Introduction
We like this as a string trimmer more than as a brush cutter. Shame it’s been discontinued.
Specs, Assembly, Start
This unit with 9.7 pounds. It is a two-stroke engine with 21.1 cm³ of displacement making 1.2 hp of displacement. You cannot use ethanol in his engine since it is a two-stroke engine. Ethanol will gum up the carburetor and corrode the fuel lines. And two strokes require the same maintenance, pre-mixing the fuel and motor oil, adding stabilizer to the fuel, and making sure to drain the tank at the end of the season. Speaking of fuel, you might not be in love with placement of the gas tank. One user found that the design did not make it dead simple to fill.
For gas trimming needs it has a loop handle and a straight shaft. We’ve discussed earlier the benefits of a a straight shaft versus a curved shaft for brush cutting. When it comes to trimming weeds, what you lose in the power and reliability of a straight shaft, you make up for in maneuverability.
Out of this box this does not include a brush blade or a harness. It’s definitely a string trimmer, but a swap out of the bump head with a blade could get you in business.
It was very easy to assemble and the manual was actually useful for a change
Starting, Idle, and Ergonomics
Most found it was easy to start some even said it was good for women.
If the idle is not to your liking, given your environment and climate, to adjust the carburetor yourself you need a new special tool.
Once it’s up and running users found that
- Good for tall and short people. (Undoubtedly helped by the straight shaft)
- Using the unit it vibrates heavily when it’s actually cutting the brush.
- There was a mixed discussion over whether it was heavy, light weight, or had a good balance. That may be something that is dependent on a user’s overall strength and tolerance
- Oddly, many found the unit to be quiet. (Well as quiet as a gasoline motor strapped to your back can be)
Usage
Overall, most uses found the unit to be quite powerful. Users cleared 1 acre, 1.5 acres, 2 acres, 2.5 acres, 6 acres, 8 acres and 10 even acres.With good power comes a decent amount of debris headed back their way. The unit has a small shield in comparison to other units, so as usual always wear protection when using.
The main issue with Tanaka string trimmers is the bump head. This unit is no exception. Many people had issues with the bump head and resolved to buy the quick load head instead. Seems to me Tanaka could have just shipped it with the quick load in stead.
Running the unit for a while, one has to be aware of the exhaust gas. All two strokes are noisier than 4 strokes and put off noxious exhaust, but on this model the user has to be careful so that they do not leave a body part in the exhaust stream. They could get burned if they do not follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Indeed, the issues were so serious with this model that the factory issued a recall.
Longevity, Repairs, Service and Warranty
With respect to longevity, the warranty is good for two years of commercial use and five years for residential use.
This unit has a seven year warranty overall.
Conclusion
You can still find these in stores. When it works, it works well. The bump head limitations and overheating issues are something you should take note of before purchasing.