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#2012 | ||
T3/Sprint8
![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 16,357
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My whipper is the Stihl bent shaft petrol.
Rippa unit works great plenty power but when the day comes I’ll go straight shaft next. Curved shaft models are lighter weight and best suited for smaller yards and more intricate work. Straight shaft models work better for larger yards, and for reaching under decks and around obstacles Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Tickfords T3/TS50 '02 Sprint8 manual Sept 24 '16 Daily Macan GTS "Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Abraham Lincoln" |
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#2013 | ||
Kicking back
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,532
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#2014 | ||
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,892
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Straight Shaft Honda For Me..!
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#2015 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Pt Lincoln far side South Oz
Posts: 5,766
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straight shaft for me keeps me further away from joe blake, exciting when just his head comes flying at you though
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Dont p i s s off older people. At our age the term Life in Prison is not a deterrent |
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#2016 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 961
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I have a straight-shaft Husqvarna brush-cutter. Great for the big stuff.
I had the old man’s bent-shaft Honda for a while…..so much better (ergonomics) for edging. Knew a bloke years ago who had maintenance contract at a few cemeteries. He told me bent shaft was the go for edges……if anyone would know, someone doing that job would.
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Steve Current rides 2012 Mondeo Titanium wagon (TDCI) Moondust silver 2016 Focus Trend, 1.5ecoboost, 6sp manual. Frozen white Previous 2004 Berlina Wagon (LS1) Vespers Blue 1995 Camry 2.2, white 1971 Ford Fairmont wagon 302w, C4 Polar white 1971 TC Cortina, 2L 4sp, Ermine white |
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#2017 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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My first line trimmer, given to me as a birthday present at age 13 was a bent shaft Ryobi Weed Wasp, yet another gift that got my business started.
These were very common machines back in the day, Big W would have sold millions of them over the years. The engine was pretty large at 31cc, but were only a half-crank engine so they were incredibly harsh and vibey. I rarely used it at full throttle, when you did they used to absolutely scream! ![]() ![]() The three-stage choke was interesting, as was the layout of the engine, with the spark plug pointing down and the fuel tank resting on top of the engine. Fuel mix on these was 25:1. ![]() I ran this unit for a number of years, until one day it started to make a very alarming buzz, I retired it to the skip promptly. The Ryobi's replacement was a Stihl FS45, this time gifted to me by my wonderful Grandmother, who played a huge part in my life. ![]() These machines have a full crank engine, 27.2cc in capacity and much more refined than the Ryobi. I loved this trimmer, and I made a lot of money from it over the years. What finally killed it was a broken/sheared driveshaft. I was all set to have it repaired, but the cost of replacing the flexible drive shaft was not worth it when compared to the price of a brand-new machine. I simply bought another FS45. I ran the second FS45 for a long time. It's around this time I was starting to suffer from chronic pain. The bent shaft FS45 was a great unit, but it had me stooped over and contributed to and compounded my pain. For some reason, I started using my KM56 Kombi with the straight shaft trimmer attachment for edges. This setup was longer overall and allowed me to be more natural in holding and angling the trimmer head. ![]() ![]() However, the weight of tools started to become a very big factor on how I used tools and the impact they had on my body. I say that because the KM56 with a straight shaft trimmer attached was a heavy thing to use all day long, weighing in at 5.5kg and poorly balanced to boot. I was getting very sore shoulders and neck. In comparison, a FS45 is only 4.1 kg. That might not sound like a big difference, but as I said, using them all day long, the additional weight contributes to fatigue. Up until this point, I was very much a Stihl boy. I had Stihl trimmers, blowers, hedgers, chainsaws. Looking at a replacement straight shaft trimmer, the lightest unit they offered was the FS55 at 4.4 kg. So, I did the unthinkable and started looking at Husqvarna's................ https://www.husqvarna.com/au/grass-trimmers/522l/ ![]() ![]() ![]() The Husqvarna 522L is at the entry to their professional line and is powered by a 22.5cc engine. Crucially though, the 4.2 kg weight makes it the lightest of all the units I was considering. The next model up, the 525 LST, offers a more powerful 25.4cc engine, but ups the weight to 4.7 kg. The full crank 22.5 cc engine is more than powerful enough for maintaining edges, the anti-vibration system is a very worthwhile inclusion. I have found the 522L to very nimble and ergonomic to use, it's been even more reliable than the Stihl's too. Like all of my small two-strokes, I run this unit on Stihl HP Ultra synthetic oil at 50:1. It took me a while to adapt from a curved shaft trimmer to the straight shaft, but I wouldn't go back now. I would also 100% buy another 522L, the best straight shaft trimmer on the market!
