Introduction
The 128DJX is one of the most popular string trimmer/brush cutters on the market today. It’s very similar to its brother the 128DJ. Husqvarna, a Swedish power tools company, certainly did their homework on this model.
128DJX vs 128DJ – The Mutant Gas Trimmer
Just to set the record straight, the DJX takes Husqvarna parts only, and the 128DJ takes parts from other manufacturers. So if you do not like the bump head unit that comes with you can replace it with a Tanaka bump head. The benefit to the DJX is that the Husky parts are often better quality than other manufacturers. To our knowledge this is the only “X” variant in the Husky line. Let us know in the comments if you know another one.
Specs and Assembly
This engine is a two-stroke and 28 cm³ that puts out a solid 1 horsepower. That power is transmitted by a straight shaft. Like we said in our guide, we generally prefer straight shafts. Curving the shaft means losing power and increasing the chances that something will break. Not saying to use a brush cutter or string trimmer is to abuse it – but sometimes those weeds do not want to be whacked.
Guiding the unit is done via a loop handle. And the handle has vibration dampening features.
The downside to this straight shaft is that it’s a two piece. The bottom half is detachable which allows for adding on your attachments. It comes with a “D” loop handle. This is a brush cutter site, so we prefer bike bars for their maneuverability during long jobs. But if you are not going to be taming the Amazon, a J handle or “D” Loop will do the job.
Some were unlucky in the unit ships with a bad packaging. Sometimes they’re missing pieces or even missing handles. With that in mind one user found that they drop the unit is still work after they dropped.
In the box, you get a bump head for string trimming and a grass blade. A grass blade is not the same as a brush cutter blade, but this unit is designed for lighter duty than a full-on brush cutter.
Once everything was checked, many found that the unit was easy to assemble. The manual…well let’s just say that people were mixed on how good the manual is. Mechanically inclined folks should be able to put this together and use best practices to get it running and keep it running.
Operations
In general, the 128DJx is easy to start and cuts well.
The unit has a vibration dampening handle, but the reviewers were pretty happy with it.
Many found the 128DJx to be heavy. Heavy is always relative, but 10.8 pounds of metal, fuel, and fumes is something that’s always at the back of our minds. Tall users did not have to hunch over to use this.
Engine wise, all 2 strokes require a break in period. This does not happen with your car, because they break in the engine at the factory typically. If you’re familiar with them, you don’t run the trimmer/cutter too hard for your first ten hours. Sometimes even with that, the overall performance might not be to your liking. Most users found that the break in was fine in this unit, though you can find reviews where it did not seem to work.
This unit is carb compliant in a requires spline tool to adjust the carburetor. The carburetor needed adjustment in some reviews. You will need a special tool if you find the engine running lean or rich. The same fuel rules apply to this 128DJx. Always use 100% pure gasoline. Absolutely no ethanol. Add a fuel stabilizer to your mix that you keep in the garage. Ethanol will clog the carburetor
When it comes to whacking weeds distributor works very well. It did not bog down and did not hesitate.
In terms of power, the unit was able to cut through wild parsnip and could handle the brush in an orchard. Some users liked it enough for regular farm work. If you really want to get the most out of this unit is a heavy duty line.
Long Term, Repairs, Maintenance, Service, and Warranty
For the people dealing with overheating problems they found it would not start. Manual is online and so are the service center locations.
When it comes to the warranty, the main problem most people have with string trimmers are related to fuel line/carburetor issues. This is a 2 year limited warranty, and they limit what they cover.
Conclusion
This is a great string trimmer for your typical needs. If you do not own one, put the 128DJx on your short list. If you do have a string trimmer and other accessories, consider the 128DJ so that you can get further value from the equipment you already have.