My Stihl dealer told me to put the string in the freezer. He said it keeps the line from welding itself together. Haven't tried it yet because my trimmer isn't empty yet.
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer not really inconvenient you just put the new roll of string in the freezer once let it freeze. Just have to do it once. The claim is it changes the molecular structure of the string.
Have the same trimmer for several years. It’s by far the best I have ever owned. The attachments are handy for it as well. I’ve got the chain saw for limbs that hit me when I mow, and the solid blade for the thick brush.The original trim line holder on mine would twist down a bit and lock in. Don’t lose those silver guides or,the spring. The replacement I picked up doesn’t lock in. I haven’t heard of putting line in the freezer. I always thought the line just got hot and welded together. It only does it when I’m hot, tired and have been at it all day. I buy it by the big roll and use the gate on the truck to measure off what the spool will hold. I enjoy your music!
For my weed eaters that have a roll like this I have set up an attachment for my cordless drill to mechanically spool up the string. I use a lower speed with higher torque and the “click and lock” feed feature that prevents it from unspooling. Doing it this way I just get it started and within seconds I have a full set up. I’ll use extra empty spools too for back ups with rubber bands keeping things tight. Can sit down and make a box of 30 rolls in less than 5min. I also drop the large supply roll into a 5gal bucket so it can move freely without getting caught up on something.
I have an old trimmer that the string loader broke on so I enlarged the holes in the rotator head and I use 1/4 inch zip ties as trim line. I can do my entire yard 3/4 acre trimming a couple of times before I need new ties. Beats buying a new trimmer.
Please tell me that I'm not the only one with that song in my head all day as an earworm while I walk around working in the yard! Nice part is, it's not annoying... "Well come on down to The Stoney Ridge, bring your wife & bring your kids..."
Yep, I have the same weedwacker as in this video and put a speed feed 450 in it. Night and day difference. I find the string doesn't break off at the eyelets like the original Autocrap 25-2 head. I threw that thing in the trash!
Josh, thank you. Timing is everything. Thee very day you posted this, I was having trouble with ny ryobi weedeater and needed to rethread the string. This video is very handy and helpful. Much appreciated, sir.
Josh we quit using string on our trimmers... we use zip-ties 8 inch heavy dutty... we have course grass around the ponds and some cats tails... fast to replace and last longer
What a chore. In Australia it is essential to have a brush cutter if you live in a rural zone.... or even most suburbs, as the grass grows very quickly. I have a "bushranger L20" brush cutter where you merely feed new string into one side of the spring loader. Make sure you use at least 6ft or two metres( outstretched arms ) and push right through and it will pop out the other side. grab the fed end and pull both sides until they are about equal. Then, you merely wind the loader until you have the correct length... probably about 8 or 9 inches and Bob's your uncle. So simple. Check other loading heads out. Yours is cumbersome to use.
best explained trimmer video ive seen. i like how you showed the correction to fix the line when it got twisted up and tight at the end, thumbs up for that, thanks
Good info! Something to keep in mind: Most trimmers can take different diameter string. The thinner string cuts cleaner, but it gets used up faster and can also give you trouble feeding out because it's lighter. The heavier string feeds nicely, lasts a bit longer, but it doesn't cut quite as clean. Food for thought. Stay safe, have fun!
Hey Stoney Ridge Farmer, Thank you for the demo....I am a lady, an old lady, trying to keep the place going and among lots of equipment I'm not sure how to work, you help[ed me figure out this part of my Stihl FS 55R...now I can do it. On to learn exactly how to mix the gas and oil and learn about the spark plug.
Guys, this man tries to help and educate us. show some respect, appreciate his hard work, hit that like button so he can keep entertaining and educating us !
A common mistake that I make (and maybe others) is trying to put too much new string on the trimmer. It ends up not feeding well ight and I have to fuss with it a time or two until enough string is removed to make the trimmer head operate smoothly.