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PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
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#2018 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,878
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Quote:
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#2019 | ||
B1 - J & D Services
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brim, Victoria
Posts: 1,632
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They both have their applications. I own both.
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Mr. Brett Johnstone. ![]() 2002 Ford Laser 2000 Ford Falcon Wagon Egas 1999 Subaru Imprezza Sportwagon 1998 Holden Suburban 2500 1995 Land Rover Discovery TDI 1994 XG XR6 Longreach 1983 Holden Rodeo 1975 Datsun 120Y wagon 1970 MG Midget 1967 Rover 2000TC Soon: Model T. |
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#2020 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
To be fair on the machine, I had been using it more than what a homeowner would, for several years. The issue wouldn't put me off another, in fact I did just that.
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PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
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#2021 | ||
Oppressive patriarch
![]() Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 733
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Husqvarna 124c, now discontinued, that replaced an even older Stihl.
![]() Been a great product, lasted well as used sparingly.
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. Lamenting lost Australian manufacturing. |
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#2022 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
https://www.husqvarna.com/au/grass-trimmers/129c/
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PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
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#2023 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 1,601
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Straight shaft husqvarna. Better at reaching under bushes etc, and when paddock slashing side to side motion covers more ground. Curved shaft used to hurt my back trying to do vertical lawn edges.
Incidentally my 322L has been stellar over this wet overgrown spring and summer, hours and hours of screaming away at max revs, I’ve refuelled and maybe done a spark plug, nothing else.
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____________________ 2019 LDV G10 2009 Mitsubishi Express-GONE 2011 Honda Jazz ____________________ |
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#2024 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
I don't think I have done anything to mine other than refueling. I have inspected the air filter a couple of times and added grease to the gearbox, apart from that it's been a killer machine. What I like about the pro level Husqvarna's is the anti-vibration system.
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#2025 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 1,601
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Quote:
I can sometimes hear the gearbox spool up, so might be time for grease.
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____________________ 2019 LDV G10 2009 Mitsubishi Express-GONE 2011 Honda Jazz ____________________ |
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#2026 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
If you are looking for a good grease for the gearbox, Stihl sell a tube that actually screws into the thread of the lubricating port, allowing you to squeeze and deliver the grease without mess. It also fits the Husqvarna's. I do this once or twice a year. https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...lubricant.aspx ![]()
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#2027 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
![]() There is a longer story to this, so here goes. Overnight, the neighbor across from me had all of his carpentry tools stolen from his locked toolboxes. Chatting to my next-door neighbor about this, I told her that she should probably put that Stihl chainsaw somewhere more secure, it's been hanging on a hook in an open carport for a year now. Before he died, her husband always had this thing locked in a secure cabinet. While it's old and beat up, it's certainly still a valuable item. She nodded in agreement and then asked if I wanted it. In no way was I wrangling to buy it, or have it given to me, so I was a little surprised by that. There is a sentimental element to this saw, it's what got me mad about chainsaws in the first place. I would have hated for it to be thrown away, stolen or given away to someone who wouldn't appreciate it as much as I will. Or put the effort into recommissioning it. Yes, it needs a lot of work to bring it back to working order. I have not even bothered to crank it over. I pulled the air filter cover off and noticed a perished/disintegrated fuel line so that will absolutely need attention before I even think about having it running again. I will pull the thing down and clean as much of it as I can, replace the bar and chain, sprocket if necessary. I may even touch up some of the lost paint, although there is some charm to that. I will then have to decide if I strip and rebuild the carb myself or take it to the Stihl dealer and have them take care of it. After past experiences, I'm not sure I want to do that. (Different dealer to the one I have had trouble with.) At least it will be clean for them if I do go that route. I'm going to watch some video's on this model and see what I'm up for and make a decision soon. I love the muffler design on these, from memory it had a very stout bark to it. ![]() It would also be nice to find out the age of this machine, hopefully I can find some identification markings or numbers along the way. So, I have another chainsaw, not that I needed it. However, I'm really excited to have this old girl running again, it's a special saw with a special place in my heart.
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PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten Last edited by DFB FGXR6; 03-01-2023 at 04:37 PM. |
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#2028 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,868
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No anti-vibration on that, it’s like my (first) old Pro-Mac. Except you’ve got a chain brake.
