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Lawn Mowers and Edgers/Trimmers
in Technology
We got sick of having to pay someone to mow our grass every month--they either did a half-assed job or came up with excuses for not coming to work--so we're saving some cash and doing it on our own.
One of my folks (I'm not sure which) purchased this model, and I think it might have been an impulse purchase, because we're having problems with it: namely, the head is a piece of crap. The factory spool was poorly wound (a couple of the reviews mentioned it after I looked it up, so I'm not alone), so I thought I'd head to Home Depot to find a replacement. The problem is that they don't carry much Sun Joe inventory--they expect us to buy replacement parts online--so I thought I'd try a different brand. I found one that looks like it could be a good fit, but the problem is that the label states that it "doesn't work with electric trimmers."
Is there any reason why it would only work on a gas trimmer? It's a piece of plastic and you wrap string around it. The only power source should be your hands, right? Should I just buy the Sun Joe-brand replacement online, or can I use any head that fits?
One of my folks (I'm not sure which) purchased this model, and I think it might have been an impulse purchase, because we're having problems with it: namely, the head is a piece of crap. The factory spool was poorly wound (a couple of the reviews mentioned it after I looked it up, so I'm not alone), so I thought I'd head to Home Depot to find a replacement. The problem is that they don't carry much Sun Joe inventory--they expect us to buy replacement parts online--so I thought I'd try a different brand. I found one that looks like it could be a good fit, but the problem is that the label states that it "doesn't work with electric trimmers."
Is there any reason why it would only work on a gas trimmer? It's a piece of plastic and you wrap string around it. The only power source should be your hands, right? Should I just buy the Sun Joe-brand replacement online, or can I use any head that fits?
Comments
Or they're bullshitting.
In all my life having a yard, we used a lawnmower for the mowing. Something like what you describe was only used to take care of the little tufts of grass that couldn't easily be mowed due to their proximity to buildings or tree trunks.
1. Lawnmower
2. Weed Whacker (that thing)
3. Edger (For the sidewalk).
I can't imagine using #2 for anything more than a trivial amount of grass.
But no, it propably won't fit. They're built rather differently, and the way they're attached is likely different to boot. But, you can get the sunjoe stringless bit, that might help. I suppose, but they tend to work a lot better if you plug them in.
Also, why electric? I remain convinced that electric trimmers are a conspiracy by the lawn-care industry into fooling homeowners into thinking that doing their own lawn is hard.
Also, you have a lawnmower too, right?
My dad has an electric lawn mower for there very large lawn. He just uses extension cords. He used to have a reel mower, but it was too much lawn to efficiently mow with the reel mower.
(Side note - I have a barbecue made from plate taken off of a tractor disc-plow)
I'll get a picture of it and its bits when I go home tomorrow.
That barbecue though!
My problem is that in this thread, there is a real implication that a weed whacker is being used AS a lawn mower. ;^)
I also said "fuck it" to taking care of my own lawn around 2 years ago. I am just generally anti-yard, and managed to avoid having one for many years, but that is no longer the case. During my stint of self-landscaping, I did discover that cordless electric accessories have come a LONG way. As long as you stick with one system, the batteries are not a hassle, and get very good life. They're getting better every year, too, so this advice should only become more firm as time goes on. We bought a Black & Decker weed whacker, blower, and hedge trimmer. The batteries are all compatible with each other, so I never had an issue.
I just don't get the whole yard thing. People in my neighborhood pay out the ass (or spend ludicrous time) to grow god damn golf courses in front of their houses. Maybe if that is your hobby and you truly enjoy gardening and landscaping? I hope they're taking a piece of that turf to the fucking county fair for a blue ribbon. I pay a guy to keep my grounds in "good enough" condition. I want it clean and neat, not they eyesore property on the block, but I can't justify any extra effort or dollars to tackle any rough patches. I spread a token bag of seed around last spring, but you won't find me watering it. Better pray for rain.
Second year I bought a gas mower from Home Depot for $150. Lawn is small and I might have used 1 gallon of gas. I looked at an electric mower but the good ones cost too much compared to a gas one.
My yard takes me about 30 minutes once a week to maintain.
I'm sick of dealing with this shit, so I traded in my Sun Joe for a Black & Decker LST400, and it's superior in every way.
-Battery powered (no more need for an extension cord). Lasts a healthy 60 minutes, which I don't even need for that long.
-Less parts, easier to assemble.
-Adjustable height for taller people.
-Speed control.
-Two modes: trimming and mowing.
-A wheel so I can get the edge just right on the ground.
-The spool feeds itself automatically. (It also comes with a full line already installed!)
-More spools for my dollar value (3 for $20 compared to 1 for $10) and it's available at the store. No more online orders!
After the first test run of this baby, I took care of both my front and back yards in 15-20 minutes. Sun Joe and their shitty hardware can go fuck themselves.