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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 7 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Dare I say it? Better than Echo! Jul 15, 2010
By J. Brooks
I searched high and low for a combo kit (edger/string trimmer/saw) and there were really only two choices, Echo's PAS-225VP and this Tanak TBC-255SFK. After looking at the specs and using both, I am glad I went with this Tanaka.
First and foremost, the powerhead. The Echo's power plant is only 21.2cc, compared to the Tanaka's 25cc motor. To get the same amount of power from Echo you would have to upgrade to the PAS-265, which is $310 with no attachments.
And it's not just the power, it's everything combined.
The Tanaka is CARB compliant, Echo isn't.
This Tanaka is quieter (approximately 80db with Tanaka's copolymer quiet line, compared to 90db from the Echo).
The Tanaka is lighter (11.7 lbs vs. 12.4 lbs).
And there is much more and It just all adds up to a better combo kit.
As for each attachment, Tanaka has the leg up once again.
Connecting each attachment is as simple as inserting the attachment into the powerhead and tightening a handle.
The string trimmer's "No Brainer" system is just that. Push the button and insert a 12" stick of line and you're done! No winding a spool, no "bumping" to get line to come out, it just couldn't be easier. And the line itself does a better job cutting then regular string trimmer line and is MUCH quieter so quiet all you can here is the grass and weeds being destroyed and the motor, no whirling or wizzing of the string.
The edger takes some getting use to (coming from someone who has never used an edger), but once you figure out the technique you wonder why you waited so long to buy one. It also works great for cutting the sod for laying brick/stones/patio blocks.
And the pole saw attachment works just as you would expect. An Oregon bar and chain are included so you know quality isn't an issue and parts are readily available for replacement.
The included instructions weren't all that helpful, however they really aren't needed since practically everything comes preassembled. The only things I had to do was attach the handle to the power head (three bolts and nuts), attach the string trimmer guard (two steel brackets and two screws) and that was it! I did have to remove the chain from the saw because it came installed backwards from the factory, not much of an issue.
On top of all of this, Hitachi (the parent company of Tanaka) backs all of this up with a seven year consumer warranty!
If you love yard work and want your yard looking professionally manicured, there is no way you can beat the quality and performance of this Tanaka kit.
Pros:
Made in Japan (take that China!)
Quieter then most any string trimmer on the market.
CARB compliant.
No Brainer string head is just way too easy.
Fast and easy starts.
Has a Walbro carburetor!
Well built, all of the plastic pieces are metal reinforced.
Has many more accessories available for purchase.
Most everything is module for easy replacement of parts (if/when they wear out).
Cons:
Instructions/manual not all that in depth.
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Tanaka 3 in 1 kit Jul 29, 2008
By John Flexon
"modset"
I purchased this kit 3 months ago and it has performed as I had hoped. It starts easily, has plenty of power, and it is easy to change tools.
I researched cheaper models and it has been well worth the extra expense.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Fantastic Quality unit. Aug 17, 2010
By M. TESAR
"In the land of OZ"
Hi All,
My Original 10 year old Tanaka TBC 250 is still going strong and all it recieved during that time was a couple of new spark plugs
and washed the ORIGINAL foam air filter! I am still shocked looking back when I compare this to my other brands of small engine stuff.
I purchased this new 255 3 in 1 as it easier / quicker to keep clean where you change attachments being a split boom.
Unit is genuine Japanese quality, replaced No Brain head with manual 4 point Tanaka manual unwind head CH-300 - that's what all the pro's use :-)
Quicker in real life and no mucking as with all the other auto units.
For the domestic user - make sure you install the washers steel/fiber/bronze up the end of the split boom before you install the quick change tube fitting.
Pruning saw it's great - don't forget to buy chainsaw oil (not included)
Edger - Not used for me personally as I whip edges down easly
Optional attachments:
Hedge trimmer and cutivator are great!
Hedge trimmer is a solid heavy but if kept lubricated after use - performs really well and lasts ages compared to those dinky electric units.
Tanaka from my experiance are a great quality item - use Walbro carburettors.
2 Stoke mix:
I run the 50:1 oil MIXED AT 35:1 (more 2 stroke oil) Engines feels / appear to run cooler and in my case lasted a very long time in peak condition!
Highly recommend based my own experience of the TBC 250 as these Tankas are light for their power ratio and have saved a bucket load $ in no service costs!
Cheers!
