String trimmers

Comment:

I bought this thing a week ago. when I started to assemble it, I noticed the instructions were flor another model with a very different design, so nothing applied. checked the web site and it has the exact same instructions. The handle attahcs to the shaft with a couple hex head bolts. There were washers on the bolts that were impossible to remove; even with various tools they would not spin off. The washers prevented the bolts from sinking properly into the recessed area on grip handle, making the bolts too short to extend through the molded plastic piece on other side of shaft, so could not be bolted together. <br /><br />I went back to store & bought replacement bolts. The next problem was connection to attach plastic shield to shaft near string head was poorly designed. Bolt would not align properly with the plastic shield and the metal flang on shaft it was supposed to pass through, no matter how much we attempted to bend shield to force proper alignement of holes. And when we attempted to remove bolt it would not back out, remaining stuck in one side. Took this piece of junk back to store and got money back - will be something decent next time. Can't belive CR gave this thing such a high rating.

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

After serious consideration of Echo and Stihl products, I chose the Hitachi (Tanaka) for its light weight, power and it was the only model available with not only a low emission engine design but a catalyst muffler to further reduce smog forming emissions. I live in central Oklahoma and we have problems with summertime smog and small 2 cycle power equipment is a big culprit. It runs great, very powerful and everything works as it should. It is designed to run at high rpm, with a clutch that slips easily at even half throttle. If its revved up, it won't slip even in heavy, tough cutting. I suspicion that the clutch is designed this way to keep the engine revved high to keep emissions lower and the muffler working as it should. The catalyst muffler gets HOT. I have had no problems touching it on accident but it is hot enough to burn you if you did. Overall I am impressed with the build quality and handling. A downside is vibration, it smooths out some at high idle but for all day use it would be a problem. For a homeowner, don't hesitate to buy it. It has a great warranty too.

How long have you owned it:

Three-to-six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(1 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

This product is garbage! Wouldnt start right out of the box. Did everything I could to get it started. Not my first trimmer so its not like I don't know what I am doing. In the process of returning

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.