[Brushcutter] Need trimmer head for big cords

[Michael Uplawski]

Good morning from France

I need a new trimmer head for a Honda 435 UMK-E (four-stroke)
brushcutter. My favorite cord size is 3mm. I can look that up in
inches but do not really want to. Let's say big cords, the bigger
the better.

The problem is not that I do not find any.

The problem is that I *have* found some and none are really a
replacement for the original trimmer head that came with the machine
and lasted 9 years.

The first replacement virtually exploded on second use and I have
not located all parts yet.

The next was advertised for cords of *up to* 3mm but was unable to
cope with them.

My current trimmer head *does work*, but after a few minutes in
a real thicket, the cord is seized in its furrow and would not sort,
when I need to extend it anew.

I have a few guesses.

An advertised cord size of 3mm means *round* cords, most of the
time, while my own are square and more efficient this way, while
relatively inexpensive.

The Honda trimmer head was good for everything, while its diameter
was not above 10cm (most big trimmer heads are 13cm). While the
machine is powerful enough, recommendations may be given for smaller
heads, which resemble the original. In consequence, if I cannot find
a Honda reseller (a bit difficult in our region) I must know which
*other* brands would be possible.

Now. Your *experience* may be more interesting and more important
than an actual recommendation. However, if you happen to be in a
comparable situation, you might have a trimmer head in mind …

That would be cool.

Cheerio
(All oddities in my post are due to Kraut2English conversions. No
Artificial Idiot was involved in producing this document)

[cshenk]

Post by Michael Uplawski
Good morning from France
I need a new trimmer head for a Honda 435 UMK-E (four-stroke)
brushcutter. My favorite cord size is 3mm. I can look that up in
inches but do not really want to. Let's say big cords, the bigger
the better.
The problem is not that I do not find any.
The problem is that I have found some and none are really a
replacement for the original trimmer head that came with the machine
and lasted 9 years.
The first replacement virtually exploded on second use and I have
not located all parts yet.
The next was advertised for cords of *up to* 3mm but was unable to
cope with them.
My current trimmer head *does work*, but after a few minutes in
a real thicket, the cord is seized in its furrow and would not sort,
when I need to extend it anew.
I have a few guesses.
An advertised cord size of 3mm means round cords, most of the
time, while my own are square and more efficient this way, while
relatively inexpensive.
The Honda trimmer head was good for everything, while its diameter
was not above 10cm (most big trimmer heads are 13cm). While the
machine is powerful enough, recommendations may be given for smaller
heads, which resemble the original. In consequence, if I cannot find
a Honda reseller (a bit difficult in our region) I must know which
other brands would be possible.
Now. Your experience may be more interesting and more important
than an actual recommendation. However, if you happen to be in a
comparable situation, you might have a trimmer head in mind …
That would be cool.
Cheerio
(All oddities in my post are due to Kraut2English conversions. No
Artificial Idiot was involved in producing this document)

Love the cherio coda! Can you tell us what brands you have to choose
from?

try www.einhell.tr/en/garden/hedge-trimmers/?pagrnumber=0

but try it with weedwhaker. I get reurns on that too.

(in the UDS they are called weedwhackers or string trimmers).

Carol in Virginia Beach

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by cshenk
Love the cherio coda! Can you tell us what brands you have to choose
from?

We have a few brands which are not interesting, I have had a
“Bestgreen” which looks like its origins were in UK, although I am
not sure.

A Japanese brand Shindaiwa is very fine, although their trimmer head
could not work with my cords due to the size or the shape of the
holes.

My current trimmer head is of unknown origin, but it had been
recommended in my favorite shop, here in Normandy.

But I have Internet access ;)
Do not worry; I can get what you find on the Web.

Post by cshenk
try www.einhell.tr/en/garden/hedge-trimmers/?pagrnumber=0

Yes. That is a site that I have already consulted. And there *are*
suitable trimmer heads. In the end I may just try another one and
come back here to report… but that is not my original quest.

Post by cshenk
but try it with weedwhaker. I get reurns on that too.
(in the UDS they are called weedwhackers or string trimmers).

