4 Cycle String Trimmers

Propane Trimmer Recalled in Canada

Propane Trimmer Recalled in Canada

Health Canada and Fiskars Canada announced the voluntary recall of SmartPower™ Propane 4-Cycle Curved Shaft String Trimmers on July 29 because the machine can pose flammability, burn, and laceration hazards.

Aug 02, 2011

A propane-powered string trimmer has been recalled in Canada because of two problems that could lead to user injuries. Health Canada and Fiskars Canada Inc. , the Markham, Ontario-based unit of a venerable Finnish tool manufacturer, announced the voluntary recall on July 29.

The recalled product has a 25-cc four-cycle engine, an attachment-ready curved shaft, and a 17-inch cut width. Affected products bear the model number 67036946 or one of these engine serial numbers:

110100201 thru 110102100 1103010001 thru 1103010650 1103020001 thru 1103020850 1104020001 thru 1104021000 101200001 thru 101201934 (certain units)

The recall notice says during use, the trimmer's engine vibration "can allow the propane canister to rotate, causing an abrasion to the fuel line which may potentially cause gaseous propane to be released through the compromised fuel line during use or storage, posing a flammability hazard to consumers. Additionally, high temperatures may develop in the product's lower boom, causing the plastic guard over the cutting line to soften, deform, and/or fall off, posing a burn hazard from contact with the hot lower boom and a laceration hazard from the unguarded cutting line."

Health Canada and Fiskars have not received any report of incidents or injuries related to the use of the trimmer, the notice states. About 1,080 of the recalled trimmers were sold through Canadian Tire stores from February 2011 through June 2011. They were manufactured in China, according to Health Canada's notice.

Customers who have one of the recalled trimmers should immediately stop using it and return it to their local Canadian Tire store or contact Fiskars via its Trimmer Recall Hotline, 1-877-495-6645, to obtain instructions on how to return the product directly to Fiskars and obtain reimbursement.

Fiskars was founded in 1649. One of its best-selling products is orange plastic-handled scissors, which are a registered trademark of Fiskars Corp.

Best Gas String Trimmers - 2 / 4 Cycle Weed Eater Reviews 2011

I've owned a battery powered string trimmer from black and decker ever since I purchased my own home several years ago. Every couple of years I have to replace the batteries; otherwise I only get limited use from the tool and I can't finish my yard which consists of 600 sq. feet of curbing, several easement and other tricky areas, and a vinyl fence. What's worse is that the batteries that were suppose to save me money are very expensive at over $40 for one and I usually need 3. When I get new batteries the trimmer works fine; however, it's just not powerful enough to do the trimming that I need it to do anymore.

After using a neighbors 4 cycle cub cadet gas string trimmer that doubles for him as an edger, weed wacker, blower, and even mini rototiller, I decided that as Tim the Tool man Taylor used to say I need "more power" and that I'm tired of trying to be environmentally conscious (at least with my trimmer).

In this hub I'll review some of the top rated 2 cycle and 4 cycle gas string trimmers that I've come across in my research over the last few weeks.

For Home and Garden I generally buy my tools from Home Depot when I'm in a hurry or online at Amazon if I'm thinking ahead. At Amazon you can generally get prices from many wholesalers for any tool you want to purchase. Many of these wholesalers even have refurbished or reconditioned items that sell for a fraction of those that are brand new.

Why 4 Cycle?

To the right I've listed some of the top rated 2 cycle cordless gas string trimmers in the market. The Hitachi is especially well rated amongst verified buyers across several different websites.

Hitachi CG22EASSLP 2 Cycle String Trimmer

Although it's powerful enough to take on any of your home and garden projects this Hitach trimmer is also backed by a 7 year consumer warranty for peace of mind. Additional features include an easy-start system, and a anti-vibration system that makes it easier to use over extended periods of time without getting worn out.

What's it Rated?

On Amazon the Hitachi CG22EASSLP is the Top Rated 2 cycle string trimmer with 32 out of its 38 reviews coming in at 5 stars.

What one verified owner had to say about it:

"I've only had it for a month now, but it works great. This trimmer has no problem at all running for 90 minutes at a time and getting coated in weed juice...

The price may be high when you compare it to the cheaper entry-level models on Amazon, but with a 7-year warranty I think this trimmer will still be around when I finally whack my last 5-foot weed.