I found over the years the best way to make the trimmer head work correctly is to Clean it with soap and water when it gets very dirty and caked. and wipe the spool and eyelets (where the string comes out) with a wax based furniture polish (pledge Etc ) just spray on and wipe off . the wax will act like a lubricant and not attract dirt as much it will feed a lot better and the string tends not to get bound up and it works like a new trimmer head. I also use Echo x or cross trimmer line works great
Good job. Stihl trimmers are great. Had mine for 16 years and it’s still going strong. I use the Stihl X-line .095” diameter. It’s great for the yard and fence rows around our farm. It hold up well when it’s hitting stuff like concrete or the occasional fence post. I do thing s slightly different. I buy the X-line in a bulk spool. I pull off about the length of both arms stretched out fully. Cut it from the spool. Then double it until the ends are even and cut it again. I insert both string ends at the same time and wind according. Then place it in the clips that hold it. Insert back into the trimming head. Out the exits on the head and replace the retaining ring. You won’t load as much string with the X-line. But I believe it lasts much longer. Keep up the good farm vlogs. 👍🏻
THANK YOU FOR THE HIGH QUALITY VIDEO! SUCH DETAIL & GREAT SOUND! Now I am confident that I have been doing this the right way and restringing the weed eater is the worst thing ever! I'm now off the purchase an Echo Speed Winder and I don't feel guilty about it. Again, great video!
I just purchased my new echo. The person I bought it from has a small shop who I’d rather support than these big chains anymore. You get personal attention and he works on the equipment for you. I was having some problems and he said that the line was welding itself. I call it tangling but I’m not a pro. He said when that happens you have to much line on your spools. He said better to run less than to jam pack it. I purchased some trimmer line from a RU-vid lawn care pro. I bought it through amazon. It is Vortex Professional Trimmer Line .095” X 1,140’. I gave my cousin some to use and he was impressed by it. He did lawn care and I wanted his opinion. So from what I’ve been told is just don’t overload your spools and make sure you have the wound and on for the proper rotation. I did put mine on backwards on my echo because it is designed for two different rotations. I know now!
Josh, I thought I was the only one that did 6-8 hours of weed eating. The only difference, my weed eater is a Husqvarna. Both Husqvarna and Stihl are quality products. My neighbors laugh at me. I go along my pond and my fence line. Also, I go out front of my property along the road and get into the ditch where the water runs off. I recently invested in a Cub Cadet String Mower. This is a life saver and is much easier on my back.
Here’s a hint pull 4 arms length of string off roll of string double the string and pinch string in center then you can wrap both strings at the same time .
There is a small notched spot inside the head where you can depress the spool once it is wound and it will hold it inside the head while you put the string through the notches and put the bottom back on push and turn the button and it will pop back down into the running position even up your lines and you're good to go
I use a single piece of line and place both ends into the holes and wind both sides at the same time. When full I place the spool back in and the retaining ring once everything is good I cut the line in the center making 2 lines
Thanks for taking time to help others, y'all have a beautiful place. If you take and measure your line say to the top of your head (that's my gauge) double it and then put both ends into the notches in the head, you can wind up both sides at one time. Just a little more time saved. Thanks for your vlogs.
Awesome Josh,This is Perfect Timing For Summer 😊 Good tip,On Pictures. Whooooo hoooo ! ! Happy Mothers day,To Your mom and Mrs Stoneyridge.😊 Also to all Mothers, On thread.
I like the plain string, no fancy shapes or sharp edges. The fancier it is the more it hangs up in the spool. I like a .080-.090 string if the grass isn't too gnarly. If I let it go after a wet season I use the .105 but it tends to hang up in the spool. After destroying many a spool I have settled on the Grass Gator 3630.The Grass Gator is similar to your Stihl design so its an easy fix on the move without heading back to the pump house for repair. Seems to be the workhorse for me. I keep a new one on the shelf and several old ones on hand so I have extra parts because its a pain going to town one you lose a spring or your retainer wears through and breaks in the gravel. No Pigs Chickens or Goats, just vines, Wooooooooo!
Fs90r is full commercial.entry level commercial stihl is an fs70.90 is their smallest 4 stroke though.it needs its valves adjusted on average 50 hours of use.it is a 4 stroke that uses mixed oil.they call it a 4mix.i recomend the speedfeed head.cf3pro is the best trimmer line.I have many line vids.as always great vid!
