Richardtr3a Posted July 7, 2020 Report Share Posted July 7, 2020 Hi, My Stihl strimmer , FS80, which is small and lightweight, is finally worn out after over 30 years. Compression is now 6 psi and the repair shop has written it off. They have recommended a Mountfield BK45ED which has a blade and regular head with a line. The local agricultural store has a Stihl with a smaller engine 30cc but the cost is £200 more. I need some advice on a proper piece of equipment that starts easily and will cut brambles. My 1996 ride on mower by Hayter, always starts well and cuts the grass very well. I need a strimmer/brush cutter in the same class. Please offer any help or experience , good or bad ?? Richard & B. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bleednipple Posted July 7, 2020 Report Share Posted July 7, 2020 I think the fact that your Stihl has lasted thirty years tells you a lot. I've always felt you can't go far wrong with Stihl, in my opinion they are worth the extra, although £200 seems a big premium so maybe these days they are trading off the name a bot too much? Nigel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jerrytr5 Posted July 7, 2020 Report Share Posted July 7, 2020 The cheap & cheerful one from screwfix is good enough for occasional use, but heavy. Jerry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Cobbold Posted July 7, 2020 Report Share Posted July 7, 2020 For brambles I use a pole hedgecutter. The strimmer wont touch 1/2 diameter stems. However I like dense bramble patches, the hedge sparrows nest in them, and the brown butterflies (meadow. ringlet and gatekeeper) rely upon the flowers for nectar. The petrol hedgecutter is better balanced than the battery version, but a b888er to start. Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Forey Posted July 7, 2020 Report Share Posted July 7, 2020 I would recommend a strimmer with both a blade and plastic cable feeder, like the Mountfield, with a Kawasaki engine. I have found the blade to be brilliant at getting through thick brambles and small tree saplings. Mine is a Ryobi, the blade is brilliant the engine is very temperamental. Mick Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim T Posted July 7, 2020 Report Share Posted July 7, 2020 I have had a Stihl FS55 strimmer, also for 30 years. Been serviced once. Never let me down. Can be used with cord or blade. In fact have Stihl strimmer, leaf blower and cordless hedge trimmer all are excellent. Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harlequin Posted July 8, 2020 Report Share Posted July 8, 2020 (edited) It may be worth looking at a Viking brand machine which I believe are made by Stihl, but cheaper. I have a 20 year old Viking hedge cutter which has been excellent. George Edited July 8, 2020 by harlequin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted July 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2020 I just found a brand , Parker , which has a 52cc engine , accessories and sling for £80 in Scotland. Does anyone know the name. Thanks Richard & B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
brian -r Posted July 8, 2020 Report Share Posted July 8, 2020 Richard I have one, bought just over 2 years ago from Monster shop on e bay. I think it was about £160 new. It does the job I want it to but the 2 stroke engine can be a b*g**r to start at times. After the Sthil you may find it a little short on quality but at that price well worth a punt. Brian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
barkerwilliams Posted July 8, 2020 Report Share Posted July 8, 2020 Similarly I had a small light strimmer for many years and when it died I bought a larger replacement but I was shocked by the weight of the newer machine. I think it is all the H&S bits that are not on the older machine. I thought it would not matter much as I am a big lad but after using it for some time the aches start so I tend not to use it much. My advice is to weigh your existing one and then you have an idea what is best for you - then buy the Stihl. Or there is this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stihl-Fs-80-grass-strimmer-engine/264615530976?hash=item3d9c5091e0:g:42QAAOSwPPxeMVNQ for £35 is it worth a punt? - says money back guarantee (no connection) Alan Alan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob Salisbury Posted July 8, 2020 Report Share Posted July 8, 2020 If it's just low on compression a quick hone and new set of rings will keep it going, new pistons are available on Ebay for not a lot of money, and new barrel and pistons are also available (though discontinued by Stihl) on the bay, after 30 years service why give up now? Cheers Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted July 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2020 You are correct and I should not give up. But I need a brush cutter now, not just a strimmer, because the brambles are high and strong. A local agricultural store has suggested a brand ,Mitox , which is Chinese but has a 5 year guarantee, a 46cc engine , easy starting and anti vibration. It is £300 but maybe better quality than the ones under £100 on ebay Parker, Viking etc. Has anyone any Mitox experience. ?? Thanks Richard and B. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Vincent Posted July 12, 2020 Report Share Posted July 12, 2020 I have one of the cheap 4 in 1 units that are available for about £180. I suspect they all come out of the same factory. I bought mine about 9 or 10 years ago and it has always done everything I asked of it. Rgds Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted July 12, 2020 Report Share Posted July 12, 2020 I had a 4 in one Ryobi one a while ago, the brushcutter attachment was by far the most useful of them. It never gave me any trouble. now passed on to a friend as I no longer needed it. Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Cobbold Posted July 12, 2020 Report Share Posted July 12, 2020 Richard, I spay unwanted bramble thickets with glyphosate in Feb when little else is in leaf, leave a few weeks, and then cut. Regrowth from roots is minimal. Cutting now will encourage vigorous new growth. Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
james christie Posted July 12, 2020 Report Share Posted July 12, 2020 You still allowed to use that stuff? It’s been banned here and any left in cans etc is supposed to be handed in to the authorities! james Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Cobbold Posted July 12, 2020 Report Share Posted July 12, 2020 Yes. I would not use it on edible crops, but farmers are allowed to. EU also banned asulox summarily. That was really useful for bracken, very selective. And bracken spores are implicated in lung cancers adn root exudates in oesophageal cancer. Brussels' H%S madness Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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