Coo. Alone for that word, my inquiry was necessary. ;)

Cheerio

Michael

[Michael Uplawski]

Supersedes for typo.

Post by cshenk
Love the cherio coda! Can you tell us what brands you have to choose
from?

We have a few brands which are not interesting, I have had a
“Bestgreen” which looks like its origins were in UK, although I am
not sure.

A Japanese brand Shindaiwa is very fine, although their trimmer head
could not work with my cords due to the size or the shape of the
holes.

My current trimmer head is of unknown origin, but it had been
recommended in my favorite shop, here in Normandy.

But I have Internet access ;)
Do not worry; I can get what you find on the Web.

Post by cshenk
try www.einhell.tr/en/garden/hedge-trimmers/?pagrnumber=0

Yes. That is a site that I have already consulted. And there *are*
suitable trimmer heads. In the end I may just try another one and
come back here to report… but that is not my original quest.

Post by cshenk
but try it with weedwhaker. I get reurns on that too.
(in the UDS they are called weedwhackers or string trimmers).

Cool. Alone for that word, my inquiry was necessary. ;)

Cheerio

Michael

[b***@www.zefox.net]

Post by Michael Uplawski
Good morning from France
I need a new trimmer head for a Honda 435 UMK-E (four-stroke)
brushcutter. My favorite cord size is 3mm. I can look that up in
inches but do not really want to. Let's say big cords, the bigger
the better.
The problem is not that I do not find any.

What are you cutting, and what are the obstacles?

Three millimeters is very close to one-eighth of an inch,
or .125". The heaviest cord I've seen in the US is .093"
I've a spool of .093" Echo cord with four longitudinal ribs
having sharp corners that cuts quite well on any but woody
material. I suspect most folks use a saw blade if .093" cord
won't cut acceptably.

Speaking of which, a portable circular saw blade of about
7 inches works wonderfully. Cheaper than dedicated brush
blades, fairly durable if carbide-tipped and less reaction
than either brush blade or .093" cord. I used an Irwin 24
tooth 7.25" blade with a .625" center hole, after making
a centering bushing to mount the blade on, IIRC, the 12 mm
UMK431 output shaft. Couldn't find a pre-made inch-OD/metric-ID
bushing, though you might be luckier.

It has to be kept away from pavement and rocks, and out of
dirt if possible, as the carbide isn't indestructible and
keeping the blade sharp is imperative for both ease and safety.
A light touch, brisk throttle and cutting direction to recoil
away from the work and you are key.

Post by Michael Uplawski
The problem is that I *have* found some and none are really a
replacement for the original trimmer head that came with the machine
and lasted 9 years.
The first replacement virtually exploded on second use and I have
not located all parts yet.
The next was advertised for cords of *up to* 3mm but was unable to
cope with them.
My current trimmer head *does work*, but after a few minutes in
a real thicket, the cord is seized in its furrow and would not sort,
when I need to extend it anew.

Same problem here from time to time. The cure is to perfectly
fill the spool, so no gaps/spaces between turns.

Post by Michael Uplawski
I have a few guesses.
An advertised cord size of 3mm means *round* cords, most of the
time, while my own are square and more efficient this way, while
relatively inexpensive.
The Honda trimmer head was good for everything, while its diameter
was not above 10cm (most big trimmer heads are 13cm). While the
machine is powerful enough, recommendations may be given for smaller
heads, which resemble the original. In consequence, if I cannot find
a Honda reseller (a bit difficult in our region) I must know which
*other* brands would be possible.
Now. Your *experience* may be more interesting and more important
than an actual recommendation. However, if you happen to be in a
comparable situation, you might have a trimmer head in mind …

One option is a flail head. I've tried them and didn't like it,
but your conditions and preferences might be different. Grass
Gator is a brand found in the USA, Europe must have its own
flavors. Flails cut cleaner than cord but react more violently to
obstacles. They're also much more destructive if they get away.

