Average Customer Review: ( 20 customer reviews )
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10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
 Seems to require some knowledge. Beware accessories. May 27, 2003
By Leland Taylor
I bought this trimmer to deal with my acre of weeds in 1999 and it didn't run to full power at first. Other folks seem to have this same situation. Two-stroke engines have an adjustment on the high-speed jet to lean it out to make it run at peak HP. Two-stroke engines are also sensitive to the mixture ratio of oil and gas; this is 32-to-1, which is 4 oz oil (1/2 cup) in 128 oz (1 gallon) gas. Always add the same amount of oil to half a container of gas, then shake well, THEN add the rest of the gas, for best results with a two-stroke engine. Once it runs right, always mix it exactly the same and shake the can before you pour it. Keep the air filter clean and oiled to get the right air-fuel mixture. Pump the fuel ball to get fuel into the carb, choke it and pull the ripcord while holding the throttle full open. Mine tries to start, then quits; I immediately go to half-choke and pull again. Presto !! Once it warms up for a few seconds, switch off the choke and go get 'em. Grass Stains all over your shins !! I bought a curved-shaft model and then bought a straight-shaft accessory head with the gearbox. The straight-shaft head lasted two years, then the gearbox stripped out; no way to lubricate it after you buy it. It has always had plenty of power. I buy the .080 diameter string in a bulk spool at Home Depot and cut it into a single 24ft strand, then remove the spool and wind both strands at the same time, then cut it in two at the center AFTER it is wound. That way, both strands run out at the same time. Caution: don't drag the spool knob while you are trimming or you will be buying new parts frequently. This would be a five-star review if the heads could be rebuilt. I haven't been able to find any curved-shaft replacements; the straight-shaft replacement is available. I also bought a 'pruning saw' attachment and an extension shaft, but I soon figured out that an electric chainsaw and a Fiskars pole pruner were more practical for the limbs I deal with. I don't use blowers or edgers, and I sure would not buy heavy-duty attachments for this engine that are driven by a high-speed, high-torque flexible cable (shaft). I have been much happier with the power of the two-stroke model than any electric model I ever owned. I have never used the four-stroke model, but I expect it would turn a lot slower than the two-stroke model. Some folks hate two-stroke engines, however, and two-strokes ARE noisier than the others.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Avoid this one! Oct 04, 2003
First one lasted about four hours, then the recoil starter broke. Returnd for replacement. Second unit lasted longer- about five hours- starter broken again. I took the unit apart to try to fix it and found the starting ratchet was cheap plastic; no wonder it failed. Took it back, got refund and bought a Stihl, which cost more but hasn't missed a lick in 9 months. Oh, and the Stihl actually starts in less than twenty pulls. Imagine that.
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
 Excellent adaptable tool piece of equipment! Apr 28, 2003
I've had this trimmer for one year now and it works beautifully. Plenty of power, and the EZ-Link attachment system is really nice for quick tool changes.I also have the turbo blower, which looks wimpy but really puts out a good amount of air for blowing pretty much anything around. I would highly recommend this attachment to clean up your sidewalks and patio after mowing or using any of the other attachments. The comment about poor edging confuses me. I have the actual edger attachment and find that it works much better than any electric edger I've ever used. It's got more power, and no cord to worry about. It takes a little practice to get good with it, but this tool makes it a snap once you've got your first course of edging done. Perhaps the person who made the negative comment about edging was just using the trimmer and not the actual edging attachment? I don't think this model came with a shoulder strap, and that's my only criticism. At about 13 pounds (without fuel), it gets a little heavy after a while. Get a shoulder strap to make your job easier and more comfortable. I have not had any problems with breakage and that's after 1 year of pretty hard core use once or twice a week.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 I quit exchanging it after 3 different units. Aug 08, 2003
By Marc Schroeder
We bought this model in 1998 and I loved it and it's attachments, but I began to notice that when I pushed the throttle in all the way, it would struggle and/or choke out. This went on for a year and a half. It had gone through a move from FL to TX. We went back to the store and got another unit just like it. It worked fine for six months. Then something had clogged or the fuel was mixed badly because it would just idle. Then we got a third one, which I admit I broke while I was adjusting the idle speed. Something that kept the engine running while the trigger was released broke, so I had to hold the trigger in to keep it running. That was 2 years ago. We have exchanged it for a different brand that was compatible with ryobi's attachments. It was also 2 cycle and I didn't care for it either. So, 2 weeks ago I purchased a 4 cycle unit. (The TROY-BILT version of the ryobi 875r) I absolutely LOVE THIS 4-CYCLE UNIT!!! No more mixing of oil and gas, so you engine is safer. It is also quieter, and it has A LOT more torque and power. I still have to go easy on the throttle because I'm still used to the 2-cycle power. So, to sum it up, if you have your heart set on a ryobi unit...Without a doubt, go for the 4-cycle available in curved(825r), and straight(875r) shafts. Also, I would recommend .095 line replacement because it is a lot more durable than the .080 which comes with RyobiÕs.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Great Product Jul 18, 2003
By Randall Racine
It starts easy and does a great job. I love the attachments I have bought for this unit.
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