Straight Shaft Conversion on an Echo Trimmer.
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
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Thanks for watching. This trimmer was difficult to use and I figured it was because it was a curved shaft. So the only thing I could do was to convert it to a straight shaft to see if it would make a difference, and it the answer was very obvious.
My Echo SRM is about 25 years old. Granted it is residentially used, but I run it dry every season. I just recently had to replace the metering diaphragm. Anyone reading this, save your money and buy a straight shaft. Notice how the landscapers flip it to edge. Once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze. Great small engine repair channel.
thank you A Patterson
I am considering this problem. Thanks for your advice.
Love your channel! After my second COVID shot I have been in bed for three days. Luckily I found your channel and have watched almost all videos now! I have gone from beginner to winner when it comes to small engine mechanics! SO THANKFUL!
hopefully you'll feel better soon and thank you!
I had my Astra Zeneca jab last Monday morning & I felt sick for 2 days by afterwards !
Well hope you get to feeling better but I didn't get the shot and want
@@williammoore4800 Neither did anyone with a brain
Some of my friends get these with shaft issues, yet the engines are fine. They then put the engines in RC boats. Those are fun to watch.
so I've heard. thank you Christopher Marshall
I bought a curved shaft Echo for my Sweetie and she didn't like it. I ran it and I didn't either because, like you, I had to hold it up under my arm[pit to level the head out and it was almost touching my toes. I gave it to the kids and got the Weedeaters going with carb kits and she also had a Featherlite as well. Now she has a Kobalt and I a DeWalt battery trimmer so all is right in our world. I did get extra heads for my Echo so I had a spare hedge trimmer, tiller, saw and string trimmer head so all I had to do was change tubes at the mid-point connection. Thanks and Blessings!
yes the curved shaft doesn't work for most people
@@HomeGaragechannel Yessir.
I’m glad I went with a straight shaft trimmer. Mine has bike handles instead of a loop handle which is more suited for me. My curved shaft trimmer was fine till the ignition coil bit the dust. I wasn’t gonna spend 65-112 dollars on one coil so I ended up buying a Stihl FS-56C to replace my Husqvarna 122C that I had for 5 years. I’m also glad I don’t have to mess with the choke on the Stihl as opposed to the Husqvarna and having a quick spool feed system for the trimmer line instead of taking the spool apart, similar to how Echo’s Speed Feed works. Plus the Stihl came with a shoulder harness but at some point, I’ll get a larger harness as I am 6’4”. Overall, both the Stihl and Echo machines are really reliable from my experience and easy to work on and find parts for. For those who want a curved shaft trimmer, avoid the Husqvarna 122C at all costs. I’ve seen this trimmer at big box stores all over, but within 5 years, expect the ignition coil to may not last. I assume that’s the reason why the coils are so expensive.
I believe you are correct, thank you Dylan Bedard,
I’m just the opposite. I bought a straight shaft Echo and while it’s a good trimmer, I hate it when doing edging, , lol. I used my curved shaft Echo for edging. Thanks for the vid! 👍👍
now that makes sense as well. thank you Tony M.
@tony: totally agree with you. I’ve used two different straight shafts, from two different manufacturers and find them very uncomfortable to use.
Agreed plus the head on a straight shaft has to incorporate gears to change motion direction. A curved shaft doesn’t require that so, as I learned on this channel, it’s simple, with less moving parts to wear.
A lot more work than I thought I would be getting myself into. I think you changed my mind. Thank You for the video I needed to see 1st!
Glad I could help!
If you're going to keep it for personal use, comfort is key. Put in whatever configuration works best for you. If you're reselling and you can reconfigure for a higher resell value, then by all means, do whatever brings the most return.
that's the plan. thank you Clif B.
I prefer the curved shaft. I have converted some Toro, Troy built and homelite trimmers to straight shaft, just change out the nose and shaft.
Nice job, very creative and ingenious.
I can respect that Jim S.