Hope this helps!

bob prohaska

[Michael Uplawski]

Good morning

Post by b***@www.zefox.net

Post by Michael Uplawski
Good morning from France
I need a new trimmer head for a Honda 435 UMK-E (four-stroke)
brushcutter. My favorite cord size is 3mm. I can look that up in
inches but do not really want to. Let's say big cords, the bigger
the better.
The problem is not that I do not find any.

What are you cutting, and what are the obstacles?

The obstacles are the first thing, you hear, feel, then see. Stones
and remains of old stone walls, invisible under and in the high
grass. That is for this time.
Otherwise there are (will-be) trees that I want to keep, and the
fields, here, are borderd by hedges on low ramparts. Most of this
must stay as it is, I have to live with it and want to, most of the
time. No blades.

I am cutting bramble, burning nettle (higher than myself) and
everything in between. But remember: No blades.

I use blades where I can, though.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Three millimeters is very close to one-eighth of an inch,
or .125". The heaviest cord I've seen in the US is .093"

I saw trimmer-heads for cords of 4mm but never used one.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
I've a spool of .093" Echo cord with four longitudinal ribs
having sharp corners that cuts quite well on any but woody
material. I suspect most folks use a saw blade if .093" cord
won't cut acceptably.

In the end, I might choose to keep my current head and try round or
smaller cords. There are cords with metal-cores which should last
longer, too. But I have no experience with those.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Speaking of which, a portable circular saw blade of about
7 inches works wonderfully.

I would destroy it in minutes, and my machine would suffer, too.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
It has to be kept away from pavement and rocks, and out of
dirt if possible

… well.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
One option is a flail head. I've tried them and didn't like it,
but your conditions and preferences might be different.

I find these only on big machines or mounted on tractors.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Gator is a brand found in the USA, Europe must have its own
flavors. Flails cut cleaner than cord but react more violently to
obstacles. They're also much more destructive if they get away.

This is worth some research and I will ask around in our
agricultural environment.

Thank you very much for all your remarks.

Michael

[b***@www.zefox.net]

Post by Michael Uplawski
Good morning

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
What are you cutting, and what are the obstacles?

The obstacles are the first thing, you hear, feel, then see. Stones
and remains of old stone walls, invisible under and in the high
grass. That is for this time.

Ok, I think I got it. A photo would still be enlightening...

Post by Michael Uplawski
Otherwise there are (will-be) trees that I want to keep, and the
fields, here, are borderd by hedges on low ramparts. Most of this
must stay as it is, I have to live with it and want to, most of the
time. No blades.
I am cutting bramble, burning nettle (higher than myself) and
everything in between. But remember: No blades.

That sounds like a job for goats! But, they'd have to be very hungry.
8-)

Post by Michael Uplawski
I use blades where I can, though.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Three millimeters is very close to one-eighth of an inch,
or .125". The heaviest cord I've seen in the US is .093"

I saw trimmer-heads for cords of 4mm but never used one.

Those would kick back rather hard on obstacles. .093" is
rough enough for a hand-held trimmer.

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
I've a spool of .093" Echo cord with four longitudinal ribs
having sharp corners that cuts quite well on any but woody
material. I suspect most folks use a saw blade if .093" cord
won't cut acceptably.

In the end, I might choose to keep my current head and try round or
smaller cords. There are cords with metal-cores which should last
longer, too. But I have no experience with those.

Metal-cored string sounds interesting, but also somewhat scary.
If it could be designed to break off only in small pieces that
would be slightly less scary. A link would be enlightening.

There's a YouTube video claiming that trimmer cord durability
can be enhanced by soaking the cord in water overnight before use.
It applies mostly to years-old cord that has lost plasticizer in
storage. I've not tested the idea, since my decades-old Echo
cord is still performing acceptably. Maybe I should try it.

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Speaking of which, a portable circular saw blade of about
7 inches works wonderfully.

I would destroy it in minutes, and my machine would suffer, too.

Ok, understood.

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
One option is a flail head. I've tried them and didn't like it,
but your conditions and preferences might be different.

I find these only on big machines or mounted on tractors.

Those would probably be solid steel flails. Grass Gator and most
others use hard nylon flails. I've got one set that use thin,
stamped steel blade cores with plastic molded over it to give
extra flexural stiffness. Didn't like it, but my environment
is much less difficult than yours (suburban lawn).

