Troybilt trimmers! I've used a lot of trimmers in 40 years. And I would love to see the grass and weeds I've cut all in one big pile. And a Troybilt is the only one that was shit straight out of the package. Not cheap either. Hell to start and couldn't keep it running. I finally took it to my long time small engine repair guy. He called me the next day to tell me they were checking it out and trying to diagnose when it blew the hell up. It was almost new and never abused in any way. Neither the dealer or Troybilt would make it right. Lesson.

I wouldn’t waste my time on a 4 cycle trimmer. Cost, weight and the noise they make is good enough to drop it.

My 4 cycle Troybilt is 16 years old. I have had some problems thru the years, but nothing I could not fix. IT STILL RUNS

Just like Sears/Craftsman, they can engineer something cool/innovative, but then its all downhill once the penny pinchers get ahold of it.

I bought a 4 stroke TB trimmer in 2009. It has been flawless every year. Sits from oct to may and has never failed to start and run. It's 2024.

I have had the pleasure of dealing with two of these. One of them I owned (sadly), and the other one a friend owned, and I did a lot of yardwork for her. The one I owned lasted about 2 months of weekly use before the pull rope broke. I don't remember how, but I got it fixed before it broke again. I then threw that one in the trash as I didn't want to deal with it anymore, and I have an Echo trimmer which is loads better. The one our friend owned lasted 2 uses before the same thing happened. She bought one of those electric start things and used it for around a year until it quit wanting to stay running. I gave her an old Homelite SX-135 from 1997 which still runs better than that one ever did to this day. It is funny how these have a serious design issue with the pull starter to where almost all of them break, and they just so happen to have that handy electric starter option. It is almost like they design it to break so you then go out and spend more money to buy one. But the companies would never do that right? they just wanted to be helpful and ad this feature because using the pull rope can be exhausting.

I commented on the short covering this machine. I have the craftsman variant of one of these, and it is actually pretty reliable. The downsides being that if you follow the instructions on the side, it’s guaranteed that you will flood the engine, and weight, it’s heavy. A neighbor gave me an Echo SRM-210 recently because the starter was broken, it’s like a feather compared to the Craftsman.

Ha ha 🤣 I remember telling you several days ago about the crazy paw system on these Troy built trimmers. Also the one I had the new pawls broke after about a day's work. Also a big issue I had was I didn't understand the 4 cycle. On the box and everywhere else I saw it being used with a pole saw attached and others. Turns out you can't use it upright and it pisses me off because it was literally advertises as being used that way.

I absolutely LOVE how sarcastic you were at the beginning XD! I was cracking up watching it. Phew, that trimmer is definitely not worth fixing. Way too expensive, too heavy, just not worth it at all. Hold onto it for parts and use them for other projects. That split boom shaft alone will fit many other engines! Awesome video as usual IHG!

Love the videos I appreciate it all I have learned alot and started working on my own equipment and my family's thank you I saved alot money and know have some good experience thank you keep up the good work look forward to more videos

It's a parts machine. On top of that, it has a curved shaft, a real pain in the back.

Use it for parts. Poulan, Ryobi, Craftsman, and Troy Bilt hand held equipment I do not enjoy working on at all. It is amazing how many people buy this cheap equipment and then try to keep it going rather than buy something that will work and perform so much better.

Had the same one, had the same problem

You could make a power starter using the freewheel part from an old style bike rear wheel.

There is a timing belt in the back of the front cover and when they go. They jump teeth and cause the engine to go out of time. And make it hard for the unit to run or start the belt for the valves is cheap but the way it's made is there is no TENSIONER

My friend I would definitely use this one for parts. You're friend David

I like to use a tiny bit of 2 cycle oil in my equipment. I have been Lucas fuel treatment every time I fill my tank on my crv. It runs smoother. I just believe a tiny bit of lubrication helps with modern fuel

Parts. Not worth the time and money for a "fragile" trimmer! Also, it appears the last owner decided to stop adding oil to the oil tank and opted to use it as a 2 cycle, so there was likely minor damage caused while running it that way. I do use mixed fuel in my older, more abused, lawn equipment. It assists with lubrication, albeit I do a very small mix, not even close to what an actual 2 cycle needs. However I do still fill the oil on them for proper lubrication haha

Good video. Keep it for Parts. Keep the coil, flywheel, switches and carb. Maybe keep the rod, if its not too bad.

