 | Brand Troy-Bilt Model TB525CS Listprice $169.00 Price $179.00 |
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
Great power head, bad trimmer, low reliability and quality control
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I’ve owned a TB425CS for three years. I really liked it until the curved shaft trimmer cable broke and I couldn’t get a replacement from Troy-Bilt. I tried a Ryobi universal replacement trimmer attachment but it was worthless. So, I bought the new almost identical TB525 (that’s how much I liked the TB425). Right out of the box I noticed part of the plastic handle was broken. So I decided to at least try the trimmer attachment with my TB425 power unit. It worked for about 1 minute before the string completely disappeared into the hub. I retrieved it from the hub and tried again but this time the string fed out of the hub unrestricted and twisted around the shaft. Re-read the instructions and reloaded a few times with the same result. I could easily pull the string out of the hub with my hands. Returned product. Very disappointed with Troy-Bilt now.
This trimmer is a JOKE!!! Engineers should be embarrassed
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I had a Troy-Bilt mulching mower that I was very happy with – it lasted 15 years. I had a Toro trimmer that eventually died, but it was nice while it lasted. So, I figured since my Troy-Bilt mower was such a success I bought the TB525CS trimmer for around $175 at Lowes in June 2009 (I’m posting this May 2010). What a mistake. The engineering of this trimmer is terrible – it’s very unclear how to check the oil and with the documentation and decals on the unit it says you can look in an ‘oil indicator’ view circle, but it’s behind one of the encasements of the engine. The documentation suggests ‘to use a flashlight’ to see if the oil level is right. Who in the world designed this piece of junk?? For consumers like me who just want to make sure the engine has enough oil this should be embarrassing to the engineers. In addition, the pull-cord has stuck multiple times and I’ve replace the twine but it now advances at it’s leisure while I’m doing simple trimming. The user manual documentation also is poor – suggesting ‘…you may want to…’. Whoever wrote this manual has no clue how to write documentation – the word ‘may’ will always lead to a lack of confidence. Don’t buy this trimmer…
05/28/2010 – I figured out the line feed problem! Look, I’m an IT pro dealing with very sensitive integrations, so when I purchase a trimmer I at least expect the documentation to be correct so I don’t have to figure that out also. Wrong! The moronic TroyBilt documentation states you have to have to rotate the head ‘Clockwise’ to coil the line (page 5) – negative – you have to rotate the head ‘Counter-Clockwise’. Truly disappointed that this is an American product…
Line feed problem
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Great little engine. Starts easy and runs smooth and is relativly quiet. But that bump head line feeder makes it all for naught! Like so many others posting here, I can only go 6 to 12 feet before having to remove the bump head cover (not easy!), rewind the line, then reinstall the bump head cover. And getting that cover to snap back in place is even more frustrating than getting the damn thing off in the first place! I’d return it but I dont know what I’d buy to replace it. I dont get along with 2 cycle engines (i’ve sworn to never own another). The motor on my old electric Ryobi gets so hot it burns my ribs so electric is out too. So its either 4 cycle or let the grass continue to grow across the side walk. Someone told me Honda makes a 4 cycle but I’ve been afraid to even look at the price.
Terrible Product!!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
The only good thing about this trimmer is that you don’t have to mix the gas and oil. After that, it’s pure hell!!
The only reason for a dual line is to sell more string! It buys you nothing else. Every single time I have to put string in it, I spend a good 15 minutes or more swearing at it trying to get the bump knob to thread onto the center shaft!!!!! I cannot see anything wrong with the threads on the shaft and I cannot see anything wrong with the threads inside the knob, but I’ll be dipped if I can get the ***** thing to thread on. The frustration ruins any chance of me getting to ever like it.
This is NOT a Fill-It-And- Go trimmer either. It requires maintenance that I never had to do with my 2-stroke trimmers. The rocker arm clearance has to be checked and set every 10 HOURS of use! Why would I want to have to mess with that?
I didn’t think $185 with tax was an el cheapo trimmer, but I guess I should have spent more to get something that performs better. I bought it specifically so I could use other attachments on it. Now, I think I made a mistake and should have looked at other trimmers from a dealer rather than a big box store. What does Lowe’s care about my problems?
Watch OUT!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought a similar Troy-Bilt weedeater model number TR525ES. I put gas in it, and fired it up. It seemed to work fine when cranking –then I tried using it. The bottom casing that held the twine was put in place with two clasps that would come off easliy if you simply pinched it with your fingers. If you lightly touch the casing to the ground, the whole thing flies apart!!!! There are four small metal cylinders inside the spool that are supposed to hold and guide the twine. When it blew apart those little cylinders flew across the yard, NEVER TO BE FOUND AGAIN! I have NEVER seen a product basically destroy itself like this. I was shocked!!
