Sarlo Straight-Shaft String Trimmer - Model# SS-18

Discount Price: $149.99

Features:

• 34cc 4-cycle Briggs & Stratton Fource engine
• Bump feed with 15in.-18in. cutting width
• .095in. line
• 62.5in. straight shaft
• Standard loop handle

Customer Reviews:

Sarlo  [Posted on 2008-04-05]
I recently purchased this machine to replace a declining Ryobi trimmer that has given exceptional service over the past ten years. I was looking for a four cycle engine that was under $150.00 and had a reputable engine (Brigggs&Stratton Fource). I also wanted something that didn't pollute quite as much as the gas/oil mix 2 cycle. I assembled the SS-18 without much difficulty (I'm pretty handy at that stuff) filled the crankcase with oil, added fuel and was ready to test the machine. The instructions are clear and the assembly time required is minimum. Upon starting the unit I noticed significant vibration, after sequentially moving the choke the vibrations evened out and I was off to wacking. The first impression I got was that this unit ran more smoothly than my dear departed Ryobi(725r) but also seemed to spin at lower rpms. Well that impression was soon rendered moot as the Sarlo began to easily digest all the weeds in its path with incredible ease. This unit is in no way underpowered for my rather large yard (1 acre)and has tremendous torque at moderate speeds. Starting the unit was uneventful but there are a couple of items that require mentioning. First the unit must be turned on its side to be filled with oil, and take care not to overfill!! Next the gas tank location is such that it is best to raise the unit to fill. I merely placed the rear section of the trimmer on a bench while the cutting head rested on the floor to perform both operations. Also the gas tank is not particularly large, actually it is smallish and easily overfilled. I initially used the cutting line that came with the unit until I realized it wasn't mazimizing the SS-18's potential. I replaced the original line with a star shaped line and the rest was/is weed wacker history. The great performance became exceptional. I can strongly recommend this unit to anyone wanting a four cycle string trimmer that doesn't break the bank or your back. It is very maneuverable and well balanced, so much so that it never crossed my mind that this thing was supposed to be much heavier than its 2-cycle counterpart. I took a chance on this unit and feel like I won. I'll have to get back with you on engine longevity.

The good and the bad [Posted on 2008-05-18]
Over-all this unit is OK.
Power is good.
Tackles heavy weed growth if you change the string to the heavier variety.
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** "Made in the USA" -----The Model# SS-18 probably should not be advertised as "Made in the USA" because it appears to contain non-domestic parts. ( According the the FTC the entire unit needs to be Made in the USA to be labeled as such. )
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The Model# SS-18 is heavy and unbalanced.
The 4 stroke engine uses synthetic oil, and failure to use synthetic oil will damage the engine according to Briggs and Stratton.
Small gas tank. Runs out of fuel quickly.
Location of the guard makes bumping the trimmer head somewhat difficult.
I emailed Sarlo with a question and they failed to answer the question, instead they responded with generic sales related drivel.

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