I love my echo srm225 . I’m taking extra care of it so it can last as long as possible. Putting it to work at home this mowing season
just use quality fuel and oil and you should be fine.
Nice job, I would replace it to a straight shaft, I am tall and can't use curved shafts very well. Thanks for another great video.
thank you Waterman One
Awesome, now that's a conversion! Just got a Stihl fs90r and I was hoping to get a Kombi Shaft for it
you should be able to swap the shaft over from a donor, a lot easier than this one. thank you Mr. Merhtin
I just did this same conversion,however i just shaved out the plastic one and got the 1 inch straight shaft to fit . As the older srm 225 had a grey housing it was from an older echo. So far so good works great.
nice work!
Cody bose can u make a video of how u did that please im trying to do the same
I've had several FS45 stihl weed eaters and switched them to straight shaft and fs40 sthil work just fine
thank you William Moore
I’ve been working on small engines most of my life and I’ve learned a few things from you and you’ve inspired me to get back into it !! Thanks man this is my favorite RUclips channel
Glad to help
This was a good one! If I had all the necessary parts, I would also want to convert a curved shaft trimmer to a straight shaft model. Another type of conversion that might come up would be if you had 2 similar straight shaft trimmers, but 1 had a shaft that allows for different attachments (Troy-Bilt calls this "TrimmerPlus attachments", lie string trimmer or pole saw, etc. and the one with the solid engine did not. That might also make it worth more if you want to sell it.
you make a very good point. Thank you Tom Lewis.
Hello, Thanks for putting out these videos. I binge watch all of them. Both of your channels. These are just fun and interesting to watch. Good in general. Always good to know this stuff. Thanks again.
Glad you like them! I appreciate it The Dumb Pencil.
No problem man, Keep up the great work!
Good job on the modifications and shaft swap I have never cared for any curved shaft trimmer and have never owned one.
I know how you feel now. thank yo nashguy207
Awesome modification. You make it look so so easy. You are epic mechanic. I have the old SRM-210 from echo and still running like a champ. 🙏👍🙏👍🙏👍🙏👍
Thank you very much!
@RayFpv, I got ya beat...I am running a SRM2100 (23yrs old) and still running strong. I luv Echo straight shaft trimmers.
thx, tww
@@tommywwalden1599 That’s a oldie but a goodie. I love the old machine they don’t build them like they use too.👍🙏👍🙏👍
Yes I would’ve done the swap even though it’s a little bit difficult but it’s the best way to go
I think it was the only way to save this trimmer.
Hey mate thanx for the vid, definately a straight saft esecially for cutting in. I used a brushcutter with harness at work for 7 hours a day and had less back probs than doing my own lawn at the weekend with a curved shaft trimmer.
you are correct, a shoulder strap would help out.
Weight and cost are like the two biggest reasons why someone would by the curved shaft. I have a gt225 and it's working pretty well for me
that makes sense.
Awesome video I have an echo pas225 and it works really good and it is way better than a curved shaft model trimmer but another reason that people buy a curved shaft trimmer is because they are out of the strait shaft ones and I was at the Home Depot and I usually takes two to three weeks for them to restock them
as much as I think you're right,.. I would hate to buy the runner up when it comes to comfort. But I do agree with you. Thank you Nicholas McGrew
Ha you make it look so easy to do! That would have never worked for me. Good job man.
thank you Martin T
it's the power of editing
Glad you finally have a comfortable grip now that your shaft is straight.
thanks man. I should be able to use it without cursing now.
@@HomeGaragechannel Figuring out that handle was annoying. Nice touch swapping the recoil.
I don’t like curved shaft trimmers. I own a straight shaft stihl. But if I had a curved shaft and had the parts lying around to make it a straight shaft. For sure I would totally do it. Great video
thank you Cole Steffens
Discovered your channel recently! I like the videos! I would like to work on small engines like these one day.
Welcome aboard!
