Customer Reviews

Factory Reconditioned Ryobi ZR30004 18-Inch 30cc 1 HP Gas Powered Brush Cutter

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I used the brushcutter attachment as delivered for about 4 tanksful of gas. First, the air filter cover fell off because a tab that holds it was torn. I never found the cover. The little foam filter was still there, so I held it on with rubber bands.

More seriously, the lower attachment shaft got so HOT that it blistered my hand badly when I grabbed it.

Now I have to find a ryobi service center and travel to fix my 3 day old P.O.S.

Inspection stickers mean nothing with this product.

Buyer Beware

I bought this as a new (not re-con) Ryobi unit. Though against my better judgment I bought it based on the price vs more recognized brands. I had some setup problems but worked them out. It ran OK for a short while.

Though it is very powerful and cuts down almost anything when it is running, it just will not run for more than 10 minutes (usually far less) before it stops and will not restart for a long time. It is also extremely heavy, so if you buy one of these things just know it will fatigue you sooner than lighter units.

Ironically it looks very well made, and the attachments make it a very attractive system to buy. That said it makes a 1/2 hour trimmering assignment "take hours"!

My prior four star rating went to 2 based on its power but it may be a one star for folks like yourself.

Totally unreliable! This was my first and last Ryobi purchase.

I purchased the re-conditioned cutter/trimmer to do some pretty heavy work. I was a bit skeptical about thet starting feature but decided the price and the other reviews I read at Amazon and on the web were good enough. Once assembled, I primed the engine, gave a single pull and off it went. I warmed up the engine for a moment, released the choke, and I was off to work. I ran the engine hard for a good 2 hours without a die out or stall. It ran fine and is going to be a much used piece of hardware in the years ahead. Thanks!

Don't buy it!! I had the smallest Hoffco trimmer I could buy years ago and I used it for 15 years without fail until it's coil went out and I could no longer buy parts for it. I thought I would get a heavier unit that was capable of using several different attachments and I decided on the Ryobi BC-30 which I bought at a Home Depot. Upon getting it put together and fueled I had a hard time getting it started but finally did. I noticed that the motor would actually run at a higher RPM if I let off the throttle about 25% and that if I went full throttle, the engine would start reducing in RPM and seemed to not have much power. So I used it this way for a total of five times. Each time I went to use it I pulled and pulled to get it started (advertised as being very easy to start!!). During that 5th and last time I got to use it, the engine lost power and just quit and I could never get it started again. I called around trying to find a warranty dealer but the few dealers that I talked to said they didn't do Ryobi warranty work any more but they would take a look at it if I was willing to pay. So I ordered and installed a new coil and put in a new spark plug but I still can't get it started. Now spring is here and I need a trimmer so I am thinking about seeing if a dealer will take it in trade on something that works! Needless to say, my Ryobi experience hasn't been a good one and I will never buy any Ryobi product again and will tell everyone that I can about it.

I purchased the brush cutter and used it for about 1 tankful. I reached to grab the shaft and it was so hot it created blisters on 4 fingers and palm area. I looked closer and the warning stickers on the shaft was melting off from the heat. Totally impractical and dangerous to use. I am taking it back to the store.

In less than 15 minutes of use, the motor is seized solid (yes, I had oil in the gas as per instructions).

During those glorious 15 minutes of use I also had to stop multiple times because the motor head rotates on the shaft (putting the exhaust right under your forearm), the shaft slides out of the motor head (stopping the spinner head), and the air cleaner cover fell off.

On the bright side, it starts very easily, and plowed through an entire 10 linear feet of grass before suddenly stopping dead -- now I'm unable to pull the starter cord.

I hesitate to send it in (paying the freight of course) because all I'll get back is the same poorly-designed P.O.S.

I will never buy another Ryobi product again, at any price.

UPDATE: Multiple attempts to have this item repaired under warranty have proved useless. No one will service Ryobi equipment around here because they don't get paid by the factory. The seller's only suggestion was to drive about 150 miles to one of their traveling tool shows and try to get them to swap it for another. End result is a dead trimmer that worked for 15 minutes, no help from Ryobi, and no help from vendor.

Not only do I suggest avoiding Ryobi, I also suggest avoiding this vendor.

This item as a RECON is substandard! Mine operated for 15 minutes then it died. Now I'm stuck (not returnable) Don't you fall for this piece of junk like me!

I received this baby last Friday, and so far I'm satisfied, especially given the price.

What I like: works well, starts easily, comes with both brush cutter and string trimmer.

What I don't like: switching between brush cutter and string trimmer is a bit of a hassle; replacing the heads is easy enough, but you do need a screwdriver to switch blade guards. I wish Ryobi would ship this with complete lower assemblies (brush cutter, string trimmer) instead, since replacing the lower assembly is a piece of cake and requires no tools.

I haven't had any problems with hard starting, rough running, hot running or anything like that. I just turn the choke to "start", push the primer button until the bulb is full, then pull the handle. 2-3 tries is usually enough. Then I let it warm up for a few seconds and turn the choke back to "run". Also, no problems restarting when the engine is warm.

Ergonomics are okay. The supplied shoulder strap is comfortable and adjustable, and balance is good when you have the weight of the cutter on the shoulder strap. The J-handle vibrates a little bit more than I like.

This trimmer/cutter is definitely made for light use -- i.e. for a homeowner working on their own suburban lot. As long as you use it like that and maintain it properly, it will likely give you years of reliable service. Don't even think about using it in a pro/semi-pro setting though; for that, spend $300 more for a Husqvarna and their optional trio-balance harness.

It came in good shape. I put fuel in it and after several pulls it started, it just wouldn't run at full throttle and would die. I just noticed the fact its not returnable since it had fuel in it. I'll get it running right, but that's why I bought a new one so I wouldn't have to work on the weedeater before I used it. I think its the high speed jet in the carb set wrong but our beloved EPA has made them non adustable (at least not easy to adjust). Oh well, my greed to save a few bucks gets me again. Who knows, I might tune it in and love it.

I purchased this unit at Home Depot, not Amazon.

Here is what I wrote in regards to this trimmer and its replacement. I do not recommend this trimmer to anyone due to its poor quality and reliability.

Well, my blower and trimmer got swiped from my garage while it was open and I needed to replace them. First thing this morning I run up to Home Depot and look over the selection. I kept going back to the Echo, but I was aprehensive to spend $200 on a string trimmer. I opted for the Ryobi ($139) with the brush cutter attachment and the string head. Primarily to save a few bucks. Well, I get it home and can barely keep it running to trim around a flower bed. Needless to say, I loaded up that piece of garbage and brought it back. I went and grabbed the SRM-210 for $199 and headed out the door for round two. It is like night and day. It started up immediately and purrs like a kitten. Even though this one has a 21cc engine and the Ryobi claimed a 30cc engine, there is no comparison. There is more power than I would ever need in this light-weight package. I finished trimming my yard and rolled it on its side and edged the sidewalks and driveway. I no longer need a seperate edger now! As you can tell, I am very impressed with this unit and highly recommend it over a lower cost plastic string trimmer. The FIVE YEAR WARRANTY is the best that I found anywhere. Most all of the others had a two year warranty.