ParkerBrand.com52cc Petrol Brush Cutter, Grass Line Trimmer

This brush-cutter/strimmer is remarkably cheap for a product of this power. It requires about 40 minutes of careful assembly, but the instructions are clear and all tools are provided. The brush cutter blade cuts through thick vegetation (like stinging nettles and brambles) easily, although making sure the blades don't strike the ground takes practice. My one arrived without a locking knob, which at first didn't seem a big deal as I couldn't move the two parts supposedly locked, but 20 minutes of use proved me wrong. I informed the vendors and a new knob arrived within 3 days. My only hesitations are (1) the small tank size. Even when full of 2 stroke/petrol mixture, it only lasts about 30 minutes, and I was clearing a large riverbank of overgrowth. It took 3 refills, i.e. mixing 2 stroke oil and petrol. The kit arrives with a well-marked mixing bottle, so it's not difficult, but it is time-consuming. (2) The machine is quite heavy and use of the harness is essential. It's a good harness, though watch out for the inside of your right arm, as the plastic plate and clips do tend to scratch if you're not careful. Overall, a good machine for a very reasonable price, and great after-care. Would buy from these suppliers again.

This is a great piece of kit, it does all the jobs that is required of it, worth every penny.

Item was received quickly and packaged well. I've had a few petrol strimmers over the years and to be honest, I didn't expect much from this cheap version. I needed something with power but also needed to keep costs down. I found the manual quite detailed and well written and followed the instructions to set up with no issues. The supplied fuel bottle was a little small and confusing to mix the petrol so I just used the one I've had for years to mix the required 40:1 mix. Primed it as described and gave it 3 pulls before it sprang into life with a lovely nice tickover. Anyway, I used it in anger for about 2 hours and it's fantastic. It cut through anything with ease. I haven't tried the blade yet, but so far I haven't had to. The line seems heavy duty, and I didn't use much at all. I only had to tap and release the line once in the whole 2 hours.The reason I dropped a mark is that the button that holds the trigger in doesn't work. Holding your finger in for long periods is painful so I need to think of something else to help there. The harness and setup will take some time to get right. I find I'm reaching over too much to hold the handles. Perhaps I should offset the handles over to the left a little. I'll take more time to set it up and probably replace the harness. So not perfect no, but for the price? Outstanding value. I'm happy.

The construction was straightforward and the instructions understandable.The machine runs beautifully however there is a malleable plastic component inside the strimmer guard which got damaged on the first use.New strimmer users could benefit from being made aware that to extend the strimmer wire you need to open up the strimmer head by pressing in the two clips at either side. The wire needs to then be unfolded to release.You are required to buy 2 stroke oil to mix with your petrol. The strimmer comes with a measure-mixer but you also need a funnel.

UPDATE JUNE 2020Bought a 52 cc brush cutter in Feb 2019. Within 3 months and 4 or 5 uses, the fuel tank bracket snapped due to fatigue of very poor materials. Parker Brand refused to replace the part, claiming it was wear and tear.Amazon offered full refund if I sent it back. I didn't bother because it wasn't stopping the brush cutter working.The ignition coil has just packed in. Parker Brand refused to replace it under their 2 year warranty. I pointed out that it isn't on the wear and tear/consumable list of items excluded from the warranty. James Peacock was very unhelpful in his two replies and said that although the coil isn't listed as an exclusion, it is in fact excluded from the warranty. I doubt that that is even legal.I will never knowingly buy from Parker Brand again and recommend nobody else to fall foul of their mis-selling and false warranty promises.The brush cutter was essentially good value, given the price. The customer support is non-existent. Many other budget brands will sort these issues free of charge without quibble.The warranty promise is a fraud. AVOID Parker Brand.ORIGINAL REVIEWMy old Stihl had too many problems so I went for a cheap option given that it's only for occasional use. This is a good tool for the price, happy I bought it.Pros:Easy to assembleVery easy to start, cold or hotBeefy engine, never bogsAbsolutely destroys anything it's pointed at, the disc gets a lot of useGood on fuelCons:The engine is a bit lumpy at mid revs, not sure if it's fine tuning required on fuelling or if the engine balance is slightly off, at tick-over and higher revs it's great, just like a StihlThe nut that holds the disc on has a tendency to come loose, it's necessary to tighten it way beyond that required on a Stihl, too tight in my opinion, I used a rubber back washer and that sorted itThe split pin that prevents this nut coming off is made of cheese string, not safe, replace with a decent one straight awayThe tool kit supplied is rubbish, I snapped the head off the plug/nut spanner on first use, throw it all away, good tools are available very cheaplyThis strimmer seems to be too long or wrong angle on head, I'm 6'1" and I feel too short when using it, hopefully this is due to handle adjustment but I haven't got it right yet. That said, the shape and size is almost identical to my old Stihl FS 120, so maybe operator error.Overall it's a very good strimmer, for the price. The switches, buttons, components, bolts, strimmer head etc are all quite crudely made. You will definitely get a better unit from Stihl but it will cost more than it's worth in my opinion. I would happily buy another one of these Parker units.