Great video. I don’t even need most of these fixes you show but i love these videos. I’m curious what got you into this hobby/profession. You are very good at it.
its a very complicated answer, but I will probably answer in a future Q&A video
This is perfect saved a lot of money here
no problem.
When I bought my Echo, I didn't even consider the curved shaft version. One of the main reasons I was getting a new one, is cause my old one was curved shaft and incredibly uncomfortable for me to use. Just way too short. I knew right away I was going for the straight shaft.
glad you figured it out before buying a curved shaft.
Great job there Young Man 😎
Thank you kindly
Great video! Thank you for your hard work 👍🏻
My pleasure!
👏👏👏👏excellent I love ❤️ ECHO tools the parts is compatible with 150 models ….
thank you Azael Estefania.
i like curved shaft trimmers because it makes it easier for me to trim the grass in ditches
oh... now that I've never had to do. That makes sense!.. thank you Rhino
Awesome video, it was enjoyable to watch ya do the changeover 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Nice vernier caliper I want one of those !
nothing too special about it. thank you Bill Clement.
Straight shaft is the only way to go. People who think curved shaft trimmers are fine, have never spent any reasonable amount of time running a straight shaft. That was a lot of work to convert it, yet it come out working well.
I think it was very worth it. Thank you Mike Spain.
Thanks for the video!
You're welcome!
Jesus I love your channel.
thank you Mr Penguin, I appreciate that
I would love to see one of the donor engines in a rc car
that would be interesting wouldn't it
The echo trimmer I youse for my grandad lawn doesn't have any compression but runs better that the others with lots of compression
nice!
I don't know why it runs though I will try to get you a vidioe next time I am out there
Great success!👍👍
Thank you! 👍
Good to see an echo repurposed for another useful life. The echo trimmers see to be easier to work on than Husqvarnas.
I have to agree with you on that one. thanks D4x4Bronc
I would have just replaced the wire in the longer housing. I would prefer to have my hands a bit farther apart. I would also prefer to set it up with a split shaft. Even if you don’t use other attachments, it is so much more comfortable to rotate the head for edging. If your gear head ever fails, a new lower shaft complete with a new bump head and guard is about 2/3 the price of the gear head alone. Most dealers keep the attachments in stock vs having to order the head.
the only issue I have with having the front handle too far forward, is balance, but I understand the crowding issue.
@Home Garage i have a Italian made trimmer called a alpina star 41 it was made in 2003 and still going strong. It sat outside for 2 years by the previous owner because it wouldn't run properly. Guess what i bought a new carb for it and its been going strong ever since. It's a straight shaft like yours but you need a harness with it.
you are correct about that. It's unfortunate but we don't have Alipna here in the states. thank you Fionn O'Brien.
@@HomeGaragechannel I did a little video of the trimmer
ruclips.net/video/HrXJX9c0c6U/видео.html
Excellent sounding machine!. I've subbed to your channel.
@@HomeGaragechannel thank you
I'd definitely convert to a straight shaft. That why I don't use my Stihl curved shaft trimmer any more...
I completely understand now. thank you George Mazich
You should do a homelite straight shaft conversion
if I can find one I will.
very good video you learn a lot 👍👍👍👍
Glad to hear that
That is awesome man there selling me a echo gt225 you can tell the engine has been barely used the guy wants $50 i found in ebay the drum housing for $18 i have used straight bars in my garage and throttle triger handles aswell all i need is the starter cord from a srm225 there like $20 in ebay
thank you Victor Rippe.