Glad to see someone show that one should wind the string in the same direction on both the upper and lower levels of the spool. For some reason, I thought they should be wound in opposite directions. Just put my weedeater away for the day but I'll be messin' with it tomorrow. Good vid! ;)
I recently converted to the Ryobi 40V system after getting tired of messing with carbuerator and gas. While skeptical at first, the unit has done well at home and on the farm.. I used the pruner today. Batteries seem to last a long time. The 40V system comes with a weed eater line helper and the line is very good.
Awesome video as always. I have switched to the plastic blade head and that thing is awesome. Change the blades once a year and done. Happy mothers day to all the moms.
Keep your line in a bucket full of water out the sun, keeps the nylon from going brittle and it lasts waaay longer. That and a Speedfeed 450 head and life is way easier, though I find the stihl heads don't spool out accidentally if you knock them sideways like the speed feed. Aliexpress cheap heads are great for new caps and spools, the rest is poor quality (eyelets etc) but worth it compared to the cost of main dealer parts.
Stihl has a lip on their trimmers so when you push the spool in and twist, the spool will stay in place. This way when you are feeding the line through the aluminum grommets, you don't have to wrestle with the spool. It'll stay in place. After you put the retaining ring in you just bump the trimmer on the ground and it'll release and start feeding line.
I will add this since on topic of trimmers.I use Sthil stuff and only Sthil.I have attempted the autowind head.One where you feed string on each side and crank.Do not like them at all.I like the head types like in vid.I have a few heads with string.When one is empty I just swap head.Nothing like 100 deg outside and run out of line.I myself do about 7 hrs a day six days a week in trimming.To keep the trimmer in top running I tell many and they never hear of.That is, NEVER use junk gas.That is, with Ethanol.It will wreak a carb.Builds up gum dry rots lines so on.Never leave gas sit in tank for months also unless treated.Always use 90 oct NO ETHANOL gas.Not every gas station sells, but is around.Costs more, but will help running top shelf and last.That is #1 reason why trimmers, blowers, saws etc do not start.Or act up or many other issues.Junk gas and gas sitting in tank.For a mix, I use Sthil hp.... And yes, do not wrap string tighly.It will bond up and not feed.
Pretty cool. Can't go wrong with FS90. I'm using an Echo and it has a pass through head setup. Works cool. Walk around with a pocket of precut pieces. Decent for homeowner who doesnt need to feed alot of line, or one who can afford a shady sit down every now and then. Lovin the landscape.
I hate those line feeding type heads with a burning uncontrollable passion! Every since I got one where you cut a section of line and quickly feed the ends through two holes, I have never looked back. You taught me nothing today, but I'm still going to mash the like button cuz I love me some Stony Ridge!! WHHhhoooooo.....
Doing it that way works but you wind twists into the spool. A better way would be wind one side and cut it off. Un wind it and use it to measure the other line. Have them both pulled out away from you straight. When you wind then the line can twist freely and you won't wind the twists into the spool. It is the same principle as trying to roll up a 100 ft. extention cord by walkand and winding toward the end. Standing and winding pulling the cord to you allows it to un twist. Hope this helps also.
kenneth holland Stihl provides measurements of line for each of their spools. My guess is that spool line wasn’t resting on anything and was spinning as he was winding. That’s what I used to do before I started buying the big spools. I don’t do as much as he does, just three acres bi-monthly. Used to do it every week but I’m getting older...
I just wanted to add my two cents in case he didn't. He is a country boy like me and I'm sure he already knew that. Us country boys are good that wayl. lolol.
Project Farm did a comparison video and Husqvarna came out the overall winner for string trimmer line. I have the same on you have but I only bought that because it was on clearance at Farm and Fleet. Works fine but I’ll give Husqvarna a try too.
I had that on my husqvarna for a while. That line was tough and lasts longer at WOT compared to others I've used. Last time I bought line they were out. Wish I could have waited to get the husqvarna but I needed line that day.
