Weed whip / String trimmer line advance mechanism?

JLJ_ · June 6, 2017

Anyone here knowledgeable about current 'automatic' line advance mechanisms in electric weed whips - line trimmers?

I've used a Weed Eater RTE115C for several years. (I think that type is considered a Poulon product now.) Not an expensive beastie to begin with and I got it at a sizable discount -- but it worked well for me -- probably because I studied it before first use and babied it. This spring it declines to run. I might still find the problem as it was fine when last used, but it needs a sibling that runs good right now or I'll disappear among the towering weeds and have to tackle them with an axe.

Many of the trimmers I've checked out are widely reported to cut fine but to have various problems with auto line advance. In discussions of them, someone said that it/they don't have any sensitivity to the need to advance line, but just advance some each time the trigger is released and compressed . . . i.e. every time the spin of the line reel is stopped and started.

If so, that would account for the problems, but my above machine definitely released line as needed -- if cutting a tougher area, periodic clicks would be heard as more line was released. I guess it's possible that the effect of the heavier grass/weeds caused a momentary pause in its motion, but if so, not a detectable one, and it nearly always kept line at proper length.

Anyone know what line release mechanism is used by various trimmers and if all are the same. (Not talking about the bump release designs.)

None of those I've looked at use the old bump system -- and really, an auto system that works is best here, as with ground irregularities, rocks, sticks, pine cones, etc. the bump system isn't as useful here as it is some places.

Must run and try to part the weeds to get something done before it gets too hot -- hpe this makes sense. :/

BigVanVader · June 6, 2017

I do landscaping but we obviously use gas powered trimmers. I'm assuming you prefer electric for some reason like weight etc but I will say that Stihl makes the best blower, weed eater and small chainsaws you can buy in USA. I can't help much on electric other than Little wonder made good stuff back in the day but I'm not sure they are still around or make string trimmers.

PhilaGardener · June 6, 2017

My electric weed eater advances the line when it stops and restarts. I like that rather than a regular auto feed as those tend to go through a length of line very quickly.

June 6, 2017	#1
JLJ_ Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 759	Weed whip / String trimmer line advance mechanism? Anyone here knowledgeable about current 'automatic' line advance mechanisms in electric weed whips - line trimmers? I've used a Weed Eater RTE115C for several years. (I think that type is considered a Poulon product now.) Not an expensive beastie to begin with and I got it at a sizable discount -- but it worked well for me -- probably because I studied it before first use and babied it. This spring it declines to run. I might still find the problem as it was fine when last used, but it needs a sibling that runs good right now or I'll disappear among the towering weeds and have to tackle them with an axe. Many of the trimmers I've checked out are widely reported to cut fine but to have various problems with auto line advance. In discussions of them, someone said that it/they don't have any sensitivity to the need to advance line, but just advance some each time the trigger is released and compressed . . . i.e. every time the spin of the line reel is stopped and started. If so, that would account for the problems, but my above machine definitely released line as needed -- if cutting a tougher area, periodic clicks would be heard as more line was released. I guess it's possible that the effect of the heavier grass/weeds caused a momentary pause in its motion, but if so, not a detectable one, and it nearly always kept line at proper length. Anyone know what line release mechanism is used by various trimmers and if all are the same. (Not talking about the bump release designs.) None of those I've looked at use the old bump system -- and really, an auto system that works is best here, as with ground irregularities, rocks, sticks, pine cones, etc. the bump system isn't as useful here as it is some places. Must run and try to part the weeds to get something done before it gets too hot -- hpe this makes sense. :/

June 6, 2017	#2
BigVanVader Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Greenville, South Carolina Posts: 3,099	I do landscaping but we obviously use gas powered trimmers. I'm assuming you prefer electric for some reason like weight etc but I will say that Stihl makes the best blower, weed eater and small chainsaws you can buy in USA. I can't help much on electric other than Little wonder made good stuff back in the day but I'm not sure they are still around or make string trimmers. Last edited by BigVanVader; June 6, 2017 at 10:50 PM.

June 6, 2017	#3
PhilaGardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Near Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,940	My electric weed eater advances the line when it stops and restarts. I like that rather than a regular auto feed as those tend to go through a length of line very quickly.