Would wait to find another one with a not broken clips

Great video. Just like you said keep it for parts🙏👍🙏👍

I own 2 of these trimmers . They are frustrating and a pain. When they work they work very well, but when they don't it takes a long time to get them to start and run again, no matter what you do. Both coils have broken within a few months of use. It takes the "battery operated{ starter to start them which also can be a pain ( have found using fuel with no ethanol works better in these as well ) Now matter what cleaning, what fuel, what adjustments it is a continued tampering and changing and tinkering to get them to run For example last year after hours of "tinkering" I got one of them an older one with actual "choke and Run" manual switch to run and it did well last year. The one with the auto choke ( no manual switch ) would not start nor run no matter what I tried . This year just a few weeks ago it is the total opposite, the older manual choke one will not start nor run no matter what I do, the one that I could never get to run last year, after a few simple adjustments runs like a top now, but for how long, who knows?!! SO, I go back to old an reliable 2 cycle ones they run for hours with little issue , just give them a little TLC and they will run for years ....Lol

This might sound stupid, but when you checked the oil there wasn't any on the dip stick? Did you put oil in? Was there any at all in it? Sorry if I sound stupid, just curious.

Just bought a drill adapter that works since the recoil failed twice. Once that fails...dumpster time

That a tough call. Based on the condition of the machine, I would say to save it and wait for a parts machine with a good recoil. At the same time, the owner clearly had no idea how to properly maintain this machine, so it is highly likely that the engine is not in the best shape internally. The cosmetic condition is good enough to make this one worth saving if you can find a donor machine.

Depending on how much time you spend to do a regular maintenance routine, 4 cycle trimmers can be good or bad....

I have a Troy Built similar to yours but mine has a primer bulb, Anyways I have never had any of my lawn equipment be such a pain in my butt as this one has just to get it started!

I have 3 four cycle trimmers for my landscaping business and I haven’t had any problems for the 7 years I’ve had my business. I keep up on the maintenance as well. But I do have a 2cycle one brought used I got working but then I sold it cause it didn’t have enough power I should have looked at this video back then before selling it lol

"Fix it for my amusement" - I like that. I think the compression release is not working. If you can get around that cheaply, please continue to fix it. If no, keep it for parts.

I borrowed one of those from a friend once. The starting procedure was so frustrating that I just got my normal ten year old at the time stihl fixed. Just recently a friend of mine got one of those and it shit out within a few days of use. Complete junk.

0:20 I agree with this assessment.

Hey bro, what's up? Knowing you bro, I know that you'll do the best that you can to get this trimmer functional again with the least amount of money spent on replacement parts.

Part’s-n- scrap 👍

Parts, if common trimmer😊

Sounds like what I tell people up here in the rust belt when they have oil leaks on their car that’s just a self lubricating chassis system 😂

I'd have to let that one pass or find another for more parts. The way it was kicking back was not so good and it looked like when it did kick, it stripped the hex out of the end of the crank and killed the adapter too. Can't figure why the timing was that much off with that small of an engine. A 4-mix will do that if the valve clearance is off but that being a 4-cycle, it ought to start a lot easier. Sounds like Troy-bilt strikes again. Blessings

I had someone give me a bunch of trimmers he tried to fix amd one is the same as this one but it is torn apart from the plastic not sure if it runs of not

I am about to work on the exact model trimmer. I left fuel in it over a year ago and I think,the carb is bad because it will not run on the fuel tank only by priming with either. I got a new carb and will try it! If all fails, it is bio degradable! Lol

I came across same situation, fortunately I had a parts trimmer and was able to use the recoil off it. Only regreat is that this crap messed up my drill chuck, when I was trying to start with the drill adapter, hated it. If you by the recoil it might last a year or more, but with a $10 dollar profit 😂

I have the exact model. Used it last year, put it up for the Winter, and never started again. After a long search for anyone to repair it, I looked answers to why, no repair shop won't touch this thing. Even Home Depot stopped selling them. I feel duped because I only used it 3 times! What brand of trimmer do you recommend, that is easily serviceable?

I fixed a straight shaft weed eater bulit by Troy bulit it was just bad gas that was the problem

The Honda gx35-gx50's are really good And the Stihl 4 mix engines And the old Ryobi 890r's That's it on the 4 strokes. All others and offbrands are just pure garbage. I realized bc i can fix anything, but i cannot fix that cheap junk. Idk why they make parts so over priced on something so cheap. But hey i love the vids man, you give very clear explanations. I'm sure you've taught people with no mechanical experience how to fix things. Haha

Great video! What is your experience on those engines in regards to ease of starting? I'm curious because I have a small sidewalk to edge and got one of those troy built edgers with that similar motor. I love it and I've had it for about 4 years, but its exhausting to start without one of those jump start adapters. Its almost like the rope has such a short pull it doesn't spin the engine fast enough or enough rotations. With the jump start adapter it starts immediately. Just curious if I'm the only one that has that issue?