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Good quality; Too short and a bit underpowered Jun 26, 2011
By Machael Foegelle
"xenagrrl2000"
I bought this kit to replace my Poulan Pro PP338PT Poulan Pro PP338PT 8-Inch 33cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Pole Pruner With String Trimmer Attachment that was literally falling apart after a year of moderate use. At over three times the price, I expected a lot from this kit. In terms of product quality, the Tanaka TBC-255SFK certainly lives up to the other reviews here, at least as far as I've experienced so far. The difference between cast metal parts vs. stamped or plastic on low end products is obvious. From that standpoint, and the 7 year consumer warranty, I expect to be quite happy with this kit. As someone else mentioned, the edger is a bonus, and while I've always used a trimmer for edging, I expect having the edger will be a nice touch, although I bought this primarily for use out on my land where I don't have any curbs to edge!
Now, to the more disappointing items. The first thing I noticed on putting everything together is that the pole saw is about 1.5-2' shorter than the Poulan I was replacing. That's a pretty significant difference when you're reaching up into trees above you to cut limbs. I immediately ordered the 3' extension Tanaka 748512 3-Foot Pole Saw Extensionfrom Amazon, increasing the cost by another 12%. Given that the 2' extension (to get me equivalent with the Poulan length) was almost as expensive, the 3' quick release extension was a no brainer, or so I thought. Turns out that both of these sold in the US are spline shaft extensions and not compatible with the square shaft "Smart Fit" technology of the TBC-255SFK. They apparently CAN be added between the chainsaw head and its shaft, but then it becomes a permanent extension. Thus, beyond the inconvenience of not being able to adjust the length of your saw, if you ever want to add another accessory like the hedge trimmer, I guess you get to buy another extension shaft for it as well. Not very user friendly. The manual for the extension is for both the EXT-300 (the spline shaft sold in the US) and the EXT-300SQ designed for the SF products, but I can only find those listed in the UK or Korea!
Speaking of no brainers, the trimmer head uses a single heavy line with a quick release spring load catch. I know I've seen this type of trimmer line concept appear over the years, and certainly it's probably less trouble than the string feeders, but given you can only use about half the line before having to replace it, it seems wasteful. Not to mention that the generally heavier line is more likely to tear up things you're trimming around. So, if you want the more traditional tap or self feed head, add another 10% to the cost. At least Tanaka does have a BRAIN self feed head; something I've used for years on my electric trimmers.
Back to the pole saw. I was already worried about the strength of the 25 cc engine compared to the 33 cc engine I'd been using on the Poulan. When I first started using the saw, I was really worried as it seemed to bind up the instant you tried cutting anything. I'm primarily cutting cedar, so it's not like it's a tough wood. I quickly realized that with the new sharp chain, the chain would bite too deeply and the engine couldn't pull it. I had to avoid putting any pressure on the saw and just let it pull itself through slowly. As I've used it and the chain has dulled, the performance is better, but still a bit weaker than I'd like. I realize that Tanaka had to make some tradeoffs between the weight of the engine and all the extra metal bits that make this a tougher product, and I'm sure having to go more slowly will extend the life of the unit. I can't complain about the weight, however, I'm not getting paid by the hour to use this thing and my time is pretty precious to me. At my age, I expect any tool I'm using to be able to keep up with whatever I'm capable of tackling! Certainly a little more horsepower wouldn't hurt, especially with the longer 10" bar.
The unit does come with a neck/shoulder strap, but that's about all I can say for it. It was certainly no investment, and they of course sell a harness if you really want something worthwhile.
In summary, I'd give this 3.5 stars if I could. I'd say quality is a 5, but overall value is around 2-3, given all the extras you have to buy (if you can find them) if you want similar capabilities to cheaper units. Only time will tell if the quality alone stands up to cover the difference in cost.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Amazing tool!! Aug 23, 2011
By DrDiesel
I have worked a commercial string trimmer years ago as a landscaper putting myself through school. This combo is a must for any do it yourselfer. The motor is strong and very torquey. Cleared a rental property in minutes Edged the sidewalk and driveway in 20 mins. Cut back the trees and trimmed low hanging branches in minutes. String trimmed the whole property in 15 mins. Longest part of the whole deal was the destruction and mess this machine left behind. Definitely well worth the price. top quality and simple to use. tool changes are done in seconds. Best thing was I didn't even go full throttle on any tool to get the job done. Pure beast for it's size and top quality construction. Made light work of a big job. Makes any homeowner feel like a pro. Must have tool in your in your arsenal. Pro's: no cons
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