Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

We bought this model in 1998 and I loved it and it's attachments, but I began to notice that when I pushed the throttle in all the way, it would struggle and/or choke out. This went on for a year and a half. It had gone through a move from FL to TX. We went back to the store and got another unit just like it. It worked fine for six months. Then something had clogged or the fuel was mixed badly because it would just idle. Then we got a third one, which I admit I broke while I was adjusting the idle speed. Something that kept the engine running while the trigger was released broke, so I had to hold the trigger in to keep it running. That was 2 years ago. We have exchanged it for a different brand that was compatible with ryobi's attachments. It was also 2 cycle and I didn't care for it either. So, 2 weeks ago I purchased a 4 cycle unit. (The TROY-BILT version of the ryobi 875r) I absolutely LOVE THIS 4-CYCLE UNIT!!! No more mixing of oil and gas, so you engine is safer. It is also quieter, and it has A LOT more torque and power. I still have to go easy on the throttle because I'm still used to the 2-cycle power. So, to sum it up, if you have your heart set on a ryobi unit...Without a doubt, go for the 4-cycle available in curved(825r), and straight(875r) shafts. Also, I would recommend .095 line replacement because it is a lot more durable than the .080 which comes with RyobiŐs.

It starts easy and does a great job. I love the attachments I have bought for this unit.

I received this trimmer as a present so I knew nothing about the quality of Ryobi. The trimmer worked very well for its first season. The EZ attachment makes this one unit very versatile as I quickly purchased the edger attachment. I used the trimmer and the edger without difficulty for the summer. However, during the second season, I continually had to leave the choke on in order for the engine to run. The performance and power level is drastically hampered with the choke on. I added the leaf blower attachment during the second season to assist with the leaves. Even with the choke running, the blower worked well.

The engine is not built well on the 725r. I have taken it apart to clean it thoroughly; however, the performance has not improved. I would not recommend this unit due to the lack of engine quality. I am looking at replacing this unit with a Troy-built one that accepts the EZ attachments I have already purchased.

I was looking for a great Xmas present for my husband(2002). I purchased multiple Ryobi products(trimmer825R,edger,cultivator) after reading customer reviews,which seemed to be primarily positive. Couldn't test the products until spring,but had faith that AMAZON would only sell a quality product. The timmer/edger was used once in mid April 2003 and the trimmer broke(drive shaft). Received back,after 6 weeks at the service dealership. Used that weekend,worked fine,but the following weekend when trying to change attachments the drive shaft would not disconnect.Will need to get serviced again and it seems that a pattern is developing. Will now have a refurbished product that carried a new product price tag. Don't have much confidence that we will have success with the cultivator. I believe that I have learned an expensive lesson about buying these types of products in any way other than in person. Most retail stores will exchange a defective product for a new one, rather than putting the consumer through a tedious process of interacting with a service dealership.

This is an excellent tool. Yes it is hard to start at first, but most 2 cycle engines are. I mow about 6 yards now and use it regullary. It is now super easy to start.

I use the string trimmer attachment, and the edger attachment. Both do a very good job. I replaced the wheel on the edger with a larger wheel and it works much better now. I tried that tiller and it is way to hard to use. It kills your arms trying to keep it in the dirt. Not worth the money for the tiller attachment.

But all in all I love the trimmer and the option to use other attachments with the same engine.

It works as a weed trimmer, but it is hard to start. Do not plan on edging with it! After having the shaft replaced many times under warranty, Ryobi finally admitted to me that the split shaft can not handle edging. The torque is too much. At first they had said, "Just one of those things." Then, "Gee, you are having bad luck." Then "You must be using it professionally." I am not. Now they tell me they realize that the edger does not really work, but it is out of warranty, and they are a different company now. I much prefer the hand-me-down electric edger I have now.

I bought the 725r (used) in 1995 and cannot say enough about it. In Florida, it was used every weekend for 5 years as a Trimmer, Edger and Blower. In North Carolina it has been used 4 times a year (as a trimmer), 8 hours/day for 5 days. I have never replaced anything on it but the spark plug. Never adjusted the carb. Cleaned the air filter only when I happened to think about it. The starting sequence has been the same for ten years.....pump the bulb until you "feel" the gas, 5 pulls on full choke and one pull on half choke. Will buy another trimmer soon as it's starting to lose some power but I don't like dealing with MTD so will probably buy the Husqvarna 323C.