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Gator is a brand found in the USA, Europe must have its own
flavors. Flails cut cleaner than cord but react more violently to
obstacles. They're also much more destructive if they get away.

This is worth some research and I will ask around in our
agricultural environment.

It sounds to me like a two-stage approach might be necessary.
One pass with loppers or a saw to remove hard perennial growth
larger than a few millimeters, then a second pass with heavy string
to cut the soft stuff. The first pass will be hard work, but needed
only once if you follow up (often!).

Hope this helps, a photo or two would be very instructive.

Thanks for reading,

bob prohaska

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by b***@www.zefox.net

Post by Michael Uplawski
I am cutting bramble, burning nettle (higher than myself) and
everything in between. But remember: No blades.

That sounds like a job for goats! But, they'd have to be very hungry.
8-)

This is just true. Once we had “borrowed” a friend's goat but could
not stand seeing it attached to a chord all day, then moved to
another spot and so on. Our plot of land is not exactly small, but
neither suitable to permanently accommodate goats (at least 2).

Post by b***@www.zefox.net

Post by Michael Uplawski
In the end, I might choose to keep my current head and try round or
smaller cords. There are cords with metal-cores which should last
longer, too. But I have no experience with those.

Metal-cored string sounds interesting, but also somewhat scary.
If it could be designed to break off only in small pieces that
would be slightly less scary. A link would be enlightening.

Okay, I try to assemble some links and images.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
There's a YouTube video claiming that trimmer cord durability
can be enhanced by soaking the cord in water overnight before use.
It applies mostly to years-old cord that has lost plasticizer in
storage.

It is difficult for me to see, how this could be generalized. I try
to imagine the cords and their material. Somehow, plastics chemistry
gets in the way and I cannot get the water in. If the cords lose the
plasticizer (or softener), will they not be more fragile, too? Wet
or not.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
It sounds to me like a two-stage approach might be necessary.
One pass with loppers or a saw to remove hard perennial growth
larger than a few millimeters, then a second pass with heavy string
to cut the soft stuff. The first pass will be hard work, but needed
only once if you follow up (often!).

Depends on the exact spot. I have begun to clean away the bramble
inside a ruin, where it grows out of the debris. But most of the
time, I use the brushcutter after passing the rotary shredder, to
finish the borders at a length of about 100m, around our heaps of
firewood and similar. We also have a small parcel, densely populated
by diverse trees, a “spinney” (UK) sais my dictionary. Here, I do
*not* want to intervene too often. It is however not a forest and
the scrub threatens to become impenetrable, sometimes (not that *I*
cared much, but I am not alone).

All the remaining tasks are no problem for the brushcutter.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Hope this helps, a photo or two would be very instructive.

I will see what I can do.

Cheerio

Michael

[b***@www.zefox.net]

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net

Post by Michael Uplawski
I am cutting bramble, burning nettle (higher than myself) and
everything in between. But remember: No blades.

That sounds like a job for goats! But, they'd have to be very hungry.
8-)

This is just true. Once we had “borrowed” a friend's goat but could
not stand seeing it attached to a chord all day, then moved to
another spot and so on. Our plot of land is not exactly small, but
neither suitable to permanently accommodate goats (at least 2).

Post by b***@www.zefox.net

Post by Michael Uplawski
In the end, I might choose to keep my current head and try round or
smaller cords. There are cords with metal-cores which should last
longer, too. But I have no experience with those.

Metal-cored string sounds interesting, but also somewhat scary.
If it could be designed to break off only in small pieces that
would be slightly less scary. A link would be enlightening.

Okay, I try to assemble some links and images.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
There's a YouTube video claiming that trimmer cord durability
can be enhanced by soaking the cord in water overnight before use.
It applies mostly to years-old cord that has lost plasticizer in
storage.

It is difficult for me to see, how this could be generalized. I try
to imagine the cords and their material. Somehow, plastics chemistry
gets in the way and I cannot get the water in. If the cords lose the
plasticizer (or softener), will they not be more fragile, too? Wet
or not.

