Outdoor power tools for old guys like me ~Fathers Day Gifts?

[Melensdad]

One simple word: STIHL

But with a caveat that you get their Anti-Vibration System equipment.

How do I know that STIHL is the answer?

Well that is pretty simple, about 3 hours ago I used an ECHO string trimmer that, while it has lots of nice features, does NOT have any sort of Anti-Vibration dampening. My hand is still 'vibrating' and both my wrists are screaming in pain. There is no reason that my hands should still feel like they are 'vibrating' 3 hours after using a piece of power equipment for about 30 minutes. This ECHO trimmer is a homeowner grade trimmer, it has their easy start system, its lightweight and doesn't have a ton of power, it was a gift to my wife about 3 or 4 years ago and honestly its a great running, quick starting, tool so I can't complain about it. Other than the vibrations!!! ​

By contrast my new STIHL chainsaw has their anti-vibration system and it doesn't bother me at all to use that saw . . . my old saw was a different matter!

Also my STIHL hedge trimmers have their anti-vibration system and it doesn't hurt my hands to use that tool.

So I think for FATHERS DAY, I'm going to be asking for a STIHL string trimmer with their Anti-Vibration system.

STIHL video of their anti-vibration system in one of their chainsaws: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aydcI1uZ9PI

SERIOUSLY guys & gals, if you use outdoor power equipment and vibration bothers your hands (I have Rheumatoid Arthritis) you should try a STIHL that has their Anti-Vibration system.​

 

[Melensdad]

I'm thinking this may be the trimmer that I get myself for Father's Day.

http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/professional-trimmers/fs70rce/

Its more expensive than I'd like to spend ($289) but it has power, bump feed, and anti-vibration.


Here is a homeowner version, also weights about 10#, seems to have the same engine as the pro model and has the same features, but is a bit lighter duty. Costs about $70 less that the pro-grade model. => http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/homeowner-trimmers/fs56rce/

 

[Snowtrac Nome]

I have a commercial grade stihl pre anti vibration model even with RA I can run it all day.

 

[Melensdad]

Its now been more than 5 hours since I used that ECHO trimmer and my right hand is throbbing, my right wrist is still hurting. All I did was trim around about 15 to 20 small trees and along 70' of fence line. Not heavy work, just weed whipping some grass.

My old Troy-Bilt hedge trimmer used to do the same thing to me.

Now that I have 2 of these STIHL tools with their Anti-Vibration system I am sold on the system as being a legitimate system that actually works. Honestly when I got the hedge trimmer and it didn't vibrate me into pain I figured it was a fluke, or dumb luck. But then I got the new STIHL chainsaw and the anti-vibration system on that works too. So I'm pretty much sold on these tools.

 

[BigAl]

I like mine better ........Eyes are very sore from forgetting to blink , otherwise it does the job nicely !!!