 2-Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum 51574The Toro 10.5 Amp 2-Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum #51574 is a nice unit that has the power to handle most yards.While not as powerful as some of the gas powered leaf blowers, this guy really wins on convenience.Being able to quickly finish a small area without having to worry about the correct mixture of oil and gasoline is worth the trade offs.It won't satisfy the professional landscaper or the homeowner trying to groom 2 acres, but it's going to meet the needs of many people with average sized lawns.

In my case, I actually do own a gas powered unit by Poulan and a different Toro electric model.While the gas unit has some nice extra features and great power, I have found that after not starting it in a while it is difficult to start up again.So this Toro unit eliminates that problem, because whenever I have to quickly gather up fresh fallen leaves I can just plug it in and go.

Now one of the drawbacks to an electric leaf blower is just that, dealing with having to plug it in and managing the extension cord.I have found that I can do about 3000 square feet within 4 hours.It only takes me a little while to move the cord around as I work.

Just one note about extension cords.These blowers do use a fair amount of electricity.So don't skimp on the extension cord.Make sure you use a grounded cord that is rated for exterior use. I err on the side of caution and use a contractor grade exterior extension cord, because it's important to be safe when using electrical equipment.Some of the better ones on Amazon are made by Coleman such as the Coleman Cable 02469 14/3 100-Foot Hi-Visibility/Low-Temperature Outdoor Extension Cord or the Coleman Cable 02569 12/3 100-Foot Hi-Visibility/Low-Temperature Outdoor Extension Cord.While those prices may seem high, they are an affordable way to have peace of mind when using electric power tools outdoors.Pros
+ The blower has enough power to move dirt and leaves well
+ Requires no regular maintenance other than basic surface cleaning
+ More convenient than gas powered units that require fuel and oil mixing
+ The plug tucks neatly and securely into a small rear hook, so it won't come loose
+ The rear bar also allows you to keep your extension cord tied securely
+ The price is pretty good, and much less than a gas powered unit
+ The looping handle and front bar allow you two handed control
+ The air intake has a grate for easy access to remove debris
+ The power dial is located conveniently under the handle
+ The included nozzle concentrates air flow into powerful bursts
+ Leaf vac option, though not with much power (see below)

Cons
- Less power than a gas powered unit for larger properties or frequent use
- This model doesn't shred leaves very much, best used as a blower only
- Has a slightly noisy motor when on high, though this is true of most blowers
- Have to purchase and use extension cords, which add a little cost
- The front nozzle is not very durable and will wear with use
- The unit is not well balanced so you must shift it from hand to hand
- The cost of electricity will exceed that of gas for very large yards, so keep that in mindThere are some cons as you can see, but they are relatively minor.Despite the shortcomings, this is a great unit to supplement your gas powered blower or completely replace it if your needs are less.I find I use this unit much more than my gas powered unit simply out of the convenience of not having to constantly tune up the other unit before use.While this one has less power and a few less features, it's more than enough to meet my week to week needs during the fall.You should check it out.

Enjoy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toro Rake & Vac 10.5 Amp 2-Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum 51574



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Arnold Universal Cup Holder 490-900-0001 Review

Arnold Universal Cup Holder 490-900-0001I bought this for my father as a Christmas gift a couple years ago. He attached it to his Toro walk power lawn mower. It never tips over. He removed the water bottle and uses it to hold a Gatorade bottle instead. If you are looking for a lawn mower accessory to make your or someone else's grass cutting experience a little more enjoyable, then this is the perfect lawn mower accessory!

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Product Description:
The MTD Arnold universal cup holder fits any tubular handle with up to a 1-inch diameter. The mounting clamp and 12-ounce water bottle quenches your thirst for hot or cold drinks while operating snow throwers, push lawnmowers, and other equipment.

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