Troy-Bilt TB525CS 17-Inch 29cc 4-Cycle Gas Powered Clutched Curve Shaft String Trimmer

REVIEW:The joys of the four-cycle engine are many. First, they run on straight gas, so there's no need to prepare an oil-gas mixture. Second, they give you more torque at a greater range of speeds. Third, they run quieter than two-cycle engines and produce fewer emissions. As with most good things, however, there is also a downside: Two-cycle engines will give you more horsepower, pound for pound, than four-cycle engines (in other words, they're lighter per HP).

The question, then, is whether you're willing to put up with a little more weight or sacrifice some HP in order to have a clean, quiet cut. (In some states, this decision may already have been made for you-there seems to be a trend toward mandating that two-cycle engines be retrofitted with catalytic converters.)

If the answer is yes, then Troy-Bilt's 29 cc curve-shaft trimmer is a great option. At 13 pounds it's lighter than older four-cycle models, and it has a wide 17-inch cutting swath. It features "SpringAssist" starting, which means you don't have to yank on the pull-cord-a slow and steady pull will get the thing started. This trimmer is well-balanced, and the curved shaft and adjustable D-handle make for comfortable use. Like most trimmers, this one includes a bump-head line release; Troy-Bilt's "SpeedSpool" system means quick, easy line replacement. As an added bonus, it's compatible with interchangeable Troy-Bilt attachments, too.

Overall, a powerful trimmer that's comfortable to use, clean, and quiet. Two-year limited warranty. For a comparable trimmer with a straight shaft, see Troy-Bilt's model #TB575SS.--Josh Dettweiler

What's in the Box
Trimmer with adjustable D-handle; oil included in carton

Customer Review: line feed has issues
I purchased this trimmer from a local Lowe's & don't know if the problems I encountered was a Troy-Bilt or a Lowe's problem. I suspect that it's both. The trimmer started with some effort, but once running it was powerful & worked well UNTIL I had to change the line, then the trouble started. I followed the directions very carefully & every time the line started to advance ON ITS OWN (not bumping the head at all) & in 1 minute the line was all gone. I tried to restring several times but no luck. Took it back to Lowe's & got the lame excuse "I'm not familiar with that head" & got put into another TB trimmer (the TB514CS). That trimmer also had line feed issues with similar results from Lowe's (see my review of that trimmer on this site & the Troy-Bilt site). I have had great results from a Homelite 2-cycle trimmer that I have used for many years, replacing the string on the spool and all with no problems, so it's not like I'm inexperienced with trimmers & lawn equipment. So now I have no working trimmer & will definitely try a different retailer. The manager at Lowe's got an earful however.
Customer Review: Line feed was a problem
Bought this one at Lowes 3 weekends back. Starting the trimmer was a very smooth operation. Just followed the procedure exactly the way they had described. It vibrates quite a bit, but you get used to it. After exactly 3 feet of trimming the string broke. I tried bumping the head to release the line but that didn't do anything. Opened the head to find out that the string had welded inside to the plastic and wouldn't move. So had to remove and wind both the strings again. After about 20 feet more the string gave way again. Again, followed the instructions to release the line, by bumping it on the surface, didn't work. I opened the head again and found out this time the string was just stuck and wouldn't move. After about an hour of fighting around I gave up. Started the trimmer the next weekend and had to stop 3 times to fight with the string release. On the 4th try, I emptied the gas tank, drove back to Lowes, and got my money back. I am now again on a lookout for a 4-cycle trimmer.


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