String trimmer - torque

[bob_hill]

Echo sells "T" versions of many of their string trimmers. They use lower gearing (numerically higher) so the head spins at a lower speed relative to engine RPM. Since they use 2-stroke engines, the engine is running at a higher speed for a given head speed, resulting in higher torque.

My old one (32 years!) has seen its final days, so I need a new one. I use it for cutting very tough grasses -- 4-5 feet tall, 1/4" diameter stems. It's called "Coastal Sedge." I'm in Northern California. I do not have lawn, so I do not use my string trimmer for actual "trimming." It's truly a "weed whacker."

Should I pay the additional $30 ($350 vs $320 for regular) to get the "high torque" version? BTW, I consider it a bit nasty that they would charge more for just a different set of gears, which I am sure cost exactly the same amount to them.

 

[mgmine]

I would go for it. In a year you won't remember what you paid but if you don't get it you will remember that you could have.

 

[bob_hill]

@mgmine, Thank you for your comment. You reminded me of what I try to do when I'm facing a problem. I try to recall the "huge problems" I was facing six months ago. Very rare that I can even recall one.

Since posting my question, I have learned that the high torque gearing head is heftier. I haven't heard any downsides to the 20% (2.0 vs 1.6 gear ratio) slower speed. I guess the faster speed allows one to work faster when trimming shorter growth, like lawn grasses. But when I'm in lighter grasses, I don't run my current whacker at full speed, so I'm not sure what the downside of the slower speed is.

 

[Clara]

Did you ever buy the Echo? I'm in a similar situation and I can't decide whether to buy an Echo or one of those modern-looking models that EGO Power has out. A salesman over at Home Depot told me that I wouldn't be lacking power with the EGO, and I know some reviewers will attest to that, but the Echo looked and felt much sturdier. I'm just asking Echo owners what their experience has been to get an idea. Hope I get a reply, thanks!