Ive got a quick question for you. the grease inside of the shaft where also the bearings are when do you have to replace that grease and bearings? this is in a trimmer.

If you can get the recoil sorted.. then just do that

Thanks for posting this, now know to avoid this brand name and rebadged store brand in 4 cycle trimmers. At one time the original company by this name made great tillers, sadly like a long list of other names in outdoor power equipment, it too has been ruined. Plastic starter pawls, REALLY? Wonder how much they saved at the factory over metal? What isn't known here is how the previous owner treated it. Maybeee if you were very gentle on the starter, engage pawls first prior to pulling fast, they might last for a little while. Can't expect them to last anytime if the trimmer is going to have its cord yanked / drop started.

@inside house garage is cub cadet 4 cycle good?

I have one and like a mindless meathead I keep repairing it. I love the engine,, just can't stand everything else. I found a donor from my local lawnmower shop where several of these units were abandoned.

I would just like to know what container you use for your fuel. I've tried squeeze bottles and the fuel just pours out the top..

Unless I missed something, you checked the oil, found it low and then never added any.... Did you seize the engine trying to get it to run without oil?

Where do you buy the recoil assembly, I've been looking for that exact one but no luck.

Would plastic pawls work for this trimmer? I have a Troy-Bilt TB685EC that I'm fixing for a friend. Just missing starter pawls. I ordered pawls on eBay that are plastic that are SUPPOSED to fit. Rolling the dice right now.

It’s a parts machine in my view.

I would think that with the money you got in to you got Watch That you don't go over The value of the machine thank you for the video

What’s your cleaning solution mix? Great results!!

Keep it for spare parts

My Dad has this exact trimmer. He accidentally hit something with it at near top speed and it caused the driveshaft to break. He replaced the drive shaft but now it seems to run rough at anything above an idle. He seems to think it's outta time, but he doesn't know how to test his theory and he doesn't know how to adjust the timing. Any help is appreciated.

I have a 2stroke tiller but it gives a lot of vibration. Do you know any solution for it. Also it runs very fast instead of digging.

Interesting

Time to think out of the box here. In your local community look for what's called a maker community. Often these people get together and form a club (hive). Often someone in the club will have a 3d printer for metal. Ask them to print you one. Something similar happened to me when i lived in Allentown and the club there actually had a clubhouse. To have it printed only cost me $15,to buy what I needed new was $80.

Also just like modern diesel engines/trucks - EPA keeps adding ridiculous regulations making them less and less reliable with more complicated, expensive parts replace. Multiple of those systems will also damage your engine in the long run.

Honda gx 25 and 35 are quiet powerful and reliable

I'd dump it / store it in the rafters

I had a Craftsman 2 cycle one come my way , basically a troybilt. pull cord was screwed up. well needless to say. the pull cord wouldn't retract. it was plastics that warn on it and wasn't worth it to fix. but engine would work. so I decided to sell off the attachments. and kept the engine. since its identical to a Troybilt I have. and carb will work on it and my Murray by MTD.

I have three of them,there are junk never could figure out the routing of the fuel lines.

That is a crappy design. Fixed one for a buddy with new pawls. He finally bought the starter for the drill Quit while you're ahead..

I have a Cub Cadet 4-cycle weed eater that won't start for the life of me! Even on starting fluid. I cleaned the spark plug. And I notice when I try to start it the pull rope doesn't have much resistance/tension. Nor does it sound like it wants to crank or start. I am lost... Don't know what to do or if it's even worth doing. What are your thoughts?

I wonder if something is internally wrong with the motor, causing it to not turn over easily. With it being low on oil when you got it, I wonder if it damaged the motor. I would keep it for parts and that's it. like you said they arent the most reliable trimmers.

Part it out. Or take it back to the curb if space is short in supply.

i have one in the garage that is down for bad starter i cant find the parts either .

Where's that website in the Pearland Texas area?