Is your town hatching a meth problem to rival Ballarat, or is the crime just flaring up here and there? |
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#2029 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
![]() Crime has spiked over the last couple of years after the council decided to allow the running of a drug and alcohol rehab center just around the corner from us. I say "allow" because this is clearly a commercial business operating in a residential area, and within walking distance to three primary school and one kindergarten. It's very clear some money changed hands to make certain people look the other way. The "residents" are also not supervised overnight and are free to come and go, and do, whatever they please. It's basically a drug house masquerading as a rehab center. In the meantime, over the last 3 months, there has been at least 4 burglaries that I know of. Police and ambulances are often in attendance, including to a fist fight in broad daylight in the middle of the street. But of course, none of this has anything to do with the rehab house is it!? So yes, a drug problem.
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#2030 | ||
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,892
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#2032 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Pt Lincoln far side South Oz
Posts: 5,766
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sounds like my grandfathers axe that (supposedly) came from Captain Cooks Endeavour, well its had 4 new handles and 3 new heads but it did come from his ship.
Restore but dont repaint, clean up and clear paint it to protect the patina but please dont repaint.
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Dont p i s s off older people. At our age the term Life in Prison is not a deterrent |
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#2033 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
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#2034 | ||
T3/Sprint8
![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 16,357
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haha - yer ok true having been busy and all.
OK time came pre chrissy for its maiden run getting the yard ready for chrissy day. Re checked oil level, perfect, filled fuel up. At 19" it sure is a step above my last mowers added with the self drive makes it that touch heavier as I was rolling down to the nature strip for starters. I was expecting it to fire up pretty quick but I suppose fuel had to run through the lines - I pulled like 10 times still not fire up. I was getting puzzled, had a rest hoping that work primed it up. Though I would press the start lever past start mode, gave it a few more pulls we got ignition ! Let it idle for 10mins - damn quiet engine thats for sure. So onto its first cuts, nature strip isn't that large but perfect to get to know it. Again changing direction isn't light and nimble like the old one so obviously change my techniques. Self drive ? damn it kicks butt, even too quick imo but another I'll get used to it. Picks up everything very very well, I looked back having finished the nature strip and thought wow that looks perfect ! Next was my next 2 much larger split level areas, first off first time negotiating 2 sets of 3/4 steps of stairs. I thought this might be a pain BUT no found it very easy, due to the self drive sets the rear wheels further back away from the catcher entry so pulling it up step by step was easy as with no fouling or scratching my new pride and joy. Yes I have to say its the first time I've felt to avoid scratching my new rolls royce mower lol........ Doing my larger areas was heaven with the self drive, you think why didn't I buy this long before !!! but the need wasn't there pre this property I'm in now and I'm that bit more mature ! The last split level section one part has at least a 35deg grade - I normally tackle this first with the catcher empty keeping weight as low as poss - using the rolls royce and self drive it was a breeze !, even got some wheel spin at times lol....... Overall the cutting was perfect, need to get used how to handle it better in tighter areas but that comes from use And taking a punt I suspect my cutting time will reduce by 15mins or so thanks to the self drive. 10 out of 10 score from me DFB ! Thank the lord I didn't go battery. Thanks mate. (I'll post some pics through tapatalk tonight.)
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Tickfords T3/TS50 '02 Sprint8 manual Sept 24 '16 Daily Macan GTS "Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Abraham Lincoln" |
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#2035 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Quote:
These newer Briggs engines have an automatic choke, so no priming or choking needed compared to the older engines, just full throttle and pull the cord. The automatic choke is activated by a thermostat connected to the heat generated by the muffler. And yes, these engines are very hushed, I think the QPT muffler makes a big difference here. You will get used to the self-propel and how to "drive" it. In particular, how to turn and pivot using the drive system itself. It's too hard for me to put into words, but I can stop, pivot and drive the machine away in one swift action. And yes, for larger areas, sloped areas or on thick spongy grass, a self-propel mower is bliss.
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#2036 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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Oops.............
![]() ![]() ![]() Yes, that's the $25,000 Ferris backed into the lake......... The best bit? That was the work of the boss and not the hired help. ![]()
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#2037 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,868
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Cover its under-deck for modesty! It’s showing more undercarriage than is respectable.
I hope it will be a requirement to mow in lifejackets now. The irony of it going backwards into disaster and being called Ferris! |
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#2038 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
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It had to be winched out of there with the 4wd Hilux.
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PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
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#2039 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,868
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“As you leave the mower and enter the water, pull on the tabs to inflate the jacket.”
Waiting for the zero turn build thread, next mods dual batteries with Redarc controller, 8000 pound Warn winch, custom checker plate toolbox to store tree-protector snatch strap. |
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#2040 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Taromeo
Posts: 10,454
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I have that fear every time I mow the back of the dam.
It's quite steep and even steeper into the water. |
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