I agree, it sounds implausible. But, I've learned that some polymers
are penetrated by and their properties altered by water and other
atmospheric consitutents. Photoresist is materially affected by
relative humidity, to the point that humidity control is crucial
to microfabrication operations. It was found by my colleagues and
self that track recording plastic (CR-39) reduced its sensivity
to ionizing radiation when placed in vacuum for tens of hours. IIRC
others later discovered that the presence of oxygen was the key.
Both examples apply to chemical properties, but physical properties
are ultimately chemical in origin.

Here's the link:

I haven't been motivated to test the claim simply because line jams
and breakage aren't a large issue in my environment.

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
It sounds to me like a two-stage approach might be necessary.
One pass with loppers or a saw to remove hard perennial growth
larger than a few millimeters, then a second pass with heavy string
to cut the soft stuff. The first pass will be hard work, but needed
only once if you follow up (often!).

Depends on the exact spot. I have begun to clean away the bramble
inside a ruin, where it grows out of the debris. But most of the
time, I use the brushcutter after passing the rotary shredder, to
finish the borders at a length of about 100m, around our heaps of
firewood and similar. We also have a small parcel, densely populated
by diverse trees, a “spinney” (UK) sais my dictionary. Here, I do
*not* want to intervene too often. It is however not a forest and
the scrub threatens to become impenetrable, sometimes (not that *I*
cared much, but I am not alone).
All the remaining tasks are no problem for the brushcutter.

By chance I found this video on trimmer heads and cord:

It's US-centric, so it may not help. It does repeat
the claim that old cord gets brittle, but no mention
of soaking it in water.

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Hope this helps, a photo or two would be very instructive.

I will see what I can do.

Not a matter of huge importance at this stage, but you've piqued
my curiosity. Is fire risk a worry for you?

bob prohaska

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Not a matter of huge importance at this stage, but you've piqued
my curiosity. Is fire risk a worry for you?

I like this question a lot…

No. We get all the water that currently evaporates over the Atlantic
Ocean and until further notice. I cannot say that a declaration of
“Chaos” would exclude fire, but it is difficult to imagine. We may
lose the concept altogether.

What I *do*, is mostly cosmetics. Social control is strong on the
French country side. Also, we have a vegetable garden which must
stay accessible, some fruit trees that I put close to the edge of
our terrain for questions of exposition. Both are becoming
handicaps, as I lack the time to actually go there.

The acquisition of a rotary shredder was the most intelligent move
in a few years.

Cheerio

[b***@www.zefox.net]

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Not a matter of huge importance at this stage, but you've piqued
my curiosity. Is fire risk a worry for you?

I like this question a lot…
No. We get all the water that currently evaporates over the Atlantic
Ocean and until further notice. I cannot say that a declaration of
“Chaos” would exclude fire, but it is difficult to imagine. We may
lose the concept altogether.

You are most fortunate, and the images are beautiful.

Post by Michael Uplawski
What I *do*, is mostly cosmetics. Social control is strong on the
French country side. Also, we have a vegetable garden which must
stay accessible, some fruit trees that I put close to the edge of
our terrain for questions of exposition. Both are becoming
handicaps, as I lack the time to actually go there.
The acquisition of a rotary shredder was the most intelligent move
in a few years.

If cosmetics matter, machines do a much neater job than livestock.

Thanks for writing!

bob prohaska

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
You are most fortunate, and the images are beautiful.

After a wet day, we had sun and where reminded of what causes the
evaporation. Once the clouds are gone, you are hit by something. In
the evening it may be okay, but during the day, I do not know what
to do with all those clothes. Minutes later, you are wet again.

Cheerio

Michael

[b***@www.zefox.net]

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
You are most fortunate, and the images are beautiful.

After a wet day, we had sun and where reminded of what causes the
evaporation. Once the clouds are gone, you are hit by something. In
the evening it may be okay, but during the day, I do not know what
to do with all those clothes. Minutes later, you are wet again.