Yikes! I'm happy to work on almost anything, but those 4T trimmers are the top of my $#!% list. I won't touch one with out that easy start. You have far more patience than me. I'd part out that pig in a hurry.

do you think the push rod isn't 100 percent seated right? cause maybe while it's running it slips out and causes it to open the intake valve enough and cause it to backfire. that's all i can think of based off what i know from my troy bilt weed eaters. but i'm basing that off of my 2006 weed eaters. but the parts for them haven't changed much. and maybe that's why it's having issues turning over.

You are better than that! You could see what was wrong right away.... it's a4 stroke. Lol

I would take off the engine, then save or get rid of the rest. The engine should be fine, right?

What do you use to spray down equipment

Parts.

Is that water that you used to clean it?

I wonder if a cheaper brand has the same parts as the expensive brand

What do you use in the bottle to clean it?

I’d keep it and keep my eye out for other Troy Builts. After you get 2-3 (or more) maybe cannibalize the parts to get one that works. Then sell it...FAST😂

What is ot you ise to clean the machine ?

That’s the whole thing with Troy Built.. IF you can get it started. IF you do, it’s gotta warm up for 10 minutes. Supposing it stays running the entire 10 minutes, you’ve basically got a small car engine. Then if you shut it off and try to restart it … within a few minutes- forget it. The 4 cycle has more power- I won’t dispute that- but you won’t get the speed like a 2 cycle and you’re gonna have this headache to deal with regularly. I’m not even sure why they make a 4 cycle small engine but I’d advise to stay away

Did you top off the oil?

if you want i have 3 troy builts on my parts shelf... they are all corked in the exact same way they all had there oil changed and died a few hours later weather they all put the wrong oil in or did something wrong but when i set it level they all had right up to the lip of the oil fill plug and all had newish oil issue is when poured out they all had metal shaving in the oil.. sooo cylinders are all burned out... for me i will accept troys but 80% of them i dont even look at and end up on my parts machine rack

Now there should be oil at the end of the dipstick, but I'm not seeing any either XD. So the previous owner definitely took that hoopty to jiffy lube for the oil changes. They probably had a 50% off coupon and jiffy lube only filled it halfway. I can't believe both the jump starters broke. I wonder if it has backfired on startup before and that's what broke the recoil. What a piece of junk. I'd rather use my 9in cordless black and decker than one of these things lol

Lol. I thought it looked like it had mixed gas in it.

I think they should have made a timing belt tensioner and a lip on the end of the cam pulley on the ryobis I like the Troy bilt engine design way bette

I have 6 of the units you have in the video, 2 are operational. Shame on Troy-Bilt for such a "mickey mouse" starter design. What was wrong with the original? I believe they have returned to that original design. At least you have an alternative to electric start it & get some use out of it. I do like the curved shaft attachment on your unit.I have 2 of those & they make using that trimmer easier to use because it is longer than most other curved attachments & counter balances the weight. Also the head is easy to load because it is the Speed Feed design, just line the marking on the bump knob up with the arrows pointing to the eyelets, have 8-10 feet of line to push through the head & line equal amounts of line, then turn bump knob CCW to load the head. Also your electric srarter device, I have one of those too. Instructions on mine says to use only 4 sec at a time then a 120 sec cool down between uses. Very time consuming but you will notice there are no vent holes on that device so it can get hot quickly. Everyone have a blessed day.

now this one would definitely be scraped... its only worth 80.00 right?? if you look at it this way.. you only want to spend a total of up to 70% of the total value of what your working on. so all parts plus you time to do said work im my opinion would exceed the 70%. if the parts from this project WILL work on other projects then i would consider that a WIN instead of making the repair!!!

What's the website called

Just give it to a trade school to teach mechanics skills

A fragile Troy-Bilt trimmer?! Say it ain't so! 😜 Not really sure what to recommend on this one...perhaps see if you could find a used pull starter? Is it possible that the woodruff key had partially sheared off? 🐺🔧

Troy Bilt is Built For Death nowadays, despite Built For Life promise, which is total bullshit. This is why I miss the good old Weed Eater GTI 15 days. I have a 30 year old WEED EATER GTI-15T and it still runs like day one. Yes I run it on 40:1 truffle premix. And still works like brand new. I had a troy bilt that didn't even last me close to two years prior to failure where I couldn't get it serviced.

Looks like a parts machine to me.👍

fix it up and i,d get the recoil fixed up as it,s an easy fix and as for one of those starter paws i,d put a brand new E-Clip on there as it,s an easy fix etc.

What’s the website?

Dang I wanted my money mine has the same issue they don't even sell them online or in stores anymore wtf?

Parts only

If you trim with this you can skip arm day at the gym😂