Troy-Bilt TB525 EC 17-Inch 29cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Curve Shaft String Trimmer With Detachable Shaft
by Troy-Bilt
|
List Price: Our Price: $72.00 You Save: $127.00 (64%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Lawn & Patio See more product details |
|---|
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Troy-Bilt TB525 EC 17-Inch 29cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Curve Shaft String Trimmer With Detachable Shaft
Customer Review: This trimmer is a JOKE!!! Engineers should be embarrassed
Summary: 1 Stars
I had a Troy-Bilt mulching mower that I was very happy with - it lasted 15 years. I had a Toro trimmer that eventually died, but it was nice while it lasted. So, I figured since my Troy-Bilt mower was such a success I bought the TB525CS trimmer for around $175 at Lowes in June 2009 (I'm posting this May 2010). What a mistake. The engineering of this trimmer is terrible - it's very unclear how to check the oil and with the documentation and decals on the unit it says you can look in an 'oil indicator' view circle, but it's behind one of the encasements of the engine. The documentation suggests 'to use a flashlight' to see if the oil level is right. Who in the world designed this piece of junk?? For consumers like me who just want to make sure the engine has enough oil this should be embarrassing to the engineers. In addition, the pull-cord has stuck multiple times and I've replace the twine but it now advances at it's leisure while I'm doing simple trimming. The user manual documentation also is poor - suggesting '...you may want to...'. Whoever wrote this manual has no clue how to write documentation - the word 'may' will always lead to a lack of confidence. Don't buy this trimmer...
05/28/2010 - I figured out the line feed problem! Look, I'm an IT pro dealing with very sensitive integrations, so when I purchase a trimmer I at least expect the documentation to be correct so I don't have to figure that out also. Wrong! The moronic TroyBilt documentation states you have to have to rotate the head 'Clockwise' to coil the line (page 5) - negative - you have to rotate the head 'Counter-Clockwise'. Truly disappointed that this is an American product...
Customer Review: Terrible Product!!
Summary: 1 Stars
The only good thing about this trimmer is that you don't have to mix the gas and oil. After that, it's pure hell!!
The only reason for a dual line is to sell more string! It buys you nothing else. Every single time I have to put string in it, I spend a good 15 minutes or more swearing at it trying to get the bump knob to thread onto the center shaft!!!!! I cannot see anything wrong with the threads on the shaft and I cannot see anything wrong with the threads inside the knob, but I'll be dipped if I can get the ***** thing to thread on. The frustration ruins any chance of me getting to ever like it.
This is NOT a Fill-It-And- Go trimmer either. It requires maintenance that I never had to do with my 2-stroke trimmers. The rocker arm clearance has to be checked and set every 10 HOURS of use! Why would I want to have to mess with that?
I didn't think $185 with tax was an el cheapo trimmer, but I guess I should have spent more to get something that performs better. I bought it specifically so I could use other attachments on it. Now, I think I made a mistake and should have looked at other trimmers from a dealer rather than a big box store. What does Lowe's care about my problems?
Customer Review: Troy Bilt trimmer
Summary: 4 Stars
Trying to replace my Ryobi trimmer which decided to quit after about 6 yrs. Never had a problem with the Ryobi and I had all the attachments and didn't want to buy everything over again. The Troy Bilt is the exact same trimmer as the Ryobi. Also wanted to stay with the 4 cycle instead of the mess of gas/oil mix with the 2 cycle. The trimmer is a little heavy, but does seem to be pretty balanced. Starting is very easy. The only recommendation I'd make is the difference between the curved and straight shaft. I'm 6'2" and now have both types. I really notice a difference with the curved shaft--much more bending which my back notices by the time I'm finished with the trimming. Taller people should lean toward the model with the straight shaft. If you have been shopping, this is the exact models that Lowes sells. The price difference is much less on Amazon. Lowes wanted $169 for this model. When I bought on Amazon the price was $83 with free shipping. The price has since increased, but is still much less than Lowes. If you're looking for a trimmer with capability for attachments, I would recommend this trimmer.Customer Review: Line feed head problem
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased this during the fall of 2009. I used it a few times and then not again until Spring. One thing I noticed immediately that I didn't like was the number of times I had to re feed the line. It either would disappear into the head or it would extend out so fast that it would cause the head to wobble. Very frustration to deal with when you could only use it for 5 minutes before having to reline the head.
Now its beginning of fall and its basically stopped working all together. The engine is strong and great, but mixed with this line head attachment it is a piece of junk. Do not buy this. I managed to get this returned and upgraded to the TB6040 XP which clearly has a better more durable line head on it.
The one on this model has such a cheap plastic design and housing that its no wonder it didn't last. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. On the plus side, the engine ran like a champ and even on the day I returned it, that engine was as strong and smooth as the day I bought it. Hopefully Troy Bilt will get wise and use one of the better line heads that will last.
Customer Review: line feed has issues
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased this trimmer from a local Lowe's & don't know if the problems I encountered was a Troy-Bilt or a Lowe's problem. I suspect that it's both. The trimmer started with some effort, but once running it was powerful & worked well UNTIL I had to change the line, then the trouble started. I followed the directions very carefully & every time the line started to advance ON ITS OWN (not bumping the head at all) & in 1 minute the line was all gone. I tried to restring several times but no luck. Took it back to Lowe's & got the lame excuse "I'm not familiar with that head" & got put into another TB trimmer (the TB514CS). That trimmer also had line feed issues with similar results from Lowe's (see my review of that trimmer on this site & the Troy-Bilt site). I have had great results from a Homelite 2-cycle trimmer that I have used for many years, replacing the string on the spool and all with no problems, so it's not like I'm inexperienced with trimmers & lawn equipment. So now I have no working trimmer & will definitely try a different retailer. The manager at Lowe's got an earful however.