Question
Ronald, I need to replace my string trimmer. I've tried electric, but my yard is too big for it to be convenient to have a cord trailing behind me. The RPMs on a battery operated trimmer seem a bit too low and runs out of power too soon. Apparently, I need to buy a gas unit. What would you recommend for ease of use and durability? Thanks for your time.

Answer
A straight shaft trimmer usually has a solid drive shaft while a curved shaft implement has a flexible drive. At the curve it whips against the housing and both are worn down. I have seen holes in the housing where this has happened and I have had the flex drive snap at inconvenient moments. I have had a straight shaft "Shindaiwa" for upward of ten years and it has given me exceptional service. This is my reward for using clean fuel accurately mixed with a synthetic lubricant, cleaning/changing the air filter regularly and taking it to a "shop" whenever I sensed that the mixture and/or idling were going off. I also have never used an over-sized trimmer line. I just believe that it is not the best thing to do.
I have used a "Stihl" trimmer but found it tiring on my shoulders and I never quite got the hang of the 'automatic' line feed. It was activated by the throttle. These are the things that worked for me. When I find something good, I stick with it.
It was once pointed out to me that, "The difference between a rut and a grave is depth!"