Ryobi 17-Inch 31 cc Gas-Powered String Trimmer with Curved Shaft #725R

Product Details

Product Manual [1.48mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 15.5 pounds
• ASIN: B000087QX7
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,669 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Ryobi 17-Inch 31 cc 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer with Curved Shaft sports the EZ-Link connector, which will let you change out the lower portion of the shaft to turn your tool into an edger, cultivator, blower, or hedge trimmer in just seconds. The shaft slides into the connector with a solid click -- no tools required. While Ryobi offers the same trimmer on a straight shaft, we particularly like this curved lower shaft --and your back likely will, too. The bump-release mechanism feeds more string whenever you need it, and unlike trimmers of the past, the SpeedSpool replacement system makes changing spools a breeze. Ryobi also makes a 4-cycle engine for professional landscapers, but this 2-cycle is plenty for the homeowner.

Amazon.com

Ryobi’s got a great idea here. They’ve created a line of interchangeable tool heads that use the same shaft, powered by a gas engine. This attachment-capable Ryobi trimmer sports the EZ-Link connector, which will let you change out the lower portion of the shaft to turn your tool into an edger, cultivator, blower, or hedge trimmer, in just seconds. The shaft slides into the connector with a solid click--no tools required. While Ryobi offers the same trimmer on a straight shaft, we particularly like this curved lower shaft --and your back likely will, too. The bump-release mechanism feeds more string whenever you need it, and unlike trimmers of the past, the SpeedSpool replacement system makes changing spools a breeze. We’re pretty taken with the J-handle and the way it balances the tool in hand. Ryobi also makes a 4-cycle engine for professional landscapers, but this 2-cycle is plenty for the homeowner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Seems to require some knowledge. Beware accessories., May 26, 2003

By 

Leland Taylor (North Highlands, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ryobi 17-Inch 31 cc Gas-Powered String Trimmer with Curved Shaft #725R

I bought this trimmer to deal with my acre of weeds in 1999 and it didn't run to full power at first. Other folks seem to have this same situation. Two-stroke engines have an adjustment on the high-speed jet to lean it out to make it run at peak HP. Two-stroke engines are also sensitive to the mixture ratio of oil and gas; this is 32-to-1, which is 4 oz oil (1/2 cup) in 128 oz (1 gallon) gas. Always add the same amount of oil to half a container of gas, then shake well, THEN add the rest of the gas, for best results with a two-stroke engine. Once it runs right, always mix it exactly the same and shake the can before you pour it. Keep the air filter clean and oiled to get the right air-fuel mixture. Pump the fuel ball to get fuel into the carb, choke it and pull the ripcord while holding the throttle full open. Mine tries to start, then quits; I immediately go to half-choke and pull again. Presto !! Once it warms up for a few seconds, switch off the choke and go get 'em. Grass Stains all over your shins !! I bought a curved-shaft model and then bought a straight-shaft accessory head with the gearbox. The straight-shaft head lasted two years, then the gearbox stripped out; no way to lubricate it after you buy it. It has always had plenty of power. I buy the .080 diameter string in a bulk spool at Home Depot and cut it into a single 24ft strand, then remove the spool and wind both strands at the same time, then cut it in two at the center AFTER it is wound. That way, both strands run out at the same time. Caution: don't drag the spool knob while you are trimming or you will be buying new parts frequently. This would be a five-star review if the heads could be rebuilt. I haven't been able to find any curved-shaft replacements; the straight-shaft replacement is available. I also bought a 'pruning saw' attachment and an extension shaft, but I soon figured out that an electric chainsaw and a Fiskars pole pruner were more practical for the limbs I deal with. I don't use blowers or edgers, and I sure would not buy heavy-duty attachments for this engine that are driven by a high-speed, high-torque flexible cable (shaft). I have been much happier with the power of the two-stroke model than any electric model I ever owned. I have never used the four-stroke model, but I expect it would turn a lot slower than the two-stroke model. Some folks hate two-stroke engines, however, and two-strokes ARE noisier than the others.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Avoid this one!, October 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ryobi 17-Inch 31 cc Gas-Powered String Trimmer with Curved Shaft #725R

First one lasted about four hours, then the recoil starter broke. Returnd for replacement. Second unit lasted longer- about five hours- starter broken again. I took the unit apart to try to fix it and found the starting ratchet was cheap plastic; no wonder it failed. Took it back, got refund and bought a Stihl, which cost more but hasn't missed a lick in 9 months. Oh, and the Stihl actually starts in less than twenty pulls. Imagine that.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent adaptable tool piece of equipment!, April 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ryobi 17-Inch 31 cc Gas-Powered String Trimmer with Curved Shaft #725R

I've had this trimmer for one year now and it works beautifully. Plenty of power, and the EZ-Link attachment system is really nice for quick tool changes.

I also have the turbo blower, which looks wimpy but really puts out a good amount of air for blowing pretty much anything around. I would highly recommend this attachment to clean up your sidewalks and patio after mowing or using any of the other attachments.

The comment about poor edging confuses me. I have the actual edger attachment and find that it works much better than any electric edger I've ever used. It's got more power, and no cord to worry about. It takes a little practice to get good with it, but this tool makes it a snap once you've got your first course of edging done. Perhaps the person who made the negative comment about edging was just using the trimmer and not the actual edging attachment?

I don't think this model came with a shoulder strap, and that's my only criticism. At about 13 pounds (without fuel), it gets a little heavy after a while. Get a shoulder strap to make your job easier and more comfortable.

I have not had any problems with breakage and that's after 1 year of pretty hard core use once or twice a week.