I have a curved shaft Stihl trimmer. I'm going to do a straight shaft conversion. It kills my back. I bought a SRM echo and it's awesome
same thing happened to me, thank you Michael Denton
I'm used to running straight shaft trimmers, but I don't mind a curved shaft, however I discovered that they're all different in sizes and angle to be held. I have a stihl fs38, an echo gt225, bolens bl100 and a weed eater fl21 plus which I just got running today. The stihl I think is most comfortable to hold. I'm about 5'7" maybe 5'8". I gotta agree the gt225 is somewhat awkward to use. You can actually swap curved and straight shafts easily on the stihls. My fs38 looks like same diameter shaft as my fs91r. The featherlite has a very skinny shaft though. But at least its aluminium so its lightweight. The angle of the curve can determine whether you scalp the grass holding the trimmer a certain way. Keep up the good videos, I always learn something new.
you're right, they aren't the same, and it's going take some getting used to, when switching brands.
Curved shafts are superior to straight for edging. If you want to walk forward with a straight shaft you have to hold it at a ridiculous angle and your using back and shoulders more. With a curve just rest the fuel tank on your bicep and you’re not using any muscles to maintain a straight cut.
The only advantage to a straight shaft is getting further under bushes.
Our guys run trimmers 40-50 hours a week and prefer curved shafts!
My opinion isn’t worth anything so with that in mind this was a quality video!
thank you Andrew Allen for the information
@@HomeGaragechannel ironically I stumbled across this video to figure out if I can take a straight shaft and convert to curved😂 Curved shaft rotates the opposite of straight so I wasn’t sure. echo hasn’t made a commercial curved shaft for about 10 years. I bought all the ones left from all over the east coast. It’s been three years now and my dealer hasn’t found any more. I’ve had the gt235 for about 8 years and other than a carbs, triggers, and recoil springs I haven’t had an issue. They are starting to drop power now and new long blocks are $30 less than a new 2620 head. This video made me very happy to see!
nice, and glad you enjoyed it.
It is better to make it so the trimmer is more comfortable to use. But I am not sure I have the skill/talent to do what you did. Thanks for the video.
thank you D Butler
I ou did what I would do, I had a little troy bilt cultivator the engine was gone ,kaput blowed smooth up, so I put a weed trimmer engine on it ,and wow it actually works yes a few conversions had to happen but it was very minor!
nice work Joe Ortiz
hey, i own a curved shaft trimmer the (Gt 225s) because i am 5' 3" and straight shaft makes it really hard to hit those grass patches in a swaying motion, which is why they also seem to be marketed to a shorter people.
that makes sense
So how many weedeaters did you use to complete this? Just the curved echo and the one donor straight shaft echo?
2 spares, one had a bad engine but the trigger was gone, so I had to take the trigger off a 2nd spare. I think you're the first person to realize, what I had done! Nice job.
@@HomeGaragechannel can u help me i have a sr225 and a gt 225
I found no results on how to change Echo shafts. This works.
thank you for the comment.
HG:
I have an echo pas 225. Will a GT225 engine swap out without any difficulty? thanks
I believe it's possible, but you'll have to do what I did in this video.
You should use the engine for a trolling motor for fishing
yes that would be a great idea!
echo pas are amazing
I completely agree with you.
@@HomeGaragechannel I liked the video and hopefully didn’t cost you any money, however the pas system is better the srn or gt since you how you change the tools functionality to better suit you
If I recall I only had to replace a few small items that I already had.
Awesome video bro
Can you please do one video about maintance and "detailing" trimmers
When mowing seazon is over my friend cleans his trimmer with preshure washer
But i do it with special spray so bouth looks brand new at end but witch way is better and safer for matchine
Ok will do
I agree, storage video for small engines and equipment would be helpful.
I got your vote
@@HomeGaragechannel Thanks 🙃
Very interesting video
Glad you think so!
Comfort and ease of use over value. I like the strait shaft myself, however comfort and preference, is always relative to the person using the tool. the curve shaft still has it's users.
Great point!
Do it with Makita ones too !
I wish I could more of them
Wouldn't you be able to use attachments now that its a straight shaft like a boom or saw blade
unfortunately it would not be an easy attachment, because it's not designed that way. I would make it though, if I installed a part that will take attachments where the gearbox is.
