String trimmer
 

Looking to get one. Would like to stay under $200, but didn't know if the 4 cycles were worth the extra...also wondered your thoughts on the curved or straight shaft...??

What brand to you see most pro lawn maintaince companys using?
Give up?
http://www.stihlusa.com/trimmers/
And there made in the USA.
I also have a 4 stroke Homelite that has plenty of power, always starts, and makes less noise when running then a 2 stroke. It does use a lot of oil so you have to check it every time you use it.

A straight shaft is the way to go, no heavy duty line trimmer will have a curved shaft. A straight shaft also keeps you further away from where your working.

3 or 4 years ago, I needed a new string trimmer. I asked my brother in law, who owns a landscaping biz, what to buy. He said Echo. So I bought an Echo with the interchangeable implements. Got the trimmer and the edger. Works great. No complaints.

Straight shaft for me. I can't use the bent shaft ones.

Well, I saw a deal on craigslist that I couldn't pass up. It's a 4 cycle troy bilt trimmer.. It has the curved shaft, but for $20, I figured it was worth it.

Sounds like you either got a great deal, or threw away a little bit of money.
If it starts and runs, you got a deal.

Works great....although I just spent $8 on new fuel lines...the old ones were cracked...but other than that it's been just find. Now if I convince my wife that i saved us $150 I could buy something else:thumbup:

That's just good logic.