Troy-Bilt 17-Inch 26cc Gas-Powered Curved-Shaft Trimmer #TB425CS

List Price: $179.00

Features:

• An ideal gas-powered string trimmer with a 17-inch cutting radius and EZ-Start technology
• Speed-Spool loading system for quick line dispensing and replacement
• 4-cycle, 26cc engine is quieter, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient than 2-stroke models
• Adjustable padded J-handle for easy right and left-handed use
• 2-year manufacturer's warranty

Customer Reviews:

Easy Starter [Posted on 2006-08-26]
I bought this for my wife who had trouble with our old one being too hard to start. All you do is prime and pull. The ez recoil starter is fantastic and the 4 cyclinders means no oil gas mixing. I definitely would rank this as the best weed trimmer I have ever owned.

much easier to manage, use and start [Posted on 2006-09-04]
I am a woman who is only 5 feet 2 inches tall and take care of my yard myself. I bought a $200 Ryobi 4 cycle engine trimmer plus the cultivator and lawn edger accessories. It was heavy and hard to manage, and the way it had to be held was awkward and left burns on my arm. It had quite the routine that had to be followed precisely to get it to start. I couldn't believe how difficult and tiring it was to get rid of the weeds along the fencing.

I decided to try a different model and replaced it with this troy built 4-cycle. I am extremely satisfied with it. It is lighter, quieter and easier to handle than my previous one and I haven't gotten any nasty burns. This sweet thing starts right up-- just push the primer bulb a couple of times and it pull it once--even after it has been sitting for weeks. the handle adjusts to my height and I get the job done in 1/2 the time. I am at the end of the second season with this one and it is just a good as it was when I took it out of the box.

You do have to be patient and make sure you wind the string in carefully. The string usually comes out with a little bump on the knob, but does sometimes get tangled and 'stuck'. I just shut it down, open the spool, and then rewind it. This happens about every other time I use it, but that is a small price to pay for the ease and comfort of using this weed eater. People complain about breaking drive shafts because they bang it on the ground so hard to get the line to release. I never try to force mine like that.

The bonus: My Ryobi attachements fit on this model so I didn't waste my money on them.

I sold the Ryobi in a garage sale for $25. Good riddance.

sturdy whacker, good price [Posted on 2007-07-07]
well made. good power for price. used it to clear 100 feet around house in foothills. no problems at all. I had previous burnt out 3 electric ones... too much area for those.

also, since it's a 4 stroke, you don't have to mix oil, and it burns cleaner.

TB425CS String Trimmer [Posted on 2007-10-12]
DON'T BUY Troy-Built or MTD Products outdoor equipment!! On this model (and I suspect others) the top drive shaft is defective; as others have mentioned here and other places on internet, it wears out after only about 2 years, right when the warranty quits. I called customer service and spoke with Van (800-800-7310). He claims that the unit worked as it should for 2 years under the warranty; that the drive shaft is designed for 2 years worth of service and that it is a wear and tear item that needs to be replaced from time to time. I told him that is ridiculous, then he hung-up on me. Nice....
With a defective driveshaft ($45+shipping), the rest of the unit is useless. I will have to throw it away and purchase a non MTD related replacement. There are other machines for same money that are better. I would certainly stay away from anything Troy-built, or under the umbrella of MTD Products. Customer service will stonewall you forever; they must go home everynight worried that their company will be there in the morning.

Buyer beware! [Posted on 2008-05-10]
This is the first time I feel strongly enough about a product to write a review. I bought it at Lowes and used it for roughly 2 years before it became completely useless. During the time it was useful, it wasn't necessarily smooth running. Sometimes it worked well, other times it seemed out of balance and lacking in power. As of last year (2007), it is useless. If (BIG IF) it starts, it idles very roughly and dies when any attempt is made to speed it up. Impossible to use. I tried higher quality fuel; I've taken the carb apart thoroughly cleaning it; I've checked the spark; etc. Nothing helps. I've also discovered through searching the Internet that others have had similar and other problems.

It could be that I was spoiled by the Craftsman trimmer I had for eight years. I bought it used for $50 and it was still working well when I gave it away.

Don't waste your money on this Troy-Bilt trimmer!

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