Straight or curved shaft weed eater?

[Humboldt]

Bought a 32cc Craftsman line trimmer today.

About to fire it up and try it out but am now reading reviews that say straight shaft weed eaters tend to be better constructed and easier on the back. Also able to reach under fences and shrubs better. I do have a bit of fencing but not a lot, and not too much landscaping to worry about yet.

Still, anyone have any experience with these? I got a decent deal on the trimmer but am thinking of waiting till next week and exchanging it for a more expensive straight shaft one.

Thanks

[Russell]

I have a Craftsman too, but it has a straight shaft. Works very well and very easy on the back.

[Chris]

Most commercial ones have straight shaft, better balance points.
I had a curved Craftsman trimmer, their motors suck and it was awkward to use, Gave it away

[Humboldt]

This is the type of stuff I'm reading:


Straight or Curved Shaft String trimmers generally have the engine at the upper end of a metal tube and the cutting head at the other end. A flexible cable running inside the steel tube connects the two. On many smaller machines, the tube is curved near the cutting head. Heavier duty models, including most professional models, use a straight tube. These two styles are usually referred to as "curved shaft" or "straight shaft" even though it is the tube that is straight or curved and the shaft, which may be a flexible cable, is inside. The straight tube models require a bevel gearset at the head to change the direction of rotation. Straight shaft models may be more durable since the drive cable does not have to flex as much. Some users prefer the shape and angle of one style over the other, but this is subjective.

and

There are two basic types of trimmers, curved-shaft and straight-shaft. Professional landscapers tend to favor straight-shaft models, claiming they're more powerful, comfortable, and have a greater reach. These are recommended if you regularly cut thick, tall grass and weeds. However, many reviewers say curved-shaft trimmers are better for most homeowners because they're easier to handle, easier to level with the ground (which helps prevent lawn scalping), and can handle most day-to-day edging and trimming needs. Curved-shaft trimmers are also lighter and less expensive than straight-shaft models.

[Humboldt]

Damnit, I HATE being so wishy-washy about this stuff

[Zilog B]

Straight shaft, you can attach a blade if you need it and not worry about snapping the cable inside...

I bought a curved, then 6 months later realized I needed a straight shaft instead, now I have to go drop another $twofitty on a stihl

[morbidpete]

im pretty straight myself..:P

[Scott]

How tall are you? If you are even an average height, that curved shaft is going to kill your back. Take it back and get the straight shaft.

[Croc]

Council Parks & Gardens here have all straight shaft trimmers and mostly Stihl. It's usually a good guide to look at what heavy users of the gear are using.

Me... I have an electric Weed Eater cause Mrs. Croc can't handle the large ones.

Croc.

[Humboldt]

damnit

[poptom]

Straight shaft for sure. The long shaft makes it much easier on the back and it has a straightforward mechanical drive.

Mine is an Echo. When the bumper head finally gave out the local shop put a Stihl head on it. Better, easier to load design. The Echo has a priming pump on the carburetor for easy starts. 89 octane gas works best.

Cost was about $225 maybe ten years ago.

--Tom

[downhill]

You live in northern California....in and around the great Humboldt National Forest and you want a weed eater?

This is lost on me......

[Joint Chiefs of Staff]

I'm just glad he put "weed eater" in the title.

[poptom]

I have an electric Weed Eater cause Mrs. Croc can't handle the large ones.

___ ___

[YeOldeStonecat]

Straight shafts are more durable/heavy-duty, the driveshaft (actually a cable) gets weakened if it has to go through a curve.

Also straight shafts tend to vibrate less, also due to the cable not having to negotiate a curve.

<==spend an insane amount of time behind brush clearers (basically larger versions of weed whackers) (weed eaters is actually a brand, and I don't know if they make straight shafts)

<==prefers Echo gas models

Now, if all you want to do is weed whacking (soft green stuff like tall grass, weeds), and a string trimmer is all you want, then a curved shaft is no big deal. But if you want to occasionally cut down some woody stuff, small trees up to an inch in diameter, you'll want to get a more powerful unit capable of spinning blades. You can get several different types of blades for different applications, basically look like table saw or circular saw blades. And without question in this application you'll want straight shaft. And...you'll want to learn how to use it safely, no dogs running loose around you (else you'll make them short weiner dogs in seconds)

[YARDofSTUF]

Wow, i expected a more dirty thread.

[Chris]

Wow, i expected a more dirty thread.

SG'rs are capable of not going into the gutter on every post....barely!!!

[YARDofSTUF]

SG'rs are capable of not going into the gutter on every post....barely!!!

LIAR !

[YeOldeStonecat]

On another note, it's been reported some women prefer curved shafts!

[Scott]

And...you'll want to learn how to use it safely, no dogs running loose around you (else you'll make them short weiner dogs in seconds)

Good point, don't forget the long pants or high boots and glasses. Those things can and will throw around a good bit of debris.

[Joint Chiefs of Staff]

SG'rs are capable of not going into the gutter on every post....barely!!!

[Chris]

On another note, it's been reported some women prefer curved shafts!

Guess my theory went all to h$ll, and it was a mod that did it too

[Joint Chiefs of Staff]

Guess my theory went all to h$ll, and it was a mod that did it too

Cat always did have his mind in the gutter. lol

[YeOldeStonecat]

Cat always did have his mind in the gutter. lol