Which Honda Trimmer? UMK425 or UMS425

brendanm on 01/09/2019 - 18:52
Last edited 03/09/2019 - 01:13 by 1 other user

Hey all. Tossing up between getting a used Honda umk425 (straight shaft) or new ums425 (bent shaft). 500m2 block. Current trimmer is a troybuilt I got from masters which is a straight shaft. Has been ok, but primer bulb has recently split, and it's always been a bit gutless, so would like to get something decent which actually has local parts availability.

Would rather new but I'm a tightass, and don't care enough about trimming grass to spend $500 on a new umk425. Will I regret getting the bent shaft? Have to say, I've never used my current straight shaft for anything other than trimming grass and edging with the standard head.

Home & Garden Honda Line Trimmer

Comments

  • Strikingviking on 01/09/2019 - 20:38

    I've got the bent shaft Honda and regret not getting the straight shaft

    • jackinyourbox on 01/09/2019 - 20:50
      +1

      Definitely straight shaft for bushes !

    • brendanm on 01/09/2019 - 21:27
      -1

      I was afraid someone would say this. What is it that makes you regret it?

      • Seedy seed on 02/09/2019 - 08:02

        Im gona give you the best advice of the thread, replace the primer that split.

        Now. Bent is ok for trimming nd edgeing, but straight is better as the drive shaft isnt a wire to get around the bend but an actual shaft, which is why you can get saws and hedgers ect for the straight but not bent.

        • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 08:05

          It's definately the cheapest advice on the thread, and probably the most sensible really. Just can't stand only being able to get parts off eBay. Maybe I'll look into whether the carb crosses over to any proper branded machines.

          • Seedy seed on 02/09/2019 - 08:07

            @brendanm: Havnt got a local mower shop? They will 80-90% the time have a primer to fit. Im talking real mower shop not one the fancy car dealer looking mower shops though.

            • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 08:08

              @Seedy seed: There'd probably be some around, should probably just take the carb in and see if they have something shouldn't I.

  • muga on 01/09/2019 - 21:33

    Straight shaft, pay the small extra upfront and save in time, money and effort later .. you will break the bent shaft eventually - the straight, will go on forever with domestic use, provided you maintain it correctly

  • Master Bates on 01/09/2019 - 23:32

    Why not grab one of these DeWalt battery powered trimmers for about the same price as the UMS425, or have you got some serious bush to cut?

    Some opinions from another OzB member

    • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 06:49

      I already have a Victa 82v mower, but the electric trimmers just feel like plasticky rubbish. If they made an electric trimmer that didn't feel like a toy I'd get it.

      • Master Bates on 02/09/2019 - 08:06

        How do you rate the Victa 82v compared to a petrol mower?

        • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 08:07
          +1

          Love it. Has the same feel as a regular mower, but no mucking around with fuel, pull starters etc. Nice and quiet. Hasn't struggled with long grass or anything as of yet.

          • Euphemistic on 02/09/2019 - 09:03

            @brendanm: What about the vista 82v trimmer then? $249 if you don’t need another battery.

            • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 10:04
              -1

              @Euphemistic: Yeah I had a look at it at Bunnings and just don't like the feel of it.

  • Euphemistic on 02/09/2019 - 07:24

    Go battery. Why faff around with petrol for one piece of gear. You already have the mower converted.

    A 500m2 block isn’t large. You also admit you’ve never used your current one for what it is designed.

    I have a 36v trimmer. Sure, it doesn’t have the grunt of a massive petrol jobbie, but it does near 300m of linear edging no worries. It copes ok with thick grass, but does prefer a lawn trim to a brush cut.

    • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 07:36

      Its more that they feel terrible. I bought the mower as it actually had power specs, and has a proper metal deck, can't stand the feel of the plastic ones. The electric trimmers feel cheap and nasty, though I have just seen Milwaukee does one that looks alright, might check that out in person this afternoon.

      • Euphemistic on 02/09/2019 - 07:51

        I agree about plastic things feeling cheap, but disagree you need a farm/commercial spec trimmer for a relatively small block. Plastic is pretty good if made right. Plastic is also lighter which makes yard work a bit easier.

        Maybe look at a stihl or similar ‘quality’ brand battery trimmer if you are concerned about

        Mine is a Ryobi and find it is sturdy enough for basic work. I upgraded from an 18v trimmer and the 36v is a lot better in terms of power and cutting ability.

        • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 08:06

          I obviously don't need a heavy duty trimmer for the size of block, but noone else does a small 4 stroke. Considered a Stihl but can't get past the 2 stroke.

  • brendanm on 02/09/2019 - 18:22
    -1

    Ok well as an update I got a umk425 off gumtree for $100 😲 Apparently doesn't idle but runs ok, we will see.

    • iand on 04/09/2019 - 19:56

      should have a screw on the carby to adjust the idle

      • brendanm on 04/09/2019 - 20:17
        -1

        It's sucking air into the fuel system, have a carb kit coming for it, runs nicely otherwise.

  • brendanm on 24/09/2019 - 16:59

    As an update, whacked a new carb on, changed the oil and adjusted the valve clearance and it goes like a champ. Much much better than my troybuilt, shaft is longer, don't have to turn the shaft 90° to do edging. Would have been happy with it if I'd payed $500.

    • Euphemistic on 29/09/2019 - 10:22
      -1

      Well done. Now if you could get it to stop the noise and fumes ….

      • brendanm on 29/09/2019 - 12:52

        Hahaha if only. One day they will make an electric one I'm happy with.

        • Euphemistic on 29/09/2019 - 13:39

          Maybe lower your expectations. You only need it for residential work not commercial don’t you?

          Watched a bloke using a victa battery trimmer yesterday. It was cutting thick buffalo edges with ease.

          • brendanm on 29/09/2019 - 13:42

            @Euphemistic: It's not what it can do, but how it feels. Can't stand cheap feeling tools. I'm happy with this one anyway, works a treat.

      • J5 on 05/10/2019 - 14:02

        They actually aren’t that noisy unless you run them at full throttle

        I often use mine locked on the fast idle button and it’s adequate for most of the work it does

        You only really need full throtle for overgrown stuff

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