Indeed, to me also it seems the sun has teeth, and they're
getting bigger 8-)

Thanks for posting,

bob prohaska

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by b***@www.zefox.net

Post by Michael Uplawski
After a wet day, we had sun and where reminded of what causes the
evaporation. Once the clouds are gone, you are hit by something. In
the evening it may be okay, but during the day, I do not know what
to do with all those clothes. Minutes later, you are wet again.

Indeed, to me also it seems the sun has teeth, and they're
getting bigger 8-)

I am not sure. But the problem may be that it is already hot, even
in humid weather. The radiant heat just adds discomfort.
So yes. Your final statement is probably correct, but the radiation
alone does not create all the trouble, as the atmosphere heats up on
its own, now.

Cheerio

Michael

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Thanks for posting,
bob prohaska

[b***@www.zefox.net]

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net

Post by Michael Uplawski
After a wet day, we had sun and where reminded of what causes the
evaporation. Once the clouds are gone, you are hit by something. In
the evening it may be okay, but during the day, I do not know what
to do with all those clothes. Minutes later, you are wet again.

Indeed, to me also it seems the sun has teeth, and they're
getting bigger 8-)

I am not sure. But the problem may be that it is already hot, even
in humid weather. The radiant heat just adds discomfort.
So yes. Your final statement is probably correct, but the radiation
alone does not create all the trouble, as the atmosphere heats up on
its own, now.

The expression was intended as a figure of speech, meant to emphasize
our newfound awareness. Perhaps a more accurate expression is to say
the sun's teeth aren't bigger, but we've given them more to chew on.

Did you happen to look at the last video I linked? It's basically
an advertisement and completely USA-centric, but it shows a Stihl
"supercut" head that somehow automatically regulates line feed. Not
sure it'd do you any good, but I'm intrigued. Almost enough to buy
one to see how it works. At $62US I might wait until I need it.

bob prohaska;

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Did you happen to look at the last video I linked?

I just saw the lady talk about trimmer lines and – apart from the
“re-hydrating” thing – I can say that I share her opinions.
The Monkeys were coming up at that moment on Dash Radio with “Then I
saw her face – now I'm a believer”.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
It's basically
an advertisement and completely USA-centric, but it shows a Stihl
"supercut" head that somehow automatically regulates line feed.

Sorry, I tried to locate that very post in the thread, but I do not
think I can identify the URL to the video.

Yesterday I did tests with twisted and round trimmer cords. The
problem with the jammed line inside the trimmer head *persists*. Now
when you talk about automatic line feed, I have to say that my old
trimmer head was filled manually, by winding the line around the
center reel. I was easy to fit the ends into the wholes and to close
the trimmer head again.

This is impossible with all the successors which were “automatic” in
that you fill them by rotating the closed trimmer head until the
line is all “sucked in” and just the right length for work stays
visible.

I see that this creates trouble as different brands use different
techniques to ensure that the line will come out in the right way,
when you need it. And *none that I have tried do actually work*.

A “semi-automatic” (whatever) head that you fill manually, will be
my favorite, now. Automatic and semi-automatic… the next thing
that pops up in my mind is my father's MG42, where he had to switch
canons every few minutes due to over-heating… every generation has
its troubles, I guess.

The old Honda trimmer head is available for 55 to 65€ and I will
order one right away. This is quite expensive but I've had enough.

Cheerio

[b***@www.zefox.net]

Post by Michael Uplawski

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Did you happen to look at the last video I linked?

I just saw the lady talk about trimmer lines and – apart from the
“re-hydrating” thing – I can say that I share her opinions.
The Monkeys were coming up at that moment on Dash Radio with “Then I
saw her face – now I'm a believer”.

That's something else, here's what I'm referring to:

http://youtu.be/nIr2t-bIj4k
The relevant passage starts at about 22:40.

The line is loaded on the spool and then the spool is placed in
the head. It somehow measures out the cord, keeping the exposed
length constant. Not clear it'll work with extremely heavy cord.

Hope this helps!

bob prohaska

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
http://youtu.be/nIr2t-bIj4k
The relevant passage starts at about 22:40.