Is it possible to convert craftsman add-on shafts to other trimmers... like the echo... I have all craftsman attachments but the engines are useless... I will never buy another craftsman tool.
not sure I haven't tried that yet.
*Will this method be interchangeable with different brands?* Homelite straight to a Echo curved.
unfortunately no
I changed the carb out of the straight shaft that wasn't working with the carb from the curve shaft and got action.
nice work!
So exactly what throttle cable did you use? I am trying to do the same swap.
the throttle came off another straight shaft and Not the one that came off the curved shaft.
Is there any particular biz you prefer to order all of your small engine supples from? I’m hoping for one place that would have most everything you would need at great prices.
If you look at the description for the video, you'll see I really only prefer to order from "them" because of shipping and tracking. I they don't pay me directly to advertise for them, so I try not mention any One place to order from. I only try to mention them as "online retailers"
I gotta ask, why is your favorite string trimmer line, i really like the .095 echo cross fire line, i think it ha such a. Clean cut, also, do you buy your string on a spool, or in pre wound cut pieces. I prefer the spool, cheaper,and get way for line.
I don't have a preference in line but that line is great. I get a spool
Since I am a tall person I prefer to use a straight shaft rather than a curved shaft because a straight shaft is more comfortable to use and dosen't put too much strain on your back when using it for a long period of time. If possible I would like to see you do a conversion from a trimmer to a pole saw if it can be done that is.
yes it can be done, I'll start looking at my parts.
@@HomeGaragechannel wow! That sounds so cool. I can't wait to see that video when you get the chance to do it👍👍
I know I have the shafts already, I just need to see what power head to put it on. thanks again
@@HomeGaragechannel you're welcome bro. Keep safe
Yes I would but I only have one weed waker and it doesn't run I think it have some carb issues.
have you considered replacing the carb?
Kind of of but I can't even remove the spak plug
I well probably cang the carb there been gas in it for 3 years.
@@HomeGaragechannel I will probably add a new carb because the primer is gone and there has been gas in it for 3 years since thanks for the comment.
now that's an issue.
Curved shaft trimmers have a cable in the shaft that tends to snap a lot
that makes sense
I think a strait shaft conversion for a Troy built would be helpful since that is a common brand
You make a great point. If I can find one, I'll do it.
Can you share info on swapping shafts on murray trimmers ? I have an M 2500 and need to straight shaft it.
I've never done it on a Murray before, so I don't think I'll be much help.
Great video quick question a friend of mine riding mower is blowing gas out of the screen on carb any ideas
if you mean out of the carb thru the air inlet, then I guess its flooding. The carb isn't able to control the fuel flow and it's coming out, but while the engine is running, it blows the excess out
@@HomeGaragechannel thanks I’ll let him know
@@HomeGaragechannel is there a fix
sure, replace the needle, float and if theres a seat, otherwise replace the carb
@@HomeGaragechannel you are the best I’ll tell him thanks
My ryobi 740r as old as it is is very comfortable to use and I'm not a short guy but I have two of the same trimmer so AM I BIASED???? maybe but I like it because of how you can trim easier than the straight shaft trimmer I once used...just my opinion
that makes sense
@@HomeGaragechannel yea
Can this be done without swapping over the other stuff, like just shaft for shaft? Just found a GT-225 with no trimmer head but starts one pull. Would love an easy shaft swap.
the handle may not fit the other shaft.
So at most I’d need the SRM shaft, trimmer head and handle? By handle, you mean the one without the throttle attached to it, correct?
yes I mean the handle with the trigger on it.
I bought the exact curve shaft because it was cheaper. I don't like using it at all. It feels awkward to hold. Probably gonna end up selling it for a loss and buy a straight shaft.
it happens. good luck with your next one
I would love to see a normal trimmer to kombi conversion.
that would be a great idea, let me start looking for the parts.
I wanna see you mod a stihl weedeater with a briggs & stratton 4 cycle 34cc engine
LOL!!! Those engines are very rare.