When I contacted Troy-Bilt about the problem, they said that the part wasnt covered by the warranty and that I would have to PAY FOR THEM!! I WILL NEVER EVER EVER buy a Troy-Bilt product again!! I cant believe that they would want me to pay for their faulty design! What a piece of CR@P!
Do yourself a favor and buy a different product!!
Won’t buy again
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
The Troy-Bilt TB525CS I bought lasted just out of warranty and was an absolute bear to start the whole time I had it. It would always start, but it would take a minimum of 15 pulls when it was hot outside and upwards of almost 30 when it was cold (always would leave a blister due to the hard pulls). Dealer said that was due to the 4 stroke engine but “I was helping the environment”.
Well this time I’m buy something else and I’m going back to a two stroke! “Heck with the environment”!!!
line feed has issues
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
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.
Line feed was a problem
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
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.
Good engine, OK weed trimmer
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought this to replace my previous 2-cycle model that stopped working after 3 years of service. The new engine is quieter and I love not having to keep a separate gas/oil mix container; though the speed/horsepower is noticeably lower as well. For most tasks like weed trimming and hedge trimming, this isn’t an issue. For blowing leaves and tilling our small garden, it takes a little longer to get the same work done.
I’m also quite unhappy with the weed trimmer attachment — almost every time I use it, at least one of the lines disappears into the spool and I end up cutting with only one line exposed. I’ve had many trimmers over the years, and this is the first one to be so consistently unreliable.
All in all, I’m happy with it, and probably wouldn’t have anything negative to say about it if I hadn’t had the more powerful model immediately prior to it. I’m also going to try a different trimmer attachment because that’s the biggest frustration for me — not the motor.
Poor choice
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I purchased a Troy Bilt 4-cycle a couple years ago. EVERY time I use it, the thing gives me grief. Constant battle keeping line feeding from the head. Did not like the balance of the machine and sometimes it vibrates terribly. Factory was absolutely no help. Wanted to return it after my first use and factory said “no way.” Never again!
I love this item
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this and brush cutter attachment the from Lowe’s and love it. We have 11 acres of land and can’t afford a riding lawnmower. So we got this and it has done a great job. I’ve use the brush cutter and in one day, cut over 400 ft long by 6 ft wide tall grass (grass is 3-4ft tall) and briars. It cuts small saplings (1/2 inch) with ease. The grass trimmer is great too. I must be doing something wrong because I can’t seem to get the line feed to work properly. I bought a quick line change adapter it it’s great. I can buy large spools of cutting line and cut pieces to replace the line as needed and it’s a heck of a lot faster than messing with the spool. Again, it’s operator error because I have an electric weed wacker and I have the same problems. I’ve had the Troy Built gas trimmer for about 3 months now and it hasn’t failed me yet. I also love the fact that I can use straight gas and not have to deal with mixing the fuel. One gas can and that’s all I need.
A Real Piece of Junk
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
It took at least a hundred pulls on the starter cord to get the trimmer running, I thought it would be easier the second time I used it, but it took just as many pulls. Even when the engine is hot it is hard to start. I return the 1st trimmer and replaced it with another figuring it must be defective. I’ve never been able to get the second one started and will be returning it tomorrow. I’ll be replacing it with another brand.
875r Awesome after 4+ years
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I am debating whether to purchase this newer version since I am having a hard time departing fromt he old 875r model, 4 cycle trimmer. This trimmer served me well for nearly 5 years with weekly use and routine maintenance. Unfortunately the shaft where the attachments connect to drive ewach attachment is stripped…not sure about buying the part for $40 and trying to replace it. If my attachments work on this model, I will geta new one, no question. Very very satisfied with this product, and the attachments make it worth it all. Won yard of the quarter in my neighborhoood thanks to the Ryobi 875r!
Not a good buy
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought this Troy bilt line trimmer as it was listed for a great price of 70$, and had the option to attach various lawn maintenance items like a hedge trimmer, etc to it. Right from the word go it would not start, I then took it to a Troy Bilt service place, they managed to get it started after adjusting some components (they would not tell me what was wrong) in it, took it home and i used it once. Since then it wont start and its lying dormant in our shed. Why i wont go back to that particular troy bilt service place, is another issue. Line trimmers are very easy to start and use, this machine is either defective or has some secret operating mechanism. HOWEVER, I brought up this issue with Amazon, the customer service department being so understanding, not only re-imbursed the costs towards getting it fixed, they also returned the whole amount i payed towards this machine, no questions asked, no documents to provide, no hoops to jump. In any case, I would definitely recommend my family and friends to shop amazon, its a great place to shop online and their customer service is just excellent.
