Petrol Strimmer

[Hans Mum]

We need to buy a new strimmer for the allotment for use by plotholders, so it has to be a real workhorse. We have 60+ plotholders so on a busy weekend it could be in use all day long. We do have a couple of Ryobi's but they are not up to the job. Any recommendations gratefully received. Thanks

[TonyF]

Any of the Shtil heavy duty machines, like their chain saws and other kit, used at places like Kew and I think at Wisley. Also favoured by many of the large motorway type maintainance companies here.

I have one and worth every penny.

Alternatively, Husqvana.

[NOG]

You are going to want: 4 stroke, straight shaft, and the biggest engine you can get.

If you are going to let lots of people use it. Don't forget the Health and Safety. You will need to train the people to use it, including white finger and supply them with gloves, face shield, hearing protection and boots.

[Hans Mum]

Don't forget the Health and Safety. You will need to train the people to use it, including white finger and supply them with gloves, face shield, hearing protection and boots.

thanks for your replies guys, Nog we supply gloves/visor
/ear defenders (not that they all use them) we dont supply boots (that would be a no-goer) but make sure people are not wearing flipflops or something equally inaproppriate. What would we have to advice about white finger? thanks

[jacob marley]

Get one with a blade on forget the cord types in the hand's of a beginner they will spend all day renewing the cord .
And instruct them strimmers are like hammer's and axe's to hold them with both hand's it may sound daft but some people need telling...jacob

[NOG]

White Finger results from using power tools for too long without a break (or using them improperly) Vibration white finger - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I would have a logging book. A bound book where you cant add or remove pages. Then before you give it out write in the date and time and that you have checked it for faults. Then get the borrower to sign that they know how to use it and they have or have been offered safety kit.

[digthatchick]

Personally I use Stihl both brushcutters and strimmers. I would go for a two stroke version - ie FS 55 or similar as for the blade type (brushcutter) I would strongly advise against (although the FS 55 will take it). Though I agree with Jacobs points entirely for experienced users - for inexperienced users these are lethal. I use Stihl tools every day in my job for one reason - they are the best and most reliable. (with the exception of Hedge trimmers where I believe Tanaka are the best.

[NOG]

The problem with 2 stroke is you need to mix oil in to the fuel. If you are going to loan it out You can bet some mug will decided that they can just top up the tank with unleaded....after a a few goes of that they will be knackered.

With a 4 stroke the oil is in a seperate tank.

[digthatchick]

Let the " hirer" supply the fuel (you wont need that much to do a lottie) as for your health and safety advice Nog ... ignore at your peril. ( can't agree with you more) no flip flops, trainers, soft shoes ... but BOOTS! yes, even in summer, safety is vital. Look at the damage an inexperienced operator can do to tree bark ... now think of your feet

[vicky]

I would also recomend Stihl - just bought another one, (but only the FS45 so a lighter model than your requirements) they are really well made and comfy to use.
I keep a 5 litre can of fuel ready mixed and clearly labelled, you could loan it out with the strimmer.
The H&S Book sounds like a really good idea!

[NOG]

It will cover you if someone gets hurt....you have done a risk assessment and offered training and they have said they are compitient.

[Cloud]

I have a Ryobi which I bought secondhand and its the second best thing I bought.
The best thing I bought was my Rotivator!!!

[Hans Mum]

The problem with 2 stroke is you need to mix oil in to the fuel. If you are going to loan it out You can bet some mug will decided that they can just top up the tank with unleaded....after a a few goes of that they will be knackered.

With a 4 stroke the oil is in a seperate tank.

thats exactly whats happened with one of them, and the fuel was next to it already pre-mixed and they still managed to go to the other side of the tool shed and put unleaded in and of course its Mr Nobody who done it.

We're going to raise some money with plant sales at a local car boot next month and see if we can buy a Stihl.

[NOG]

I like Royobi's after sales service and my Brush cutter was great but packed up last year and it was going to cost £40 to wash out the carb as its so small. I purchased a cheap strimmer from argos and its great.