@HomeGaragechannel it would be very neat to have one tho, stihl plastics but that heavy duty motor, awesome
The screw you tightened what does that do? Can i do it to my gt 225 does it make it faster?
can you give me a time stamp for which screw I tightened? thanks
@@HomeGaragechannel on the throttle
Time stamp in the video
Question: what woud heapen to a trimmer that uses 1:50 aka 2% oil mixture if you put in gas thats more like 3% or 4%
nothing, it will be a tad bit smokey.
@@HomeGaragechannel OK thanks man, great content by the way you make good videos
thank you random gamer
@@HomeGaragechannel no problem, you deserve way more subs and vievs on you chanel your videos are of high quality
I working to make better content so hopefully so.
You can use the other engine to make a homemade goped.
yes that's a good idea.
Question: Do brand new trimmer engines have a "break in" period?
they all do, it doesn't matter the brand. most people never break them in, they just use them.
I would do whatever's possible to make it easier to use if I had the parts lying around for it !
me too Russell Booth
Straight shaft all day.
me too Pete Froud
i do this with stihl all the time
what models have you done this to?
@@HomeGaragechannel o converted fs 36 to fs 44,fs 38 and 45 to fs 55,its a bolt on process
You could use the donor engine for a rc boat
yes if I can get it running I would.
@@HomeGaragechannel I have only seen a few strimmer RC boat conversions but I have a electric racing boat that is super fast and super fun if you could get the stronger engine working it would be a blast for you
that makes sense
Not all are thinner, stihls are the same. I think some others r as well
thanks
I want to see homelite convention
you mean homelite conversion?
I have a crafts mans making the shafts hot swappable my dad changed from the straight shaft to a curved one ig thats how he learned and what he was used to thats prob another reason why people would buy the curved shaft
that's a good point
@@HomeGaragechannel same with me im just a teen learning i started on a curved the when we go the new weed eater with a straight shaft i scalped the edges in a couple places and so did my dad
I completely understand.
Great video! Might this also be applicable to a Stihl trimmer; I recently posted on another vid, that I also acquired an SR-45. Unrelated question with regard to a different machine. I recently acquired an Echo backpack blower. It has great compression; however, I discovered that the pull rope would not retract. So, I took it apart and discovered I needed to order a new/replacement assembly. Of course, the original part was scarcely available, and for around $50. I found a slightly different, made for a later model Echo backpack blower, pull cord assembly for about $20. The housing is different and won’t quite fit on the machine with the shroud in place. So, I’m in the process of moving the spring from the new housing into the old housing, and am having a heck of a time trying to wind that spring to fit inside the old housing. Any tips on how to make that task a little easier? It’s set inside the housing about an inch and a half deep, so it’s really tricky. I can provide pics of what I’m working on, if that’s any help. Thanks!
There are tools that help you rewind springs online, I don't use them but if you need that extra bit of help to get it to the right size, they should help out. Otherwise it's all about technique which is hard to explain.
Can you put a Stihl FS55 Sraight Shaft on a Stihl FS38
I'll have to go a measure the shafts, how old I the FS55?
Hey brother do you have a video for Kawasaki fs481v carburetor repair or swap? Thanks
unfortunately no, that Is one awesome engine. I did see a carb on Ebay for $20. just a thought but try swapping it and then that way you can get your machine running again while you try to repair the OEM one.
@@HomeGaragechannel ok thanks. I did see those at that price. I winded up buying for $60
I would be interested in know how it works out.
Using a trimmer without a proper harness and handlebars seems antiquated to me. Maybe its just an American thing to be happy with the loop handle style trimmer.
And could you try a mcculloch conversion
McCulloch trimmers are hard to find in my area, I think I've only seen a few.
Can u please do a video on a 250 Stihl weed eater mind give some problem
if I can find one yes
how about doing one using a haquana ?
if I can find two, I would