My strimmer head holes don’t have slots so you have to thread the line through putting it back together the line springs open on me and then bird nests on me and the line locks up on the spool. It’s a PITA so haven’t used it this last summer. Maybe a different line brand might help but I do find the memory of the line coming of the parent spool messed with the rewinding onto the strimmer spool if only I could get it to relax and straighten out first maybe of use.
6 hours of trimming 4 times a year, HOLY SMOKE, I used to do about the same TILL I began spraying weed killer, 1 time a year, and about 1/2 the time of trimming, and if you use the RIGHT stuff, it will last OVER a year.
I use 095 the safety yellow stihl string and will cut through anything! Now if you are trimming around something you don't want to scratch or break, I wouldn't use that size because it can crack siding if not careful, but I always carry an extra trimmer for that with lighter duty string for certain instances. The quickest way I have found was when I was trimming for 8-10 hours a day and I also precut string to have with me when I was working. I would pull 3-4 lengths, palm to palm with outstretched arms and wrap to take with. But I stick the ends where they go, and wrap, both sides at the same time, once to the end of the line, I leave about a foot, once in the eyelets of the trimmer head, wrap the loop of string, which is still connected behind the trimmer to put the lid on and then cut which leaves each side the exact same length and only have to wrap one time, cut one time, and each side is even. Just the best way for me... But to each their own and good video!!
I didn't realize I was the only one who does it the way I do, but the old man in this video is the closest I could find.. maybe I need to jump on the wagon and post one myself... but try it out, tweak it if you'd like. Again I use one long line, and spoon size determines how long. One issue is at the very end after winding, the last little bit can bunch up towards the end which I will go ahead and cut if it's too tight. In the field I'm wanting to lose as little time as possible so eliminating or combining steps is what I've done .. may not work for some, other won't care, but for me it works good luck! m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8CWL2BLmbP8.html
Man Josh... That sure seems like a lot of work. I use a Ryobi 25cc weedeater from Home Depot (Mine gives military discount) and restringing that baby takes about 2 minutes. I love it.. You just line up the arrows, stick the line through and then wind the head counter-clockwise. That's It !! Great video as always ! Whooo !! (I have nothing against Stihl products)
I have a Stihl 130 with the same head. I don't use the holes and my string is in one piece feeding both sides in the head. I also use the 130 string size. I cut a slot in the center piece in the head, bend the string at the half way point, put that in the slot and wind both sides at once. The slot is cut at an angle so it traps the string as you wind it. I've also found that if I take the pieces the string goes through on the side and put it on the string after I get it wound I can just slide them back in it's place and not have to worry about the string getting caught when you put the ring on as I don't have to hold the piece that the string is on.
I was right it's an FS 90, that's called the auto cut head part number 25-2 , I wrap mine completely different than that I can do both strings at the same time. I prefer their 090 X line from stihl .The better the line the less it breaks. Always remember to use the stihl ultra for synthetic in the gray bottle for the gas mix. Not made in murica made in Germany. Woooooo
The gray oil is full synthetic the oranges conventional if it’s for homeowner use your engine will last a literally forever I’ve had my FS 85 since 1998 and she still runs perfectly never rebuilt it just replace the carburetor once
General Repair I've had my fs55 for 15 years still runs like a champ used it for first 3 years in my commercial lawn business then the rest on my residence
gary lee Yeah I did the whole landscaping thing to I’ve got the broom attachment for the FS 85 pole pruner chainsaw attachment it’s a straight shaft Weedwhacker obviously also known as string trimmer that’s what I Collett I got the blade for cutting sick brush looks like a circular saw blade and I also have the Rototiller attachment I’ll never sell that thing
Seems as though winding each side separately is not time saving. Something I do is use fiberglass strapping tape across the string where it goes into the spool retainer holes . It seems as though the string always runs out when the job is almost finished and throws out that last foot or so of line which would have been enough to finish the job. By taping it into the holes, it is held in and gets used to the end.
Not being a jerk but here’s a helpful tip when putting the string holder in push against it so it go further in an then it An there little ears that catch a retainer ear that hold it in place while you put you string in the exit holes then you put you ring on an pull the string An it’s perfect
you sure make it look easy , I use .90 or .95 on my Stihl . Have used the smaller line and had all kinds of problems until the dealer told me they recommend either .90 or .95 I forgot right off hand .