I see several advantages of the Supercut trimmer head.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
The line is loaded on the spool

*manually*. My recent trimmer heads allow to load the line
“automatically” while the case remains closed. This *looks* like an
advantage but is none. You do not see what's happening inside and in
the case of two of my candidates, mess was happening. I prefer the
manual spool!

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
It somehow measures out the cord, keeping the exposed
length constant. Not clear it'll work with extremely heavy cord.

Me neither. As the action is dictated by the drag of the rotating
cord, size matters.., or weight. Density, meaning material…
Maybe they “measure” the difference in drag between both ends of the
cord and hope that it will frequently be extreme enough to deduce
the need for more line… Or they insist on 1 and the same cord size
forever.
But I am not concerned, as Stihl is exactly not a brand that I will
give money to – for a diversity of reasons, morality being one (I am
dumb that way), hype another. There are details of Stihl machines
which may be praised as sophisticated, by some, I call them onerous.

For example, I have a clear vision of what a fuel tank cap should
look like and how it should work. While on my Shindaiwa chainsaw
(and my McCullough, too) you open the cap, fill in the fuel mixture
and then just close the cap again, Stihl needs a complicated
mechanism which will ultimately break. A few flowery metaphors may
be needed before you admit that they made money from repute.

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Hope this helps!

Thank you for the video. I will order my new/old Honda head *now*.

Cheerio

Michael

[Leon Fisk]

On Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:48:51 -0000 (UTC)
<***@www.zefox.net> wrote:

<snip>

Post by b***@www.zefox.net
Three millimeters is very close to one-eighth of an inch,
or .125". The heaviest cord I've seen in the US is .093"
I've a spool of .093" Echo cord with four longitudinal ribs

You can get much heavier cord for the walk-behind string trimmers. DR
has a good selection but grossly overpriced (everything DR is over
priced🙄)

https://www.drpower.com/power-equipment/trimmer-mowers/accessories/cord

Personally I just use a brush Scythe for heavy duty clearing. Much
quieter and you don't get weed guts splattered all over yourself...

[Michael Uplawski]

Post by Michael Uplawski
I need a new trimmer head for a Honda 435 UMK-E (four-stroke)
brushcutter. My favorite cord size is 3mm. I can look that up in
inches but do not really want to. Let's say big cords, the bigger
the better.

Photos:
<https://www.uplawski.eu/restricted_area/umk435e>

You need a login and a password to access. The user name is whacker
and the password is weed (case sensitive).

[Michael Uplawski]

Good afternoon.

This morning, wisdom caught up with me although I am running fast.

While contemplating some *round* and *twisted* trimmer cords in two different
shops, the only interesting thing was my impression that 3mm were smaller than
the size of my square cord.

At home, suddenly old Pytagoras ➤1 hit me hard in the head.

To conclude: a square cord of 3mm means that the width is 3mm, for a round cord
it is the diameter, for a twisted cord only the distance between the extreme
outer edges of the cross section.

The diagonal of the square is however 4,24mm !!!

I do not want to know, why the only indication you see is 3mm, while the
trimmer head must support over 4mm.

All that follows is historic and came from a blurred mind.

Have a nice week-end.

Post by Michael Uplawski
Good morning from France
I need a new trimmer head for a Honda 435 UMK-E (four-stroke)
brushcutter. My favorite cord size is 3mm. I can look that up in
inches but do not really want to. Let's say big cords, the bigger
the better.

(,,,)

Post by Michael Uplawski
My current trimmer head *does work*, but after a few minutes in
a real thicket, the cord is seized in its furrow and would not sort,
when I need to extend it anew.v

──────────────────
1) <https://wikiless.tiekoetter.com/wiki/Pythagoras?lang=en>

[Michael Uplawski]

Not reviving an old thread, just giving the final report.

Post by Michael Uplawski
The Honda trimmer head was good for everything, while its diameter
was not above 10cm (most big trimmer heads are 13cm).

My eventually installed, original, Honda-head is in use for some
time and it is the one you need for this kind of machine (Honda 435
UMK-E four-stroke, OHC)

I had been wrong, however, with the diameter. This trimmer head is
also 13cm large.

Still it is a bit disappointing that there are no alternatives.

Cheerio