Peter,

I have been gradually replacing WeedEater brand equipment with Stihl equipment with 4-mix engines.  I have an old Weedeater string trimmer which has a single line trimmer head with automatic feed.  It's simple, feeds out line automatically, is easy to refill, and works well.  I have looked for a good AUTOMATIC trimmer head that I can use on a Stihl OR another manuafacturer's string trimmer with good automatic trimmer head that works well.  Research indicates that the Stihl automatic trimmer head does not work that well, and I am not interested in tap n' go trimmer heads.  Can you help me locate the ideal AUTOMATIC trimmer head that works well (I will buy that same manufacturer's string trimmer if it's a great match).  Thanks.

Steve DiGiulio

  Steve:

I am not a fan of the automatic feed heads. The ones that we have tested have not worked that well. Most are only a single string which greatly reduces cutting performance. Even two string auto feed heads have not done as well as the traditional tap heads in our tall grass and weed testing. You will note that most of the better performing string trimmers come with tap feed heads or fixed line heads. The fixed line heads are becoming more popular. In most cases you can get a full cutting job out of a single set of strings and you can match the thickness of the string to the job for a better quality of cut. We have found the Stihl Autocut heads to work quite well. I particularly like the Autocut C head that allows you to wind new line on without removing the head. One thing to keep in mind, the cutting string tends to age and get brittle after only one year. I buy new line each year and replace the line with fresh at the start of the season. Also cheaper string tends to "weld" itself together on the spool by the heat generated during cutting and it will not feed out, requiring attention. If you are serious about your trimming, I would stick with the Stihl products and give their Auto Cut C bump head a try. If you do not like it, then go to the Stihl Fixed Cut. 

   Peter Sawchuk

Peter,

Good advice.  Thank you.

Steve DiGiulio