Sorry been a contractor for 18 yrs can’t go pass shindaiwa full stop, quality endurance performance Had still blowers and brush cutters all blew up told me poor fuel and yet didn’t affect my shindaiwa tools
Stoney Ridge Farmer I live in Australia that’s why I’ve had three shindaiwa brush cutters in 18 yrs one which was stolen that’s not bad six yrs per tool Also shindaiwa combo hedge trimmer chain saw and only replaced the power head once so if you can get your hand on shindaiwa I can highly recommend
If u use the taps on feeder head to hold button depressed as u put strings in the replace cap and pull strings out word to bring bumper head back out its easier to get back together
I always take about 10’ of line, I grab both loose ends and place them into the holes at the same time. Once in the holes I place one line between my thumb and index finger and the other between my index finger and middle finger. I start wind n it back on itself just like u showed then once all is wound up place them inside the islets then place the cap back on then take a knife and cut n the middle. That way one side doesn’t unravel on u while ur working on the other side because ur winding both sides at the same time. Hope this was easy to understand considering I don’t have a video to show it.
Hey, I enjoyed your video, as I'm always wrestling with this one, the reason I got on is to know what length to precut the plastic line. To stop it from tangling up on you. You can drop a nail or pipe through the center of the spool, and nail or fasten to something, and let it spin as you pull out the line, also I usually, when I get a new whacker, which I got a stiell like you, cause they are great products where someone has figured out usually how to make it easier, anyway , I premeasure the line I can fit on the spool and write that measurement somewhere that I will see it next time , either on the spool or the package the line came in or on the garage/barn wall! Hey thanks for helping me , and God Bless! Oh yeah, Go Get 'em Tiger!!
My husband is not a yard worker I bought a weed trimmer..it's not old fairly new for the life of him he can't thread it. Don't get me wrong he got upset and stop..and I told him oh my God try!! I need him to follow how you did it..or he will be pulling weeds by hand and he's has a really bad back
Ok....this comment has a deeper message. How can someone who ownes a home not be a "yard worker"? To me the zest of life is getting out and learning...growing and or making something pretty....using my hands and my mind. Tell him don't give up....conquer that weed whacker!
If you'll push the spool in and rotate slightly there are tapbs on spool and inside the spool holder that will hold the spool in place while you put the cap on don't have to fight with it so much.
A quicker way is to measure out two spread arm lengths of line , insert the ends into each hole and wind loading both slots at the same time. Unavoidably the line will cross in the slots so do not wind too tightly. Note that using the wrong thickness of line for a particular clearance job is the most common mistake.
Given that you had good compression and spark, you are simply not getting the right mixture entering your combustion chamber. Check your fuel metering lever height. When the fuel metering lever is set to high so it will dump too much fuel, the needle valve opens sooner and thus dumps too much fuel, if its set lower it doesn't dump enough fuel. You are also correct about the carburettor cleaner, knowing that it becomes easy to see that using fuel that contains Ethanol will destroy the carburettor. Soon enough the Brush-cutter will refuse to start. One can find low cost carburetors from China around $30 to $40 and they work well. In addition to that NEVER leave the Brush cutter or lawn mower with fuel in it. Keep it working until the fuel runs out. When it needs to be used again, pour in fresh fuel, obviously with 2 stroke oil mix for 2 stroke engines. My brush Cutter is a HONDA 4 stroke. That's a quality and food value reliable machine. Well worth the price. I threw out too many el cheapo brush-cutters and that includes STHIL . Still the One - Channel 9 Australia (TV ad) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uVHDnYSsGNM.html circa 1980. There were many versions of this theme depending on the affiliate station. I liked the one used in Brisbane, Queensland best, I have yet to find it on RU-vid Channel ATV 0 Melbourne, Australia Classic Ident, The Entertainment Capital of the World. I like this theme song. Black and white from the early 1970's. Other channel 0 ID's are being added. enjoy. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-e_LKYvsDgd8.html