Great Value
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I had been looking to replace an old 2-cycle trimmer fro some time, but prices for 4 cycle models were holding me back. I was looking at some year end closeouts on Echo brand trimmers but they were still too expensive. Got this model for $70 shipped from Amazon. I order before a trip and it wasn’t supposed to ship until I returned, but it was shipped and deliverd before I got back!
The trimmer itself is fine, I saw the exact same model at Lowe’s for ~$170. It’s a little tricky to start, you have to follow the directions exactly. Idle speed required a little adjustment or motor stalled when idling. Has clutch so trimmer stops running at idle.
One annoyance: to disconnect the spark plug for winter storage, the protective cage around it required loosening about 6 screws. But for the price, I’ll do that once a year.
ripped off
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I ordered a 4 cycle string trimmer# 41Adt52c966. It is supposed to be a 4 cycle trimmer. Instead I got trimmer # 41adt25c966, a cheap 2 cycle trimmer. Notice the middle numbers in the item # are backwards. I seems like a common mistake, but this kind of thing happens too often. The end result is that the customer has to pay shipping, and the trouble of shipping and packing the item to send it back. Most people , like me, will just take the loss to keep from going thru the ship back hassle. I feel ripped off. Take heed If you order from these people.
Troy Bilt trimmer
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Trying to replace my Ryobi trimmer which decided to quit after about 6 yrs. Never had a problem with the Ryobi and I had all the attachments and didn’t want to buy everything over again. The Troy Bilt is the exact same trimmer as the Ryobi. Also wanted to stay with the 4 cycle instead of the mess of gas/oil mix with the 2 cycle. The trimmer is a little heavy, but does seem to be pretty balanced. Starting is very easy. The only recommendation I’d make is the difference between the curved and straight shaft. I’m 6’2″ and now have both types. I really notice a difference with the curved shaft–much more bending which my back notices by the time I’m finished with the trimming. Taller people should lean toward the model with the straight shaft. If you have been shopping, this is the exact models that Lowes sells. The price difference is much less on Amazon. Lowes wanted $169 for this model. When I bought on Amazon the price was $83 with free shipping. The price has since increased, but is still much less than Lowes. If you’re looking for a trimmer with capability for attachments, I would recommend this trimmer.
Troy bilt 17″ string trimmer
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Well balanced and rather light weight for a 4-cycle engine. Plenty of cutting power and extremely quiet. I am probably the most satisfied with the Troy bilt of any string trimmer that I have ever owned.
Great
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
We first bought this at Lowes two years ago. It worked great for two years, wonderful attachments, runs great, etc., but after two years the clutch broke so we bought it again at amazon. We still really like it and it had a rebate.
Not bad for the price
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I bought this trimmer after my 2 cycle Ryobi finally died. It has functioned very well although I haven’t had it very long, only about 1 month. I wanted something that would accept the edger and blower attachments I used with the Ryobi and this one met the criteria. In addition, I wanted a 4 cycle.
The positives: Easy process from box to use. Also, it starts quickly with minimum effort. I like not having to mix gas and oil. Also, much quieter and uses less gas.
The negatives: Not as much horsepower as a 2 cycle. Horsepower contributes to the speed the trimmer spins, so it doesn’t have as much power. However, there’s enough to get the job done as a trimmer. My blower attachment creates noticably less MPH of air. Still, I get the job done. Another thing to be aware of: The machine seems to perform much better when the humidity is lower. Living in NC, this is a problem since it is normally very humid in the summers. I paid about 132 dollars including shipping for the unit and overall have been happy with it. Time will tell if this was a good investment.
Bad trimmer and service
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought this trimmer 12/20/07, after three times of uses the engine exhausts a lot of smock, my wife brought it to Bills repair center for service the tech told her that we put too much oil, I was using the bottle of oil that comes with the unit. I myself brought it in the next week, the Owner Bills told me that it is a piece of junk and suggest me either buy a new of throw it away, I insisted to repair and left it in store. It has been there more than a month, eveytime I call for information, the answer is always back order for part and can not provide when the part will arrive, currently the trimmer still in the store waiting for part. This is not a good trimmer and very bad service.